Happy St. Patrick’s Day to Everyone!!  Yes, I am nearly half Irish, and I guess I could call myself an Irish Goddess but the goddess part is all about my food these past few days! The weather has been gorgeous and I have been BUSY!

Body:
Sunday:  “New Record”~ It was a PR for time for me… Nov. 2008 (click here for that post) I ran my first official 8K in 42 min. +….This Sunday I ran the 5.1 in 39 minutes + !!!

Monday: Spinning at the gym for a running break. I wish they had a good yoga class on monday nights, but the spin class was really fun! As I pulled into my parking spot after class, this lady jumped ontop of my car!

She proceeded to climb on top of my hood, meowing angrily the whole time. I think she was pissed that her owner left her out in the cold. I am really allergic so I didn’t want to take her in, but I did go inside to get a blanket and tuna to bring out to her. Her owner must have scooped her up during that time… Thank goodness, I felt bad for her!

Tuesday: Rest day!

Wednesday: Not sure yet… I need yoga… and probably a quick run or cycling.

Mind:
Big Job News

I was recently promoted to a “GSA” at the restaurant (Bonefish Grill) I’ve been working at since August. So this past week, I transferred to a new store to get better hours!  I am (so far) really happy and excited because this new store needed major help with front of the house issues. I have gotten to do some training with a newly hired hostess and I’m seeing improvements already, which is so rewarding! I was quite nervous going in because its new people and I’m basically “taking charge” but so far I’ve gotten alot of compliments from everyone there about how things are running!

EVEN MORE BIG NEWS!

Every April I get nervous for summer. Why? Well since re-starting this whole college life in grad school, I have had difficulty finding employment ( in general and) for the summer. You see, my 3 years of teaching, being a former Director of a Children’s Fitness center and Bachelor’s in Neuroscience are all wonderful things but leave me overqualified for a summer gig!

This past friday, I got a full-time position working in the Food and Nutrition Program at NC State! ( I am currently working there part-time/temporary right now)!!! AND … here is one of the greatest parts:

They will essentially be paying me to finish my Master’s Degree!

All I have left is the practicum/thesis ( which is the big research project everyone must complete) … I will be doing this right now and into the summer while gaining this invaluable experience with a state and federally funded program! If you remember my post on The Blob.. I have been  working on the curriculum for the youth department, which is Professor Popcorn. This curriculum is used to educate mostly school-aged children at schools but is geared towards lower income families ( It is a federally funded program).

I am now mixing my experience updating the youth curriculum ( I am finishing the last few lessons this week!) and combining it with the adult curriculum for a new program called Healthy Families Healthy Communities. This concept teaches both at the same time ( kids + Parents) and shares a meal together. So cool.

Soul:
Sometimes it can be so hard to remember but there really are people out there who love you just the way you are .

Let’s check out some of my eats, because thats probably what you are mostly here for!!

My favorite cereal, Puffins,  for breakfast…

Hidden Blueberries underneath

Green Smoothie

(Green  Goddess Juice, Almond Milk, Tomato Juice, Vanilla Protein, Splash of Cream- It was SO DELICIOUS!)

Taco Tofu!

Trader Joes Refried Beans ( fat free) and a little shredded cheddar, 365 Organic Haricot Verts (green beans), and Tofu Seared with Spicy Seasoning in the Skillet…

Another quick breakfast…

Greek Yogurt with a Slice of Rice Bread, covered in Almond Butter. Blueberries on the side.

A lunch…

Big ol salad of organic greens with pre-cooked chicken strips, mushrooms, and mixed veggies. Of course I had Annie’s Goddess Dressing.

I was treated to dinner at the restaurant for doing training with new staff- Unfortunately, I do not bring my phone inside work because I cannot keep track of it while working ( and its an expensive phone!) So no pic of dinner but I had 1/4 of the Cajun Chicken Egg Rolls, which are filled with Blackened chicken, roasted corn, onions and peppers, served with a tangy mustard sauce. ( I split this with the trainees!)  I had The Salmon and Asparagus Salad. Image’s from www.bonefishgrill.com..

Pecan Crusted Goat Cheese, Fresh greens, Grilled Salmon topped with Pesto, and perfectly cooked & chilled Asparagus.

Another quick breakfast: Apple Pie Yogurt with Cottage Cheese and a big juicy Orange

Have you already celebrated St. Patrick’s Day? Anyone drinking green beer today?

I officially am on Spring Break as of Friday but have been interviewing and working and training and reading since! Today is my official “mind relax” day ! No work today and maybe no school work either- Recharge time.