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Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Mathilda
I know everything that lives eventually dies – people, plants…dogs. But in a perfect world, we’d get to say when. And right now, I do not say when for my dog Mathilda. I need more time. 
Ten-year-old Mathilda woke up this morning paralyzed in her hind legs. This afternoon she was sedated, x-rayed and examined thoroughly by our vet, and now she’s spending the night at the animal hospital, being fed morphine and steroids in hopes that tomorrow she’ll walk again like the lame man at Bethesada. 
She joined our family when I went to the animal shelter in search of a companion for our Golden Retriever, Jake – a perpetual puppy until his last breath in December. Her original name was “Whimsy,” and she’d obviously been obtained on a whim by her former owners because their excuse for leaving her at the shelter was, “Didn’t have enough time for her.” Poor thing was shaking in her crate, and it was three months later before she barked. Surprised the heck out of all of us, and we praised her like she’d thrown the winning pass in the Super Bowl. (In the photo: Jake, Mathilda and Cooper)
Don’t we all.
Ten-year-old Mathilda woke up this morning paralyzed in her hind legs. This afternoon she was sedated, x-rayed and examined thoroughly by our vet, and now she’s spending the night at the animal hospital, being fed morphine and steroids in hopes that tomorrow she’ll walk again like the lame man at Bethesada. Mathilda is a little of this and a little of that, an odd-looking creature with floppy ears and a freakishly strong tail that will leave bruises on your shins when you scratch her back. Her nickname is Princess Rolls in S*it because she’s all about smells. The more disgusting, the better. She even rolled on a frozen dead fish once.
She joined our family when I went to the animal shelter in search of a companion for our Golden Retriever, Jake – a perpetual puppy until his last breath in December. Her original name was “Whimsy,” and she’d obviously been obtained on a whim by her former owners because their excuse for leaving her at the shelter was, “Didn’t have enough time for her.” Poor thing was shaking in her crate, and it was three months later before she barked. Surprised the heck out of all of us, and we praised her like she’d thrown the winning pass in the Super Bowl. (In the photo: Jake, Mathilda and Cooper) There is so much I could write about Mathilda, but the words I want are disconnected and free floating in my head and making no sense. I’m sad and I’m nervous and am pretty sure I will not sleep much tonight. Mathilda’s fate is in the hands of some very powerful drugs, and I can only hope and pray tomorrow morning she will walk.
I know death is part of pet ownership. But death seems forever away when you’re waiting for baby Rover to pee for the first time outside or when you’re throwing a yarn ball at Kitty. In 8, 10, or 15 years, you have to play God, and while I’ve made “that” decision before, I make a really lousy God. 
Cooper, the late Bungee the Cat (Mathilda's best friend) and Mathilda
Kozy Shack Soy Pudding (Chocolate)
(Photo Credit: Lucky Taste Buds)
I have to admit that the phrase "soy pudding" doesn't sound exciting and appetizing, I had previously tried the Kozy Shack Vanilla Soy Pudding and it wasn't too bad. The consistency was thick, but it did have a slightly soy-ish taste. I decided to try the Kozy Shack Chocolate Soy Pudding to see if I would prefer that variety.
NUTRITION FACTSServing Size: 4 ounces
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 2 grams, 3%
Saturated Fat: 0.5 gram, 3%
Sodium: 80 mg, 3%
Carbohydrates: 23 grams
Fiber: 2 grams, 8%
Sugars: 12 grams
Protein: 4 grams
The chocolate too had a thick consistency, and it looked great. I spooned up some pudding, and was excited to find that I liked this one better than the vanilla - no surprise considering I'm a chocoholic. While this pudding too had a hint of the soy taste, it was pretty much masked by the rich chocolatey flavor.
Each 4 ounce cup provides 120 calories (20 calories more than the vanilla), 2 grams of total fat, 2 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar, and 4 grams of protein. The ingredients are water, organic raw cane sugar, organic hulled soybeans, organic wheat starch, organic cocoa pressed with alkali, organic maltodextrin, organic vanilla extract, carrageenan, and sea salt.
Yamaha EF1000iS 1,000 Watt 50cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)
Powerful, portable, and efficient, the Yamaha EF1000iS Gas-Powered Portable Inverter delivers maximum electrical output without sacrificing portability. Thanks to its innovative inverter system, the generator is able to generate up to 1,000 watts of clean AC power. It can run up to 12 hours continuously without refueling and uses premium technologies to maximize fuel efficiency.
Powerful Inverter System Delivers Cleaner Electricity
The EF1000iS is built around an innovative inverter system, which is able to deliver higher-quality, cleaner electricity than competing generators. It produces energy in the form of pure sine waves, which are cleaner and more reliable than most commercial power sources.
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 The innovative inverter system produces high-quality, clean electricity. View larger. |
The EF1000iS is built around an innovative inverter system, which is able to deliver higher-quality, cleaner electricity than competing generators. It produces energy in the form of pure sine waves, which are cleaner and more reliable than most commercial power sources.
In simpler terms, this means that you'll be able to confidently power delicate machinery without having to worry about the damage caused by unrefined energy.
Smart Technologies for Optimal Fuel Efficiency
The EF1000iS is exceptionally fuel efficient, able to run for up to 12 hours without refueling when in Economy mode. With its Smart Throttle Load feature, the generator is able to dynamically adjust engine speed depending on output, resulting in greater overall fuel efficiency. The generator also features an exclusive dual coil alternator stator, which lowers engine speed and reduces total fuel consumption.
Ergonomic, User-Friendly Design
At only 27.6 pounds, this generator is also ultra-portable and features an easy-to-carry design. It has a convenient, centralized control panel, which allows you to easily access all of the generator's features at the push of a button. For added convenience, the EF1000iS is even able to recharge 12-volt batteries with its 12-volt DC output, making it ideal for RV, auto, and boat owners.
Noise Reduction for Quiet Operation
The EF1000iS uses noise reduction technologies to ensure the quietest operation possible. Featuring a special sound-blocking design, the generator has a noise-absorbing glass wool construction, which helps dampen noise even during heavy operation. Along with the EF1000iS' super-quiet muffler, it helps keep noise to a minimum.
The EF1000iS is backed by a two-year warranty.
What's in the Box
Gas-powered generator
 At only 27.6 pounds, the EF1000iS is ultra-portable and features an easy-to-carry design. View larger. |  This EF1000iS recharges 12-volt batteries, making it ideal for RV, auto, and boat owners. View larger. |
Price: $879.00
Just Call Me Madam Curry
We were talking about our favorite spices over on Lynn’s Weigh on Facebook and I mentioned I love to cook with curries. A few folks asked what some of my favorite curry recipes are, so I’ve compiled a list of my most-made dishes with links to the recipes.
If you’re new to curry, curry isn’t a spice derived from one plant. It’s a combination of spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, cardamom, et al. Curry’s a bit confusing, but this explanation at Wise Geek is pretty good.
So here you go, a few of my favorite recipes that call for the spices that make up curry.
Satisfying Lentil Soup from Healthy Cooking
When I used 16 ounces of lentils the first time I made this, it was overkill. Way too thick for my taste. Next time I used 8 oz and it was perfect.
Next time I make this, I’ll use half Maharajah curry and half hot curry. I got these lovely spice combos at My Spice Sage. I love My Spice Sage. Reasonable shipping, excellent customer service, and you get a 1-ounce free spice of your choice with every order. (I have enough free bay leaves to last me the winter!) With my next order, I’ll try the Madras curry, maybe the Vindaloo.
Curried Black Bean and Sweet Potato Skillet from Dani Spies
This is, like, favorite food Nirvana to me. Spinach, black beans, sweet potatoes, quinoa all in one place. A big plate of healthy yum.
Spicy Red Lentil and Chickpea Stew from Kalyn’s Kitchen
While this and the curried squash recipe below don’t call for “curry” per se, they do include the spices of a good curry: turmeric, Garam Masala, cardamom and cumin. Same thing, just more jars in your spice cabinet. This is a good thing.
Like the Satisfying Lentil Soup, I like to cut the lentils in half for a more soup-like consistency.
Curried Squash from Kalyn’s Kitchen
I love this as an alternative to the typical sweet potato marshmallow thingy on Thanksgiving. I especially love the pop of the mustard seeds in my mouth. Food has to be fun, right? I’m all about how a particular food feels in my mouth. It isn’t all about taste.
Curry Lentils and Spinach From Fat Free Vegan
I try to like tofu and have failed miserably. Thus, I’ve not added it to this recipe when I make it. I’m afraid it would ruin the entire batch for me. But that’s just me! I’m sure chicken would work, too, if you’re the carnivorous type.
Ridiculously Easy Curried Chickpeas and Quinoa
This is one of my absolute favorite recipes. I’m a huge fan of chickpeas. I roast them, put them on salads, love hummus… Chickpeas are the most versatile legume I use in cooking.
The last time I made this, I used ½ t hot curry, 1 t of milder curry and omitted the cayenne. Fabulous! (Said in my best Jon Stewart falsetto.)
Curried Pumpkin Soup from Taste of Home
I’ve not made this one, but I have no doubt it will be good. I’ll make this soon after I roast one of the pumpkins I got at farmer’s market last weekend.
Last, but certainly not least, is my recipe for Sun-Dried Tomato and Curry Hummus. It was originally a Weight Watchers recipe (Roasted Red Pepper Hummus), but I “made it my own,” (somewhere, Paula Abdul is clapping for me).
1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained (reserve the drained liquid)
4-5 sun-dried tomato halves (not the kind in oil)
3-4 (or more) garlic cloves, peeled
2 T tahini
3 T lemon juice
1/3 C Greek yogurt
¼ t pepper
¼ to ½ t salt
1 t curry powder (I use a combo of hot and mild)
½ t cumin
½ t coriander
Put all ingredients in a food processor and process for a minute. Add a little of the reserved liquid (or if you forgot to save it, like I’ve done before, use vegetable or chicken broth or water) and process for another few minutes. Check for consistency and add more liquid if you want. Process for about 3-5 minutes, or until desired consistency.
This is really good right away or after a few hours in the fridge. It’s got a nice bite, especially if you add some kick. Serve with baked pita chips (cut up pita, put on a cookie sheet, spray with a little Pam, bake at 375 degrees for 7-10 minutes). I also spread this on Flatouts or on bagels.
So there you have it. If you have a curry recipe you’d like to share, please post it or the link in the comments!
Not American?
American and tired of the family already?
Longing for some alone time with your fave Two Fit Chicks?
We’ve got you covered.
There’s a brand spanking new episode waiting for you RIGHT HERE.
Git to clicking.
Me?
Ive got to get to GETTING…..back to the family.
(That said, Ive forced em all to listen already and they say it rocks. And they aren’t biased at all. I promise.)
What are you gifting yourself?
Ahhhh.
If you live in the USA you may still be feeling the, uh, repercussions of the great Thanksgiving Stress-out.
Family, food, schedules thrown for a loop, routine being replaced by mayhem— all that.
No matter where you reside we’re pretty much all thisclose to being knee-deep in holiday frenzy.
A few weeks ago I shared my tips for Fighting Holiday Frazzle. They were fantastic tips (according to my mom, anyway), but they were generalities.
What *I* do to stave off holiday stress with the hope they would spark some thoughts/insights for you.
Today we are all about the concrete.
About building a long & creative list of specific actions we can take to make these next thirty-twoish days as smooth as we can.
A list I can steal, print, hang on my fridge & use as a “go to” when Im at a loss for ways to lighten my holiday load.
This post is all about YOU & making your Holiday Season 2010 as fun, frazzle-free and PRESENT as possible so you can cruise into 2011 as your best & most health self.
I’ll start us off.
The Jewish MizFits among us know tomorrow at sundown Hanukkah begins.
None among us know, as a result of my being as busy as a Christmas elf Hanukkah Harry helper, I realized only a week ago how early Hanukkah came this year.
Upon that realization, right in that moment, I bestowed upon myself the gift certificate pictured above.
I immediately recognized how *crazy* it would make me to create (I love to do the personalized photocards), edit, print & personalize (I cant just plop a card in an envelope. This crazy writerwoman feels compelled to pen a heart-felt note on each card) our cards before 12.8.10.
And I immediately recognized while some things necessitate holiday craziness (preparing for company, purchasing gifts on time) this was not one of them.
And I immediately gave myself the give of time.
Now you.
With some help from me.
What can you (the royal) gift to yourself TODAY which will make your holiday season a lot more enjoyable?
Perhaps:
This post is brought to you by the fit-minded Peeps at Sears Fit Club.
And no. They aren’t getting out of adding in *their* number five below either.
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