Making a Difference --The Challenged Athlete's Foundation

I have this incredible friend named Marc. If I had to define him in one word, it'd be athlete and not of his disability. I met him years and years ago when we worked together. One day he came into my office and asked me if I wanted to go for a bike ride. I figured since I had no life at the time and I was riding a few times a week, it would be a fun time. We rode along the beach, me on my dad's mountain bike, him on his handcycle. What started as a one time ride, quickly grew to a obsession on being on the road. His love for it made me want to branch out and try to break other boundaries. That's how I started running.

When I started pushing myself, he did the same. He branched out and bought a racing wheelchair and competed at the LA Marathon. From there, he had this insane idea he wanted to do go to Kona, the Ironman Championships. So, he jumped in the pool and started to swim. Months went by and he competed in his first half Ironman and placed, cementing a spot at Kona. That fall, he competed in Kona. Last year, The Challenged Athlete's Foundation saw how amazing and inspiring Marc was and sponsored his third trip to compete at Ironman Kona. Since then, he's been trying to repay the favor and help raise money for this great organization.

Next month, he's going to compete in the San Diego Triathlon in hopes of raising money for young disabled athletes who can't afford the gear. Where a regular bike can cost just a few hundred, a handcycle can be up to $2,500. So, I'm asking for all your help. Please help my friend raise some money to for this great cause. Even if it's $10. Anything and everything will help!

DONATE NOW

Thanks!

Goodbye summer

Sitting at the Hollywood bowl with great friends. In LA, the
fireworks finale is the end of summer for us (the heat is still with
us). The philharmonic moves to the Disney Hall and the illusion of
fall is around us. For me, this is the best part of summer. Good
friends. Good drinks. Good music in the city I love!

Harvey Milk Day bill S 572

Normally I don't go into politics on here but I just was sent a petition to sign to Veto California Bill S572, also known as Harvey Milk Day. So, I decided to click to see what the petition said it was. This is what it basically reads:

Whereas, the effect of SB 572 is to openly teach children that homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality are good and natural and maybe for them;

WHAT? Seriously?

So I traipsed over to the bill and read it online for myself. NOTHING in this says they are teaching kids about homosexuality. Nothing says it will teach kids they should be gay. What it does say it will teach kids about a civil rights leader and his great influence on the 20th century. It also states that 4 other school days out of the year will be dedicated to other subjects:

John Muir Day (ecological conservation)

California Poppy Day (the importance of natural resources)

Teacher Day (about the profession of teaching)

Welcome home Vietnam Vets day (kinda like a second Veteran's Day).

Another thing to note is that this says it ENCOURAGES schools to observe them, so if you send your kid to some ultra conservative school, chances are your kid won't be coming home to tell you all about how a man named after dairy influenced many generations.

If you happen to see this petition floating out there, get the facts before you sign. It isn't what it reads. You might has well sign one for making facebook free too while you're at it!*

Btw, it was already passed by the Senate on May 14, 2009 and is awaiting approval by the Assembly before our beloved Govenator signs it into effect.

*i know facebook is free, this is a reference to the urban legend that will start charging one day.

To Do List before Oct 09

This month is a cooking to-do list.

1. Cook 30 meals (includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
2. Post 10 homemade recipes
3. Use 10 new ingredients
4. Crack open recipe books and cook from each of them at least once
5. Re-organize cabinets (it's a thing to do every 6 months)

Yup, that's about it...

Fake Quiche and Turkey Apple Sausage Recipes

Sometimes I just don't have time to cook full on meals. On those days, I revert to old home recipes like our fake quiche. It isn't really a quiche as it is a egg casserole but the hubby calls it fake quiche so i will too. While it's tasty on it's own, it needs something else, so I make Turkey Apple sausage to go with. YUM!!!


Fake quiche (serves 2)
1/4 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese
4 egg whites
2 whole eggs
3 slices of whole wheat bread
1/4 cup Fat free milk
1-2 cups asparagus (can substitute mushrooms or spinach --I used two cups)
1 tsp I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! spray
1 tsp of seasoning salt
1 clove of garlic

Preheat Oven 375
1. Pull out dish and spray and cover it with butter spray.
2. Slice up bread into little squares and toss into dish.
3. Mix the eggs and milk together.
4. Dice up your veggie of choice and add to egg mixture.
5. Add seasoning salt and garlic and mik one final time.
6. Pour mix on top of bread making sure everything is covered.
7. Add cheese to the top.
Into the oven for 30-40 minutes depending on the size of your dish. Pull out of oven when golden brown on top.


Turkey Apple Sausage (serves 2)

1/4 lb lean ground turkey
1/2 apple
1 tbsp agave syrup
1 dash of poultry seasoning
1 tsp of extra virgin olive oil
1 dash of cinnamon

1. Mix all items in a bowl.
2. Heat pan to med-high and spray lightly with Pam.
3. Make little sausage patties with your hands and place them in the pan.
4. Cook on both sides until done.

Outcome:

Nutrition:
Fake Quiche (per serving)


Turkey Apple Sausage (per serving)

Nothing left but lint in the pockets...

While enjoying the weekend we spent way too much on wine that we rationalized we needed desperately (don't ask how many cases we have now). Yesterday, while I told myself no more spending I found myself at a loss. With the brand new cable and internet at the house (we went from TWC to ATT Uverse), I couldn't figure out how to set up my bluetooth for my camera to wifi upload. So, what did I do? I bought a cable online. Well, with amazon.com, in order to get the free shipping i HAD to add something to the list. What did I add?


source
These cute babies! So, it has begun. I've made a timeline of each month I'll get a few pieces here and there and swap out my old stuff. Hopefully by New Year's, I'll be all decked out in Le Ceuset.

Now must hide my wallet at least for a few more weeks.

:)

Where's the fast forward button?

I'm not one to complain but can't this summer be over and done with? I miss cool and quiet nights were you can open the windows and all we'd hear is the fountain. Instead, we keep them shut to keep all the refrigerated air inside and the noise from the AC out. I'm done with tank tops and flip flops (okay, not really on the latter, i can't live without my flip flops). I'm ready to put those short skirts away and pull out my nice warm leggings and big comfy sweaters. As much as I adore wearing summer dresses 24/7, I'm willing to suck it up and bust out the Uggs and knee high boots.

Today's forecast:

During the day: High: 97 °F RealFeel®: 101 °F
At night: Low: 65 °F RealFeel®: 65 °F (only 65? uggh!)

So who's with me, who wants to help me overthrow this Indian summer and make fall come quicker then usual?

Things I want = Things I need

I'm totally rationalizing this post because well, I really really want them. T-minus 68 days till my bday and I'm already giving the hubby a list of things I want. On the top of my list is that shed I blogged about a while back. Now, adding to the list, there are a number of kitchen things I want:


Le Creuset 13 1/4" x 10 1/2" Stoneware Deep Dish Baker

Le Creuset 3-Quart Covered Square Baker

Le Creuset® Citrus Multicolor Prep Bowls (Set of 4)

Le Creuset® 10-Ounce Stoneware Mortar and Pestle - Cherry


and because this is ultra cool:

Le Creuset® 2-Quart Moroccan Tagines

Le Creuset 5 3/4-Quart Covered Oval Dish

Photo source
In the words of Rachel Zoe... I DIE!