Man, am I running on fumes for food at my house. I can tell it’s grocery time. I purposely ran down what I had for food in my house, so I could start fairly fresh, literally and figuratively. I’ve spent the better part of an hour scouring the interwebs for some good vegetarian recipes. I had a couple of book recommendations from a friend of mine, that I’d love check out, but that means I need to find them somewhere or order them online. So, in the mean time, I’m searching online.

I bookmarked several recipes I want to try in the near future. The problem with buying fresh fruit and veggies, is spoil time. I’ve noticed a lot of vegetables won’t last much over a week. It’s really noticeable where you purchase them too. I’ve noticed that Target’s produce will keep fresh the longest. Fareway’s prices are a bit more competitive, but don’t last nearly as long. Walmart? Yeah…. we’re not going there.

Basically I’ve bookmarked a few bean salads, potato and bean enchilada’s, black bean burgers, and hummus recipes. I want to try them all, but I’m only one dude, and I’ll have to pick a day or two every week that I can find time for some cooking. Here’s a basic rundown of what I’m planning picking up tomorrow after work:

Cumin
Cilantro
Pinto Beans
Black Bean
Lentils
Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans
Vegetable Oil
Tomato
Green Pepper
Cucumber
Quinoa (if I can find it)
Bread Crumbs
Lemon Juice
Tahini
Lemon Juice
Parsley
Mango
Rice

I realize that’s a huge list for a single dude, but I think my plan is to have the non-perishable stuff to last for 2 – 3 weeks. Then pick up fresh produce on a weekly, bi-weekly basis. It will depend on what keeps, and how much of what I eat during the week.

Where in the heck can I get Quinoa in the Cedar Rapids area, that’s affordable?

I won’t use an entire can of beans when I make a meal, so if I rinse and drain a can of, say black beans, can I just keep the remaining, unused beans in the fridge in a small plastic container?

The other challenge I’m going to run into I think is my budget. I’m pretty tight money wise right now trying to keep up with a house, utilities, loans, and *sigh* lawyers. This challenge also gives me a chance to focus some energy on something else other than the difficult times in my life; something I’m in need of.

Ran an easy two miles tonight in just over 16 and a half minutes. Morning weigh in was 196. Bed time weight in: 193… Pretty sure something is messed up with my scale?

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On a side, semi-related note, with my job, we can spend eight hours a year volunteering at an approved location, using volunteer time off. Basically that means, I get paid to go volunteer somewhere. Today three other co-workers and myself, went to a place close to downtown called Mission of Hope. We helped them prepare lunch, and help finish up keeping the breakfast crowd happy. This locations basically is a place for people to go, and won’t turn anybody away (unless they are causing problems), and they can get a cup of coffee, some noms and visit with others. They’re also a Christ-centered ministry that offers physical, emotional & spiritual support to any of those in need. Even though life is a pretty hard going and very stressful for me now, it can always be worse. I have a good job, a roof over my head, a wonderful son, and very loving family and friends.  I’m very thankful for the good in my life that God has given me, and He keeps me humble with the challenges that have been put forth in front of me.