A little help

Yesterday I got an email reminding me that the Shamrock Shuffle is a mere 53 (52 at this point) days away. It was good to know, but also daunting because I have felt very unmotivated lately... Beyond running on Friday and Saturday, I've done nothing since to help move forward. This lack of motivation is seriously bumming me out. I think a bit of music would help... Music has that amazing ability to inspire us, calm us and speak to and for us when we seem otherwise unable to find words.

I realized that while I don't need an mp3 player (especially since I know Dan and I have killed 2 since being married), I'd really like one. But then I thought about what I'd like to put on it. What are some songs you love to listen to while cleaning, working out, running or driving? I listen to a pretty eclectic mix of stuff, but trying to figure out what would really keep me going was a bit hard as most of it is pretty mellow. I know my bluegrass stuff would have enough pep to keep me a-runnin', but I thought I'd turn to my friends for suggestions of their favorites.

(Also, though somewhat of a sidenote, I'm trying to find some albums that feature hymns. But not over-produced or overdone. Just simple, so that I can sing along as I go through the day. I find so many are either big productions or lousy quality. Anyone have some great ones they love?)

And in return, readers, I will share this delicious recipe. We tried it over the weekend and I can assure you that I was looking forward to leftovers once the meal ended! A great vegetarian option, too, for those who are so inclined.

Cavatappi with Spinach, Garbanzo Beans, and Feta

Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 1 1/3 cups)

Ingredients

• 8  cups  coarsely chopped spinach
• 8  cups  hot cooked cavatappi (about 12 ounces uncooked spiral-shaped pasta)
• 1  cup  (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4  cup  olive oil
• 2  tablespoons  fresh lemon juice
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1/2  teaspoon  black pepper
• 2  (19-ounce) cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans) or other white beans, drained
• 4  garlic cloves, crushed
• Freshly ground pepper
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Preparation

Combine first 10 ingredients in a large bowl; toss well. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories:288 (27% from fat)

Fat:8.6g (sat 2.3g,mono 4.2g,poly 1.3g)

Protein:11.2g

Carbohydrate:42.2g

Fiber:4.4g

Cholesterol:9mg

Iron:3.6mg

Sodium:334mg

Calcium:106mg

Cooking Light, JUNE 1998