Holy sore muscles, Batman. Somebody is really feelin’ the effects of upping her weights at BodyPump yesterday! Yikes.
Last Night
Jay and I had a busy evening last night, so we grabbed dinner on the fly using a Groupon that I had purchased a couple months back for Flavour Café.
I ended up choosing the Ham Focaccia, which was ham, Swiss, tomatoes, and Dijon honey mustard on grilled focaccia. It was alright, but I knew I should have been leery, since I’m kind of picky when it comes to my ham (I really only like it super thin if it’s on a sandwich). I ate half and saved the rest for Jay to have for lunch today.
Aren’t I nice?
One of the stops that we made was actually to the school that I had been working in. I knew that my former students had recently finished a big state project that we had been working on before I left, and their work was going to be out on display during the budget vote.
I dragged brought Jay with me for moral support, since I knew the trip would be bittersweet and definitely outside of my comfort zone. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t hard to be back there, and see all of their names connected with another teacher. But I’m still glad that I went; it meant a lot to be able to see the final projects that I got them started on, and even though I’m sure none of them will even know that I was there, it felt good.
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When it came to this morning’s breakfast decision, I was at a complete loss. Sweet, savory, crunchy, chewy…it all sounded good. So in the meantime, I snacked on some Quaker Oatmeal Squares which were sent to me to sample from Quaker and the Clever Girls Collective.
You know I LOVE my Quaker Oatmeal Squares!
Finally, after a couple suggestions from both Diana and Farrah over Twitter, I decided on savory.
Shocking, I know, right? Savory breakfasts are almost always saved for weekends.
But man oh man, that may soon change!
I made myself an egg sandwich, using this amazing contraption. Jay and I picked this up last month when we went outlet shopping in Massachusetts, and it was probably the most convenient $3.99 purchase I’ve made in a long time. It cooks an egg or two in the microwave in less than 2 minutes, and makes it the perfect size for an English muffin.
See??
I used 1/4 cup Egg Beaters mixed with a big handful of steamed, fresh spinach, which I then topped with about a tablespoon of reduced fat shredded cheddar.
I paired that with some fresh tomato slices, a little S&P, and a tiny smear of plain Chobani. I know that might sound weird, but having the slightly creamy flavor mixed in was amazing.
This was probably my best egg sandwich ever. Soooo good!
I’ve got some work around the house to do, as well as a run planned for later today which will take place, hopefully, when my body decides to stop hatin’ on me.
Question for the Morning:
When was the last time you stepped outside of your comfort zone?
Faith @ lovelyascharged says
If you ever scramble eggs, try stirring in a little bit of the greek yogurt (or cream cheese) – the creaminess is unbeatable!
My comfort zone was totally shattered on Monday night when I worked out with my guy. I asked him to show me some weight circuits, and we did a shoulder and triceps routine that killed me – but in a good way! I’m not used to lifting at all, so it was definitely outside of my comfort zone! At least we got to swap roles and I “taught” him a little yoga class afterwards, which was certainly out of his comfort zone, haha.
Courtney says
It’s so funny you mention that about the greek yogurt. I just saw Paula Deen add sour cream to her scrambled eggs and thought that greek yogurt would make a great substitute!
It sounds like your workout with your guy was awesome!! :)
Hats @ See How She Runs says
I upped my BodyPump weights a couple of classes too – I definitely felt it!
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
I need one of those!! Does the egg taste funny?
Courtney says
Not at all!
Samantha says
That egg sandwich looks TO DIE FOR! I need to get one of those contraptions!!!!
Last night was a step outside of the comfort zone for me! I typically use the gym strictly for the cardio machines. I”m training for a marathon so recently decided I need to start lifting too, to keep my whole body strong for the marathon. I used one machine and did the rest of my lifting with free weights. Me and my mom were the only females in the weight section of the gym – it was a little weird!
Whitney says
Did you get looks from the men like they’ve never seen a girl lifting weights before? The guys at the gym that I go to always stare in awe that I’m lifting weights. I don’t get it! :)
Samantha says
A couple of them were looking at me funny! Probably part of it was the fact that I had to roll the bench press bench out of the way so I could use the bar to do squats – and I’m kinda klutzy so I kept knocking it into things LOL!
Courtney says
Hahaha…that’s why I call that the “scary part” of the gym. I prefer to do my weights in class or in my basement ;)
christina says
Holy heck, that ham sandwich. I think I need to make a special request at my work cafeteria today……..mmmmmmm.
Whitney says
I seriously had to stop buying Oatmeal squares because I found myself standing in the kitchen at night just eating them nonstop. They are so addictive! :)
Courtney says
Yes they are!
kate says
Oooh that egg sandwich looks soo good! Ive seen egg cookers like that one but never thought it would work, what a cool tool for eggs in a rush or someone who can’t cook!
Courtney says
And for when you don’t want to make a mess of an extra pan and spatula with the stove :)
Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says
Cory just bought one of those egg things and loves it. I might need to swipe it from him and make myself an egg sandwich like that one :)
Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl says
Wow- good for you for going to check on your students projects! And great that Jay was there for moral support :-). I don’t really think I step out of my comfort zone often enough, even when it comes to health and fitness. My goal is to take some more exercise classes that challenge me moving forward.
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life says
You sandwich looks delish! I think I need to make myself something like that for breakfast because my stomach is rumbling.
chloe @ 321delish says
that egg contraption is awesome!
I think that signing up for a HIM this summer is out of my comfort zone…but I am of the mentality of go big or go home.
Melissa says
That was very brave of you to go back to your school. I’m sure it meant so much to your students to have you there supporting them.
I stepped a little outside my comfort zone going to the movies by myself last weekend. It was actually fine!
Your egg sammy looks fab! I usually just microwave mine in a little bowl. :) Yesterday, I added pesto and fresh tomato and it was SO good!
Kim says
I love those oatmeal squares! So addicting. I have to keep the box out of site or I could munch through the entire thing….oops :)
I want that egg cooker thing. I’ve been trying to incorporate more protein in the mornings but cooking an egg isn’t always the most quick/easy thing. I’m going to have to look for one of those
Shanna, Like Banana says
Good for you girl ;)
My job requires a lot of calling people (since I’m not colocated with the rest of my team) and I hate the phone so it makes it kinda hard for me.
Krissie J says
Can’t say I’ve done that food-wise recently. I love Quaker oatmeal squares. I can’t buy them too often because I’ll end up destroying the whole box, lol. I’ll have to pick up that egg contraption! We’re getting sick of the bagel + cream cheese routine.
Diana says
Yay! You definitely came up with a great breakfast! Looks fab! :)
Last time I stepped out of my comfort zone? Probably when I had dim sum for brunch a couple weeks ago. I’ve been to dim sum a bajillion times, but I always feel a bit like an outsider since it’s such a traditional Chinese meal. I love being in the environment though! It’s like being in another world!
Kathryn says
My husband loves the egg sandwiches from fast food places, so we use one od those to make (healthier) egg sandwiches at home. I love it!
Anytime I’m at the gym and I go to a classes, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone. I have no problem using weights or the weight machines, but get me in a class and I feel like a bumbling 12 year old.
Jenny (Fit Girl Foodie) says
I need one of those egg contraptions! I’ve been making my egg sandwiches by cooking my egg in the microwave lol
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles says
Courtney, I admire you for going to see your previous students’ projects. I’m sure it meant a lot to them!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
That egg sandwich looks great!! That little contraption is the best and so convenient! Last time I stepped out of my comfort zone?? Definitely a few weeks ago when in one of my classes I pitched an advertising campaign to a number of ad people from the city. It was nerve-wracking (especially when you act out your commercial with a ridiculous southern accent) but it was such a great experience. Plus, they liked it!
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
Way to break out of your comfort zone! I’ve been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone more, by meeting new people, trying new things, etc! Last night I played a muddy game of kickball and it was awesome!
Khushboo says
I can only eat ham in wafer thin form too, otherwise rather not! I’m normally an oatmeal/yog ness for brekkie girl but I decided to challenge myself: new brekkie every day for a whole week! I actually really enjoyed it and love having so many options to choose from (although it’s also kinda confusing!)
Khushboo says
Yog mess, not ness! Forgot to say, I recently blogged about comfort zones which you may be interested to read http://kthadani.wordpress.com/2011/05/06/food-for-thought/
Shari @ Chicago Cuisine Critique says
That egg contraption is awesome. I need to pick myself up one of those. I have been super into the breakfast sandwich lately. This would be an awesome addition. :)
Dawn @ Blonde on a Mission says
That egg sandwich looks so good!
I would say the last time I stepped out of my comfort zone was spending 3 months living in Chicago doing a magazine internship. I learned so much about my career goals, and living on my own in a big city.
TheBloggersBrother says
Killer breakfast sandwich..I’ll battle you in a breakfast sandwich standoff
Courtney says
It’s ON!
Stephanie says
Courtney, can you share the name of that gadget? I make a “healthified” egg mcmuffin sandwich for him every morning and this would save me some time! Btw, enjoy your blog! I just finished my first 5k on Mother’s Day and have now signed up for a Divas Half Marathon this October. Good luck with your next race!
Courtney says
Thanks, Stephanie!
Here’s a link to the egg cooker: http://www.csnstores.com/Chef-Buddy-Microwave-Egg-Cooker-82-Y3496-L1270-K~CFB1003.html?refid=GPA49-CFB1003&gclid=CNaqjqX88agCFQHsKgodbRVzug
Enjoy! :)
Stephanie says
Thanks!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I am constantly outside my comfort zone. I’m naturally a pretty introverted person, so opening up is hard!
Alyssa Kuminski says
I bought one of those but have been afraid to try it!! Smart to steam your spinach ahead of time.
Jen says
OOOOOHHHHH! I want that little egg cooker!!! I always try cooking them in a bowl or something and it never works quite right, YUM, I’m so hungry now, I adore breakfast sandwiches and that one looks fantastic! Great idea about smearing on the greek yogurt too — I can’t STAND dry sandwiches!
Jillian says
Wow, I need that egg thing!!! I always use a bowl but it’s just a little too big. That is perfect! I wonder if they have it on Amazon or something…what would I call it to google it? Lol
Courtney says
microwave egg cooker? lol…
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
The panini looks fab – just the kind of bread I wish I had on hand last night! Paninis on sandwhich thins just don’t work!
Lauren @ Hungry Dancer says
Sometimes savory breakfasts are the way to go!! Loving the eggwich!! YUM!!!
Tori (Fresh Fruition) says
I haven’t had an egg sandwich in so long! That looks yummy.
We have a special contraption attached to our toaster that cooks the eggs and steams the toppings while your bread toasts. It sure is funny looking but it works like a charm!
Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet says
Cool egg tool! I usually microwave my eggs using just a pyrex measuring cup, but this sounds even easier!
Just wondering, how could your school just make you leave during the school year?? I’ve never heard of a class switching teachers in the middle of the year! That’s ridiculous!
Courtney says
Yes, it’s ridiculous, I agree!
Farrah says
Very cool egg contraption! I have a really cool one too! Mine is actually a silicone egg poacher! It is amazing. You can either place it directly in a skillet with boiling water to poach the eggs, or you can put it right in the microwave! I picked it up at Le Gourmet Chef at Crossgates Mall.
Here is the link
http://www.legourmetchef.com/Temp_Products.cfm?sku=03037216&RankThis=Y&Searched=egg%20poacher&
Andreea @ Journey To USA says
My husband tried so hard to maeke love eggs , but I ate them almoust after two years and Oh, boy! I missed them so much. Eggs leave you full and satisfied and are tasty too paired with any veggie.
Speaking of confort zone. I finally had the guts to ride a bike. Being 21 and still not knowing a basic thing like that was un unbearable, so I received some free lesons from hubs and this weekend we’ll give it another shoot, since I’m such a good student.
Andreea @ Journey To USA says
Please forgive my poor grammar skills. Please! I m in a hurry too.
Crista says
Hey! I’ve just started reading you’re blog and I put a link to your blog on my current post :) I hope you don’t mind. I’ve found your writing to be inspirational as well as really enjoyable! Cheers from a fellow sweet tooth!
Patti Browning says
microwave egg cooker? So addicting. I upped my BodyPump weights a couple of classes too – I definitely felt it!