sidebar | life and training 4.17 – 4.23

LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THIS PRETZEL!

My soft pretzel love is no mystery – if there is a soft pretzel on the menu, I’m getting it. I, however, was not expecting the sheer girth of that fucker. It rivaled the one we had in Milwaukee last year.

We took our Sunday date night to Tampa Bay Brewing Company, which is one of the more popular breweries in the area partially because it serves really good food. When we walked in I watched a cook in the back expertly flip a pizza dough in the air. If I did that, that thing would have a hole right in the middle. I am no master at that craft.

While I wasn’t so impressed with the beer – the menu is very IPA/APA/sour heavy and those are the varieties I dislike most – that garlic butter-brushed pretzel and the mustard (holy god, the mustard was excellent) plus the Greek salad I enjoyed as my main were awesome. The space is also very large and boisterous, with both an indoor dining room and a patio with plenty of seating. A great hangout spot if you want to enjoy lunch or dinner with your brews.

I’m not lamenting the end of last week. It was quite rough, and emotional, and by the end I wasn’t so inspired especially after two flops of a recipe I was really hoping would work. But, I have some nice process photos and plan to tackle it again in awhile once the sulking dies down. The formula itself is great, the photos were just ass. We’re starting to get into that season where the lighting is really tricky to work with. Our humidity is climbing so much that our middays tend to be very hazy and filtered, which does not make for ideal shooting conditions. And it makes me grumpy. Rain is great, but constipated clouds just shielding the sun for no reason are big fat ugly trolls.

J and I are skipping down in a couple weeks for a California adventure. His office is based out there so he’s heading out for a training, and I’ll join him during the weekend. I think I’ve been craving a little break from life even though I tend to get really anxious when I’m “unproductive” for too long. Gonna be some busy days leading up to the expedition, but a little travel will be good for my soul, I think.

On the same note, I’ve been quite the hermit lately, and today on my run (yay! I run’d!) I determined a few little goals I want to shoot for to end the month of April. For one, get out and socialize at least once this week. I’ve been flaking on everyone because I’m a piece of trash. I always sort of dread going out but feel fulfilled when I do.

My other big goal is to clean something every day. Doesn’t have to be a huge spree, just one spot on the counter or one corner of my shooting space. I find setting small purging goals is much more obtainable than blocking off a whole day to reset the house. I just get overwhelmed when I fill my plate too voluptuously. I did manage a couple filthy spots last week but there’s plenty more to bodyslam with my cloths and brooms.

What goals do you have this week? Let’s end April on a nice little note, with some sense of accomplishment and of course plenty of time for fun and rest. Both facets are important, yo!

By the way, I’ve got a sweet-ass discount for you! If your bar cart is missing a bottle o’ vodka, introduce yoself to Nightbloøm – it’s the perfect mixer for the Strawberry Hibiscus Ginger Fizz and the London Fog Martini, and for spiking last week’s Fresh Strawberry Green Tea Lemonade! Use the code FOULMOUTHGOURMET15 for 15% off your cart. Check out their bottles here and start shopping!

The Fuck We Cooking This Week?

…DOUGHTNUTS! Can you guess what flavor?

…A creamy butter curry.

…A fresh, bright appetizer perfect for Cinco de Mayo.

…A cheesy Italian-style quiche.

…Loaded, unique cowboy cookies.

A Few Things I’m Digging

Bagels…Yeah, I know, monumental, but bagel sandwiches have been a go-to lunch for me recently with my sudden decline in interest in the midday meal. I usually put eggs and avocado, or lox and avocado/cream cheese, in a toasty everything bagel. Yumbo. I usually buy these or swipe one from work.

Candle…Been burning this red bamboo and apple candle for a few weeks now. I’m surprised at its durability and the scent is strong and wonderful. Cozy, but bright.

Beer…I’m not a huge beer drinker usually but it’s appropriate this time of year when we grill or go to a baseball game. New go-to is Golden Road Mango Cart. I love a fruity ale and this one is so refreshing when it’s balls hot outside.

Shops & Wish List

Fashion

Target…Since I’ve been putting intense exercise on the backburner I kind of want to invest in some comfy clothes appropriate for yoga/Pilates ventures. These ribbed cropped tanks look comfy and fashionable, and I will keep talking about these ribbed leggings until I actually buckle down and buy a pair. It’s unfortunate that most cropped bras or tanks make me look like a mushroom because of where they land (long torso and wide ribcage problems) but the length of this shelf tank looks like it might work well. Like these boxy shirts, too, but wish they had more colors.

Kitchen & Dining

Crate and Barrel…Really pining after these stacked ribbed glasses but they’re backordered until mid-May, which is unfortunate because I have plenty of good ideas for them! I know people don’t really like the clear KitchenAid bowl functionality-wise but I’d find it quite useful for photographic reasons, so I’m considering getting one.

Skincare/Wellness

Tree Hut…Totally hyped to get their birthday cake whipped body butter and the sugar scrub. I’m starting to be a bit of a ho for funfetti type things.

Week in Training

Monday, 4.17: 7 mile walk (1:50:00) + 17 minute full body

A little rainy this morning! Didn’t really do much when I ventured out, except towards the end when some sweet lightning flashes lit up the sky. I wore a raincoat just in case, and there was a nice breeze, so overall a pleasant stroll.

Strength:

• 3 x 12 bent arm reverse fly 20#
• 3 x 12 ea. skullcrusher 15#
• 4 x 10 front squat 50#
• Core work

Tuesday, 4.18: 5.47 mile walk (1:25:00)

Much less humid and actually kinda chilly morning!

Wednesday, 4.19: 6.34 mile walk (1:40:00) + 20 minute full body

One of the guys I see frequently on my path caught up to me and said “It’s not often I see Super Girl in her alter ego form!) referring to my lack of running. We chatted for a minute before he fucken blazed by me – dude walks fast! Nice little interaction on a quiet morning.

Strength:

• 3 x 12 pullover 40#
• 4 x 12 squat to calf raise 50#
• 4 x 12 ea. side raise 15#
• Core work

Thursday, 4.20 (ayyy): 4.11 mile walk (1:05:00)

Friday, 4.21: 5.41 mile walk (1:25:00)

Pretty decent morning. Not much to report really.

Saturday, 4.22: 8.13 mile walk (2:00:00) + 22 minute full body

I saw two Mr. Ships this morning! One I managed to catch as it was coming into port, and the other I saw from quite a distance out on the path. Cruise season is slowing up as summer approaches so I won’t probably get to greet them as much, so I’ll take whatever sightings I can get at this point.

Strength:

• 4 x 10 ea. balanced shoulder press 15#
• 4 x 10 ea. static lunge 40#
• 4 x 12 ea. balanced cross curl 15#
• Core work

Sunday, 4.24: 4.05 mile walk (1:03:00)

Total walking mileage: 40.51 miles (whoa)