hmmm...

Can't decide if I would love or hate to be the designer who created this graphic... Oh well, off to get a facial!

softy or stupid?

I got a new water bottle last weekend that has a hand strap with a little pouch for keys or snacks. I tried it on a long run last weekend and again today and have come to the conclusion that while I like having water with me, it puts too much stress on my shoulders and back to have something in my hand. But that's not the only reason I think I'm going to abandon my $17 folly. Today I took a short break to adjust my shoe on Peachtree Street. As I lift my head and start to get up, there is a homeless guy in a wheelchair right in front of me and he looks like he's in real rough shape. As best he can without teeth, he tells me he is really thirsty and needs water. I'm hesitant at first, but I felt really sorry for him and I was glad he wasn't asking for money. So I said, can you drink out of my bottle with out putting your mouth on it and he says yes, so I HAND IT OVER TO HIM! He squirts some in his mouth. Then I tell him he can have more (what the hell, right? What's a few more germs on the bottle I am planning on putting in my mouth in a minute.) and he starts showing me these awful bloody sores and scabs all over his arms that I guess I hadn't noticed at first. He is actually poking at blood, smearing it on his skin. I'm like, um sir please don't get any blood on my bottle. So he takes another swig and I take it back and move on. I am so conflicted. What is the right thing to do? People make me so sad and if I can do something small to help... But on the other hand, sharing fluids with a sickly stranger is just dumb. Ah, the joys of city life. Thoughts?

food and whine

I have slight butterflies as tomorrow is a milestone in my internet dating career. My first date with a girl! JK, it's a mountain bike date with a girl I met online. Luckily we are meeting at a trail I've done a few times so I feel somewhat comfortable. Wish me luck! This is actually my second workout date this week, Wednesday I ran with a girl I met at a trail race recently. We hit it off, I think I'll ask her out again. OK, enough with the not very witty dating references. Too creepy! But it has been fun making some new girlfriends. I'll leave it neatly at that.

Let's see, what else? Last night we saw the Promotion. Save your money. And since we're sort of on the subject of internet dating and butterflies, last night Brett and I decided to bite the bullet and make travel arrangements for marathon weekend. In San Francisco. In October. Eek! Things are going great with us, so I guess it's not too crazy, but it is easy for me to feel like I'm jinxing this by planning a big trip four months in advance for a 4 month old relationship. Hmmm, and he wonders why I don't feel the need to let him read my blog :)

On a less paranoid note, here is a fantastic summery meal we made the other night:

Chicken Satay Salad

chicken marinade:
1 c plain yogurt + 1 tsp grated ginger + 1 tsp minced garlic + 1 tbsp curry powder
mix all ingredients right in a big zipper bag and then add boneless chicken tenderloins. marinate a few hours.

peanut sauce:
1 cup smooth peanut butter + 1/8 c soy sauce + 2 tsp red chili paste + 2 tbsp brown sugar + juice of 2 limes +1/2 c hot water
combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, red chili paste, brown sugar, and lime juice in a food processor and puree to combine. drizzle in the hot water to thin out the sauce, you may not need all of it.

grill the chicken, serve on a boston lettuce salad with the peanut sauce. I snuck a bunch of chopped spinach into the boston lettuce because I know it's good for me, but I just can't do a spinach only salad. Texture thing. I also added blanched snow peas (cooled), cilantro, chopped peanuts and raisins. Oh, and sauvignon blanc.

are you a model?

One time during a match.com email exchange, I mentioned to a guy that I had a photoshoot the next day and I imagine he got all excited because he wrote back, are you a model? I explained that I am definitely BEHIND the camera. Sorry, dude. Well I was reviewing shots from my most recent shoot today and turns out I snuck on to a frame or two. Check it out! And I want that fuzzy blanket.

recipes to share

I tried to get adventurous in the the kitchen this weekend and had some yummy results. Thought I'd share! Sorry, no pics. I am not quite as Martha as Leah.

Artichoke Stuffed Chicken (from Real Simple, but I added some left over olives)
I can artichoke hearts
half cup Kalamata olives
cup grated parmesan cheese
4 bonless chicken breasts (free range ;)

Drain artichoke hearts REALLY well. Like squeeze them out. Chop fairly fine. Finely chop olives. Mix with artichokes and cheese. Cut a large slit in the chicken and suff generously with the mixture. Grill. Delish and easy. I served with grilled asparagus and roasted onions and potatoes. Oh, and sauvignon blanc.

I also made an awesome Indian version of the potato pancake with mint relish. But can I find la recette? Non. When I find, I'll post. A superb dinner when served with ordinary grilled chicken and mango salad.

One last yummy idea from the weekend, curry chicken salad made with leftover grilled chicken. Chicken + granny smith apples + pecans + raisins (key) + onion + little mayo + curry powder + cumin + sugar = delish and a wonderful sight to behold in your Monday afternoon lunch sac.

mon anniversaire

Thanks to all for the birthday wishes! I usually like to ignore it, but this year was lovely. Some highlights:

Trail run race - not a highlight DURING the race, but definitely a highlight immediately after.
Looking at my received calls on my cell phone and seeing that three of my best friends had called in a row.
Coconut cake from Metro Bakery - 'nuf saif.
Adorable card featuring pics of me through the ages, made by my grandfather, complete with matching envelope.
First edition Shel Silverstein poetry book - too sweet.
Many birthday wishes and gifts from the gals at work - I am lucky to have such nice coworkers!

Maybe 29 won't be so bad after all! Next year I am going straight to 35. Then people can tell me I look great for my age. Heh.