Change is a Good Thing

Today began a much anticipated change in my daily routine. Ever since I started running (almost a year ago), I’ve always seemed to maintain the same running schedule and as I’ve gotten more serious with this hobby, I’ve stayed particularly constant and developed a firm regime. For the past several months, I have been doing my runs as soon as I get off work. At 4:30pm, I head home, change quickly and am in the gym by 4:45pm. I usually spend about 45min-an hour in the gym, come home, clean up, make dinner, eat dinner, clean up dinner, make lunches for the next day, do any other little tasks I have to do, and then FINALLY sit down.

The problem has been the actual “sitting down” has not been coming until 8:30pm or even 9:00pm and then I am in bed shortly after. I’ve realized that there just isn’t enough time to accomplish everything and still maintain a good overall balance. I want to be able to spend more time with Toly in the evening, feel less rushed, and also enjoy nightly walks with Sammy after dinner. I was torn because being able to run was important to me as well.

So, I made a decision! I have decided to switch up my workout routine so that now I am running in the morning and doing any strength training or cross training in the evening. It’s perfect since I only spend 20-30min cross training, I figure I can squeeze in a Shred workout or some Pilates every few nights and then also go lift weights with Toly a few nights after work.

Admittingly, I was a little nervous to begin this adjustment because I wasn’t sure how my body would handle the transition. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how I actually feel like I do my best runs in the mornings on the weekends and actually feel more tired and run-down after a long day at work. So, this morning, I gave it a go. And I am happy to say that it was GREAT! A little different at first, but once I got past the first mile, I felt the way I usually do when I run in the AM. Afterwards, I was awake and full of energy and Toly even commented on how I was noticeably vibrant.

So I think this will be a good change for everyone. I’m going to keep up with the morning runs and being able to have more time at night will be wonderful.

Now onto the events of the day. Other than my big change of routine, nothing else unordinary occurred for a Monday. It was a tad gloomy which always makes Mondays’ a bit harder to get through, but I managed. It was nice knowing I could come home and not have to rush off to the gym. I did a quick 20 min Shred workout and then got right in my comfy pj’s. J

Dinner tonight was something I have seen quite a few times, but have never attempted. I took a few different ideas from other recipes and altered the creation to make my own version of Eggplant Cannelloni with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce.

Here is how I made it:
I sliced an eggplant (longways) into 1in thick strips and roasted them in the oven with some salt and pepper for about 10 min. until they were soft. I mixed together a combo of cottage cheese, goat cheese, oregano, kalamata olives and capers and placed a mound on the end of each eggplant slice. Roll the eggplant into tubes and place in a baking dish.
For the sauce, I sautted some onion with the roasted red peppers and diced tomatoes. I then pureed the mix in the blender and topped the eggplant with the sauce. Baked this all in the oven for about 20 min. Egg-celent!

(Pre-baked)

Addendum*** Toly receive the same mixture stuffed inside a chicken breast. This can be enjoyed for both the meat and non-meat eater.

We had our cannelloni’s with a basic side salad and toasted garlic ciabatta bread. It was a comforting meal on this dreary Monday.

*~*Now, as promised, here is your next Engaging Fact About Toly*~*

Toly graduated from Messiah College with his BSA in Accounting. He currently works for the governement as a Financial Accountant Manager doing all kinds of confusing budgets for big-dollar accounts in the Navy. He is extremely intelligent and God has gifted him in the areas of finance and mathematics. (Thank you LORD because this is something that I lack severely!!!) Needless to say, he handles every single aspect of our own finaces to which I am fully subservent and grateful.
Knowing that he manages such an essential aspect of our lives gives me so much peace and contentment. Just another reason why marriage is so wonderful; you truly work together and use each other’s God given abilites to create a managable and gratifying life.

Until tomorrow… Good Night!