(So says Albert Camus. If you don’t know who Albert Camus is, well … neither did I. Go here for more info … what? You’re saying I just Googled “autumn quotes” to find the quote in the title?? … yeah, ok, I suppose I did. I though about titling this post “Peter Tried To Tip Me Into a Lake”, but I figured that title was too long. Read on to find out why.)
Autumn is my favorite season of the year, despite having the misfortune to be followed by winter. Maybe it’s the cooler air, the leaves wearing every one of my favorite colors, the apple cider doughnuts, my birthday … and when I was younger, I loved autumn because it also meant the start of school. No, I’m not kidding. I was THAT kid.
Recently, Peter and I hightailed it up to Vermont to enjoy the beautiful colors unfolding on the slopes of Okemo mountain. For those of you not fortunate enough to live in the Northeast U.S., here is a taste of New England autumn:
Not sure what Peter is doing in this picture ...
Kayaking on a lake:
Stars in the water
While in Vermont, we also attended an event called The Big Buzz Chainsaw Festival (yes, you read that right). With a name like that, how could we not check it out?
The festival was full of people with chainsaws sculpting chunks of wood. This guy was really into it:
The carvers get together to carve this eight-foot bear, which was auctioned off for charity.
We may have picked up a little something to decorate our apartment … meet Baddie, the bear version of Maddie:
C’mon, tell me you don’t see the resemblance:
Finally, check out this short video for a look at our Vermont weekend. Pay attention around 1:20 to see why I wanted to call this post “Peter Tried To Tip Me Into a Lake” :D
Stay tuned for my next post, in which I have food. Specifically, apples! :)
Q: What is YOUR favorite season and why? As I’ve said, Autumn is my favorite season, because it makes me happy. Remember, folks – happy … healthy … happy … healthy (hey, that’s the name of this blog!).
Edited to add: I’ve had a few questions about the music in the video. The first song is “Margaret’s Waltz” by Bryan Sutton and the kayaking song is “Straight, No Chaser” from The Complete Columbia Recordings of John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Finally, the Maddie-gets-attacked piece was written by none other than my brother-in-law, Dave! He wrote me and Peter an entire symphony for our first wedding anniversary a few years ago – I am SO not kidding. The symphony, and a piano piece he wrote for my Christmas present last year are hands-down the BEST gifts I have ever received. (Tangible ones, of course – marrying Peter was a pretty awesome gift, too ;) ) Thanks, Dave!
After reading about Nicole’s DO What You DON’T challenge, I knew I needed to step up and challenge myself to do what I hatestrongly dislike: strength-training. While I happily pound the pavement for miles at a time, I can’t carve out enough time to lift a few weights for 20 minutes a week? Not this girl! I don’t care if I have T-Rex arms. No more avoiding!
After my run this morning, I took a little shortcut on the way back to our apartment and stopped by the complex’s tiny weight room. After 20 minutes of lifting, I felt stronger. Well, almost.
I know I’ll get stronger over time. Just you wait. :)
Check out this new oatmeal bowl!
I bought it on the cheap at a Chinese grocery store, so I’m a little suspicious of what’s in the glaze … but, the oatmeal sure tasted good!
After breakfast and a flurry of projects, Peter and I decided to break out the inflatable kayak he bought on the cheap back in January.
Out on the water:
Maddie wanted to be our masthead.
Eyeing a swan in the distance.
The weather was gorgeous today in the Northeast, wasn’t it? :D
Dinner was a chili twist I like to call:
Turkey Chili Surprise
Actually, I don’t like the sound of that one. It reminds me too much of the mystery meat concoctions in grade school.
Flabbergasted Turkey Chili with Spicy Beans
Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 pound ground turkey
1 can beans of choice (I used red kidney), rinsed very well
1 can diced tomatoes, with liquid
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp sweet paprika
3 Tbsp. oyster sauce (no, I’m not kidding)
Brown turkey in large skillet. Set aside and drain liquid from skillet. Drizzle a little olive oil in the skillet and saute garlic and onion until soft.
Add beans, tomatoes, paste, turkey, and paprika to the onions and garlic. Stir well.
Now, for the secret ingredient! After seeing LeQuan use oyster sauce in one of her delicious dishes, I knew I had to partake.
Peter doesn’t know I added this! While he was eating his chili, he kept saying “Wow, this is really good! What’s that great background taste?” Me: “Oh, you know. Ingredients.” He’s not going to find out exactly what was in his chili until he reads this post, BWAH HA HAAA! ;)
I re-hydrated a (very) small piece of Ghost chile and let it sit in the chili for about a minute (I didn’t want to overdo it).
It ended up having a nice kick, but it wasn’t nearly as spicy as I thought it would be. Could have been due to my sissy use of the chile.
Served with a huge pile of kale chips.
How was it? Delicious! The oyster sauce added a little salty sweetness to the background, a very mild flavor. I’m definitely doing this again.
Before I go … after reading Gina‘s discussion of MyPyramid, I started thinking about how I, as a dietetics student, handle the ubiquitous guidelines that make up dietetics practice. I can see what the USDA was trying to do here – highlight all food groups instead of making grains the base, incorporating physical activity (which is great!) … however, I think the new Pyramid is even more confusing than the old Food Guide Pyramid, or even the Four Food Groups that became obsolete back in 1992 (anyone remember those?).
First of all, the new MyPyramid food groups have different measurements for each group (e.g. cups for fruits and veggies, ounces for beans). A few weeks ago, I was giving a lesson on fruits and veggies to sixth graders, and they were confused about the serving sizes for fruits and veggies. How much is a cup? Why do we count leafy greens and dried fruit differently? Why do we need a chart to tell us how much to eat? Personally, I don’t say to myself at the end of the day, “Have I had my 5.5 ounces of meat and beans?”
For people who need structure when they eat, who like checklists and boundaries to work between, MyPyramid is a great tool for eating a healthy diet. It emphasizes lean protein, low fat dairy, whole grains, and lots of fruits and veggies – all of these concepts are great! :) For me, however, I know I eat healthier when I’m not counting or thinking about what categories I need to fulfill. I eat best when I concentrate on a wide variety of whole foods and eat intuitively (thanks, Christie!).
Everyone is different, which is why I think it can take a long time to find the system that works for you. Patience with and respect for yourself will take you far. :)
Tell me: What are some of your healthiest habits? Let’s think positive this weekend! :D
***Edited to add: *** Check out my guest post on PreventionRD about how this blog got its name! (Thanks, Nicole! :) )
Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is for education purposes only. Please consult your doctor and/or registered dietitian for your health and nutrition needs.
