The year of 2010 is all about being organised. For some a simple phrase "being organised" may come naturally but I'll admit it's a an on-going battle of self destruction and denial.
Here's a definition of one word that gives me re-occurring nightmares: (think Bride of Chucky)
rou·tine
1. A prescribed, detailed course of action to be followed regularly; a standard procedure. ie in my terms: brushing your teeth, making money, running a household and maintaining relationships.
Being a performing artist, free-lance writer and free-spirited travelling soul just made this pre-requisite a whole lot harder! In fact I find the word and definition of routine similar to having root canal treatment. (Bless my dentist- he now pleads that I listen to my I-pod during consultations to avoid a look of rigamortis!)
Now I'm sure you've established gym is part of a healthy routine but how many of us hate the thought of it, eventually get there and see how quickly we can get through our routine only to make it home in time for Oprah and a religious 6pm glass of wine? I'll put my hand up because I am the Queen of this exercise as well as thinking highly intellectual thoughts whilst attempting to work out a sweat.
Yesterday I was running diligently on the treadmill, and my mind wandered with the idea of people who attend this man-made place of boredom. Dreaming of lunch I began to see other gym rats as slivers of sterotypical fruit.
Carrots are the annoying girls with high pony-tails, usually on a stepper machine bobbing their head side-to-side. Attempting solitary existence however extremely aware of bulging boy on the "Look at Me" spinning bike. These girls, are larger on the top and smaller on the bottom. (most other female fruits don't like carrots)
Pine-Apples are men on the "Look at Me" spinning bikes, sporting a wad of Revlon 'out of bed' wax. Spiky around the edges, they're sometimes sweet yet sometimes bitter- here's a man that's hard on the outside and usually a little juicy too. Not always easy to cut up and get to know, he'll be a mystery and it can get messy.
Banana's on the other hand need no description however when I see one, I blush like a cherry and run in the opposite direction. These dudes wear Spandex, and pack extra socks in their gym bag.
Watermelon's are my favourite. Yes they're big and they tend to roll and cause vibration, but they're fun, larger than life and loyal. You can always count on them. The only downside are the pips, but it's fine because spitting them out can be fun too. (know idea where that one was going)
Apples are reliable- the one's that are always there, doing their thing. They're old, young, bruised and come with different shades of personality. There's nothing like a crispy, juicy mouth-watering apple but then again you never know until you get your teeth really stuck in. Somtimes apples are disappointing, although you think it's going to be a good one, often it never is. Apples are everywhere and probably the most common.
Mangoes come and go, they're good to some and slimy to others whilst litchi's are exotic, great for going on road-trips with and fun to peel and get to know.
I could go on but thank goodness my 20 minutes are up on the treadmill and there's a scary banana looking at me with haste! Sit-up here, sit-up there... 1kg weight...up down 1,2,3... phew! Whatever, I'm over it- yes routine is my on-going battle.
Leaving gym in a hurry I've decided baking is an important step in accomplishing order- it requires the exact amount of ingredients and careful preparation for a successful and tasty outcome. Surfing the net, I find a lovely recipe on " Chocolate Zucchini Bread" and I'd recommend you all put your aprons on for this one!
2 squares unsweetened chocolate
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1tsp baking soda
1tsp salt
1tsp ground cinnamon
handful of choc chips
Preheat oven to 180 degrees and grease 2 loaf pans. (9X5 inches)
Melt choc squares in the microwave and stir occasionally until smooth.
Grab a big mixing bowl and gooi in your eggs, sugar, oil, grated zucchini, vanilla and chocolate. Fold in the choc chips and pour batter into loaf pans.
Bake in oven for 60/70 minutes and "Wallah!"--- baie maklik meisies :)
Here's my tip:
Whilst bread is baking, stare into fruit bowl/fridge and decipher 'the fruit in you'- if you cannot decide, pour a glass of red wine (or shot of tequila) and think further whilst sipping furiously.
Before you know it, you'll smell the delicious bread wafting through your home and suddenly, a word like routine rewards you with multiple forks of healthy sweetness!
So you ask, what fruit am I? I'll settle with being a tomato- neither a fruit nor a veggie. We're down-to-earth, served with any dish and bursting with the colour of love... .
xoxo
