Tricotine

My first 5K race

I have dreamed of this moment for years, and I still cannot believe I did it!  I have just registered for my first 5K ever! WOOHOOO!!!

I will be racing (I cannot believe I AM actually saying that! ) on Mother's Day 2008.  That gives plenty of time for my ankle to heal completely, and plenty of time for me to get prepared.

The total climb of the race is 111 feet (34 m) and the total elevation change is 229 feet (70 m).  I am not exactly sure what that means, but I bet I'd better get myself ready for "hilly", shouldn't I?

Big thanks to GrannyPanties from Spark People for motivating and inspiring me with her own experience, and to all the fantastic SP Members for their support and great help with very helpful tips.

I AM SO EXCITED!!!

Wordless Wednesday #47

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Five years!

Five years ago, I was all emotional to meet for the first time - after 22 hours of labor - my 10 lbs + bundle of joy!

Happy Birthday, little one!

Weekend Snapshot #12

The snow we had last week didn't last and didn't stick to the ground, but it was 28 degrees F (-6 Celsius) out there this morning and my little guy insisted to help his Daddy to rake the leaves in the yard before the snow really comes.

Now, doesn't he work hard, my brave little man?

A Thanksgiving Vegetarian Dinner...

This is what a Vegetarian Thanksgiving table looks like.

Of course, there is no turkey sitting there, and you would think that it is not missing until you take a taste at that meatless loaf!

It was my first meatless loaf, and I worked really hard on it. But, I guess I should have practiced before the Holiday, and I didn't. It didn't really taste bad on itself, but I was expecting more flavor from it, you know - or maybe you don't - like the same taste as the veggieburgers from the store. Well, I don't know what "they" put in there, but my veggie loaf was far from being good...

Thankfully, my family does not like turkey either and they have a developped sense of humor - thanks for that too! In fact, we had a good laugh watching each other trying the loaf!  Look at those mouths!

That says it all, right? ;) yet they wouldn't spit out and yell out loud express their disgust with words, because my beloved family is sweet and no one wanted to hurt my feelings...  They just kept glancing at each other, until I ended their misery by mentionning how bad that loaf was, and they could stop eating it.

I think at that precise moment, they loved me more than ever! LOL

NOTE FOR NEXT YEAR:  I should have just skipped the meat instead of trying to replace it, and being more creative with my vegetables.

Well, the positive side of that lesson, is that, at least, everyone was still hungry for dessert this year!

 

 

Gobble! Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving!

It all has started with Pilgrims and Native Americans, so I have found natural to start with some Thanksgiving crafts made in school by my 5 year-old.  His teacher is Native American, so they made some beautiful beaded items, like that drum and that amazing Kachina Doll.

[Click on photos to enlarge]

They also have learned a few Navajo songs that they sang for us parents, at the school's Thanksgiving party last week. It was so moving to see my little one in his first play!  He was acting as a Native American, and of course to me, his Mom, he was the cutest one I have ever seen...

Yesterday was cooking day, to start preparing today's celebration dinner, but I will also be cooking today. No turkey for us this year though - I was always the only one eating it (for days and days) anyway...  Since, I have recently switched to Vegetarian nutrition, I have replaced the big bird with a veggie burger loaf that I prepared myself. I followed this recipe, but I also added my personal touch to it. My meatless loaf looks good, it smells good, and hopefully it will taste good! I am still new at that "veg" thing, you know...

After making my loaf, I had some preparation left, so I made and froze five veggieburgers for later use. But for now, all I have to do is to slide my loaf in the oven while I will be focusing on the rest of the dinner.  Now, isn't that organisation or what?   

[Click on photos to enlarge]

Also a first, I made my own Cranberry Sauce, with fresh cranberries. It is so easy to make, and it tastes so different than the so called Cranberry sauce in can that I use to buy!  Even Mister Tricotine couldn't believe it!  Not only it tastes delicous, but I know what is in there!

I had planned to make my gnocchis, but my ankle is killing me (a running injury) and I couldn't imagine spending any more time on my feet.  I will make them for Christmas - as always. 

So, at the menu for today: Meatless Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, Yams, Corn, Green Beans, Roasted Chesnuts, Stuffing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Corn Bread, Bread rolls & Biscuits; Fresh Fruits and Pumpkin Pie for dessert. All homemade, because my family is so worth my efforts!

Which brings me to mention how much I am thankful for my life with my family, and my friends all around the world. Thanks all for being there for me! B'H

 

Wordless Wednesday #46

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New American Dream

Carbon Conscious Consumer (C3) is a national climate campaign sponsored by the Center for a New American Dream that challenges individuals to establish climate-friendly daily habits and inspire their friends to do the same; six easy steps over six months.

In November, it is about washing 4 out of 5 loads of laundry in cold water.

By doing this, you'll cut 72 pounds of CO2 emissions, and in a year you'll save more than $60 in energy costs too! 

If you live in a region with high electricity costs, such as California, the Mid-Atlantic, and New England, you might well find cold washing to save you $100 per year!

 

Take this month's pledge to Beat the Heat and Wash in Cold

Want to make an even bigger difference with your laundry? Try line or rack drying your clothes (dryers have an even bigger energy cost and climate impact than hot water washing).

 

 

 

Weekend Snapshot #11

For Weekend Snapshots, a party for two...

... and a movie, with both kids for the first time.
We saw Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, and they loved it!

Wordless Wednesday Whenever... #45

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