Earth Day and Science March

April 22nd is Earth Day this year. Scientists and science enthusiasts around the planet are planning to march in support of science and the smart people that know its worth and provide it to all of us. Earth Day is a perfect day for this because here in the US, we have a climate of politics that is trying to convince the world that science is not important in order to take funding away from things like climate change research, regulations for our protected lands and animals, and laws that keeps us safe and healthy. This is all in the name of the dollar and nothing else.

If you care at all about your health, the planet and the generations behind you, you need to realize that without science, our planet would be a wasteland and our species would already be extinct. We need science if we have any hope of surviving the changes that are coming to our planet due to our own negligence and greed.

Please go to this site and find a march near you and join in the effort to keep science funded and ultimately keep our planet and ourselves healthy.
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Nine Years Ago on In My Words...Seventh Generation (and I still use this brand faithfully)

Thai Green Curry With Chicken

Made this today for lunch with fresh organic eggplant from my father in law's garden.

It is called Gaeng Keaow Wan Gai in Thai and it is one of my favorite Thai curry dishes.

It is a little bit off my fitness quest but I had the fresh eggplant and needed to use it in something. I made sure to keep my portion in check.

I started on a fitness quest last week and managed to get through the first three days which were the toughest. Normally my eating isn't too bad, but with Halloween candy in the house, I had deviated off course big time. No more of that.

This dish is pretty easy to make...I already had the chicken cooked earlier in the week, and I just added green curry paste, fish sauce, sugar, keffir lime leaves, basil, coconut milk, and fresh eggplant. I steamed jasmine rice in the rice cooker.

So delicious!
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Seven Years Ago on In My Words....my favorite Japanese curry

RA Peak

Met a friend from work for a hike this morning. We had plans to get to the top, but traffic and time constraints limited that. I had never been there before so I felt like just knowing where to start from was an accomplishment.

The view is amazing and I can totally see why more houses are being built up this way. It was a bit scary driving up because it was straight into the sun and there were spots in the road where I couldn't see in front of me and I thought I might hit something. It would probably help if I cleaned the windshield a little better...lol.

Anyhow, now that I know where the trail head is, I plan to get over there after work for a workout more often before it gets too cold or dark in the mornings. Can't wait to take pics from the top!
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Earlier this year on In My Words...First Time Up

Portland Marathon 2015

Tomorrow, three FOUR of my cousins are competing in this year's Portland Marathon. Running in a marathon is something I can't even imagine, (I am happy with my 5Ks), but I can't help but admire their drive and stamina to attempt and complete such a huge event.

I was not able to make the trip up to the race due to my work schedule, but I received my Team Wonder Woman shirt in the mail, and I will be wearing it in support of their effort on Sunday. I have already been warned of the glitter explosion that might be in my future...LOL.

One of my cousins flew in from Hawaii for the race and will be coming to visit us after the race. Her parents and sister live here so it will be good all around. I am looking forward to a little family get together of some sort....fortunately it will be my weekend.

Their ambition is motivating to me to get back on my own fitness mission. Good luck guys!! Hope the race is everything you want it to be!! Love you!
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Last Year on In My Words....Minnesota 2014

Bum Knee

Skinned knee

I was volunteering at an event this weekend. It was at a local winery in one of the open fields. I was looking around while walking to get a feeling for where everything was before my shift started.

I stepped into one of the few holes in the field that weren't marked and felt my right ankle starting to turn. In order to save my ankle (which I really didn't want to sprain or break), I decided to go down...and down I went. My bag went flying and I think I did a complete roll after slamming my left knee into the ground at initial impact.

I got up pretty much unscathed, other than this little skinned knee, a slightly tender ankle and a completely embarrassed ego. Thankfully I didn't have any food or drink in my hand and nothing in my bag was lost or damaged. A couple of people came to my aid but for the most part, I think that most people didn't even see me go down. I do think I squealed...lol. I worked my shift and treated my injuries later in the evening.

Right after my shift, I had a play to go to, so I didn't end up getting any ointment on it until after 11pm and then I went for a 4 mile walk. My knee and ankle were a bit swollen when I got home, but I put a bandaid on the scrape so the bedding wouldn't irritate it and took some naproxen before bed and it all felt a ton better the next day.

I always feel like a little kid when I scrape my knees...

Three Years Ago on In My Words...Twelve Year Old BooBoos

Memorial Day 2015: Wear Blue

You too can own a shirt

Wear Blue: Run To Remember is a great organization started in Washington State by two military spouses following a deployment of the unit to Afghanistan. One of those spouses lost her husband during that deployment.

The group is now nationwide and helps to bridge the gap between civilian and military communities as well as create a living memorial for those that have given the greatest sacrifice.

This Memorial Day, I was determined to get out and get a few miles in, even if it was a time crunch to do it. The weather was absolutely perfect and while I didn't run (too out of shape right now), it still felt great to get some exercise and support such a great organization as well as show my support for our friends and family members that have given it all in service of our country.

I am back on track to achieving my own fitness goals and this day was a fantastic option to honor myself and the day!
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Last Year on In My Words...POTD Day 11 - Something Good

2015 PB 5K

Yesterday, I managed to compete in a 5K in one of our local towns. I didn't train for it, even though I should have so I wasn't able to do as well as I would have liked but I did do better than I expected.

The weather was cooler and cloudy and we had heard there were threats of rain. I have to say, we got lucky and it only sprinkled a bit near the end of the race.

I forced myself to run more than I had in ages, and it paid off on my time. Even with the extra weight I have put on this year, I matched my time from last year with no training other than walking a few 5k distances in the last few weeks.

After the race, I changed clothes and volunteered to work for my employer to help relieve some of the other volunteers when they needed it (the race is only one small part of a big festival that my employer is deeply involved with). The rain did come down, but it didn't damper the spirit of the day.
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Last Year on In My Words...Smile 11/100 Bib

Upper Table Rock Hike

These two mesas have always loomed in the distance. They are very distinct fixtures against our landscape to the northeast of my home town.

They are covered in poison oak and are rumored to have lots of rattle snakes on them as well...which is part of why I had never attempted to hike either of them.

Recently, I had seen some great pictures that my uncle took a few years ago during a hike in the spring and I got the urge to see the views for myself.

A few weeks ago, one of my co-workers mentioned that she was going to climb the Upper one (which means it is up river from the other), and I decided to jump on the chance.

This morning we made the trek. And even with my terrible fitness status, I did make it to the top (just had to take a couple of breaks along the way). The view was just as awesome as I imagined. The top itself was covered in green, wild flowers, and baby poison oak...LOL. It was quite beautiful. I am hoping to get to the top of the Lower Table Rock (seen in the distance of this image) before the poison oak gets too big as I am highly allergic to it.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...New Hike

Tooth Brushing

I am an avid brusher...probably too avid. I have always had a bit of a phobia about bad breath, so brushing has been my friend. Recently though, a friend of mine has had to have her gums built up because they are receding from brushing too aggressively and I thought that I might find myself with that same issue (and no dental insurance), if I am not careful.

I know a lot of people that like to use the electric brushes that spin to brush their teeth. They say they get a better clean without the wear and tear on their gums. I thought, I would try out an inexpensive electric brush and see if I like it and if my gums like it. I didn't want to jump into the deep end and spend a ton of money, in case it isn't for me so today, I got one of the cheaper Oral B versions that just takes a AA battery to give it a shot...the head is still small enough for my cover and the bristles come in soft (which is what I need).

I decided to do a Google search to see what recommendations are out there for brushing techniques and I came across this useful article. I thought perhaps it might be useful for others so I linked it.

This evening will be my first trial run...I'll let you know how it goes.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Teeth Whitening

Ugly Sweater Run 2014

Second year that we have done this one, and it was the second year that it was done...how cool is that. This isn't a timed run so we just do it for exercise and fun which is great in itself.

This year, I managed to find an ugly sweater at the local St Vincent's, so I didn't have to borrow one this year. Once again, it was chilly out so we had to bundle up but we managed to get the race in without rain so no slicker was needed.

I also had just received my shirts from the Wear Blue Run To Remember organization. I wore my long sleeve shirt under my ugly sweater so I would be supporting the org even if it wasn't on the outside.

I didn't run much of this since I hadn't been training in a few months, but I am sure I will be feeling it afterwards anyhow. My time wasn't too bad considering how little I ran. I hope to do a couple other runs in February but I am not sure how much of them will be ran either...it will depend on training time. My cousins and my uncle did the run as well. We all got back in just before the rain started.
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Seven Years Ago on In My Words...Naha Harii

Smile 98/100 Veggie Snack

These were the veggie snack during the cleanse. I could eat as much of this throughout the day that I wanted.

It was a combo of cucumber, green beans, celery and radishes in a lemon, oil and pepper mix of dressing. It was super yummy and crunchy.

The only down side is that the radishes lost their coloring in the liquid and made the whole thing a little less appetizing in looks, but it still tasted great.

I took this picture in our kitchen with my Fuji Finepix f50, with no flash. I edited it in GIMP 2.6 for color and light balance and then added the fuzzy border.
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Five Years Ago on In My Words...Making A Cup Of Coffee

Smile 96/100 Cleanse Breakfast

This quinoa breakfast was a great starter during the cleanse weekend. It had prunes, and some seeds in it and it was very filling. Didn't feel deprived at all.

I made the quinoa in a saucepan on the stove instead of in the rice cooker since the amount being made was below the minimum for the rice cooker. It was pretty easy to make on the stovetop and definitely makes me feel like the options for having quinoa more frequently now are there.

I buy it from Trader Joe's and think it has a great flavor. I took this picture in our kitchen with my Fuji Finepix f50, with no flash but the macro turned on. I edited it in GIMP 2.6 for color and light balance and then added the fuzzy border.
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Five Years Ago on In My Words...Yummy In My Tummy

Smile 95/100 Detox Juice

This is an awesome combination. It is pineapple juice, pomegranate juice, one lemon squeezed and then water. It is a natural detoxifier. It helps to flush your body while still providing you essential vitamins and liquids.

It was part of the 48 detox I did on my days off this week to just give my body a nice cleanse. I was able to drink as much of this during the day as I wanted and I found it to be very refreshing.

The "ice cubes" are the reusable ones that you can freeze and add to drinks to keep them cold without watering them down.

I took this picture with my Fuji Finepix f50 in our living room with the flash off but the macro enabled. I edited it in GIMP 2.6 to balance color and light and then added the fuzzy border.
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Six Years Ago on In My Words...Toenail Woes

Smile 93/100 Shitake Stew

This yummy shitake and cabbage soup was part of the cleanse I did. I was able to eat as much of this as I wanted and it was super tasty.

I think that after the cleanse is over it would be really good with shrimp added to it as well.

It ended up being a lot more than one person can eat in 48 hours but that is okay, I am good with leftovers.

I took this picture in our kitchen with no flash on my Fuji Finepix f50 and then edited it in GIMP 2.6 for color, light and then to add the fuzzy border.
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My Favorite Soup....Thai/Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup

Smile 86/100 Ideal Lunch

Made pineapple curry the other day from a fresh pineapple I cut up. One of my favorite things to eat but since I am trying to lose a few pounds, I decided to bring leftovers to work and put it on spring greens rather than rice.

Great way to spice up salad, for sure. While on lunch in the breakroom, I get a few mins to read my Nook. I am working on the Harry Potter series and I have been renting them as ebooks from the local library system. It has been a great adventure.

I took this pic with my Fuji Finepix f50 in our breakroom at work with no flash. I edited it in GIMP 2.6 for color, light and to add the fuzzy border.
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Six Months Ago on In My Words...POTD 23 Bedtime

Smile 69/100 Mini Peppers

Love these guys...so good. We can get a bunch of them in a bag for a reasonable price and then you add whatever you want to them. They are sweetish so you can really eat them on their own if you want (which I do sometimes).

In this particular case, I had added cream cheese and shredded roasted chicken to it and it was so good and was a nice little meal without being super heavy.

I took this picture with my Fuji Finepix f50 with no flash but with the macro turned on. I edited it in GIMP 2.6 for color, light and then added the fuzzy border.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Predator Quail

Smile 65/100 More Lavender

Lavender is a mainstay around here. It grows great in our weather and it is such a happy little plant. We have it growing down the medians in town and almost everyone has a bit of it included in their landscaping.

I found this cheery bunch on my walk in the neighborhood and just couldn't pass up the shot. The bees were a bit confused as to why I was so close to their favorite bush but none of them bothered me at all.

I have three new lavender plants to put in a bed in our yard that has a lot of sun...I hope they do well and perhaps I can get save some of the blossoms for drying.

This pic might make it onto one of my future photo cards, I just love how it came out.

I took this picture in the morning light with my Fuji Finepix f50 with no flash but macro turned on. I edited it in GIMP 2.6 for color, light and then to add the fuzzy border.
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Two Years Ago on In My Words...Predator Quail

Smile 64/100 RedHot

I had never seen, or least never noticed "Red Hot Pokers" until I was in Portland and saw some there and my sister told me the name of them. Since then, I notice them all over the place, and I really think they are cool looking even if they have a really short bloom time.

These beauties were in the yard of a house up the street. I saw them in the morning light while on my walk and couldn't pass them up for a joyful picture.

I took this picture with my Fuji Finepix f50 with the macro turned on, but using only natural light. I edited it in GIMP 2.6 for color, light and to add the fuzzy border.
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Eight Years Ago on In My Words...Fireworks

Smile 63/100 ThinSlice

There is not a lot of bread eating going on these days in our house, but every once in a while some bread needs to be purchased. If I am going to get bread, I try to go as healthy as possible. I love Dave's Killer Bread and recently they have started making much smaller loaves that are also cut in thinner slices.

It is the perfect size for toast in the morning or to make a healthy sandwich that is not out of portion. I highly recommend giving these a go, if you like whole grain bread with seeds.

I took this picture in our kitchen with my Fuji Finepix f50, with no flash but the macro enabled. I edited it in GIMP 2.6 for color and light.
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Nine Years Ago on In My Words...The Order Of Sandwiches

Smile 58/100 Starts

I am probably crazy to be trying to do a garden this year considering the drought we are in and the fact that I might not be able to water them...but it seems everyone else is doing it and it makes me want to do it too....LOL.

If nothing else, I hope to have tomatoes. These starts are two different cucumbers, one zucchini, and two different tomatoes. They cost me a total of 5 bucks, so I am thinking even if I kill them, it won't cost me much.

I picked up 6 cu ft of organic garden soil, so I just need to get the two beds I can use for a garden set up and that means getting off my lazy butt and just doing it. I am not sure what my slacking is about, but it needs to stop.

I took this picture in our kitchen with my Fuji Finepix f50, no flash but with macro on. I edited it in GIMP 2.6 for color, light and then added the fuzzy border.
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Six Years Ago on In My Words...Yardwork Kick Butt