Relaxation Nation

Relaxation was the name of the game this weekend.  And after a long week at work, I was more than ready to have an entire weekend dedicated to the things I wanted to do when I wanted to do them.  Those don’t come along very often, so you have to take advantage when they do.  🙂

As you know, Friday was reading day!  I’ve been on a blog reading streak for so long now that it was a little weird to be so engrossed in real books!  I read half of Tina’s new book and then moved on to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. 

Saturday morning I woke up, made and ate some oatmeal, got back in bed, and finished Tina’s book.  It was really that good.  Her stories and experiences really resonated with me.  This one’s a keeper for sure!

I contemplated staying in bed and reading some more, but I realized that I hadn’t had a good strength workout in a few days, so I popped JM’s No More Trouble Zones in the DVD player and worked it out! 

Next, I cleaned my apartment.  Yes, cleaning relaxes me!  And I truly believe a clean home is a happy home.  🙂

I spent a good portion of my evening taking care of some financial things, including signing up with Mint.com.  Exciting, I know!  But seriously, if you’re looking for a simple and easy to use tool to help manage your credit cards, savings and checking accounts, retirement accounts, and other investments, Mint.com is the budgeting tool for you!  I spent a couple of hours playing around in it, slicing and dicing my financial data in various ways.  I wish I had known about it sooner! 

My night ended with The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.  Those of you who said to stick with it were totally right!  I’m definitely at the point where I can’t put it down.  I keep wanting to read “one more chapter!”   

In fact, it’s so good that I started off my Sunday finishing off a few more chapters.  If you haven’t figured it out yet, good books are like drugs to me…I can’t stay away for too long!

Anyways, I had a few coworkers come over for dinner today, so most of my afternoon was spent preparing for my first dinner party!  I made sweet and salty lassis, corn curry, and spiced quinoa.  YUMMY! 

A lassi is a cool and refreshing yogurt based drink.  It’s traditionally made by blending yogurt, water or milk, and Indian spices.  I opted out of the spices and added salt and sugar instead. 

I couldn’t help but reminisce about Arizona as I made this since the last time I had it was at my aunt’s house.  Fun times!  I’m so glad she shared her recipe with me because this has definitely become one of my favorite curries!  I wish I could have all of you over to try it.  🙂 

Unfortunately, the quinoa went unpictured…oops!  All I did was heat some olive oil in a pan, add the cooked quinoa, and season with salt, turmeric, red chili pepper, and garam masala. 

All in all, dinner was fun!  It was nice to catch up with the girls. 🙂

I’m so glad I was able to get my relaxation on this weekend because this coming work week is busier than ever – back to back meetings Monday-Friday.  Woo wee!

I am ready for bed…good night, y’all!