Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday has very different meanings in the UK and the US. Which one do you prefer?

UK.....

In the UK, today is Pancake Day (and by pancakes, we essential mean crepes rather than the US style pancakes). Why pancakes you may ask? Well, typically this is the day that you would use up food from your pantry (sugar, milk, eggs) before fasting for lent, hence pancakes. If you have never had a pancake with lemon and sugar then you are missing out! Then of course there is the tradition of flipping your pancake and even having pancake tossing races. Okay now I really want a pancake - I think I'll have some this weekend instead :-)

or US......

In the US, today is Mardi Gras (or fat Tuesday). Most people in the US associate Mardi Gras with the huge parades and parties in New Orleans, Louisiana. No pancakes here, just partying and king cakes. Now, King cakes are still a little strange to me. Cake, yes. Cake with a small plastic baby inside representing Jesus, ummm ok. Whoever finds the baby in their piece gets to be King or Queen for the day though!


So you decide... I must admit I really do miss Pancake Day!!

Happy 14th February

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

 No snow here to make heart shaped snow balls but I thought this picture was pretty cute :-) Cooking a (hopefully) delicious meal tonight and watching the Biggest Loser - perfect!!

Wait a second, maybe I do like running?

I always disliked running. It was a battle to put on my shoes and go out for a run, or worse, get on the treadmill. In the past few months I've been running a lot more and enjoying my Nike+ which measures my distance and speed. Yes, the treadmill still sucks but I think I've actually reached a point where I enjoy running!!

Last week I ran about 18 miles (not all at once) and I've done 13 so far this week and am planning on a 6 mile run at some point this weekend, the forecast snow might make it inside though. Maybe the idea of doing the half marathon in October is actually realistic (maybe even one in April if I'm feeling brave).

Who would have thought I'd be running more than I'm swimming (only once a week or fortnight right now)!

Happy Birthday!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT!!