Stuffed peppers

It doesn't take much to make a runner happy. Do you agree? New running shoes, blister-proof socks, a perfect jogging stroller, finding a new issue of RunnersWorld in the mail, completing a long run. Yesterday, after a long day at work, I found 2 packages in the mail that made my day.

- Felice's book (now I have no excuse to remain the slowpoke that I am...will keep you all updated on my progress).

- The Long Branch Half marathon confirmation packet. Don't know why this made me so happy (What can I say? I lead a boring life!)...a run-of-the-mill packet is sent to every participant that registers, with a not-so-exciting half-sleeve T-shirt...I have 3 in the same color now. I can't wait to run the marathon instead and get a T-shirt in a different color!

So, in celebration, I went on a 13-mile long run this morning. It was pleasant, in the 50's, with slight rain. I kept the pace down, close to 9:50 per mile. Uneventful, except for pangs of hunger, which sort of disappeared after downing liberal quantities of gatorade and a banana.
Note to self: Eat something (anything) before heading out on a long run.

Here are before and after pics of last night's dinner, Stuffed peppers...before and after baking, that is. I used chicken instead of beef, for the stuffing.

They were juicy and delicious; the flavor of the peppers combined very well with the stuffing. This will probably become a regular item on our weekly menu.

I think I may have mentioned that DH has been diagnosed with elbow epicondylitis. He experiences severe pain in his right elbow when he extends his arm all the way. Otherwise, perfectly normal. Bizarre. Rest seems to be the only way to get rid of the pain and he has been warned that it could take 3-6 months. The only exercise he has been getting for the past month is a bit of stationary biking and walking to and from his car. Poor guy! He is bummed out that he cannot play his beloved drums, but manages to create a lot of noise with his left hand and feet.

Anyway, I have been trying to cancel his membership at the gym. Aware of horror stories of how LA Fitness makes it next to impossible to cancel gym memberships, I sent the cancellation 2 weeks in advance of the 'cut-off' date via certified mail with return receipt. Well, guess what? The post office lost it. It is nowhere to be found...and the tracking number has mysteriously disappeared from their system. The post office informed me nonchalantly that the only way I can ensure that my envelope reaches "safely" is through Express mail which will cost $17. Is it just me or do you find this ridiculous???