Early morning Jenn

I realize I am not the only one who rises early to either go to the gym (which for me, of course, is new) or to work. Many, many awake much earlier than I to go to the place where fat goes to die and I've always thought those people were bananas (speaking of bananas...totally forgot to eat one this morning before heading to the gym)!

I've confirmed those people are, in fact, crazy! This determination is based solely on the evidence I've aquirred during the two mornings of going to the gym this week at 5 AM; clearly, I know what I'm talking about!

The evidence:
#1. It's still dark outside (although it's dark when I go to work in the morning as well)
#2. The door creaks when I leave and I worry that will annoy my sleeping neighbors.
#3. There are more crazy people at the gym early in the morning than I anticipated. I'm not alone!
#4. My eyes still have bags early in the morning.
#5. Even the dog looks at me in a funny way when I'm up early.
#6. The only thing to watch on the televisions is news and since this is an election year, I'm tired of the news.


It's really not so bad, though.

No, really, it's not so bad. Once I'm up, I'm up. Most days, I'm quite awake and perky in the morning when I start to work at 6 AM. This week has been a bit difficult because it's new and I didn't sleep well either night on our camping trip last weekend and it's caught up with me. We've all been there and it's certainly nothing I can't deal with. After all, today is "Friday-eve" which means Saturday is right around the corner and that means I can sleep in a bit!

Looking at the above picture, I'd like to point out the odd rolls on my neck which, to my dismay, I've never noticed before now. Blech. Blech. Blech. It's probably just the angle of the camera, right? Couldn't have anything to do with my extra plump cell buddies clinging to my body, right? If "rolly polly neck" isn't a reason to lose weight, I'm not sure what is.

Maybe pointing out these plump flaws isn't the best idea but in the interest of being totally honest through this blog, I need to convey how I'm feeling. How I feel about those unsightly rolls is: Blech!!


Monday night for dinner I made a yummy pasta dish called "Cacio de pepe". Thank you, Giada! Love her!

The recipe:
8 oz of whole wheat pasta (I used Rigatoni because that's what I happened to have in the cupboard)
1 cup pasta water, reserved
2 tsp cracked tri-color pepper
2 oz freshly grated Parmesano-Regiano cheese
4 oz pancetta, diced
1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes (not in oil), diced

Cook pasta as directed, be sure to generously salt the water, drain but reserve 1 - 1 1/2 cups pasta water.
Roast cracked pepper in a skillet on medium heat (you could roast the peppercorns whole then crack or crack then roast)
Cook pancetta in a skillet until crisp

Transfer drained pasta to a skillet and add in 1/2 cup pasta water and half of the Parmagiano-Regiano cheese. Stir pasta, water and cheese creating a sauce. Add 1/2 to 1 more cup of pasta water and remaining cheese and cook until desired consistency.

Toss in pepper, sun dried tomatoes and pancetta. Serve and enjoy!! 



I'll be making home made, whole wheat crust pizza this weekend for my dad and husband! I'll be sure to take pictures!

 

Plump girl problem #3

Trying not to appear completely awkward while

painting your toenails

(which are hard to reach!)