New Recipe Monday

I haven't written in a long time. I've been busy at work and busy training for the marathon, which is just over two months away. We've also been out of town. Two weeks ago we were visiting Northwestern University for admit weekend. Last weekend we were in New Ulm to see my sister's new pad.

And life is about to get busier. We're going to Chicago in two weeks for admit weekend at the University of Chicago. Then we're off to Honduras for a much-needed, seven-day vacay.

So I should have plenty to write about in the next few weeks if I find the time.

This week, I start working the Tuesday-Saturday schedule. It kind of blows having only one weekend day to hang out with Ben. But it's temporary -- I should be done in early May -- and we'll adjust. I'm taking the opportunity to cook on Mondays. So I'm going to try something new -- every Monday that I'm home I'll cook something different and post the recipe here.

Tonight, we're starting with heart-healthy chicken. The recipe comes from a colleague. A few women at work have already made it and have raved about it. It's simple to make (I'm in the middle of cooking it as I write this). I'll let you know in the next day or two if the recipe is worthy of the high marks my colleagues have given it. Stay tuned.

Heart Healthy Chicken Recipe

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning for the chicken:

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 tsp pepper

Mix seasoning and coat the chicken. Fry chicken in olive oil. When chicken is fully cooked add:

1-14 oz can black beans

1 cup frozen corn

1/2 cup salsa

2-T fresh cilantro

1-14 oz can chopped tomatoes

Heat thoroughly and serve.

Read after eating.

Indie turned 7 months yesterday.

He's come a long way since we got him. He's no longer afraid of us. He understands commands to sit, lay down, roll over and leave his treat (thanks to Ben's fine training skills). He also understands his name. He regularly poops and pees outside.

But there are days when Indie's inner demon comes out and says hello.

On Thursday, he wanted to hump. I had trouble folding blankets because he latched on to them and humped like he had just run into a poodle in heat prancing down the sidewalk.

Ben came home Friday to find Indie had gone potty in his exercise pen. Later that night, he bit me -- and broke skin -- when I tried to pull my sock from his chomps.

And then this morning, minutes after I had confined him after eating, he pooped. And he got rid of the evidence -- for the most part. The stank gave him away.

It's hard to be mad at my little poop eater. Just look at his face.