Enjoying the Journey

It's 4am and here I am, blogging away. Another joyous side effect of my hormones' death spiral before menopause- sleep as I knew it is history. Probably doesn't help that our complex's security lighting timer is off, and 3:30 this morning, it shone like the dawn right outside the bedroom window.

This week has been quite a busy one yet again. With uni starting, and a real estate inspection due (cleaning, cleaning, cleaning!), it's been non stop action every day. In all the busyness, I am still trying to find time to exercise.

Since my trainer has taken off overseas after successfully completing his Master's, I feel a little lost at gym, so decided to try a step class. I have honestly never met a friendlier bunch of people. But that didn't help me at all. It was my worst nightmare- super speedy, choreographed moves that left me looking just a little out of place. Ok, I was completely out of step and time to everyone else and ended up making up my own moves. I also discovered this- my legs are already super strong from a month of intense personal training. 

As a dear 71 year old lady insisted I move near her (and no where near the exit!) for guidance, when it was clear I just couldn't keep up, and the boredom kicked in, I had to make a non graceful exit half way through the class and hit the treadmill instead. 

I did learn from this experience however. You can still smash out a step class at 71! But for now, I shall stick to weight training.  

And riding my bike. 

Which brings me to the inspiration for today's post: enjoying the journey. 

With uni starting back up, I really wanted to get into as much of it as possible to keep up from the start, unlike previous semesters. It was while reading through course material I discovered this; one of my unit's is for 2nd year and beyond. I am first year. 

I asked my lecturer about this, who in turn suggested I contact the course coordinator. And in the process of doing this, I already know what I'm going to do. Drop the unit. 

My little girl is going through an adorable stage. She is super affectionate, just loves spending time with me, wants lots of cuggles and is getting cuter, and much better at talking, daily. One subject at a time is enough for this season. I will still get a degree, it will just take longer. And the bonus- more time to enjoy my little girl. And ride my bike. That's my kinda cardio.

Win win really.

Though my hormones are going crazy, I am actually starting to feel a peace and contentment about life. Yay- wisdom does come with age!

Now, to food. Enjoying the journey also means eating good food. By good food, I don't mean Tim Tams guys. Or the most expensive meals. It does mean feeding your body what it needs, not just what your emotions crave.

Hubby has had to cut back on purine rich foods. This means bacon is out. I for one am thrilled. As he is now back travelling to Brisbane for uni twice a week, I need to  prepare meals that can serve as sustaining lunches for his 14 hour plus days. 

Budget is still an issue, so the challenge is on. This dinner was a winner all round I'm happy to say :)

VERY VEGGIE QUICHE

ingredients:

Several cups of whatever grated veggies you have on hand. I had

• a large brown onion, 1 zucchini, sweet potato, pumpkin
• plus 1 cup frozen peas, corn, carrot mix
• 6 eggs
• 1 chicken breast
• 2 sheets puff pastry
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• spices and seasoning of choice (I used salt, pepper, garam masala, chilli flakes)
• 1/2 cup lentil flour
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• butter or olive oil

method:

• pre-heat oven to 200 C
• defrost puff pastry sheet and line greased baking dish (I only used one sheet of pastry so I could enjoy the meal without the guilt)
• saute chicken til just cooked. place in a mixing bowl
• saute veg on low heat in a little butter or olive oil until soft. add to the mixing bowl
• add the cheese, seasoning, lentil flour, sour cream- mix
• add beaten eggs
• bake for 35-40 mins or until slightly firm to touch
• serve hot or cold

A simple, veggie filled, nutritious budget family meal that also makes a great lunch the next day.

Enjoy :) 

Simple fare but oh so delish.

I shall end this post with a random gift of kindness that arrived in the post the other day.

I LOVE this kettle!

It has temperature settings for different teas, and coffee.

Amazing. 

And a keep warm function, and temperature gauge, and timer...

Thank you, Kylie Mozer.

Your gift, and heart, is awesome!

Appreciated x

Until next time, have a fantastic day :)