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So, I am back home from Mexico and 2 days into my work week.

I have to say, I was ready to come home but I was not ready to get back to work!  I can't believe how fast those 2 weeks went!

My trip?  More of that to come. 

It wasn't like last years trip with the girls by any means.  I really wish I could say that I came back feeling as invigorated as I did last year, but I did not... There was some drama during the trip that put a damper on the fun for a day, but it is what it is.

As a whole, it was a great time though.  Lots of time on the beach relaxing and exploring, a trip to the tequila factory to see the process of making tequila, zip-lining in the 'jungle'.. great food.. Good times!

I guess I just had a lot of stress on my plate prior and wasn't really able to fully leave it at home..?  I don't know..

Leaving on a jet plane..

At this time tomorrow I will be in the air on my way to Mexico!  Arriaba!  Arriba!

I need this vacation more than ever..  I really don't feel like going into a massive story, but one big issue is STILL the ex.  Long story short, he asked me for a ride to the store this week to run a few errands as he is without vehicle.  I obliged.  It was actually nice to wander around Walmart like a couple would (pathetic, I know to relish something so small)... AND then after some discussion on the ride about what was going on told me I should have NO hope that we could be a 'we'.  It's a little more complicated than that, but that's basically it. 

Sad thing?  I still can't hate him.

A week of sun, sand and relaxation are in order.

I *AM* a little hesitant about how this trip will play out - my bff invited several people on this trip without my knowledge (part of my stress as it caused a HUGE fight between us when I found out 3 days before we are to leave).  I was really looking forward to a trip with my best friend - not with a group of people, one of which is a complete stranger whom I creeped checked out on FB... and yeah.. not the most classy individual.  A little worrisome.

Such is life, I guess..

At any rate, I am going to try my best to leave my troubles behind and relax!

Dear life..

Dear life,

Please stop crapping on my head.  I really can't take this anymore.

Please?

Me

Chickpea love

So, I have been a vegetarian for about 17 yrs now.  I actually tend to veer more towards a vegan diet, minus the fact I LOVE cheese and have not found a replacement that I personally like..

Anyhow, I am often trying out new recipes from cookbooks from the library, or the Internet to keep my diet balanced, actually cook as cooking for one tends to lead to not wanting to bother at all and to keep my diet varied.

I came across a great recipe on Pinterest (♥) using my favorite legume - the chickpea.  It is easy, which is a bonus.

I do warn you - it tastes WAY better than it looks!

Chickpea Loaf

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup breadcrumbs (or less if desired)
1/2 small onion
1 tbsp soya sauce
1 tbsp parsley
1 tsp sage
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/6 cup oil
1/3 jar pasta sauce. (I enjoy a spicy sauce)

Combine all ingredients except the sauce in the food processor.  Process. 
Spread into a greased 8x8 baking dish.  Bake for 30 min at 325F.  Remove from oven, spread sauce across and bake an additional 15 min.

Easy as pie!  I have sprinkle some cheese on top (imagine that) and it is a wonderful touch :-)

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

Soon.  So very soon this will be my view..

Movie or book?

So, about a week and a half ago I scored tickets to the screening night of Hunger Games!

Truthfully, I have never read the books and knew very little about the storyline.  I had just heard amazing things about the books from others who have read them prior, and had also read/seen the hype about the movies.

Anyhow, I decided to ask my bff to join me for the screening.  Long story short, my friend is not exactly known for punctuality and we arrived at the theatre 10 minutes before the movie was to start (aka 3 hrs after I had contacted her to get plans going and over an hour after we LEFT the house) due to her having to stop to buy snacks at the store to save money.. look for a car charger.. switch chargers... go home to change.. etc, etc... and were informed the theatre was at capacity.. She exclaimed: "Oh! I hope I didn't make us late".

<insert rolling of eyes here>

I love the girl, but c'mon. :-)  At any rate, even though we were denied this night we were lucky enough to get passes for ANY other night at ANY Cineplex the show was playing at!  Score!

So last night we decided to hit up the theatre and finally see the movie.  I really enjoyed it!  Very great premise.  The 2 1/2 hrs FLEW by, honestly.  For knowing NOTHING about the books/movie I was able to easily catch on to the characters, story, etc.. Minus the three finger salute the characters give?  (IE When Rue is killed and Katniss gives this salute to the cameras after laying her to rest) What the heck does it mean? 

On the drive home I mentioned to my friend that I was not sure I WANTED to read the books YET.  I actually enjoyed not knowing was was going to happen next throughout the movie... As an avid reader (and yes, I had made and surpassed my 52 book goal - seeing how high I can go in 52 weeks) I stand strongly by the fact that I feel the books are ALWAYS better than the movie. 

What is your thought?  DO you prefer the book to a movie adaptation?  Would you read the books before the next parts of the trilogy are released?