Are we in the same class?

I work out at a Dojo.  Basically, it's a karate studio that offers Tae Bo and kickboxing classes.  I love it.  It's the perfect way for me to get out aggression.  Sometimes, though, watching other people exercise can serve as a distraction.  My fellow Dojo-er and friend, Jean, sent me this link.  Anyone who attends group exercise classes will sympathize.  Maybe I take my rhythm for granted, but what is going on with these people? 

Starvation, Party of 1

Living on your own presents a unique set of challenges: budgeting, cleaning and worst of all cooking. I’m honest with myself. My cooking skills are elementary at best. I boil water. I toast. I microwave things. If it involves chopping, simmering or braising, I’m useless. Side note…what is braising?!?

I received a grill for Christmas last year. I thought it was simple enough to operate – open, insert food, close. This is what happened when I tried to grill chicken.

Luckily, I had a back-up plan.  Or, more accurately, my parents stocked my freezer with pre-made Trader Joe's meals.  To complement my 1/4 breast of chicken, which was all that I could salvage from the two breasts I started with, I made frozen gnocchis.  I'm not sure who Trader Joe is or what exactly he trades, but without him, I would starve.  Here is the finshed result:

It did not necessarily taste good, but I didn't die or burn anything down.  Success. 

Stay tuned for more misadventures in cooking.  And in the meantime, any suggestions for good take-out?

*Ashley

Friendship: Elizabeth Style

About 2 years ago, I met Elizabeth. She’s my Soul Mate. It’s not like that. We just share the same soul –fabulous. We talk about everything even if it’s uncomfortable because frankly, those topics make us laugh the hardest. We bonded over our love of pump cheese, ‘that’s what she said’ and making fun of people. All friendships should be built upon such rigorous criteria.

Elizabeth is the type of friend that goes beyond the normal limits of friendship, “I will give you a long hug and smell your hair if that's what's missing in your life. I'm sure it smells wonderful, and that's the kind of thing I'm willing to do for you.”

When you get hurt, she actively seeks justice, “My hatred is strong out in the solar system. My reach is far.”

She puts things into perspective when you feel low, “You should actually be glad that you’re not stuck with him or we’d all be saying ‘That Ashley is with a real loser.’ Doesn’t that make you happy?”

Elizabeth gives honest advice with a tinge of humor to make you feel better, “It's annoying when everyone is telling you things will get better. I will be truthful for you. It sucks, and it will suck, so you should wallow in your sadness and let your heart fill with rage. Eat a lot or take up drinking or smoking. That makes you feel better.”

I hope everyone has a friend like Elizabeth to lift your spirits, lighten your load and share ridiculous moments with. Happy 30th birthday, Elizabeth! You’re not getting any younger! :)

Catie, me, Elizabeth

I am me.

This is my life.

It is random.

Mulleticious

It can be intense.

Whack Jack

It might make you think...

The Thinker

but more often, it will make you laugh!

Let me be your favorite distraction.  ;)

*Ashley