Cumin is my new favorite "you can't have too much" spice. Really. It makes all my Mexican style food taste awesome. Does it work in other cuisines too? If anyone knows, that's awesome, if not, I'll have to play ... hehehe! I put it in a fabulous crockpot chili verde tonight. Yum!

Happy MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY!! We finally hit spring this weekend, so here is a spring quote:

An optimist is the human personification of Spring.
Susan J. Bissonette

Therefore, this Spring should be all about optimism! Get going, do something, move forward, and get healthy! I plan to do all that.

I'm slowly preparing for my trip insanity. I made some nuts yesterday. I soaked raw almonds, walnuts, and pecans in salt water for a few hours, then I used the yogurt maker to mostly dry them out (like a dehydrator) and then finished them at the lowest setting in the oven. They are now dry and crispy, but should still maintain all the important nut enzymes to improve their quality and digestion. I bought dried fruit at Whole Foods to go with them so I can make myself a big batch of trail mix to carry around the conventions. I'm also planning to take apples, string cheese, hard boiled eggs, and veggie chips (bought at whole foods). That should keep me away from junk and from starving and crashing.

Today, I did my morning workout plus 50 more reps of Mayhem plus stairs. My big workout in a few minutes will involve more Mayhem exercises using the tabata style. My current Mayhem total is 370/1000. I plan to reach 500 tonight!

Foodwise today I am on target. My weight, as expected, is up after the weekend, but I expect that to drop off quickly, and I'm hoping to pop just under 150 by Thurs. morning before insanity. That way I can reach my goal of 151 a week from Sat. when I am back from everything.

Okay, my to do list for tomorrow. Lots of work stuff to do before I leave!

- Morning run (or bike, it might rain)
- Put together and submit biweekly update
- Attend seminar
- Sample and prep numerous sediment bottles
- Make sure student is set for Thurs.
- Prep props for PAX costume
- Midday mayhem and stairs
- Corned beef with noodles and spinach for dinner
- Evening turbulence training workout

Okay. Gotta workout, snack, and then chill ... ahh.

Onward and upward!