When I thought up the premise for this post, I thought it was great. Then I thought “I need therapy”. A post about being fired up doesn’t really scream “psychiatric help”, but let’s go back and relive my past.
- Bananas (read:situations that drive me batty)
- Kind of Boring (read: irritation at it’s finest)
- The Key to Success (read: control freak)
- Breakfast Confessions (read: anxiety)
You understand a little bit more now, don’t you? However, when your day starts at 1:13 AM because your dog had a #2 accident on your carpet, you get fired up a little bit — mainly because he tried to eat it. Then you proceed to get fired up at yourself for thinking your pup was ready to sleep in his bed at night instead of the crate. Finally, you tell yourself accidents happen — no. big. deal.
If you follow me on Twitter (and if you don’t, you should @cleaneatingchel) you probably saw this morning I was a little fired up when I got to work this morning. Starting the day out on a negative note is NOT what I wanted to happen, especially because one of my tweets specifically said I was going to keep a positive attitude, even though Tuesdays officially blow.
There may have been some pacing back and forth when adults had me at my wits end during my plan time. There may have also been some deep breathing and a few yoga poses behind my desk while my children were at music. I may have also stormed into a colleague’s classroom to tell her how “fired up” (exact wording used) I was.
My blood pressure was skyrocketing.
My eyes started to twitch.
It was not a pretty sight.
Luckily for my students, they actually calm me down and make me more patient when I’m in those types of moods. Thank goodness music only lasts 30 minutes, and they were back to make me sane — er, kind of.
I obviously needed some food this evening to match my mood. I mean, what kind of therapy patient would I be if I didn’t release my negative feelings in other ways other than effective communication?
Fired Up Rice and Beans
- 1 cup basmati rice, dry
- 3 cups prepared adzuki beans (you can use pinto/red instead)
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 1/4 red pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2.5 cups vegetable broth, divided
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 3/4 tsp. chili powder, divided
- 1/4 tsp. garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
- sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Directions: Pour 1 cup dry rice and 2 cups vegetable broth into a medium sauce pan. Turn the burner on medium high heat and bring to a boil. After a rapid boil has begun, turn the heat down to a simmer, cover, and walk away from it! This rice needs to cook for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, chop your onion, red pepper, and garlic. Place in a smaller sauce pan with 1 tbsp. olive oil and heat on medium high, stirring frequently. Once your vegetables are translucent (~5 minutes), add your prepared adzuki beans (I had dry on hand and prepared them yesterday), 1/2 cups vegetable broth, and spices — leaving some chili powder aside. Cover and let this simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring once in a while until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Once your beans are done, your rice is probably not too far from being done as well. Once 40 minutes have passed, turn heat off, fluff with a fork, and remove from the heat. Let your rice sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the rice and beans together with a sprinkle of chili powder on top.
Extra chili powder for the fired up lady, please!
Simple, cheap, filling, and New Orleans inspired.
Next fired up feelings are stemming from the lack of a light box — winter is so overrated. (Side note: I’m not quite as fired up anymore — in fact, I’m pretty much laughing at myself now.)
Case in point - if there are any therapists out there, I’m willing to be subjected to experimental treatment. I’m joking of course. Well, kind of…
Question: What fires you up?
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