Day 257

The four of us woke up in Arlington and I made breakfast.

For Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and wheat toast. Coffee.

We had to get back to Seattle so Cassi could go into work.

For Lunch: Tuna salad with lemon stone ground mustard, celery, capers, shallots, olive oil and salt and pepper. I also had some sweet potato fries.

I went into work tonight and it was okay. Not super slow but not chaotic. I am getting sick of wearing my brace all the time when I work. The straps start to dig in to my leg and I have cuts across my thigh now. :(
I got the rest of my shifts covered this week so I can commit myself fully to the last week of school. I have so much work to do I can't add the stress of work.

On a lighter note: I am happy to report that my tomatoes are looking amazing, and so is my swiss chard! Look!

I am home from work now and I haven't eaten anything for dinner. I am hungry but I can't bring myself to eat anything in the apartment, because I am running out of healthy options!

Day 256

For Breakfast: Oatmeal with apples and brown sugar. Coffee.

The four of us drove up to Mt. Vernon today and we went to the co-op.

For Lunch: Ally and I split a chicken tamale and we also had some brown rice wasabi salad.

We came home and had ourselves a real happenin' shindig. We played beer-pong, a game that I really suck at but we had so much fun. Then we made dinner on the grill.

For Dinner: Homemade hamburgers, chicken breast, vegetable skewers, and broiled asparagus. We had a whole bunch of good stuff.

We finished the day by going in the hot-tub and watching Iron Chef America, my absolute favorite show!!

Day 255

I woke up with Cassi this morning and called in to work. I ended up being able to work for somebody and was busy all day. Literally Cassi and I worked together the entire day, until about 9:30.

For Breakfast: Coffee. 

For Lunch: Grilled Chicken breast with carrots and broccolini.

After we got off work we went straight up to Alrington. Ally and Shay are home! We got there and hung out, they waited up for us and Ally made vegetarian chili, yum!

For Dinner: Bowl of Vegetarian chili.

Day 254

For Breakfast: One egg. One piece of toast. Market spice tea.

For Lunch: Tuna with celery, capers, shallots, lemon and EVOO with wheat toast.

I hung out at home most of the day and then went into work. It was pretty busy. Cassi and I went up to Capitol hill and met up with bunch of people. I had a vodka soda and a beer. Everybody wanted to go dancing but I can't dance with my knee. It was hard to be out and feel like the dud.

Cassi and I called it a night and went home, but it was pretty late!

Day 253

For Lunch: Eggplant with marinara, fresh garlic and basil.

When I got home from school I relaxed at home. I tended to my plants on the balcony and made sure they were all happy.

For Dinner: I had some more of the eggplant and marinara dish for dinner.

I took bus downtown and met up with Cassi as she was getting off work. We went up to Capitol Hill and had a beer. It was nice to relax with Cassi, of course we only lasted less than an hour before we retreated home and got in bed.

Day 253

For Breakfast: A bowl of cereal. We found this new stuff at TJs and it is really good. It's called something like Lite morning breakfast blah blah blah. Americano.

I am really happy I don't work tonight and that I don't have class tomorrow. I am really burnt out. I am at school now and I think I might stay on campus after class gets out and do some more work. Who knows how I will feel. Maybe I will go to the gym. I know i cant run or anything but I could do other things like swim, and lift weights.

Day 252

For Breakfast: Coffee. Two eggs and one piece of toast.

I worked on homework all morning and then went to class. We watched the documentary called "Fresh" its about local and organic farming and it is awesome! After class I called in to work and they called me in so I hurried home and changed into the work gear and put on the knee brace. We got absolutely killed! It was so busy.

For Lunch: I had some lentil soup and a green salad before I clocked in at work.

Now I am home and super exhausted and I still feel stressy about school and work and my knee. I don't feel good and I can't shake this cold thing that I have. I hope I am not getting really sick. I can't stop coughing though and that is just about the most annoying thing ever. I have been feeling really off these last few days and I feel like I can't shake this downer mood I have been in. I know it probably has to do with how I am processing my knee re-injury, I just feel crumby and kind of upset all the time. I haven't been sleeping very well either. That probably has a lot to do with it.

I have to go clean up the apartment. Goodnight.

PS- so excited for Ally and Shay to get here. I just can't wait until they are here!

Day 251

I woke up super early this morning and I got ready for my presentation. 

For Breakfast: Americano

My presentation went really well. Basically I had to explain my thesis project to a group of peers, professors, teachers, and advisors. 

For Lunch: One piece of veggie pizza.

I went to work tonight and then came home and watched the biggest loser finale.

For Dinner: Multi-seed baguette, toasted and topped with sauteed eggplant with marinara and fresh basil from the herb garden.

Day 250

Wow, 250 days. It's crazy.

For Breakfast: coffee.

I went to school really early today and worked literally all day on my thesis. I got my shift covered and continued to work into the night. I got my presentation ready for tomorrow and I sent my final draft off to Christina to proofread and edit.

For Lunch: Peanut butter and banana sandwich.

For Dinner: Soup with chicken broth, tofu, rice noodles, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, snap peas and mushrooms with cilantro and basil.

Day 249

For Breakfast: Coffee.

I went to our soccer game today, unfortunately I am back on the sidelines and will be there for the next year, maybe forever. After the game my team gave me a get well soon present. It was so sweet. They gave me a bunch of herbs for my herb garden. 

For Lunch: Salmon with broccoli from work. We went in today so we could eat good food for cheap.

We met up with my parents and just hung out tonight. Cassi and I both worked on some homework and called it a night pretty early. 

We snacked on some crackers too.

Day 248

Woke up nice and early and Cassi and I got ready for the Sounders game. We met out friend Molly for breakfast.

For Breakfast: Two eggs, over medium. Sweet potato biscuits.

The sounders game was really fun. Afterwards Cassi and I had to get into work. It was really busy. Afterwards we grabbed some food at Six Arms up on capitol hill.

For Dinner: Veggie burger with lettuce, tomato, and pickle and a small green salad.

Day 247

For Breakfast: Coffee. A couple of my cookies, they are gone now, won't cause me or my butt any more harm.

For Lunch: Two eggs scrambled with garlic chives from my garden. Piece of toast.

I stayed home all day. Worked on my thesis a bit but mostly I nursed my cramps, took care of this awful cough and fever and put my knee up. That's right I got my period this morning too. Why not, right? I had to call into work because I can't control my cough. Cassi should be home from work soon and I want to cuddle up and go to bed. She is so busy and I am having the worst week ever, so it would be really great if we could just catch a break sometime soon!

For Dinner-ish: I had some popcorn, I also had a banana, that's what I have eaten so far, we will see what else I find around the kitchen.

I scheduled my surgery today. I am going in on June 28th. I will be ready to face it by that time, right now I am still a little angry, but I am slowly working my way to being positive and smiley again. Unfortunately my recovery time might cut into Nana's visit a little. I should be okay by the time she gets here but I will probably still be a little silly.

Day 246

For Breakfast: Coffee. I also had a cookie.

I went to class and then met up with Juliette and Geri for lunch.

For Lunch: Salad of mixed greens, chicken, avocado, and tomatoes. I had a cappuccino too.

Went to the doctor today and got the bad news. I will have surgery at the end of June. I feel awful, yes about my knee, but actually I think I am sick. I have had a fever for the last few nights and I thought it was a weird side effect from the injury, but I feel really terrible. I haven't had a fevery kind of sickness for a while and it's pretty unpleasant.

Day 246

I can't sleep anymore. It's only 7 and I am so anxious to hear what the doctor has to say about my knee. only a couple more hours and then I will have more answers.

Day 245

For Breakfast: Coffee.

I went to Norhgate Mall today while Cassi was at school for her morning class. I had to go to Target and get some things, body wash, dish soap, you know, the usuals.

For Lunch: Sandwich while we we out running errands. Wheat bread with pesto, avocado, bell peppers, lettuce, tomato, olives, pepperoncicnis. It was really good.

Cassi and I went on a small grocery run and then I went to school. I had a couple of friends over tonight to watch Robin Hood Men in Tights. I made lots of food for them. I think it's a coping mechanism.

For Dinner: Vegetarian Black bean and vegetable empanadas with green, red, and avocado salsas. It was awesome.

For Dessert: Homemade Chocolate chip cookies.

I had a beer that Michelle brought. It was okay, but I felt really bloated after I drank it. I really don
t want my new knee injury to be an excuse for letting myself have a bunch of bad food and drink. I need to make sure I am staying on top of it.

Day 244

For Breakfast: Coffee. Oatmeal.

I got up early because I couldn't sleep. I waited until Cassi picked me up to take me to the doctor's appt. When I got there and the nurse brought me back she looked at my knee and was confused. She said, "wait a minute I thought you were just here for your 1 year check up?" I had to explain to her that I was, but on Sunday I took a spill. She looked at the swelling and went to get the doctor right away.

Dr. Larson came in and asked me what was going on, and after barely looking at my knee he told me that he thought I tore my ACL graft. Meaning of course that I have to start all over. He drained my knee using a huge needle, he did this to examine what color the fluid was, he said if it was blood, then it was bad. . . . it was a LOT of blood!

Later today I had an MRI and I go back on Thursday to talk about it and to discuss my options. I feel terrible! I have been so upset all day. Mom and Dad came over after work and we went out to eat.

For Dinner: Dungeness Crab and shrimp caesar salad with no cheese and dressing on the side. Iced tea.

Towards the end of the night I started feeling bad, and got a random fever. I went to bed eventually and sweat it all out.

Day 243

For Lunch: Spinach salad with onion, toasted walnuts, mushrooms, avocado, and bacon with a balsamic vinaigrette. Cassi brought home lunch for me from work.

I have spent all day on the couch, icing my knee and laying low. I have been working on my thesis and I am feeling stressed and upset. I feel like I have a lot of work to do before I graduate but I feel like my feelings of stress are being fueled for my anger and sadness about my knee.

For Dinner: Early this evening I made myself a bit of rice with some broccoli. I know it's not the best option but I am limited at what I can do considering I am having a hard time getting around.

It is past 11 now and I am still keeping my leg elevated and on ice. I am sad to report that my knee has gotten progressively more swollen regardless of my constant icing and ibuprofening. I have a doctor's appt tomorrow and am hoping that they will tell me good news, but I am getting a little scared. Cassi says that the swelling is considerable compared to this morning. I will try to get some sleep but I am feeling pretty restless. goodnight. :(

Day 243

Woke up this morning and checked out my knee. It's pretty sore and a little swollen, but I just want to say that it's not even comparable to the pain and the swelling of the first time. We will see how it goes.

For Breakfast: Coffee. Leftover granola from yesterday's breakfast.

Day 242

Cassi and I woke up and decided to walk and get some breakfast. We walked to Portage Bay in South lake Union. It was packed when we got there but so worth the wait. It was a great walk, only about 20 minutes and the fitbit says it was 1.4 miles.

For Breakfast: Coffee. Fresh granola and organic yogurt parfait.

Then we walked home and grabbed our bikes. We went rode into the street fair and met up with our friend Carly. After we had our fill with the street fair we walked down to Agua Verde.

For Lunch: I split an order of Mahi Mahi tacos with black beans and green rice with Cassi and we also had some chips and guacamole.

Cassi and I rode home and relaxed for a bit before our soccer game. Our game was at 4:30 and it was a great game, except something really bad happened. . .  I hurt my knee. I don't know what happened but I tweaked it and heard a pop and went down. I immediately panicked a little and was really upset. My teammates helped me off the field and I sat out the rest of the game. My knee is really sore, I think it's okay and I am confident that I didn't tear anything, I hope it's just a bit of a sprain and it will feel better soon. Keep your fingers crossed!

For Dinner: We went up to a PHO restaurant that we used to go to a lot. We had vegan fresh rolls and I had a Vegetarian bowl of soup with tofu, broccoli, cauliflower, sugar snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, sprouts, fresh basil, and cilantro, with some rice noodles. It is so good!

We came home and I continued to ice my knee, I went to bed pretty early. I'm pretty upset about my knee.

Day 241

For Lunch: Salad with butter lettuce, cannellini beans, radishes, carrots, and balsamic vinaigrette.

I went into work. It was pretty busy. I closed and made some decent money. it was late when we got home but I was so hungry.

For Dinner: Small bowl of High Fiber O's.

Day 241

I just got back from the U District Street Fair. I met up with a friend of mine who just moved to Eastlake and we walked there together. It was so nice and by the time we got home we were pretty tired from all the walking. My fitbit says that I walked six miles! I am so hungry, I am trying to be good so I didn't buy anything at the street fair but now I am just a starvin' marvin. I will have to figure something out for lunch before I go into work.

Day 242

For Breakfast: Coffee.

I woke up this morning with a major headache, I need Coffee. It is another gorgeous day so far and I think I am going to go to the street fair in the University District today. I worked on my thesis for a bit and I think I need to get out there and soak up some sun!

Day 241

For Dinner: I thawed some salmon filets and made a fresh herb rub. I used oregano, thyme, basil, and parsley all from my herb garden, I also used fresh garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and Extra Virgin olive oil and lemon juice. I whisked it all together until it was like a nice thick pesto and coated the top of my salmon with it. I cooked the salmon using a method that I had never used before. I wanted to bake it but i didn't want to stink up the kitchen with salmon smell. So, I placed the filets in aluminum foil and created a closed dome. Then I put it on the grill and 12 minutes later, my salmon was perfectly cooked and zero cleanup. It was so good!

Cassi and I met up with Juliette and the three of us went to a movie. We saw the new Robin Hood with Russel Crowe. Every time I see Russel Crowe I think of my nana, she thinks he's dreamy. I bet she will like this movie, it's fun.

Then home and to bed!

Day 241

For Breakfast: Coffee. Blueberry muffin from Louisa's Bakery. (not a healthy choice, but sometimes it's just worth it, ya know?)

Cassi went to school and to volunteering today. I stayed home and worked some more on my thesis. I walked down to the P-Patch down the road and relaxed and worked in the sun. It was amazingly beautiful today. In the low 70's. When it was time to pick Cassi up from volunteering I decided to go and pick up a quick bite for us at World Wraps.

For Lunch: Salmon, rice, avocado, cucumber, daikon sprouts, and a spicy wasabi sauce in a spinach tortilla.

Unfortunately I had to go into work tonight, and I am already home. Friday nights I am in a section at work that makes me the first one to be phased, as a result I go home without making any money on a night like tonight. I just got home and finished the dishes. I am trying to decide what to make for dinner, Cassi will be home soon and I would like to have dinner ready; she has such a long day on fridays.

My plants are absolutely loving this weather, the herbs are growing so well, and it's so funny how they change direction with the sun. My italian parsley is enormous! I have tiny green tomatoes that have developed on one of my tomato plants. I can't wait!

Day 240

For Lunch: Cassi and I walked down to Grand Central Bakery. We split a portobello mushroom sandwich and a small green salad. I also had a coffee.

I worked all day on my thesis and then got ready to go to volunteering tonight. I had so much fun! We cooked black bean enchilada casserole. Sesame noodles, Orzo and asparagus salad, and Rhubarb and apple crisp. I had such a great time, and we cooked so much food!!!!

I took home some sesame soba noodles, they were really good!

Day 240

For Breakfast: Coffee.

It is supposed to be in the seventies today and I am not wasting this opportunity. I already have all my windows open, I'm about to go put my tank and shorts on and I am determined to get some sun! I have another community kitchen tonight and I am really excited! It's a shame that I will have to cut my love affair with the sun short though. I have to be there at five and that is serious primo sun time.

I am going to go find a place to sit in the sun and work on my thesis! adios!

Day 239

For Breakfast: Coffee. Spinach, pepper, and mushroom omelet.

I worked on my thesis the entire morning and when Cassi got home from school we went for a jog, only a couple of miles, but we had to get out in the sun. It is so nice.

For Lunch:  Black beans cooked down with some salsa and a couple of corn tortillas. Cassi and I are really running low of food, but we don't have the money to grocery shop so we are eating what's in our cupboards.

For Dinner: I made Cassi some rice and I had a small portion of that, and I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Awful choices but it's what we have.

Class was okay today, I am not really liking the Queer 101 class. I feel like it could be about so much more than 'coming out' stories and presentations on homophobia. But, I am not the one planning it, and I am still glad I am taking it. It just seems weakly thought out. I am feeling better and better about my thesis every day. Lots of work left to do, but I have already done a substantial amount which makes feel good.

Day 238

For Breakfast: Coffee.

I made cookies last night for my thesis class today. It was my turn to bring in snacks and I figured I needed to do something homemade, from scratch. Las time I made cookies was at home with my mother and her kitchen-aid. I forgot how much strength it takes to beat the butter and sugar by hand! Someday I'll have one of those! Regardless of my cramped-up arm the cookies turned out really good! And the people loved them!

After school I came home and continued to work on my thesis. I had a meeting with Christina tonight. We talked for a really long time about the project. I am always so stoked about it when I talk to her. I feel like it is all I can think about lately and I can't wait to pull it all together because I know it's going to be fantastic.

For Dinner: Grilled Mahi Mahi tacos with black beans.

Day 237

For Breakfast: Coffee.

I woke up this morning feeling totally stressed out about my thesis project. I literally worked on it all day and got to a point where I felt better about it.

For Lunch: Tofu Stir fry with Shitake, bell peppers, and broccoli in a lime soy glaze. I made the sauce using, garlic, soy sauce, lime, brown sugar, and cayenne. It was real good.

For Dinner: Some whole wheat penne in a homemade tomato sauce. i used Alta-cucina tomatoes, fresh Basil, Parsley, and Oregano from my herb garden and  garlic etc.

Day 236 (sunday)

Happy Mother's Day!

For Breakfast: Americano from Caffe Fiore. And a bowl of Life at the condo.

We went to the market nice and early. I passed out flyers and we got some flowers for mom. The market is such an amazing place to get the flowers and it's a good thing we went early because when we were walking around later we noticed that all the flower stands were completely cleaned out!

For Lunch: Sandwich with turkey breast, tomato and onion with spicy sauce on a toasty baguette. (from The Other Coast Cafe)

Mom, Dad, and Josh got down around 2 and we went out on the boat. We had a great time, we cruised down towards where the triathlon is being held and we scoped it out. It was so nice out today!

For Dinner: We went to this pizzeria joint up on Queen Anne. We had some great salads and shared a pizza. Mom ordered this Eggplant and Zucchini appetizer that was absolutely delicious!

Day 235 (Saturday)

I spent most of Saturday morning handing out flyers at the farmer's market for the Community Kitchens Fundraiser. Cassi and I went to the market early and got two tomato plants and when she had a break from work she came home and we planted them together. We also bought some tiny little swiss chard starters!

Isn't it the greatest? And what a planter, eh? Thanks Dad!

I'm sorry I have been so behind in posting. I really have been busy with my project.

For Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with some tiny tortillas.

I went to work tonight. It was pretty busy! I closed the restaurant so I did make some money. After work Cassi and I went over to the condo and cleaned it for mother's day. We figured it was something that she would appreciate a lot. So we vacuumed and windexed and made the beds etc. etc. Then to bed! (we spent the night there because we went to the Ballard market in the morning)

More Progress Photos!

I'm getting there . . .

Day 234

For Breakfast: Mushroom and bell pepper omelette with fresh chives from my herb garden! Coffee.

I ran 4.6 miles this morning, my fitbit said my pace was at about 8:31/mile. That's faster than I usually go at the gym, I guess I need to up my pace. I ran a total of 20 miles this week, isn't that crazy? I feel like I have reached a point where it's not absolutely dreadful anymore, i almost enjoy it.

For Lunch: Salad with grilled chicken, butter lettuce, sauteed shitake mushrooms, hearts of palm, sunflower seeds, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

We went to work and then to see Kyle play up in Snohomish. It was good that work was slow so we got up there nice and early, but bad that it was slow because our cash flow is at about zilch. The show was great, kyle sounded amazing. We got home really late and went straight to bed.

Day 233

I went to my first Community Kitchens night at the Rainier Community Center. When I got there I helped prep some food, chopped some garlic, sliced some tomatoes etc. This specific kitchen is a family kitchen so the parents bring their children and while they cook in the kitchen the kids do activities. Before I knew it there were 16 kids all running around. Well, if you know me, you know that I love kids! We made granola bars, made mother's day cards. I got cheerleading lessons from a 5 year old and broke up a hair pulling match in-between two 3 year olds. It was fantastic! As for the dinner menu, we made salmon cakes, tabouli  with quinoa, many a green salad etc. The food that everybody made was fantastic, at this particular kitchen we all sit down at the end of the night and eat together. It is really an amazing experience. I had such a great time and can't wait to do it again next week!

Day 233

For Breakfast: Coffee. Cassi made me a half of a toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

I worked out at the gym this morning for 3 hours. I ran 4 miles and then I walked 1 1/2 for a cool down. After that I did a full set of dumbbell arm workout. After that I felt like I was going to vomit so I did the natural thing and did ten minutes of quick stairs on the stair master. After that was all said and done I calmed myself down in the sauna. I showered and got ready and now I am up at school waiting for my class to start. I am working on my thesis and I am happy to say that i have all of my pictures cropped and fine-tuned for the book.

I have my first Cooking Class tonight! I am really excited.

Community Kitchens Northwest Fundraiser Dinner

June 4th
6:30 - 9:00
Wallingford Community Senior Center

http://www.communitykitchensnw.org/2010/04/tickets-now-available-for-first-cknw-fundraiser/

Day 232

For Breakfast: Coffee.

I had my first meeting with Community Kitchens Northwest (CKNW) today. It went really well and I am excited to get started. I already have lots to do! My main agenda is to help promote the fundraiser dinner they are having in June. It's really important that we get as many people from the community as possible. I am going to try hard to lure people my way! The meeting lasted a really long time and it was already time for lunch when I picked up Cassi from school.

For Lunch: A couple of tacos, homemade of course. Last night I made that chicken that was in the crock-pot for a few hours. It was so great topped with a little fresh pico de gallo and folded into a small white corn tortilla. It is after all Cinco De Mayo!

I went to class and today was my long day. I am finally home now and have been doing some great work. I am waiting for Cassi to get home and then we will have some more of my pico, chicken, and I just finished making some fresh guacamole.

I am feeling a little overwhelmed about all the work I have to do on my thesis. I better dig into it!

Day 232

For Breakfast: One piece of oat toast with local organic marionberry jam from the farmer's market. Coffee.

I had Cassi drop me off at the gym this morning. I was feeling so pumped up from my big run yesterday, I wanted to keep going so I went today adn ran another 3 miles on the tread mill and also walked 2 more miles. My legs are so tired but it really payed off I lost another pound! This is a big milestone for me because this pound puts me under 150. I am now offically 149 lbs. This is equal to 3 lbs under what I weighed when I graduated high school. I still have plenty to lose but I am feeling fantastic!

For Lunch: Whole Wheat baguette with tuna, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, capers, lemon, and olive oil. I also had some carrots, celery and a banana.

I spent a lot of time in the kitchen this afternoon. I deboned a whole chicken I had in the freezer and have now I have it stewing in the crockpot with a spicy onion, pepper, and tomato broth. It will be ready for Cinco de Mayo tomorrow. 

For Dinner: Cassi and I just ate some tortilla chips with homemade salsa. (onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeno, lime, black beans, and avocado with salt and pepper.)

Some More Photos!

Day 231

Cassi and I went for a run today. Guess what!!!! I ran 6.92 miles non-stop. It took us 1 hour and 7 minutes. It was amazing and I feel so good. After we got home I made us some good lunch.

For Lunch: Fresh Tomato and basil salad (the basil is from my herb garden!) and grilled asparagus with grilled tofu that was seasoned with my fresh oregano and thyme. I also had a banana and some 7 grain crackers.

I showered and went to work. It was slow but I was the only one there so I did make some money. Now I am home and just ate some dinner.

For Dinner: Spinach salad with grilled chicken crimini mushrooms, bell peppers, slivered almonds, radishes, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Day 231

My class is cancelled today and I am sitting here waiting to see if I have to go into work. I told Cassi I would be on call for her today because she has so much homework. The sun is finally shining here, don't get me wrong, it's not warm or anything but it is shining for the time being which makes me happy. When I woke up this morning the first ting I did was go and look at my new planter out on the balcony. It is so great and an absolutely perfect size. I think I am going to plant some small tomato varieties and maybe a few more herbs. I thought about growing lettuce, or spinach or something. I will have to do some research.

I talked to Shay, my sister's hubby, last night. I am excited for them to come back into town. I love when everybody is here and we get to see each other without taking a plane ride. They will be home in a month, and will be here for my graduation! Speaking of graduation, I am getting close. I can see the end and it's not that far away, which is exciting and scary. I have a lot of work to do, but I am excited to be done.

For Breakfast: Two eggs. Coffee.

Day 230

For Lunch: Minestrone/ seafood soup. My mom made this and she had some leftover, we ate it for lunch today, it was very good!

We went down to Seattle and hung out at the condo. We got some of our Thai food to go and ate it there. We only ordered a couple things because we weren't that hungry after the soup at home. We went to REI and looked at a few things. It was a long day of fun and we got so much done!

Day 230

For Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs. Toast, and Coffee.

The first thing we did today is make a large planter for my balcony. I told Dad what I had in mind and in no time he whipped it right up! I am so excited to get some more plants and make myself a great little garden! Cassi and I painted it dark green it, I will post pictures soon!

After the planter was finished the four of us (Cassi, Mom, Dad, and me) harvested Stinging nettles from the property. I have heard so many times now about the amazing nutritional benefits of eating Nettles, and I saw them at the market yesterday. We have so many nettles on our property we could eat nettles everyday for the rest of the season! I looked it up, did you know that Nettles is 40% protein? and more than 100% of the daily recommended Vitamin A? They say its one of the healthiest things you can eat and you can use it in anything you would use cooked spinach in. I will let you know how it tastes!

After our Nettles adventure we went on a hike. Mom has the horse/hiking trails in really good shape and we took a real nice vigorous hike.

Now we are back at the house and are planning on heading down to Seattle. We want to incorporate our nettles into the thai soup we usually have, we will see how that works out.

Day 229

For Breakfast: Coffee. Bran Muffin.

We went to the market today and got some great swiss chard, homemade jam and some locally grown potatoes.

I dropped Cassi off at work and then came home and did laundry and went to the grocery store. We needed a huge order.

For Lunch: Two eggs with Oat toast and sauteed Swiss Chard.

I went in to work and it wasn't too bad. Then straight up to Arlington to hang out with the parents. We walked over to Jody and Gregs across the river and played shuffle board and chatted with everyone.

I ate something quick at work before we came up to Arlington.

For Dinner: Grilled Chicken Breast and steamed broccoli.