Well, that’s it done – the first working week of 2019. I’m touching wood as I say it, but it was a pretty cruisey week to ease into the year.
Speaking of cruisey, what made me happy
Watching the cruise ship come into Mooloolaba during the week. There’s something really special about watching it sail past the rock wall and anchor just off the beach for the day.
P&O isn’t the only company who has added Mooloolaba to their itinerary and although I know that there are people who don’t like the additional tourists that descend on the Esplanade, beach and Surf Club, the ships bring so much additional money into the economy – not just directly on the day, but afterwards as well when those people go home and tell their friends all about the Sunshine Coast.
What also made me happy…
My parent’s celebrated 55 years of wedded bliss on Friday. Okay, perhaps bliss is a minor exaggeration, but 55 years is a pretty phenomenal feat.
What challenged me…
One of my challenges this year is to make it up the Ballinger Road hill near our place. It’s long, steep (at an 18% gradient) and I’ve committed to walking up it twice a week with a goal of being able to go up without stopping and pretending to take photos of poincianas, kangaroos, and the way down the hill while I catch my breath/ look for my lungs.
Once I conquer Ballinger I intend to take on Dixon (which is longer but not as steep), and then Cogill (longer and steeper at 21%) and Lara Drive steps. Yes, there are a lot of steep hills in my suburb – so much so that they have an annual cycling event called the Buderim 9 – which is a 76km 3-hour bike challenge to climb all nine hills in three hours. Riders must ride the hills according to the event map and all riders receive a jersey and a certificate to indicate the number of hills accomplished.
Yeah…I reckon I’ll be happy just getting to the top of Ballinger.
What I blogged…
My fresh start and an update on my 101 things in 1001 days list – and the reason why I’m NOT doing resolutions or a word of the year this year.
While on the subject of blogs…
I re-worked the theme of my astro website. I’d set the theme to something quite similar to my author page with lots of cool sliding up and down panels that made me feel terribly clever. Unfortunately, it meant that my astrology readers couldn’t get to the information as quickly or as easily as they would have liked. So I spent Friday afternoon changing it. Now it’s more magazine style in theme and much easier from a navigation and reading viewpoint.
What I wrote…
Nothing. I have to get back into it. This week, I promise.
What I was proud of…
Okay, so I cook and bake – quite a lot. There are, however, some basics that I’ve never really mastered – not properly. Basics like cooking a steak to the way I like it (medium rare), and eggy things like scrambling, poaching and omelette-ing (is that even a word?). As an aside, my boiled eggs are perfect every time – and they should be given that I have one most mornings.
Anyways, this week I mastered the poached egg. Not just mastered it but nailed it. Sure, it’s a bit of a palaver, but the egg was perfect. It is, of course, thanks to Nigella.
Recipe of the week…
Speaking of Nigella, this week’s recipe of the week is my Lunchtime Noodles – based on her Drunken Noodles. I make these at least once a week – they’re quick and easy and I can eat them at my desk in need.
All you do is soak some flat rice noodles – the ones you use in pad thai – in boiling water for about 8 minutes. While they’re soaking grate a knob of ginger, a clove of garlic and the zest of a lime. Put a tablespoon of oyster sauce into a small bowl with 2 tablespoons water, 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce and the juice of 1/2 the lime (more if you want extra zing). Grab about a heaped teaspoon (more if you love chilli, less if you don’t) of chilli flakes and have that set aside too.
Once the noodles are done drain them and refresh immediately in cold water. In a wok or frypan heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of regular oil (I use rice bran) and then fry the ginger, garlic, zest mix together for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle over the chilli flakes and then add the drained noodles. Mix it all together – I use a spoon in each hand for this – and then stir through the oyster sauce/water/soy sauce/juice.
I like to stir through a handful of chopped coriander, but otherwise, it’s done – and in less than 15 minutes.
That was my week…how was yours?
And Anyways... 
I’m glad you had a good week to ease into the year, Jo. The recipe of the week looks good and simple. I should give it a try.
It’s quick, Natalie, & very tasty.
You had a great week Jo and well done on starting those inclines! I love the view of the cruise ship and of course we love cruises and over the holidays booked an Alaskan cruise for September which we have been looking forward to doing for some time. How lovely to have your parents celebrate their wedding anniversary. Have another fabulous week this week. x
Wow, Alaska! That sounds fabulous! I’m cursing the inclines, but it’s only twice a week…
I’m in awe of how you are making friends with hills – they are my nemesis! Those noodles look the business, I am totally going to try!
The noodles are great – the hills not so much. I’m trying very hard to make friends but at the moment we don’t have very much in common.
You seem to do more in a week than I do in my monthly wrap-ups Jo. I’ve even told my husband how much you cram into your days! Glad it’s been a good week, I started back at work today – very hard to get enthused after 3 week’s holiday – and I’m holding my Qld visit in front of me like a carrot on a stick to get me thru the next few weeks!! Can’t wait to meet xx
I often don’t feel as though I accomplish very much at all! I’m very much looking forward to meeting you too…
55 years is phenominal!
Isn’t it just? Obviously they were married for a very long time before I came along…
It sounds like you’ve had a great first week Jo! Congrats to your parents – 55 years is good going, especially these days. We celebrated 39 years on Saturday and I’m thrilled 🙂 #lifethisweek
Congratulations on 39 years – it truly is something to celebrate.
Thanks!
Well now I’m craving noodles 🙂
Anytime is time for noodles…
Sounds like a good week. 55 years is amazing! I think I’ve managed poached eggs once…it’s a struggle! Good on you for figuring it out!
Poached eggs are harder than you’d think – to get right anyway. I heard a podcast with Nigella on it and followed that advice & it works brilliantly.
Congrats to your parents, Jo! And thank you for sharing Nigella’s noodle recipe.
SSG xxx
Have a great week SSG…
Okay, I totally laughed at how you took the photos for your rest breaks….I consider that not only smart but creative!!
And mastering eggs…is that such a thing. I find my skills must be very lacking because I never can seem to get it right!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Eggs are so simple – in theory!
Hi, Jo – I am so glad that you are sharing your recipes of the week with us. I’ve been looking forward to that. The Drunken Noodle dish looks amazing. Also, the photo of your boiled egg does look perfect. What is your secret?
I’m pretty proud of my boiled eggs. I have it down pat these days & only vary the timing if my egg is room temp rather than out of the fridge.
Well-done to your parents. We are at 48 years this coming Wednesday. I think your hill pics are amazing and I am cheering you on. I want to be able to walk further and with less breathlessness but need to remember both my age and stage of recovery from all that has happened since cancer (and the fact that my leg is a bit different).
Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek 2/51. Next week’s optional prompt is Best Gift Ever 21.1.19. Denyse
I’m sweating just thinking about walking up Ballinger again!
The Ballinger Burn!
Sounds like a great week. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for dropping by Janet!