Category: Slice of Life

Fajita Nite

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/80 sec, ISO3200
 “Fajita Nite” Cedar Park, 2023

This evening, we hosted a dinner for a group of six, and fajitas turned out to be the ideal choice! We opted for Mi Tienda skirt steak fajitas from HEB, and I grilled them on the barbecue. The grilling process significantly enhanced the flavor of the meat. Despite my initial hesitation due to the cold weather, Mariko easily persuaded me (didn’t take much) to fire up the grill. I highly recommend the Mi Tienda Line if you have an HEB nearby. The meal was absolutely delicious!

New Pen and Ink

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1250
 “Kakuno and Fuyu-Syogun” Cedar Park, 2023

Two additions to my stationery aresenal: Fuyu-Syogun ink and a Kakuno EF nib fountain pen. I’ve come to the conclusion that my Pilot Metropolitan fountain pens are my favorite and most comfortable for writing my Morning Pages, but I wanted to try out an EF (extra-fine) nib. It isn’t available on the Metropolitan body, but fortunately can be found on the Kakuno line of pens, whose nibs are interchangeable with the Metropolitans. I can’t wait to try out the EF nib… but not sure if I will swap it out onto a Metropolitan just yet…

I also bought some grey fountain pen ink, which I’ve wanted for a long time. I loaded up my broad-nib Lamy Safari with the ink and it looks fantastic! Subtle and sophisticated, but also kind of playful. I love it so much!

Best Run

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/750 sec, ISO32
 “New Shoes” Cedar Park, 2023

Today I had one of the best runs ever. It started off just like any other, even a bit too cold for me, but soon I was just cruising along. I had so much energy, and the songs that were appearing from my playlist were perfect. A mix of energetic, nostalgic, and feel-good. I was smiling almost the whole run!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/1700 sec, ISO32
 “Railway” Cedar Park 2023

In fact, I waved at pretty much all the runners that I saw. I think the combination of morning coffee and two day’s worth of mashed potatoes and stuffing gave me a ton of energy, and I didn’t feel any aches or pains other than the normal muscle soreness. My shoulder usually starts hurting at about 6 miles, but I didn’t feel any pain the whole run!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/3200 sec, ISO32
 “Open Road” Cedar Park, 2023

I’m not a fast runner, but today I felt like I was on cruise control. It was lik my second wind kicked in early and never let up. I guess I was experiencing the proverbial runner’s high as well, and I only stopped for drink of water and to stretch.

I mentioned that the music was perfect today, and one of the songs that gave me the most energy was Venus by Hitomi. And I realized that playing the air drums while running is so much fun! 😂

I honestly can’t remember a better run that today’s. It felt so good. And I ended up setting a half-marathon PR. Woohoo!!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 2.71mm, f/2.2, 1/560 sec, ISO25
 “Running Selfie” Round Rock, 2023

On to the Next Notebook

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-T10, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/40 sec, ISO3200
 “Notebook Collecton” Cedar Park, 2023

I started writing my Morning Pages a few months ago, and since then I’ve completed two notebooks. Today I am starting a new one, so I need to choose from my unused collection. Most of these are just blank pages (no lines or grid) so I’m not sure how the writing will go, but I’m not too worried about it. I’m mainly just happy that I’ve been able to keep at it almost every day. It’s so therapeutic to write out my thoughts without censorship, editing, or worrying about grammar, spelling, or penmanship.

And it’s such a treat to take the finished notebook and throw it into the recycling bin. Onto the next notebook!

Thanksgiving Holiday

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/40 sec, ISO400
 “Thanksgiving Plate” Cedar Park, 2023

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with a delicious meal for four. Our menu included roasted turkey, brussel sprouts, kabocha, garlic dill mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and oyster stuffing. Since it was just a small group, I found the smallest turkey at the grocery store, which was about 10 pounds. It was more than enough!

I really enjoy roasting small turkeys. They cook much faster than large turkeys, and they’re always easier to handle. Plus, we always have leftovers, which is a bonus!

I hope those who had the day off also enjoyed their Thanksgiving!