Snow time like the present...

Finally! After months of rain and snow dancing in the front yard (while clad in a grass skirt and shaman's headdress). We finally got some snow in Boulder. Over 14 inches in that one storm! Check out the back yard after the dumping. Hurray - the lawn got some much needed water!

The Road to Running

This is it. This week is the beginning of my training. I’m going to run a marathon this year.

I’m not entirely new to the sport of running. I was on the high school cross country team (battling it out with three other girls for last place). I’m not a fast runner. But I love it for so many deep and superficial reasons.

1. When I run a lot, I look good and can eat guilt free.
2. Running is the cheapest therapy there is.
3. I feel accomplished.
4. The dog gets exercise.

I’ve done about 8 half marathons over the course of the past few years, so I think I’m ready (or hope I’m ready) to tackle this next challenge. I’m using Joe Henderson’s 100 day program to your best race. The training involves longer miles on the weekend, but pretty short and easy runs during the week, which I think will work best for my ever hectic lifestyle (she says from the comfort of her home computer while nestled snuggly in her pajamas at 3 in the afternoon).

Wish me luck! The goal is to be ready to Rock ‘n’ Roll at the Seattle Washington Marathon on June 27th, 2009. I’ll keep you posted on the progress. And, somehow a few friends and I also got into the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco this October. So, I guess I really am going to accomplish this goal this year, one way or another!

Sushi Party 乾杯

I had heard rumors of people making sushi (maki - the cut rolls) on their own – but it seemed like so much work. Way too complicated to actually accomplish on one’s own. However, over Christmas I was buying some presents at the book store when a little $7 “Do-It-Yourself” kit caught my eye in the checkout line. It was for Sushi! My husband loves nothing else as much as he loves a sushi dinner, but those of you who actually go out for this know that once you have a few drinks and your favorite rolls, the bill can be anywhere from $60 – over $100! So, I figured I could give it a try. This could be a little project we undertake together. It ended up being the best purchase ever made! Really, the California rolls are easy and fun – but if you get fresh fish from Whole Foods – you can make any of the rolls you would buy for at least 1/3 of the cost! We also discovered that it’s a great way to plan a party. Everyone gets involved in the making of the sushi, and you have plenty of time to drink, eat, experiment and have a blast!

Here’s how to have a rockin’ sushi party, and what you’ll need….

Rice (a rice cooker is VERY useful)
Seaweed (available in the Asian section of the super market)
Bamboo Mat (to roll the Sushi on)
Cling Wrap (to avoid your bamboo getting rice all over it)
Rice Vinegar (to keep the rice from getting too sticky on your hands)
Cucumber (any other stuffers you’d like)
Avocado
Fresh fish of your choice
Some toasted poppy or sesame seeds.

Step 1:

Using your hands mash an even layer of rice onto the seaweed (I like to have the rice on the outside for a "tighter" roll - called Uramaki). The rice vinegar on your hands will keep the rice from sticking to you - and help it stick to the seaweed.

Step 2:

Now flip your rice over so that the rice is face down on the Saran wrap. Now you lay strips of what you want inside. For a California roll you can shred Crab, Avocado, and Cucumber. Optional is a thin strip of spicy mayo. Once your "insides" are all lined up - you're ready to roll!

Step 3:

Now you just need to roll! Make sure to use your mat to create a tight cylinder so that its easier to cut when you are done. the Saran wrap will also ensure the rice only sticks to itself.

Step 4:

Cut and Serve! Its time to enjoy your awesome Sushi. I also recommend serving Edamame (something for guests to eat while you make these terrific rolls).

You can also cut fresh fish (Sashimi) or serve over a ball of rice for a simple and pure sushi tase. どうぞめしあがれ (douzo meshiagare) enjoy your meal!