Imported From Japan

Friday in Portland was GORGEOUS! 77 degrees, sunny, not a cloud in the sky. I had a productive day at work, plus a good swim after work. I went back to the gym I went to with Ember because I had a guest pass for a few more days and loved that pool. It was pretty crowded for a Friday night and the people there seemed clueless on lap swimming etiquette which was pretty annoying. But the gym and pool is so nice, the locker rooms are spotless and it was an enjoyable experience despite the swimmers.

Swim Stats:

Distance: 1.5 miles

Time: 58 minutes or so

Calories Burned: 420

I did notice that both of my knees were hurting. I rarely have pain when I swim–or walk. I think it was from using the elliptical on Thursday night. I haven’t experienced pain like that before…I hope it goes away soon. Maybe I just pushed it too hard with the resistance? When I got home from the fancy pool I had a package waiting for me from Amanda! She sent me a care package of goodies from when she was living in Okinawa, Japan.

Pretty chopsticks, snacks, a pestle made of Japanese wood.

Socks, more snacks, a very sweet note from Amanda.

Tea and a headband. I am super excited about trying the tea! Michael and I drink tons of iced tea and I think it will be a nice change from the Lipton’s….but wait! There’s more!

Two new place mats. Which is perfect because I was just thinking I needed to buy a few more to switch out in my lightbox. It was so sweet of Amanda to send me so many goodies! She’s living in Germany now and I’ve been enjoying her posts about that. I would love to go to Germany…

Dinner was simple, fast and delicious–just the way I like it. I prepped the asparagus and Michael grilled them in Grapeseed oil. I topped the asparagus with freshly grated Parmesan. The homemade turkey burgers are back, this time on sandwich thins (less calories and carbs than the regular buns I was eating).

The one downside to the sandwich thins is that they can get rather soggy and make eating the burger very messy compared to the thick buns. My burger had light mayo, sweet mustard, lettuce and sliced tomato on it. Michael had dijon mustard on his and a few extra pickles. Yum!

Dessert was a mini ice cream (190 calories) and Michael and I got caught up on “House.” It was a nice night, although had we planned it a little better I think we could have gone out and enjoyed the sunshine somewhere with an outdoor patio. Never fear, there will be plenty of that this summer I think! Especially when we are riding our bikes everywhere…