the spice of life

In case I haven't mentioned this, I live with two guys who let me take over the kitchen and never complain about it. This is why I *heart* my roomies so!

Recently, I decided to take over a series of unused drawers in the kitchen and turn them into "spice drawers." fathlete confession: I was too cheap to make a bona fide spice rack. Therefore, the drawers just made sense. When I get the money, I'm going to buy more "uniform" spice jars, making my drawer even prettier than it is now. Cool, huh?

Anyway... here's a tip on spices.... It seems that MDA is a proponent of spices. Yea! Thing is, spices can add up - especially if you buy them at regular grocery stores. I found a local gem right here in Union City. It's called Spice House and is located at 29266 Union City Blvd. (across the street from Kaiser). The phone number is: (510) 489-6857. It's actually an Indian grocery store. However, it has an AMAZING spice collection that is really cheap. I left there spending about $8 and brought home five different items: coconut powder (technically not a spice, but you can use it for paleo pancakes; will post that soon), tea masala (which gives ordinary coffee or hot cocoa a great kick), dill weed (I bought 2 oz. for 99 cents; my roomie bout 1/2 oz of the stuff at the grocery store for $7), ground cinnamon, and cinnamon sticks. They have a ton of other spices, usually hard to find ones at that. You can buy them in jars or in plastic bags. However, they won't have things like basil or tarragon. Though not paleo, it also has an amazing selection of beans (for the vegetarians out there). FYI - It's a spice house, which means it's going to smell like a spice house. 'Nuff said.

Today's Small Victories
1) I'm accentuating the positive today. Unfortunately, I received some disturbing news about a teaching experience. But I'm going to brush it off my shoulders. I believe in my teaching and I believe I'm a good teacher. I take my job seriously and love what I do. That is that.

2) Though I have a slight ankle sprain, I'm not sweating it. I'm a pro at ankle sprains. I'm getting through this.

3) This was my first day back in school. I managed to stick to the meal plan. Woot! Ahem. You realize how many AWESOME places Berkeley has to eat? It's tough, but I'm sticking to my plan. 'Nuff said

Warm-up
Row 500 meters
Dynamic stretching

CrossFit One World WOD: The Filthy Fifty
Complete the following for time:
50 box jumps 12"
50jumping pull-ups
50 kettlebell swings 20#
50 walking lunge steps
50 knees to elbows
50 push presses 33#
50 back extensions
50 wall balls 8#
50 burpees
50 double unders

Joanne's Final Time - 40 some odd minutes minus the jump roping

Notes (to myself) about this workout: Clumsy me decided I would be #3. First, BJJ Tom broke his foot. Then, Fookie dislocated his shoulder. Tonight I have a slight ankle sprain on my left foot. Like I said, no big deal. I'm happy I get to read tonight:D

I hate this WOD. There's nothing good about this WOD. By the time I hit the push presses, I felt like I was out of my body and just wanted to get out! I think lady fate felt the same way because as I struggled to finish the burpees (I love you 7:15-ers! Shannon, Roya, Jerry L., Jen S., Caleb and David - YOU ROCK! Though I still hate you for making me finish the burpees, you still rock. I love you. And hate you. But I still love you. Sorry. Injuries make me schizophrenic.), I realized that I really didn't want to do the jump ropes. Since it was the last thing and I did all the other stuff, I walked over to get my rope and tripped. My ankle turned in and blam. I was done. Luckily, everyone was great and I'm recovering fine. I'll be back in a few days. Woot!