Recipe: Asian Turkey Meatballs and {Eat. Live. Be.}

This should make Joanne very happy.  Eat. Live. Be.  I’m here.

As a multitude of 5ks and Zumba classes permeate my calendar and Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred dvd gets plenty of play time.  I’m here.  I’ve been here.

Clean eating?  Yep, I’m there too.  Oh how I’ve missed it.   There’s just something so very satisfying about it that is sometimes hard to articulate.  Unless you’re there too.  But the rub?  Eat good food and you feel good.  I’ve noticed the shift again, as I’ve purposefully made my way back to where I’m supposed to be.

The familiar feelings of euphoria when an early weekend morning is punctuated by sweat stinging my eyeballs.  Which is, I swear, the sign of an awesome work-out.

The words “No, I can’t, we’re doing a 5k that day” coming out of my mouth.

The friends that get it.  To the point that we just scheduled another 5k.  In September.  Out of state.  After we get through the three we already have on the calendar.

When I’m in the zone, I have blinders on.  And I instantly remember why I’m doing what I’m doing.

For me.

For them.

Always and forever.

Amen.

Mary Fischer’s quote rings in my ears.  “Tell me, what are you going to do with this wild and precious life?”

“You have exactly one life in which to do everything you’ll ever do. Act accordingly.” Colin Wright

“…to know there is a better story for your life and to choose something other is like choosing to die.” Donald Miller

A co-worker and I were talking about that last week.  Tomorrow being guaranteed to no one.  I worry that I won’t have time enough to do everything I want to do.  For me.  Or with my kids.  And I’ll be darned if we’re just going to laze our days away turning into zombies in front of the tv.

Sure there is tv time.

Down time.

Chill time.

But it’s dotted by play time.  Spring Bucket Lists.  Playgrounds.  Activities.  Adventures.  Memory making.  In our backyard.  And in the great outdoors.

Last weekend?  The kids killed it.  And have the medals to prove it.  (More tomorrow)  The pride that went along with it?  Still.going.strong.

One sharp realization that came to a head for me after The Ex and I separated is that I never want to live with regrets.

And so it is with this same determination that, after a bit a lot of unfortunate downtime with my sprained ankle, I’ve found my way back with a vengeance.  It started a few months ago, but now is finally starting to feel like the place I was in before the sprain.

And oh, what an awesome place that is.

Your takeaway today?  We have but one life.  Live it.  If you’re not doing what you need to do to get where you want to go, no matter where that is, rechart your course and start again.  Whether it be a new career path, getting out of a bad relationship, training for a marathon, revamping your eating habits, or eeking every possible moment of joy out of the sunshine that’s shining brightly today, take a note from the folks at Nike, and just do it.  No regrets.  Just look forward.

Now for those meatballs.  Clean eating.  Even Weight Watchers-friendly if you happen to be following that program.  Fifteen minutes in the oven.  Delicious, completely guilt-free meaty little morsels that are even kid-approved. I originally made them for Mystic’s oldest, because she loves this meatball recipe I make, so I thought it was time for something new.  This new recipe originally comes from Skinny Taste, and she suggested serving them with brown rice.  I made a yellow and green olives Spanish rice that I know the kids love, but it is totally delicious with either.  You can find the complete recipe right here.

April 18, 2012 – Bonus Photo

One of Madeline’s friends gave me this drawing today at school. Love, love, love it, and it’s the newest addition to our art wall.  Totally a well balanced kitchen, with everything represented, from fruits and vegetables, right down to french fries from McDonald’s.  All things in balance, folks, all things in balance.

PS – Plenty of time to enter the Similasan Visa gift card giveaway… details can be found right here.

PPS – Double post today!  Check out the very cool freebie you can score for your very own right at your local Walgreens…. right here.