Rambling Babushka: Tofu Tango

As the MONDAY MAYHEM at work ensued, I hid in my office, trembling, with only my coffee to keep me safe and warm. The air was stale, cold and full of the usual Monday gloom. Stay away gloom. STAY AWAY! It's nice and cozy here in my office and I'm going to keep it that way! Behind closed doors, with my incredibly LOUD space heater nestled about my feet, I sipped on my coffee and devoured a heavenly bowl of oatmeal goodness.

I laugh at thee Monday, I LAUGH AT THEE! As you cunningly try your best to suck the joy out of my tired soul this morning, my delicious bowl of oats shall protect me from your evil.

1/2 cup Irish oats
1 1/2 cup water
1 banana, sliced
lots of cinnamon
dash pumpkin pie spice
dash salt
Splenda to taste
small handful of frozen blueberries and 2 frozen strawberries

Tasted like fruity, cinnamony, creamy mush. But you know, the GOOD kind of mush! I devoured this!

After my morning feast I dove into work. It was a busy day. Quiet, yet busy. I sort of like it this way. A lot of our clients were off today because of MLK Jr. day so the phone never rang and most of the emails I had to deal with were interoffice communications. Just lovely. The day flew by and before I knew it, lunchtime had arrived.

I packed some veggies, Trader Joe's spicy hummus and a light FlatOut wrap made with spinach, turkey breast and spicy mustard. YUM! In case I didn't mention this enough yesterday, this spicy hummus is to DIE for! SO GOOD! I could just bathe in it. Okay,wait, that's a bit disgusting. I apologize! I just adore hummus so much!

For my break away from the office today I indulged in some much needed SHOE THERAPY. Ann and I hit up the DSW Shoes around the corner from work! The smell of leather was thick in the air. Ahh, what a brisk and refreshing aroma! I wish it were Spring already because they had the CUTEST sandals and flats on sale. I was able to resist temptation though and stuck to the original plan. I purchased a sassy pair of black boots from Hot Kiss with metal button accents.

Check em out. I love them. I got so impatient that I changed shoes at work. I couldn't help myself!

The rest of my afternoon at work was super slow. I perused the web for a while (shhhh, our dirty little secret) and got all caught up on my blog reading. I swear I feel like a part of my life is missing if I don't read them ALL, every single day! Like I just have to KNOW what is going on with EVERYONE or I feel lost. HA!

It was during our massive online browsing session that Ann discovered the most magical thing. Our absolute most FAVORITE winery (The Winery at Wolf Creek) is hosting how to cook with wine and pair wine with food classes once a month from now until June. Yet another magnificent reason to go there and drink wine. Yeah SURE! Sign me up! We're thinking of going soon. Very very SOON! Maybe even more than once if we enjoy the class. I guess they also offer free WiFi now as well. GLORIOUS!

My afternoon snack was my very last and precious 4oz container of plain Oikos. SO SAD! I stirred in 2 tbs of Trader Joe's superfruit preserves, half an apple and a sprinkle of pomegranate granola. With tear filled eyes I slowly savored every last little delicious bite. Till next time Oikos.... Till next time! :(

After work it was off to the gym. My legs were still super sore but I was ready to work through the pain. I needed a good workout and it ended up being Supa Dupa.

Advanced Chest Press (plate loaded)
30lb x 15
30lb x 15
30lb x 15
Seated Chest Pres (plate loaded)
50lb x 15
50lb x 15
50lb x 10
Dumbbell Fly
12.5lb x 15
12.5lb x 15
12.5lb x 15
Inclined Chest Press (plate loaded)
30lb x 15
30lb x 12
20lb x 15
Elliptical - Interval Training
Resistance 6-8, 20 min., 243 calories burned
Ab machine (cable)
90lb x 25
90lb x 25
90lb x 25
Situps with 8.8lb plate
x20
x20
x20
Crunches
x20
x20
x20

By the time I got home I was famished. On the menu tonight was Tofu, which is something I NEVER cook. I cut the firm tofu into slices, covered them with soy sauce, teriyaki, sweet chili sauce and black pepper. I tossed them into the oven for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.

While they were cooking I tossed some romaine lettuce, cannellini beans, a tbs of spicy hummus, feta cheese crumbles, spray butter and dill into a bowl. I topped it with the tofu once they were nice and golden. Dinner was delicious! I ate half the tofu so I have leftovers. I sure hope it reheats well because I plan to enjoy it again very soon!