Six Pack Sunday: Pizza Gear and Summer Beer
Now that the sunburn has finally stopped sizzling, I guess it’s official. Memorial Day Weekend is in full swing, and that can only mean one thing: Summer time, baby. The living isn’t really “easy” or even that different, but there’s a shift in my mentality, knowing that I only have about 14 days left at the office, and about a month before I start my gradual move to the North (Philadelphia by way of Ocean City, NJ… quite the exodus, yes?)
Luckily, today also means Six Pack Sunday. So there’s that.
1. Sunshine Wine
The gang’s all here
Before this weekend, I’d never made sangria before. But I a Sangria newbie NO MORE! Following (mostly) this recipe for a “light” tropical Sangria from Cosmopolitan, I put it in the fridge Friday night and hoped for the best. Luckily, what I created received rave reviews from my friends.
I nixed the lime slices in favor of lime juice, added a peach and a bit of Splenda, along with an airplane bottle of lime rum which has been sitting in my apartment for way too long.
I tasted better than that picture looks…
It was the perfect treat for poolside sunning.
2. A Running Fool
So I know I’ve referenced the Doughman a few times, and yesterday posted a teaser of my sexy costume. But it wasn’t all about eating and costumes and silliness. We actually had to run! And so, on Wednesday, I fought some crazy crowds in downtown Durham to practice my route.
Cheesing
The pride you see on my face is from running the 1.8 mile course in 18 minutes, after getting a little turned around, and drenching my body in sweat. TOTALLY worth it to not get lost on Saturday morning.
3. Summer Beer
Ta DA!
Clearly, I’m a fan, as demonstrated by my newest Untappd badge.
4. Chicken… AND waffles?!
That chicken is what my heart looks like, too.
Oh my gosh.
More on that later.
5. I got Pizza on my Chest, but Don’t Call Me a Pizza Chest
I may not be a fashionista…. but I gotta say, I’m not a fan of this.
Umm.
The Pizza Shirt is just a LITTLE too realistic looking for me.
And given the fact that my beau is a notorious pizza hound, I probably shouldn’t get one of these any time soon, for fear of him actually eating me up.
6. Just Call Me Speedo Sally
Yesterday, I was up and wearing a bathing suit by 6:15 am.
….ready?
I don’t think I’ve done that since I was like… 11.
Who is this crazy Jordy girl?
Speaking of Speedos, I think I gotta toss on my bikini and get back to the pool.
Are you a Sangria fan?
What’s your favorite poolside bevvy?
Dough-minated
A spicy vegan tako, 1.8 BRUTAL miles in the NC sunshine, a quick paddle in the pool, lotsa bites of the teammate’s fried green tomato sammy, cheering my face off, a MONSTER vanilla + almond buttercream cupcake, 1/2 a chocolate chunk cookie, and a final run push. Now I relax. Thanks to everyone who made my dreams of The DOUGHMAN a reality!
Pardon the stains on my mirror, I’m a gross creature.
Full recap in the future. Time to relax, Memorial Day Weekend style.
You can find me at the pool.
The Hazards of Being Fabulous
I know, I know, it seems like all I talk about these days is Zumba. How I dress for it, how much I love it, how great it is. Whatever, old news, right?
Well, did you ever know how dangerous Zumba can be?
It’s risky to shake it as hard as I do, sometimes.
Let me explain.
Certain instructors like to split the room in half and work the room in a dance-off. A battle of epic, Step Up proportions. And these are excellent times. On Monday, I visited Women’s Only Workout in Chapel Hill for the first time (membership is a perk from the Healthiest You Challenge). I figured I’d tour it and try a Zumba class. Only my fellow participants weren’t exactly as hyped up as I’m used to. While I was hooting and hollering, they were sort of silent coyotes, dancing without words. So, when the room was split up, the instructor called me out.
Instructor: “Who do you Zumba with? Like, who taught you?”
Me: “Oh, goodness, like… any and every instructor, really.”
Instructor: “Well, class, you gotta Zumba like THIS GIRL! Get into it, let’s hear some noise!”
Me – “Challenge ACCEPTED.”
That was a challenge, right? So I decided to REALLY bring it.
The side vs. side dance-off began simply enough, lots of shaking and shimmying.
Then, we took it to the next level. We’re talking booty-popping, locking, and dropping. So I decided to top it off with a grand finale, guaranteed to garner cheers and joy from my fellow Zumb-ers.
After shaking my way to the center, I thrust my hand in the air (like so):
You know what’s coming
Then, in an epic gesture, I dropped it low and SMACKED the floor. Like this:
MAKE THAT FLOOR WISH IT WAS NEVER LAID!
And, the moment I spanked the living daylights out of that floor, I felt it. Right in my hand, a searing pain that one might expect to get had they slapped a brick wall for sassing them, or had their hands rapped with rulers for being snarky in school. So, I continued to dance as the crowd roared with laughter and cheering and claps. But what I WANTED to do was this:
MOTHER OF ALL THINGS HOLY THAT HURT!
The result?
Hand bruises are no jokes, y’all.
What did we learn from today’s lesson, friends?
Winning a Zumba dance off is worth any and all pain.
I don’t regret a thing.
Monday’s Miseducation
So, I learned a lot of things this weekend.
My frenemy, Mary.
Bloody Marys and I don’t get along. Or, more accurately, we maybe get along too well. I’d never tried one before this weekend, and apparently, they do an exceedingly good job of masking the taste of alcohol. Dangerous for this girl. Belated apologies to everyone that had to deal with me after the effect kicked in, I think that’s the last time I’ll be enjoying (?) that particular soupy cocktail.
Vacations are a lot less relaxing when you spend most of the time traveling, even after the initial traveling to get to your destination.
If this article is true, I’m going to live FOREVER.
Wahoo!!!! (Wa-Foo?)
The Foo Fighters put on one hell of a live show.
If DJ Pauly D is performing IN NEW JERSEY, you really should get in line quite early. Or else you won’t see him. Luckily, there were plenty of other fist pumping moments to deal with over the weekend.
Who YOU calling ugli, fruit?
Ugli Fruit are real things. This is not a joke. And, despite their mottled and lumpy exterior, their insides are juicy citrusy fruits that taste a lot like grapefruit. So if you’re into that kinda thing, be my guest.
Still warm…
Oui oui
New Jersey’s got the breakfast situation on LOCK. Plump, warm everything bagels, thick slices of Taylor pork roll, enough butter to swim in…. Mama likes it.
Oh, and something I learned today?
If this creature is allowed to exist on the planet, the end is probably nigh.
SPAWN OF SATAN!
I hope y’all are at peace with your makers. Or really good with bugs….
Any bits of juicy knowledge you learned this weekend? (They don’t ALL have to be related to Jersey.)
Healthiest You Challenge: Progress!
Oh.
My.
Goodness.
HELLO, new friend!
THAT is a number I haven’t seen in quite some time. And even that one time I saw it, it was only once. And only for a brief second. And there was a .5 added to it.
What I’m trying to say is WHOAH I got some progress going on!
When I started this Healthiest You Challenge, I weighed in at 178. Which is actually 37 lbs lighter than when I started. But still 13 lbs above my ultimate goal. And I know that weight isn’t the only measure of progress, so I wanted to share some other progress made.
I’m doing 50 pushups a day. Not in a row, mind you. But over the course of the day, in sets of 10, I’m doing them. And I’m feeling stronger.
I’m mixing up my workouts.
Feeling that burn!
That is a combination of a Muscle Conditioning Class and the Core class right after. I’ve definitely been neglecting strength training lately, being all cardio and Zumba obsessed. But this glass challenged ALL of my muscles, and I was sore in places I haven’t even thought about in years. The use of weights, resistance bands, steps, and sliding disks made for a variety of exciting new exercises that kept me challenged.
Holy 191 HR!
The High Intensity Training (don’t mind that extra I in the text on the image) class is described like this:
H.I.T. only lasts 45 minutes as opposed to 60 minutes, but it is done at near maximal intensity the entire time. Cardio circuit after cardio circuit, muscular circuit after muscular circuit, the class will keep your heart pounding from start to finish, with minimal rest and maximum effort. As with any class particpants can make it as hard as they wish, with safety always coming first in the form of various options and modifications, but as a general rule of thumb, this class is not for the faint of heart.
I’ll be honest, NOTHING about that sounds fun. And, compared to choreographed workout classes, it wasn’t “fun”, per se. But it WAS hard, and exciting, and I felt like I was shocking my muscles with moves like Burpees with the Bosu ball and standing-on-one-leg bicep curls and EXPLOSIVE jumps from a standing position. I think I rocked it.
I’m also tracking all my food intake on My Fitness Pal and have gotten a lot better about not overdoing it over the weekend. That doesn’t mean it’s been smooth sailing.
There have been bumps (sometimes, in the shape of a family sized box of Wheat Thins split between two ladies on a Sunday evening…)
Family of two, anyone? (And yes, that’s the infamous Brian Krakow a la My So-Called Life on the screen behind the box.)
But it’s working. I’m getting over my plateau with hard work, and dedication. And knowing I have a team behind me, cheering me on as they work for the same goal as me, that’s another welcome addition to the party.
This Healthiest You Challenge is actually making me feel like the healthiest Jordan I’ve been in a long time. But don’t worry, I haven’t changed all that much….
Still taking life as seriously as ever.
Thanks to everyone for their support so far, June 8th is approaching quickly and I really hope I can reach my goal (or at least get a little closer!!)
Six Pack Sunday: Glows, Games, and Girls
Whoah. A Sunday not spent on the road (or on a plane, or checking in for a flight, or anything of that sort). An easy Sunday where I didn’t set an alarm, I just woke up, at some stuff, watched some stuff, and (later) I’ll sit by the pool and stuff. If I feel like it.
I don’t get many Sundays like this lately, so it’s essential to make the most of it.
Clearly, “making the most of it” translates to “writing a Six Pack Sunday” post.
1. Games (Well, really just one Game [of Thrones])
Halloween Costume this year?
I don’t have HBO at my apartment. I do, however, have internet, and a family that LOVES HBO, traditionally. THIS means that I have access to HBOGO. For some reason, this didn’t sink in (despite my hours spent watching junk on Netflix). But, since I finished the Mad Men offerings on my go-to-streaming site, it was time for a change. And, fancy that, there’s a show running featuring dragons, kings and queens, lovers, warriors, sword fights, and magic. Basically, every single thing that I used to read about every day of my childhood/adolescence. Terry Goodkind, Maggie Furey, Robert Jordan, Tolkien, Tamora Pierce….
Yup, I’m hooked.
2. Behold the Power of Precious
I love Jellyfish. We’ve covered this before, as I have them decking my home’s walls and counter tops.
On a second, unrelated note, I have no interest in having a child anytime in the near future.
But, let me share with you something that made my womb ache with the need to produce a little one, just so I could deck him/her in this glory:
eeeeeeeeeeee!
Don’t worry, the squealing faded as my proximity to the onesie decreased. But for a moment there, I contemplated stealing the nearest baby to raise as my own and dress in ONLY jellyfish gear.
Too much.
3. Ain’t No Party Like a Cheese Party…
….because a cheese party’s GOT CHEESE!
Let me explain.
As I’m leaving my company (and the state of North Carolina) at the end of June, they wanted to put together a little farewell dessert thing for me. However, despite the occasional sweet tooth, dessert isn’t really my favorite thing. But you know what is?
Cheese!
I requested advice from my various social networks for cheese recs, and have decided that a cheese plate is the ONLY way to bid me farewell. I am happily welcoming any other cheese suggestions. This Wensleydale with Cranberries came HIGHLY recommended from several sources, though. So it’s definitely going on the list.
4. Flower Power
well, almost a flower
This is an artichoke down to the last layers. And it is BEAUTIFUL!
More importantly, it’s a delicious, healthy treat.
For future reference for all my suitors and fans, in lieu of flowers, I will accept bouquets of artichokes.
5. Girls Gone… Something
I know I’m far behind but, as I mentioned above, I just found the joy of HBOGO. This means, I just watched (all 4 episodes of) Girls.
I shared my thoughts with my buddy ClaireB already, but here they are for the rest of the world (and for posterity, I guess):
I HATE the lead (Hannah). She’s like this deplorable character that reminds me of Betty Draper from Mad Men, who I also hate. I was so proud of her speech to that guy, and then was like UGH you rat letting him touch you again, get that squirrel dick away from me.
I LOVE Shoshanna. She may be my favorite character.I’m feeling the same way about Jessa as I did Juno (from Juno). I kind of like her, and then I feel uncomfortable with her talking to the dad of those kids.Marnie, poor Marnie. I feel sad for her, b/c Charlie seems like such a tool, but a lovable tool, and I imagine that he’s hard to get rid of. I’d like to see her character get more developed.
Triangle Bucket List: Dos Perros in Durham
Dos Perros. Two dogs. Seems simple enough, right?
However, when placed in downtown Durham, NC, these two dogs are transformed into a magnificent Mexican spot perfect for date night or a get together with two ladies. Since my main squeeze is located in Philadelphia (without me, for the next few months), I opted for my other partner-in-(legal)-crime: Melissa. And, though our initial destination was Dame’s, plans changed and we ended up in a different Durham restaurant, but EQUALLY on my Triangle Bucket List.
Solid lineup
The menu wasn’t too long, but it had everything we needed. Dinner, appetizers, and, of course, cocktails!
Bevvies? BUENO!
Melissa ordered the Dos Perros Sangria: “Hibiscus, citrus, seasonal fruit and red wine, mixed into an addictive beverage.”
I opted for the always-popular classic margarita: “Fresh orange and lime juice, just a dash of sugar, and, of course, tequila. If you agree that a margarita should be tart and refreshing, you’ll love it.”
I have to admit, after trying both our beverages, the margarita came out on top. Then again, anything with tequila, fresh lime juice, and rimmed with salt is all I need to be satisfied. I will say that Dos Perros offers a load of craft beers on their extensive drink menu, but, when in Rome…
Speaking of menus, I’d scoped their dinner menu out for quite some time before we headed to our seats (we had a bit of a wait, though nothing too off-putting), so I knew some ideas of what I wanted. What we got was a mixed bunch of goodies (and… not AS goodies).
Chips and (tomatillo?) salsa
Hell of a heap of guac
The guacamole started the meal off on the best note possible. Creamy with just the right amount of chunks (yay corn!), this guacamole order for $5 was delicious and hearty! A rather large serving, that didn’t stop us from virtually (actually?) licking the bowl.
No worries, because our meal came shortly after we’d finished.
Empanadas!
As Melissa and I are both fond of sweet potato ANYTHING, we were all on board for the Sweet potato empanadas with chipotle, fig sauce (for $7).
I’ll admit, the empanadas themselves were actually not all that life-changing. It was the sauce that brought the dish home for me. The sweet mixed with the savory, salty fried pastry completed this plate. We split this order, as well as a “main dish”.
Yeah, baby!
Lamb enchiladas w/ tomato-red pepper salsa. With shredded cabbage, avocado, queso fresco ($16).
The ends of these (3) enchiladas were actually a little dry. That’s all that I can complain about, though. The lamb inside was tender and the queso fresco on top of everything was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Again, the sauce (or, in this case, salsa) was slathered over all the best bites, and I even enjoyed some of the rice (which I normally avoid like the plague.)
I wish we’d opted to replace the pinto beans with black beans, but the whole plate worked. It worked a-okay.
Since we got a patio seat outside, we enjoyed our dinner outside, lit by candles. However, by 9pm, it was a little too chilly for us (who hadn’t thought to bring jackets or sweaters, in hopes that we could trick our body into believing that it was already summer) so we migrated inside for the grand finale (finale grande?)
HELL to the yeah!
Mole poblano ice cream topped with house-made granola. I don’t remember the price of this, but it was totally worth it, whatever it was.
One bite seemed sweet and sumptuous, the next bite possessed a spicy kick that reminded you what an amazing feeling taste-dissonance can be. This ice cream…. just go get it. It’s ethereal.
Though there were not-so-highs during this dinner, nothing was bad and there were a few standouts that I’d go back again and again to enjoy.
The Triangle Bucket List continues to be a booming success. I can’t wait to see what’s next…
What’s your favorite taste combination? Salty sweet? Spicy and creamy? hot and cold?
