Mountain Do Triathlon

This past weekend marked an important first in my athletic career. I competed in my very first triathlon! And finished! (always a bonus) Here's how it went down: I ran a hard 5-6 mile loop around a lake with lots of hills. Then it was into the kayak (I hadn't kayaked before, but hard how could kayaking be, right?) for a mile loop in the lake. Then off on the bike for 2 laps around the lake ~ 11 miles or so. I finished in just over 3 hours, and even managed to beat several other women in my division.

It was great!

Sign Language

Just wanted everyone to know what 'slow down' is in west virginia hand motions...

1. Put one hand out, palm down, but keep your hand close to shoulder with your elbow down.
2. Wave your hand up and down like it's a fan, or a flopping fish.
3. Go stand in the road and do that motion, and cars will slow down for you. Some might even stop to talk to you.

I probably wouldn't slow down for you, though. I might think you were trying to hitch hike but couldn't quite figure out the thumb thing. I don't speak west virginian very well yet.

Kale, anyone?

Usually my diet consists of whatever I already know how to cook. New dishes are a challenge, mentally, for me. And my objections are always the same.

1. I don't have time to learn something new.
2. What if I don't like it? Then my use of my time in the evening will be inefficient to some degree.
3. My body needs vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, carbs, etc. What my taste buds need are another matter entirely, and they don't rule my life. Except when it comes to sweets. Then they do have the final say.

I've recently mastered this good dish - black beans with brown rice, and some sauteed green peppers, onions, and cheese on top. Basic. Simple. Cheap. Filling. With good protein too.

But...I am seeking to live better. So, in an effort to expand my horizons, sharpen my skills, and prepare for the possibility of ever having a family or husband who doesn't only want to eat beans and rice every meal, I am seeking out new veggies and foods in general to make.

I'm open to recipes and suggestions, any and all. I'm especially looking for great vegetable side dishes, or ways to make funky foods more enjoyable, or great ideas for cooking meat. My only requirement is that it be low in sugar (No desserts, I'm a Newsham, I know how to deal in chocolates pretty well already), high in vitamins and overall nutritional value.

I'm also wondering if anyone knows how to cook or steam kale or asparagus in a way that makes them really tasty without adding a slab of butter?