Without as many constraints as the normal person... living alone in a quiet community, I realize that I can adjust my schedule here and there to great effect.
Last night I went to the gym at 10pm and decided to do an hour on the elliptical trainer then some weights. I was there for about 2 hours. It was great to work out and get my daily stress burned off. Again, I found myself pondering some deep feelings on the trainer. I would consider getting one at home but I am bonding a little to the gym. I like people watching there. I watched sweaty-man set his machine way too high for his ability. I grimaced at fashion-man who decided to wear what can only be described as a man's leotard over a flabby body and white knee-high socks. I took a gander at what's-the-point-of-going-to-the-gym gal who worked out on the bike trainer at the lowest setting, never breaking a sweat, and read a Vogue magazine back to back.
I realized while I was there that it would only be fair to find my own special name. I found it as I went to stretch in a workout room... ugly-hair guy. Apparently, in my rush to leave the house, I had forgotten that I had taken a nap and there were parts in my hair in back and on the right sides of my head. The front was also parted in the middle. On one-hand I was completely unabashed. I am not trying to impress anyone there. On the other hand, I really should do a mirror check before stepping out the door.
On the way home, I went to the market for a few things. I ended up doing a full-blown purchase as I hit every aisle in the store. I realized that no one was there... no shoppers and only a few keepers. I live in a town with 5,000 people. At midnight on a Wednesday night, there are few to no people on the streets... and even fewer at the market. It was a surreal experience in that I felt very alone in this monument of retail... that was made to accommodate thousands of people a day.
I ended up taking my time and bought a few things that have made it into my diet lately:
- Tonic water. Not for mixed drinks. I just like the bitter flavor. Dad used to have it at home and I somehow acquired the taste of it. I really like it with a bit of lime... dangit, I forgot lime.
- Condensed milk. I like a TB of it in coffee. It's great to have around in an 'emergency' if you need milk and don't keep milk around (like me). Lately, I've put a li'l of it in my instant mashed potatoes. I am not looking at the nutritional content lest my bowl of taters becomes a guilt-ridden experience.
- Instant mashed potatoes. Normally I like plain old russets mashed with skins, butter, milk, and some s & p. I realize that it's much easier just to pour this stuff in and make it by the helping. I also found it's a decent thickener in a pinch.
- Split peas. I really like split pea soup. I make it in a traditional way except I add two things now. Browned skinless chicken thighs and a handful of rice. I like the texture of the rice and peas in the soup. I also like having a little meat in there for the added protein.
- Meat-like substitutes. Lately, I've been eating a lot less meat. I eat vegetarian about 3 days a week, which is a lot for a carnivore like me. I've been eating tofu and boca-like burgers mostly. My most intriguing discovery has been seitan. I found it at PCC Market which is like a more earthy Wholefoods Market. I bought the 'chicken-style' which comes in torn chunks that seem to have a grain. The seitan was wonderful. It had a good unobtrusive savory flavor. Not really nutty like tempeh. More like a light toasted grain flavor. Here is how I like to prepare it:
- Tear a few pieces into a hot skillet with a little oil over medium high heat.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder or chopped garlic.
- Toss after 3-4 minutes to brown evenly.
- Sprinkle liberally with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Toss another minute or so to heat the onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve on bread as a sandwich, over rice, over pasta, let cool to serve over a salad.
- Say it now.... yummers.
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