4 day weekends. I could get used to this…..! It’s so nice having the time to fit in so many activities I normally have to rush. I love being able to sleep till 8, being able to fit in long workouts, being able to putts around, and being able to have time to blog! I think 4 day weekends should be mandatory at least once a month. Wouldn’t you agree? I think it will be so great for all our sanity. The world will be a much merrier place (maybe)

I woke up today, and drove over to Rachel’s to work out with her. I love her gym, and had another fantastic workout.

Saturday Workout:

• 15 min run (speeds ranging from 6 to 7)
• Abs circuit
• 5 min jog
• legs and butt circuit
• 5 min interval waking at the highest incline (15)
• more butts, abs, and triceps

GREAT workout. Sweaty, hot, painful, and amazing. After the workout, I took a dip in her pool, since I was intensely hot, and because it was such a nice day, and because I love being in the water. Yes it is the end of November. Yes it is an outdoors pool. Yes it is still 70+degrees out. Yes I do love Santa Barbara

I am surrounded by sunlight

My hair frizzed, and it looked like I had horns

FYI – I am gonna start posting more pics of me from now on. This is because I am a narcissist, and I think I am the coolest thing to look at.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I am totally just kidding! The real reason is that my mom, who reads this blog, lives in Japan, and only gets to see me once a year. She has requested more photos of me, so she can keep up with what her daughter is up to. (making sure I stay out of trouble, haha). So bear with me. My mama misses me

After the workout, I went home, deep conditioned my hair with the sample treatment my hair stylist in Tokyo gave me, did laundry, took a 30 min nap, and did some reading for work. And then I got bored…… I guess I’m not used to having so much free time…? How can this be? All week long I wish for free time and when I DO have it, I get bored? Insanity. Good thing I know the perfect remedy!

I set out on a leisurely walk to get some fresh air, and kill some time while still being active and productive! My one and only goal was to see the OCEAN! I walked through the “shopping” area of Santa Barbara, and got distracted by Old Navy and World Market. I was soooooooooo tempted to shop more. It was very tough to walk away, but I did it. Phew. I’m so glad I didn’t spend more money I don’t have. Success! My walk was nice, slow, and relaxing, minus the occasional annoyance I felt at the crowd of people. But I did take a picture of a very pretty interesection:

I finally did make it to the ocean, and walked alongside it for awhile, and turned around to go home. It was a nice hour and a half walk. And then I got to talk to one of my best friends on the phone for about an hour. It was so great to catch up!

And as promised, I am going to share with you the recipe for Rachel’s super duper Caribbean Turkey Burgers! (they are out of this world!) Try to use fresh herbs if you can. It will make the world of a difference. (is that the correct phrase? sometimes I get American sayings wrong)

they taste AMAZING as meat balls too! Pictured with some spinach, hummus, and pineapple-cranberry sauce.

Ingredients (serves 4)
2 tsp allspice berries
1/2 tsp black peppercorns
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp vinegar
1/8 cup minced chives
1 lb ground turkey
1 egg
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

Directions:
1. Toast the allspice berries lightly in dry skillet and grind them and the peppercorns finely.
2. Mix with remaining dry spices. Then add minced garlic, the chives, and the vinegar, and mix.
3. Add the meat, the egg, and breadcrumbs, and mix very well.
4. Form into patties, (or meat balls) and broil on both sides until done, about 15 minutes.

Rachel also made a honey-mustard sauce using honey and mustard (duh) and cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and S+P.  Major yum factor. Makes darned good leftovers too.

Well, I still have whole other day to relax and enjoy. I am planning to do some yoga, some grocery shopping, and some cooking for the upcoming week. I am so excited! But until then, I’m gonna make some hot chocolate and do some reading. What a great Saturday evening.

I hope you all are having an enjoyable weekend! And thanks for all your comments; they really do brighten up my day Please keep ‘em coming! You are all the bestest!

Question; So as I explained, I sometimes mess up American phrases/sayings. But apparently, I’m not the only one! Just recently, I saw that someone had written “chalk full antioxidants,” instead of “chock full.” It mad me chuckle. Have you ever had a humorous error with a phrase/saying?

Double Question: OK, this is a dilemma I am facing. I’m usually broke, but I have some $ to treat myself. (it is the holidays) The question is, do I get 1 new pair of Lululemon yoga pants, or do I get a few (two or three) cheaper clothing items?  I wear yoga pants almost every single day, so a new one would be nice…. but having a couple new things would be nice too. What would you do??????