The great mood debate.....

So I've been in a REALLY great mood for about 2 weeks now, constantly, non stop, silly tummy tingling happy mood. It's such a strange sensation for me. I'm used to the ODD happy day, only to fall down to the ground the next day with a massive bump and then carry on feeling my usual nonchalant self (if I'm lucky) for a couple of weeks waiting for my next happy fix.

I've just this morning learned how to run 5.2km with relative ease. Courtesy of one of the brilliant trainers at Cambridge Bootcamps. "Engage that core and be chest proud". Today was the first time I'd actually done it and running was great!!! I've got the Race For Life on Sunday, which is 5km, and I was a little nervous before this morning, but now I'm not so worried.

All in all, life is good. I'm exercising every day, taking my supplements and prescription tablets properly, attending work when I need to, doing constructive things around the house, walking down the street with a smile, and setting a good example to my children. I still can't get around the mindset that something bad is lurking around the corner, but I'm trying to teach myself that life can be good without consequence.
Can't it?

Famous for 5 minutes...

Here's the link to the Cambridge Evening News article I did yesterday :o)
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/Video-Thousands-of-tiny-toads-killed-on-the-guided-busway-27062011.htm

The Frog Lady!!!

I've spent the weekend over by the lake and the newly laid busway, rescuing baby toads. They apparantly are migrating to the lake from a local pond, but their migration route has been cut off by the (Mis-)Guided Busway. So there are thousands of tiny toads dropping over the kerb to the busway and getting stranded in the middle of it. My friend thought it would be a good idea to contact the local news, so that's what we've been doing. A web-cast video interview and photographs in the local paper to be published tomorrow! Aaaarrgh!!
A parting comment from the photographer suggested that we will be forever known as "The Frog Ladies", and not "Conservation Activists"!!! Oh well, at least the issue has been addressed.

I feel strangely positive today, maybe something to do with sucessfully publicising the toad plight, but I have loved my life today. After my interview, I went for a pub lunch in Horningsea, then had a little nap, then picked the kids up and went to Bootcamp where the workout was hard due to the heat, but strangely invigorating!

For dinner, I had some leftover rice and onion from our veggie burgers yesterday, so I costructed a kind of sushi plate from the rice, onion and home made vegan pesto, wrapped in a nori seaweed sheet and a raw cabbage leaf. It was SO good.

For tomorrow, I have my youngest with me all day, so after dropping Noah off at school, Lucas and I will be doing my favourite thing - Food Shopping. (seriously, I really love food shopping. I live from Tuesday to Tuesday!) Before that though, we'll maybe take a stroll with Bruno to the lake where he can cool off, and we'll check on the baby toads. Hopefull the newspaper will be waiting for me when we get back! Exciting!!

Another busy day off & another cookery fail.

Fridays I have off work as Lucas' preschool isn't open on Fridays. So we took Noah to school, walked the dog, got home and had to go to Histon Post Office to get Noah's passport sent off. (renewal). £55.17 poorer, we went past lovely independant toy store on the way back to the car park, on the high street that I knew nothing about so we took a detour. Well, it was lovely. Real oldie-woldy stuff. Had a good browse and settled on a lovely 'decorate-yourself' jewellery box for Lucas' friend Poppy's 4th birthday present. Came out of the shop and noticed a farmers market on at the church, so detoured into there. Wasn't much in there, a few hand made blankets, veg and loads of jams etc, but it was nice to just wander.

Got in, had a cuppa then walked Lucas off round the corner to Poppy's birthday party. So, I thought - some time to myself........wishfull thinking. I cleaned the kitched top to bottom. John gets in and he's got my Amazon book with him. READING MATERIAL YAY!!! it's my new vegan cookbook.

So, tonight I tried my first recipe, sun-dried tomato gnocchi with basil pesto. Hmmmm. No almonds, brazils or any kind of nuts in the cupboards, so bang goes the pesto. And the gnocchi?....if you can imagine a coagulated mess of reddish gunge floating around a pan of boiling water, well that was my gnocchi. So I made another batch and baked them for half an hour. The result? Not bad, I served them with some raw basil pomodoro sauce and sprinkled them with my 'mockisan'. Quite tasty, although definitely not 'dinner party' food!

And tonight? Well, it's Friday night, so John's working. I usually let the boys stay up late with me on Friday nights, if they're good, and we watch telly and eat popcorn until they give in to sleepyness and I have to carry them up to bed!

Off now to read more of my new cookbook for some inspiration. There might be cake tomorrow.....

Three Bean Chilli

400g tin mixed beans, drained + rinsed (I used cannellini, flageolet & adzuki)
400g tin chopped tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large carrot, finely diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 red chilli, sliced
Veg stock cube
salt to taste
2 Tbsp agave syrup
2tsp ground cumin
2tsp ground coriander
1...put all ingredients in a large pan and bring to the boil
2...simmer for 45mins.

Fitting it all in?

Since going back to work, I've had trouble doing everything I used to AND getting to work on time and not spending the time I'm there, worrying about the things I haven't done at home.
Work's going great, I've settled back into the routines, remembered most of the kid's names and I haven't had any anxiety or panic attacks either, which is a massive improvement.

Still running when I can, and still attending Bootcamp, and still eating sensibly, but it's all a struggle juggling it and fitting other stuff in, like housework, washing, kid's playtime and husband time. But, I have been doing a lot of extra shifts, so once my patterns return to normal, I suppose I'll get time to do it all.

I managed a 4.5km run today in between getting home from work and going to pick the kids up, so that's good, although my time was rubbish, as I don't have the time to properly hydrate at work, so this needs to be addressed if I am to continue juggling!!

Fathers Day, keeping busy and Kylie!!

John had to work today, so went out at 5:30am and returned just after 9am. I went for a run with the dog and the kids (on their bikes) and I've now managed to measure exactly 1.5km around the perimeter of my estate, so I can now increase the laps and keep track of distance easier.
When we got back in, John was due home for a break. We'd made him omlette (the boys did the eggs, cutting the ham and sprinkling the cheese), coffee and sliced carrot (Lucas decided that John needed a carrot with his breakfast) He enjoyed it though, opened his cards and went back out. Didn't get back until 4pm!!!!

After a little nap (still really shattered and achey from yesterday's SHRED), we went round my Dads and played with his dog, and then round my other Dads house (really long story, even my shrink has to refer to very long written notes)and had drinks and biscuits. He even gave me money for a haircut (yeah, subtle eh? ;p) as he said I could do with one!!!!

So, back home, ordered a chinese and we all sat around the table eating dinner, then kids bath and bed. Nothing on TV tonight, but stumbled across Kylie's Aphrodite 2011 tour on Sky1. My GOODNESS she's hot!!!
Must get down and dirty with those kettlebells. Must get butt like Kylie!! Lol!!!

Totally SHREDDED!!!!

We were up at 6am today, to get to my Bootcamp Sat. Shred Session. (John's working, so I took the boys with me) There were kettlebells, ropes, chin ups, press ups, running laps and all sorts of other stuff, done into a cross-fit style session, and AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) in 30 mins. I managed 3. Much harder than a usual bootie session, but oh so good! The boys even joined in with some of the workouts. Noah said to me at one point "I like exersising with you mum" which made me grin as that's what I want for my kids - for them to grow up knowing that exersise is a part of everyday life and not a punishment for getting too fat.

I made the kids some "clean" pancakes when we got home, for being so good, and later we're off to Noah's schools Summer Fayer. Hope it doesn't rain TOO much!

The best laid schemes of mice and men......

.......go oft awry.....

I went to see my sister today and my new baby nephew to have another cuddle. What was supposed to be a half hour visit as we (Lucas and I) had lots to be doing, turned into about 2 1/2 hours. He's just so gorgeous, I couldn't put him down!!! I had a lovely chat with her about being a new mum, and how difficult it is, and of how it (the sleepless nights/exhausted feelings/sometimes regret/self doubt) does pass and it becomes just a memory!!! She openly admitted to me that she thought I was exaggerating when I struggled when the boys were young........now she takes her hat off to me as I had a newborn (Lucas) and a 16month old (Noah) to contend with back then. Ha Ha!!! She seems to have it sorted though and I'm sure with support, she'll cope just fine.

So, we got home and I set about getting Lucas busy. I gave him a scouring pad, bowl of soapy water and a t-towel. He then spent an hour scrubbing the dining table, soaking himself halfway through, but it was worth it as he did a great job and I got on with stripping the beds and knackering the dog out!! Managed to hoover the carpets upstairs and do 3 loads of washing........and that was it.......

I'm off to a "shred session" with the Bootcamp trainers tomorrow morning at 7:30am. It's going to be a cross-fit style session. I'm going to die!!!!!! Oh well, at least I'll have a valid excuse why I'm not mopping the floors or cleaning the bathrooms.........

Korma & Rice

Korma & Rice (serves 4-6 depending on how many veg types used)
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 red chilli, sliced
1 Tbsp oil
1 red pepper, diced
some brocolli florets
some cabbage, sliced
1 cup cooked chickpeas
1 cup cooked adzuki beans
2 tins coconut milk
4-6 tsp curry powder
1...saute the onion, garlic and chilli in the oil for 5 mins. Add the rest of the ingredients (veg, beans/peas, coconut milk, spices.
2...bring to the boil and simmer for 20 mins, stirring occasionally.
3...Taste before serving and add salt accordingly. Serve with rice.
Veg and beans can be varied or increased, depending on how many people you want to serve.

Working lots and planned 'millitary style' cleaning schedule

Been back at work this week, doing overtime (I am "bank staff" and only contracted to 4hrs per month). I'm actually enjoying it though and am looking forward to September when I can do even more hours (Lucas will be in full time school). Although a drawback of working more, is the housework building up.
So, today, Friday, it is my day off, but I have many things to do. Mostly cleaning, but some errands that my husband didn't have time to do as he has been looking after the children while I've been at work.
So, in conclusion, WORKING makes more WORK for yourself!!!!

Diet and exersise has been just surviving. I've managed 3 runs this week and been almost on track with my eating. Working in a nursery, we aren't allowed to bring/eat nuts or seeds whilst working, and considering I eat a lot of almonds and mixed seeds, this is leaving me a little hungry when I get in. Bootcamp was GREAT last night, lots of fun stuff, including tug 'o' war, sit up competition countdowns and press-ups. Came away energised and happy!

So, onwards with the cleaning. I'm going to get Lucas to scrub the dining table with a scouring pad and bowl of water, which he will love, (how do kids get so messy?) while I go upstairs to change the beds. Bruno will probably "help" me and this will tire him out, leaving me free to get on with the rest of the house while he sleeps it off.
Might get a lunch break??? (probably not though)

Bean Patties

Bean Patties - makes approx 10-12 patties

1 cup cooked, cooled adzuki beans

2 red onions, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 yellow pepper, chopped

100g sweetcorn (1/2 a small tin)

coconut oil

4 medium potatoes, cooked, mashed and cooled

2 dessertspoons spelt flour
1 tsp paprika
salt to taste
2 dessertspoons oil (rapeseed/olive/vegetable etc)
4 dessertspoons pine nuts
4 dessertspoons nutritional yeast

oil to fry the patties in

1...Heat a little oil in a pan and saute the onions, garlic and pepper until caramelised and golden.

2...Whizz the adzuki beans in a mini chopper and add to the onion mixture, along with the sweetcorn. Set aside.

3...Mix the flour, paprika, salt and 2 dessertspoons oil into the potatoes.

4...Mix the onion/bean mixture into the potato mixture.

5...Whiz the pine nuts, yeast and a little salt in a mini chopper. Spread out on a plate. (This will be the crispy pattie coating)

6...Mould the patties with your hands, using approx 1 1/2 to 2 dessertspoons of the mixture for each one. Coat in the pine nut mixture.

7...Heat about 1/2cm oil in a shallow pan and cook the patties in batches, waiting until the bottom side is dark brown and crisped before turning them over. Drain on kitchen paper.

The patties are crispy on the outside and creamy soft in the middle. Serve in a pitta or bun, with lettuce, tomato and tofu mayonnaise.

An irritating woman, a new love in my life and disaster in the kitchen

Today I wasn't able to go for a run as I started work at 10am, so once I'd done the school run and walked the dog, I had to leave for work. Well, that started me off in a bad mood, topped with the fact that I had to work with a bossy ignorant woman who, for the last couple of shifts has been on my case. Well, today I blew. Bearing in mind, I work in a children's nursery, this was not good.
Lesson learned? Maybe I need my morning run? Maybe the cow deserved it? Maybe I was just snappy through lack of sleep worrying about my sister since friday? Who knows?

After I finished work, I headed off to the hospital to see my sister and my new baby nephew. He arrived at 3:08am this morning, weighing 8lb 8oz, and after a difficult couple of days and a complicated labour, I think my sis was relieved to see me. I tell you, I've not felt anything like it before when I picked him up! (I probably did when I first held mine, but I really can't remember it that well) I instantly fell in love!!! He's absolutely beautiful and perfect in every way. I'm not ashamed to say, I cried.

So, once back at home, I cooked the kid's dinners and got ready for my Bootcamp class. The four of us went. John went for a 25min run and the kids played in the play area behind where I do my workout. Very sweaty. I think I need a headband. Not attractive at all, having beads of sweat dripping off the end of your nose!
So, got in and cooked my dinner. Well.......kind of destroyed my dinner. It was a kind of coconut milk/rice/ peanut butter concoction that burnt and stuck to the pan and split into a consistancy resembling vomit! That's still in the pan, in the kitchen awaiting it's fate as it looks so vile, I think I'll just dump the contents and the pan in the bin. My second attempt was far more sucessful, and the recipe (if you can call throwing stuff in a pan and crossing your fingers, a "recipe") is on my Facebook page if you feel the urge!

So, now to drink my chamomile and valerian tea and off to bed. Night all, I'm shattered.

Beanballs

Beanballs (makes approx 20)
1/2 cup adzuki beans, soaked for 8 hours & rinsed
large red onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, finely choppoed
1" ginger root, chopped
red chilli, sliced thinly
10 dried apricots, chopped
coconut oil
2 dessertspoons gram flour
1 dessertspoon tamari sauce
1 tsp turmeric
1...heat the oil in a pan and add onion, garlic, ginger and chilli. cook slowly until browned lightly. Stir in apricots and leave to cool
2...mash the adzuki beans with a fork and put into a large bowl
3...add to the mashed adzuki beans, the cooled onion mixture and the rest of the ingredients and mix well using your hands.
4...mould and squash the mixture into ping pong sized balls and put onto a baking tray lined with baking paper
5...bake for 30 mins gas 8.
..........................................
Can be served with spaghetti and sauce, or on their own in a finger buffet. Easily transportable so great worktime snacks too.

Rain and the waiting game

Rainy day all day, so decided against taking Bruno out on my run as he goes crazy mad in the wet, dashing about and being generally clumsy. So just me and the boys (on their bikes) up to histon and back. 5.3km in 33mins, which isn't brill, but it's not shabby. Anything to take my mind off the fact that my sister's been in the labour ward since Friday morning.
They've now broken her waters (2 weeks early due to too much fluid and risk of cord prolapse) as a last ditch attept to get her started after pessaries, creams, prods & pokes (nice) and drips. I'm so nervous for her and as there's nothing I can do, I've gone back to the old emotional eating habit (groan). Hopefully some better news in a few hours time, otherwise, it's C-section for her :o(.

I've been in touch with an ex-bootcamper to pair up with for my training for this half marathon I stupidly signed up for. (It's only because of waiting nervously for news, and there being no nibbles in the house, I started to 'surf' and came across this run) The reality's kicked in that I'll be running solid for around 2 1/2 hours #shock!!!

Today was supposed to be my fasting day, but that's gone to pot,
I've had a banana and rice milk smoothie, a pear, 3 handfulls of cashews, a tomato & pickle roll, 3 Haribo, LOADS of chewing gum and 2 handfulls of dried apricots. Hmmmm.......thought I'd finished with the comfort food thing months ago. Still, no point getting disappointed, It's not everyday my sister has a baby!!

Dinner tonight is spaghetti & "meat"balls in tomato sauce. I've not got a proper recipe for the balls, #winging it, so it may end up a mashed adzuki bean bolognaise if it's a disaster!

So, back to entertaining 2 boys on a wet day, ...and, ...just waiting.
xx

Personal best, multitasking and feasting

I started my day with a 3 in 1 task. Have a go at running 5km, walking the dog and giving the kids their long-awaited bike-ride. Pretty darn easy, really. I jogged with the dog down the guided busway up to Histon and back, telling the kids to bike behind me while telling me not to stop. Noah carried my backpack with my phone, tissues, plasters (mum-kit) and my water. Got home and did 10 full press-ups, followed by 10 one-legged press-ups, then mapped my route to find out how far I'd run......6.13km in 36min 30secs. I was jumping for joy!!!! My PERSONAL BEST in time and distance!!

Now the food diary..............
Green juice, followed by green tea with jasmine (mother in law gave me a Whittards box full 'cos father in law doesn't like it. WIN!! Was VERY hungry, so made a banana, oat, rice milk pancake drizzled with agave followed by a pear. And RELAX!!! (as far as you can with 4yr and 5yr old boys and a mad 'doodle!!.
Lunch was ham sandwiches for the kids (yes, my bad, I know) and a stirfry for me. Leftover brown rice, tofu, onion, chilli, yellow pepper and home made sweet chilli sauce, followed by an apple. Couple of hours later doing washing, breaking up fights, dog poo bagging and dishwasher duties and I'm hungry again. (my time of the month, so that might explain the ravenous appetite?) More green juice, pint of water, followed by grapes and mixed seeds. Dinner was stuffed tomatoes (quinoa, onions, chilli, ginger, tamari, dates) with roasted new potatoes sprinkled with my mock parmisan (whizzed up pine nuts, salt and nutritional yeast)....followed by a RAWR choc/goji berry bar. Will probably have a couple more pears and a handful of seeds later, followed by a lovely hot cup of chamomile tea before bed.

All in all, a lovely Saturday spent juggling house keeping, child entertaining, feasting and "me" minding. John's out taxi'ing and kids and I are sat watching Ice Age 2 with a bowl of salted popcorn.

Phew!!! What will tomorrow bring I wonder?
xx

New to blogging - my first post

Oooh so exciting. My first swim in the deep ocean of internet blogging.
I'll probably drivel on about day to day stuff, like the kids being a pain, or the dog wrecking the garden (what we have left) but I hope that I will get some kind of nugget of useful information down on here.
Recipes, weight loss, fitness, nutrition research, parenting, along with some sort of witterings about psychologists, GPs and counsellors trying to put me back together after a long bout of depression and a new revelation that I have OCD. (nice)
Very late on a Friday night and I'm sat on my laptop, on my own, batting away at my keyboard.
So, until tomorrow.....