Breakthroughs

I have finally decided I've had enough of constantly recreating such recipes as those from magazines Bon Appetit, Sauveur, and Food & Wine, and will pay a lot more attention from those from HungryGirl.com, Cooking Light Magazine and so on. A breakthrough for me, a very picky foodie who used to think that anything low calorie, or low anything for that matter, meant no taste, no kick, and generally, no fun. (When I tried Skinny Cow ice cream, 170 calories or less a serving, boy, was I wrong!)

There was this one time, about three years ago, when I looked at my body in the mirror, and thereby declared that I would never again set foot near a pool, beach or jacuzzi. Not until I was physically worthy enough to do so.

Finally, now that I live in an area with little access to a gym, my DVD player not hooked up yet, and merely a trail and pool to work out with, I finally gave in and got myself one of those bathingsuits with a skirt.

Mind you, not one that makes me look like I'm 63 (I'm only 33!), but something "young". Mom & I only go to the pool when we see no one else is around, but it's one of the best workouts ever. It is about to get my arms in shape and help me, little by little, maintain my blood sugar. It will surely help me peel off the pounds as well.

The whole thing is a phenomenal breakthrough for someone who once viewed exercise as a neccessity, but also a drudgery. Now I know, if you find some sort of physical activity you love, exercise can be so much fun! I've decided to begin to work out, on walking my trail and swimming, for at least 15 minutes every other day. As time progresses, I'll go to 30 minutes, then an hour, then I may do it every day of the week.

Anything to be worthy enough to eventually wear them Daisy Dukes....!

July 4th Coming Up!

I can't wait until July 4th. With my Mom & I safely away from that other, more difficult parent, we can have a genuinely fun-filled party this time. I'll find a way to have at least sparklers for us.

And a cookout of epic proportions:

Breast of Chicken Citron

Beefsteak Tomato & Bermuda Onion Salad

Grilled Corn w/Lime Cilantro Butter

Mojitos

Strawberry Shortcakes w/Balsamic & Black Pepper Syrup


After that, since we usually don't want to fight mobs of people for good seats at a fireworks show (we once did in Miami, we weren't thrilled & it was at a hospital, of all places), we'll watch the Macy's Show on TV.