Sloth and Superfood Salad

I'm home alone this week so I'm relishing the chance to be slovenly. My friends bitch about sloppy man companions but I have the opposite scenario. Dr G, typical engineer, thrives on order and tidiness. Like on Sunday when I sloshed my cup of tea and a tiny wee splash landed on the coaster, the poor fella tsk-tsked and dashed off to the kitchen to fetch a cloth, despite my howl of protest, It's a COASTER! Let it do its JOB! Because there is no way he could sit down and enjoy his cuppa with that disorderly droplet taunting him.

Usually when Dr G goes away I plonk my bag in the hallway when I walk in the door, shed clothes all over the house and take a casual approach to dishwashing and bedmaking then clean up in a frenzy an hour before he returns. I am trying to overcome a long history of sloth which I've written about before but can't find the link... during winter I'd iron just the collar and one sleeve of my school shirts then carefully hang them in the wardrobe, so when The Mothership opened the door for a spot check it'd look like I'd done my chores. You can imagine the pitch and boom of the famous schoolteacher voice when she finally rumbled that one!

Another thing I do when Dr G is away is eat lots of lazy salads. He likes healthy food but kind of gets a haunted Is This It look when it's only green things. Hehe. Last night included green lentils, feta and cherry tomatoes but I totally overdid the dijon mustard in the dressing. I couldn't stop snorting as I watched Scotland's Andy Murray go to five sets Wimbledon.

Tonight I made Leon's Superfood Salad which I'd had on my To Cook list for two years. The main ingredients: quinoa, broccoli, cucumber, alfalfa sprouts, mint, parsley, peas, sunflower seeds and avocado that I neglected to buy so substituted chives which is no substitute really but it was the right colour. Oh and our old friend feta. Then lemon and olive oil dressing to tie the room together. So bloody tasty! Even better than the one I ate at the Leon in Carnaby Street years ago, no doubt coz I was about 300% less stingy with the feta.

Serve with a glass of water
and an idiot-filled episode of Property Snakes And Ladders

Hoping to get back to some regular witterings; everything's been a little crazy and busy. Hope you guys are doing well out there?!

Comments

[1 · Posted by Tracey from Melbourne · July 01, 2009 at 12:18 AM]

I love your idea of only ironing the collar and one sleeve of your school blouse - what an ingenious idea!

Seriously though, if Dr G loves tidying up so much send him around to my place - it would be a real challenge for his cleaning talent. An uncle of mine was just like Dr G and his wife gave up doing any tidying because he just re-did everything. She said it was great because it gave her time to just sit back and look glamourous.

Tracey

[2 · Posted by Rachel · July 01, 2009 at 12:32 AM]

mmmm....lemony salad dressing is my favorite! uh oh...tummy's rumbling - time to scrounge up some dinner :)

[3 · Posted by Carly · July 01, 2009 at 01:19 AM]

Mmm that salad could very well be my dinner tonight.... gah if only it weren't about 4 degrees here in New Zealand!! Maybe if I turn the heater up I can pretend it's balmier climes :D

Have a giant bag of mixed greens - including something that looks supiciously like wheatgrass?! - glaring at me every time I open the fridge. I refuse to waste this one; fresh produce costs an UNHOLY amount this year!! The state of the economy is rubbish for lard busting at the moment; 99c for a kilogram of 'oven fries' vs. $5.99 for 220g of mixed salad greens. OWCH.

I love your confessions of slothfulness :D Very gratifying to know I'm not alone!

[4 · Posted by Jen · July 01, 2009 at 02:16 AM]

That salad looks so good and I bet it's even better with avocado. Alone time is so underrated.

[5 · Posted by kathryn · July 01, 2009 at 02:16 AM]

Sloth is awesome, one of my fave deadly sins :D

[6 · Posted by Carolyn · July 01, 2009 at 03:47 AM]

Ah, so that's the real you! It is amazing what lengths we will go to in order to be part of a couple, but the pleasurable delights we can experience when we are left to our own slovenly devices. My husband took my son to the university pool tonight, and I practically did the "this house is MINE" dance when they left. Played on the computer with my feet up on the table, ate a peanut butter oatmeal cookie or 2, felt alive...
You ate such a healthy salad, WOW! That is my downfall--I'm much less healthy in private. Guess that's why I read you in the first place--to get to my more loving self.

[7 · Posted by bigfatpie · July 01, 2009 at 09:15 AM]

MISSED YA!!!!!!! Good to have you back dude! Now I have a hankering for feta.......

[8 · Posted by Kek · July 01, 2009 at 09:18 AM]

Good thing you didn't marry MY husband. You'd both have gone missing years ago in a mountain of messiness and disorder that even a SWAT team couldn't have rescued you from.

I think messy people NEED tidy partners, and vice-versa. It's a nice contrast, like salt and pepper. ;o)

xx

[9 · Posted by Lucy · July 01, 2009 at 09:49 AM]

That salad looks extremely healthy!

When my husband goes out I immediately start to watch as much trashy tv as I can - something that is definitely frowned upon when he's around!

[10 · Posted by Philippa · July 01, 2009 at 10:13 AM]

We live parallel lives - I cooked quinoa last night too :) Isn't it easy to cook?! The salad looks great - I had heaps left over so will have to give this one a go.

[11 · Posted by vickie · July 01, 2009 at 10:49 AM]

so glad that you posted - had been wondering what you were up to and hoping all was well. I miss your writing.

[12 · Posted by Miz · July 01, 2009 at 11:16 AM]

I love love love when my husband travels.
and I loveloveLOVE when he returns :)

Im such a homebodyloner that in a way its nice to just hide and cocoon----even with my Toddler underfoot.

xo xo,

[13 · Posted by ani pesto · July 01, 2009 at 11:39 AM]

Lovin your slovenly confession. I'm so the same, I can have my house-proud moments but generally I'm the messy one. I have so many stories like your ironing one, in fact I sometimes wonder at the lengths I've gone to in masking my slothness didn't rather defeat the whole point of being lazy ;-)

[14 · Posted by Zanna · July 01, 2009 at 11:39 AM]

Yes sometimes no matter how much we love them - it's just so nice to have a little bit of 'me' time. Am wondering if we can possibly catch up in early October when I'm back in Scotland? Had so much wanted to catch up with Lainey but dammit she's in Brazil the whole time we're there. Also hoping to catch up with Isabelle from In this Life - not sure if you follow her - if you do - maybe we can do a 'mass' meeting in that shop in Princes Street which used to do incredible banana splits - trouble is I can't remember the name of it - it's probably not even there any more. Now just thinking that you're out of Edinburgh now but not sure where - North Queensferry or further afield? Rambling now so I'll shut up Z xx

[15 · Posted by Shauna · July 01, 2009 at 11:52 AM]

thanks for the comments folks! all is fine just stupidly busy and tired and blogging when tired is dangerous because you say stupid things

@ani - that is a good point... disguising laziness takes a lot of effort and creativity :P

@Zanna - A meet up sounds good and have been wanting to meet up with Isabelle for years so sounds good to me! I have no idea about this banana split place though :)

[16 · Posted by DutchCat · July 01, 2009 at 12:46 PM]

High five for being married to tidy engineers! :D Salad looks scrumptious mmmm!

[17 · Posted by Blueberry · July 01, 2009 at 12:50 PM]

Sounds healthy and yummy!

xoxoxoxo

[18 · Posted by Diana (Soap & Chocolate) · July 01, 2009 at 03:25 PM]

That is a really impressive salad! Makes me want to have an herb garden at my disposal, that's for sure.

My boyfriend and I are kind of both neat freaks, yet about different things - we're going to move in together in the fall and I'm wondering if there will sort of a clash of the titans when he doesn't wipe the counter or I don't put the remote control down JUST SO. I think a sense of humor will be key. :)

[19 · Posted by Shauna · July 01, 2009 at 03:32 PM]

OH YEAH! Humour is crucial dear Diana. Dr G makes jokes about his OCD and tries to be less crazy while I am trying to be tidier so we can meet in the middle. Although i LOVE messing up the remote controls that he places in perfect north-facing alignment on the coffee table, just to watch him twitch!

[20 · Posted by M. · July 01, 2009 at 04:01 PM]

I live with my bf, and it's just like this. Except he needs to have the tea kettle on the exact burner with the spout pointing in the correct direction. Once when we were cleaning up the kitchen after cooking something, I kept turning it when he wasn't looking. Eventually - after the 18th time he re-adjusted it - I couldn't stifle the evil laughter any longer.

[21 · Posted by Carrie · July 01, 2009 at 04:14 PM]

I can so relate to this, but in a middle sort of way. My mom now lives with us and she is so orderly and neat. My hubby on the other hand is a total slob. I, quite frankly, am too busy to give a darn one way or the other, so I'm trapped in the middle of the mayhem. : ) My mom never goes anywhere alone so my only "me" time comes in the bathroom when I remember to lock the door or when I travel alone (which isn't often enough if you want to know the truth). I long for the day when I can come home and just make what I want for dinner and not worry about mom or hubby bitchin up a natural disaster about how there is nothing fried on their plate. ; P

[22 · Posted by Jill · July 01, 2009 at 05:47 PM]

This isn't about your post, but I thought you'd want to know the website FitSugar says your book is a July Must-Have.
http://www.fitsugar.com/3405279?page=0,0,2

Yay!

[23 · Posted by Quix · July 01, 2009 at 08:43 PM]

That looks delicious! And I'm the same way, I can ignore the mess in the house longer than the fiance can, and that usually leads to him doing most of the cleaning because it bothers him. Like I can ignore dishes in the kitchen for a long time, and he wants to clear them out daily. Oops! My two areas I have to have organized is my closet (so I take care of the laundry and cleaning the bedroom) and my food for the week (so I make the grocery list and food plan and go shopping), so I'm not all worthless! :)

[24 · Posted by Isabelle · July 01, 2009 at 11:48 PM]

Ooh, could we really meet up?? That would be most exciting.

The only banana split place I can think of was The Chocolate House, which was a wonderful restaurant that we used to go to on the last day of school back in the 1950s/60s. I don't think Zanna is old enough to remember that. It was excellent, though.... It was about where Waterstone's (West End) is now.

[25 · Posted by Isabelle · July 01, 2009 at 11:50 PM]

.. and my husband's tidy trick is to put away whatever it is I've just got out and am just about to use, eg milk, my address book etc. He doesn't say, "Is there a reason why you've put away all the shopping but left the milk out?" He just tidies it away. Sigh.

[26 · Posted by Christine · July 02, 2009 at 02:53 AM]

I'm sitting here reading this as my boy works his night job and I have just eaten what I usually do when he's not around, a salad. If he were home, he'd look at me and say "I'll make a grilled cheese sandwich." And then I'd feel guilty.

I need to find a neat lad. You should clone Dr. G.

[27 · Posted by Peita · July 02, 2009 at 03:57 AM]

Salad accompanied by a drink from a glass with Lenin's face on it! I love it!

[28 · Posted by danioz · July 02, 2009 at 11:30 AM]

I know the feeling of living with one who is tidier.. You would think that mr surface tidy (him) would be a perfect match with miss inside tidy (me) but NOOOO. We have seriously been to counselling over this. Funny what works isn't it. We muddle through though.

And I miss C4 tv shows... I could be normal and have Pay TV in Oz but we don't - so I have to go onto the web and check it out!

seeya shauny

[29 · Posted by MB · July 02, 2009 at 01:09 PM]

My apartment is always clean but cluttered. There just isnn't enough space to put all our stuff so I'm going to try to purge and get rid of things I haven't used in years.

I'm going to have to recreate that salad. It looks delicious.

Enjoy your time alone and the mad dash to clean up before Dr. G gets back.

[30 · Posted by Sagan · July 02, 2009 at 06:58 PM]

Mmmm salads. It's great how you can add just about ANYTHING to a salad!

[31 · Posted by The Fat Girl · July 03, 2009 at 07:59 AM]

I used to be like that too. Rushing around and cleaning up an hour before the loved one came home. Somehow over the last 8 years I shed my sloth skin and took on the mindset of Dr G. Now everything has to be perfect and tidy, I guess the reason behind it was that I could not control what was going on inside if me emotionally so I controlled everything around me. Now however I am gaining control of me again I wonder what will happen to my tidy organised home.

[32 · Posted by The Fat Girl · July 03, 2009 at 10:04 AM]

oohhh you are my very first follower Shauna! I am so honoured ;)

[33 · Posted by Mediterranean Diet Blog · July 03, 2009 at 09:30 PM]

Oh, that salad looks so delicious, I have to try it! Tomorrow, cause I can't wait!

[34 · Posted by Mary :: A Merry Life · July 04, 2009 at 07:17 PM]

That salad is going on my "to cook" list. I have a huge list now of stuff I want to make/eat. I better get cracking on that!

[35 · Posted by Miss Milo · July 05, 2009 at 05:50 AM]

Yummmm that salad looks and sounds so good! I'm pretty much as lazy re housework as you, except that I don't even wait for M to go away :O

xxx

[36 · Posted by Rand(Om) Bites · July 05, 2009 at 06:15 AM]

Haha! I love a good sloth day and tempted for a salad right about now too.

[37 · Posted by LillianB - FatBlastZone · July 05, 2009 at 07:13 AM]

How funny - "a casual approach to washing dishes". The salad looks really delicious. I never thought to put quinoa and mint together in a salad...interesting mix. Thanks for sharing.

[38 · Posted by Megan · July 05, 2009 at 09:18 PM]

Wow, what a relief.

I recently bought your book on a whim (it was a recommended read in a Barnes & Nobles) and I was really inspired by it. I was amazed at how dead on all of the entries were in relation to how I think and feel. I'm definitely trying to turn my life around now and really get my shit together.

So, it's a relief to know that the inspiration continues. I'm really glad to know that you're still documenting your weight maintenance. :)

[39 · Posted by Johanna · July 06, 2009 at 01:30 AM]

your salads sound fab - I laughed at your ironing sneakiness - I hated ironing so much but have not even owned an iron for over a decade and it is so liberating!

[40 · Posted by Sweetie Pie · July 06, 2009 at 05:52 PM]

I love the salad! I really love anything involving feta. AAAAhhh... so good!

I was a dilligent sloth all day yesterday when it came to housecleaning. Unless the covers are so messy that it disrupts my sleep, I've never understood the point of bed making anyway! Especially if I've gotten my little nest of pillows arranged perfectly. Why mess with a good thing? :-)

Have a great week!!

[41 · Posted by Alison · July 07, 2009 at 08:02 AM]

Oh, thank goodness I thought no-one was going to fess up about not owning an iron! I moved into this house 2 years ago and only just the other day had to go raking in the attic for the iron!! Both my son and I work and my daughter is still at school but no-one has ever said "that could do with a press"...its all in the folding people!

[42 · Posted by Shannon Seaback · July 08, 2009 at 06:39 AM]

I love feta! I try to add feta to everything!

[43 · Posted by Jodie · July 08, 2009 at 09:55 AM]

Omg, I just saw you on an Anne Diamond Dieting special! You were totally awesome. I could tell this between squeals of 'I read her blog' and 'remember that book?' to my hubby! :) As a fellow UK-based Aussie, and ranga to boot with a few kegs to lose, I was very inspired!!

[44 · Posted by Andrew(AJH) · July 08, 2009 at 02:23 PM]

No matter how much we love our close ones, some time alone occassionally is a neccessity in my opinion. Time to yourself, totally to yourself, can be very refreshing and rebuilding. Enjoy yours!

[45 · Posted by vickie · July 09, 2009 at 12:13 PM]

thought of you yesterday -
npr (national public radio) was doing a feature story on people getting a box of fresh fish. they said it was just like the farmers delivering a box of veggies - only it was fish.

[46 · Posted by Monica Shaw · July 09, 2009 at 02:40 PM]

I've had that superfood salad a few times at Leon in London - it's sooo yummy. I'm glad to find the recipe on the guardian. I can totally make that on my own. The fresh parsley and mint really make it. Yum!

[47 · Posted by Four4Boys · July 09, 2009 at 07:48 PM]

God that salad looks to DIE for. I'm definitely going to be making that soon! Love your blog <3

[48 · Posted by Sarah · July 10, 2009 at 02:38 AM]

I just stumbled upon your blog and I'm so glad I did! Way to go on the incredible weight loss! I envy your self control :)

Anyway, I was so relieved to read that I'm not the only one with a significant other with OCD. I always give myself a mini vacation when my husband goes away! The dishes don't get done, the laundry piles up, etc. How refreshing to read you go through that too :)

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Sarah

[49 · Posted by Lindsay · July 10, 2009 at 08:44 PM]

As I was walking through the bookstore a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon your book. I bought it for a trip to Boston to read on the plane and during the course of my trip I read the whole thing. I have been lugging around 50+ pounds for the past three years and I was just fine with it. However, when I graduated from college I found myself pushing 300lbs. I was so shocked by the number on the scale but I just couldn't seem to do anything about it. Well since arriving home from my trip I have lost my first 5 pounds (in a week and a half :) ) You have inspired me to try again even though I was sure I was destined to feel like an outcast. Thank you so much for being brave and telling your story.

[50 · Posted by Fork In THe Road · July 12, 2009 at 02:58 PM]

I just finished your book and loved it! I literally could NOT put it down! you are such a great source of inspiration and motivation for my own life journey :) thank you for documenting your like that so we could all enjoy it :)

[51 · Posted by Therese · July 15, 2009 at 01:51 AM]

Love the healthy looking salad - is that a KFC glass sitting beside the plate??? LOL..oh the irony!!!

[52 · Posted by Shauna · July 15, 2009 at 10:48 AM]

@Therese - It's not one of KFC's finest, I got it from Grutas Park in Lithuania - it features the floating heads of Stalin, Lenin and Karl Marx! Hehe.

@Fork, Megan & Lindsay - thank you very much for reading :)

@Jodie - COOL! Didn't realise that was still being screened

thanks groovers :)

[53 · Posted by greatlettucehp · July 28, 2009 at 02:18 PM]

The comment about:"during winter I'd iron just the collar and one sleeve of my school shirts then carefully hang them in the wardrobe, so when The Mothership opened the door for a spot check it'd look like I'd done my chores." didn't that take more time than ironing the whole shirt?