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Friday, October 30, 2020

Seven Months Into the Pandemic and I’m…Finding Where I Belong—Without Belonging.

My feet were losing momentum as I found myself pushing toward the top of the hill. I went from a run to a shuffle to a power hike. And, soon, a walk. As I leaned forward, two hands pressing slightly on my thighs, I could see two people up ahead. Colorful shadows, familiar and friendly.

I decided to pull aside. Stopping my watch, I took a welcome break at mile 18 of a 22-mile training run. And then I found myself lying down. Full stop.

And while the temps screamed summer, the crunch of branches beneath their feet signaled that fall would soon be arriving. I could hear them getting closer and just like that, with a lot less grace and agility than I had hoped, I popped up.

“Hey there!”

The figures were two running friends, running the trail together. And my antics were just a practical joke that walked the line between funny and weird. But we stopped and talked for a few minutes. The conversation went beyond banal pleasantries but still felt stilted and slightly long as we all waited to hit start on our respective Garmins.

And so we parted ways. Them: together. Me: on my own.

In another time, in another place, I would have spent the next few miles with feelings of loneliness and exclusion sitting in my stomach. The clawing suspicion that they couldn’t get away from me fast enough. Haunted by childhood memories of being the girl who was picked last. The girl who walked the mile. The girl who didn’t quite fit in.

The woman who felt like she still didn’t quite fit in.

I’ve never wanted for running friends. I’ve been lucky to train with people. But there are times when it feels like the faces come and go. Days I feel like I’m floating from group to group without ever seeming to become a part of it.

Then the pandemic hit and most running groups, organized or informal, hit pause. Training solo became less lonely and more vogue. The internal monologue about a missed invitation could be replaced with a podcast or audiobook.

I opted for the ambient soundtrack of the trails, about 45 minutes from my home. My start time was often dictated by the bladder of our new puppy (a pandemic-prompted adoption). My distance was determined by a somewhat arbitrary decision to follow a 50K training plan.

The dirt trails, the towering trees soon became my companions. As the weeks passed by, I thought more about whether I was going the right way than if I had said the wrong thing. And as I anticipated the momentary glimpses of white-tailed deer, I stopped thinking about how it all fit together. How I fit in.

Because in those miles, in those hours, I knew where I belonged.

Read more Seven Months into the Pandemic essays.

The post Seven Months Into the Pandemic and I’m…Finding Where I Belong—Without Belonging. appeared first on Another Mother Runner.

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Fried Catfish

Fried catfish is a delicious quick to prepare main seafood dish. The seasoned cornmeal coating creates a golden crispy crust. Serve with your favorite Southern-inspired side dishes.

Dinner from the ocean is a real treat! Try more seafood meals like this The Best Lobster Tail Recipe, Garlic Butter Herb Scallops, or Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp.

Fried Catfish on a white plate with two lemon slices.

Pan Fried Catfish

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious fish dinner, fried catfish is a satisfying dish. The flakey white fish is perfect for pan-frying. The fillet is lightly coated with a cornmeal coating and fried until crispy. Plus, it only takes minutes to prepare and cook.

Serve with savory side dishes for a complete meal. When my family is craving southern comfort food, if I’m not making buttermilk fried chicken, this fish recipe is always a hit!

seasoned fillets of fish in a pan

How to Fry Catfish

Season the catfish fillets with salt and pepper.
Combine cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Dredge the fish in the cornmeal coating.
Heat vegetable in a cast iron skillet until it reaches 350ºF.
Fry the fish in batches until golden brown on each side.

Preparing the Fish

Catfish comes in large fillets, about 6 to 8 ounces per piece. I like to cut them in half so that each piece cooks more evenly and faster. Once the fish is cut in half, I season with salt and pepper. The fish doesn’t need to be dried before. You want a little bit of moisture for the coating to stick to.

dredging catfish in flour

Making a Crunchy Coating

A light coating is added to the exterior of the fillets. I use a combination of yellow cornmeal and a small amount of flour to help it stick. The ground dried cornmeal adds the perfect amount of crunch to the fish without being overpowering. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little bit of spicy cayenne powder and a nice savory flavor. Make sure to completely dredge the surface for complete pieces.

How Long to Fry Catfish

Use a large skillet like cast iron or nonstick to fry the fish. Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable oil because you will be frying between 350 to 360ºF. You want to add just enough oil to come up to at least halfway up the fish’s sides, about 1-inch high. The moderate temperature will ensure that the fish cooks through, and the crust gets golden and crisp. It only takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

frying fish in a cast iron skillet

What to Serve with the Catfish

I like to serve lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and hot sauce with the fried fish. Collard greens, candied yams, cornbread, or mashed potatoes are excellent side dishes to add to make it a complete meal.

fried catfish on a plate

More Tasty Seafood Recipes

Fried Catfish

Fried catfish is a delicious quick to prepare main seafood dish. The seasoned cornmeal coating creates a golden crispy crust.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword fried catfish, fried catfish recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings servings

Calories 333kcal

Author Jessica Gavin

Ingredients

2 cups yellow cornmeal
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil as needed for frying
1 ½ pounds catfish fillets 3 large fillets, cut into 6 smaller pieces

Instructions

In a shallow bowl whisk together corneal, flour, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Season both sides of the catfish with salt and pepper. Dredge both sides in the cornmeal mixture.
Add enough vegetable oil in a large nonstick pan or cast iron skillet to reach ¾ to 1-inches in depth. Heat over medium heat until temperature reaches 350 to 360ºF (177 to 182ºC). Check the temperature between each batch and adjust the heat as needed to maintain this range.
Add two pieces of fish at a time to the pan, fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, and internal temperature reaches 145 °F (63°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined pan to drain—Fry the remaining pieces of fish.
Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce.

Nutrition

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Learn More About 5 Different Forms of Content Marketing

Content Marketing is the creation of different forms of content for an intended audience and it is a valuable tool for any business. If done right it can boost your brand awareness, visibility, leads and sales. What’s more, clever content can help to build your brand’s reputation and image, and by doing so create a loyal group of brand followers and ambassadors. Content Marketing doesn’t stop at blog writing though. Let’s take a look at the different forms of content in more detail.

1: Blog Content

Probably the oldest and most well-known form of content marketing is the creation of blog content. Blogs are often around 500 words and can be written on any subject you desire. Often there will be a direct link to your product or service but what’s good about blogs is that you can use them to shout about your own product and provide links to the other websites, which Google loves! A good tip is to research the competition and then make sure your blog content builds on or updates what is already out there.

2: Social Content

Social media content is your chance for your brand to show off its creative side and build a visual identity. It’s a space where brands can be more daring and hop on the latest trends and fads without associating themselves with them too heavily. Take time to consider how the content you create for social media aligns with your brand and tells your story. If done right, your social media pages can be a seriously effective content marketing channel.

3: Video Content

Video content has become more and more popular in recent years. It’s a form of content that consumers have become accustomed to consuming on a daily basis, and it’s a great way to tell your brand story and show off your product or service. Bear in mind that Facebook has reported that up to 85% of video content on its platform is consumed without sound which makes those subtitles very important.

4: Podcast Content

Fairly new on the content marketing scene is the creation of podcast content, and it’s safe to say that it’s growing in popularity. If you’re a brand with a lot to say then this is the perfect outlet for you, plus it gives you something to talk about on those other content channels (blog, social, etc.). Podcasts are fun as they allow you to invite special guests in, collaborate with other brands, ask for audience input, and much more.

5: Paid Content

Paid, or ‘sponsored’ content allows a brand to pay for space on another brand’s website, social media channel or podcast. It’s great for driving new traffic to your website and enables you to build an affiliation with the brand you’re working with, which can be valuable in itself. However, it’s worth considering that they will often have final say on the content that they use.

The post Learn More About 5 Different Forms of Content Marketing appeared first on Wellbeing Magazine.

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Seven Months Into the Pandemic and I’m…Needing Humans

A few weeks ago, I came back from a run when my mom, graciously watching my children, asked " How was your run?"

I bit my lip. Paused. Then mustered the courage to sheepishly admit, "I ran on the Riverwalk."

My mom, who has accompanied me on my journey as a runner for the last 30+ years, took her own pause. She's used to me coming back telling her I ran on the trails of the forest preserve, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by meadows, gravel paths and wild turkeys, lucky enough to pass just one runner along the way. I can't help it. Running has always been my escape from the world, off of the beaten path, deep into my own mind.

But on this particular Saturday, seven months into the pandemic, plotting my route out for the run, I found myself filled with a different feeling.
I needed humans.

Early in the pandemic, I remember the trails exploding in people: families, dog walkers, adults who clearly had dug out their rusty bike after 30 years of slumber in the garage.

At first I felt warmed by watching others discover the awesomeness of trails. Finally, they see!

As the weeks went by, the trails got more and more congested. Groups walking, riding, talking across the trail. Dogs on long leashes. Riding became a frustrating exercise in on your left! (No, that left, your other left, oh just stand there and stay out of my way already!).

I found myself running deeper into the woods, seeking out single track to once again get away, thinking to myself would everyone just get off of the trails!?

Fast forward to a few months later. I spend most of my time behind a computer "connecting" with the world. I hear the sound of 20+ children coming from my daughter's remote learning laptop, every single day. Despite these connections and signs of life, I found myself often feeling lonely. Empty. Despite texts, emails, liking photos on Facebook, it wasn't enough. There was a longing. I started to wonder, maybe I need people?

At a time when we were encouraged to stay far away from people, I wanted closeness. I wanted to interact with real people. Even at the grocery store, a place where in my mind I previously begged to be left alone as the cashier tried to engage. Her: So what's your favorite recipes for these beets? Me: I just want you to check my groceries, I don't want a relationship.

Turns out without those small, what seemed like insignificant interactions, I started realized their significance. How our ability to authentically connect was indeed quite meaningful. How we need the full spectrum of relationships: family, neighbor, community, stranger and beyond.

So on that Saturday, I ran on the Riverwalk. A short but beautiful path in our downtown area, winding along the DuPage River. Early on a crisp Saturday morning it was bustling with walkers and runners. Bustling with humans.

Normally preferring to do one long out and back, I ran loops: up and down, around, back and forth over bridges. I was filled with the desire to stop and talk to each person I passed: are you ok? Are we ok? Instead, I enjoyed vigorously saying hello and smiling at each human. I felt more energized than I had in weeks.

Back at home, when I admitted this to my mom, I felt almost shameful. In a world where I often prefer to be alone, nestled into the comfort of introversion, proud of my independence, I wanted to cross every boundary. I wanted to feel a bigger connection to all of the people.

Since then, I've committed to spending more time with real humans outside of my family. It's important. I need it. We all do. I've taken walks with a neighborhood friend. I've scheduled "live" meetings with my athletes. I've tried to show the world that I'm still here and I care that you're still here too.

The other day, I returned to the trails. It was a cold, damp morning and the trails were empty again. As I got deeper in the trail, I found myself juxtaposed against enjoying the solitude and longing to see another human. On that day, I enjoyed it. I felt a sense of owning the trails, embracing the gift all to myself.

But I committed to my next run on the Riverwalk. To remind myself we're all in this together and still need to connect: human to human.

Read more Seven Months into the Pandemic essays.

The post Seven Months Into the Pandemic and I’m…Needing Humans appeared first on Another Mother Runner.

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The Weekly Roundup: Your Go-To Guide For Everything You May Have Missed This Week & More! 10/24-10/30

Welcome to Ben Greenfield's Weekly Roundup and Cool New Discoveries! Ben Greenfield's discoveries, from the latest news on the fronts

The post The Weekly Roundup: Your Go-To Guide For Everything You May Have Missed This Week & More! 10/24-10/30 appeared first on Ben Greenfield Fitness - Diet, Fat Loss and Performance Advice.

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#440: Three Women Share Their Night Run Routines

Part of our Routines series, Sarah and Tish talk with three women about running at night. A mix of anecdotes and advice, the trio reveals:

-how to handle pre- and post-run eating;
-the magical feeling of running under the night sky;
-the lighted and reflective gear they use to stay safe + seen;
-the release of running at the end of a hectic day; and,
-how to rally the energy to head out the door!

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We appreciate your—and their—support!

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The post #440: Three Women Share Their Night Run Routines appeared first on Another Mother Runner.

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Tsitsi Dangarembga Narrates The Painful Reality Of Life In Contemporary Zimbabwe

Tambu, the complicated anti-hero of the Booker-shortlisted 'This Mournable Body', is fighting to change the pre-determined course of her journey in the face of postcolonial, patriarchal oppression

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Episode #419 – Full Transcript

From podcast: https://ift.tt/31Twh2r [00:00:00] Introduction [00:00:30] Ben's Meditation with Rapé [00:05:10] News Flashes [00:05:45] So-Called “Anti-Nutrients” In Food [00:22:45] Advanced

The post Episode #419 – Full Transcript appeared first on Ben Greenfield Fitness - Diet, Fat Loss and Performance Advice.

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Ashley Graham Says She Wasn't Nervous to Have Sex Again Post-Pregnancy: "Everything's Still In There"

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A post shared by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@ashleygraham) on Aug 24, 2020 at 6:19am PDT

As a woman, I imagine reclaiming your body and your sex life post-pregnancy would be a tricky task. Giving birth, while an incredible experience, obviously changes your body, or as Supermodel Ashley Graham puts it, "the furniture is just probably rearranged."

Ashley, who welcomed first child Isaac in January with hubby Justin Ervin, told People that they still manage to find time for their sex life even after having a child and both being working parents.

"When you have a newborn, they usually sleep for a couple of hours, so we'll put him in the bassinet on the other side of the room and get it going," she said.

Ashley also confessed that she wasn't really nervous about getting back between the sheets, "A lot of women have asked me, 'Were you afraid to have sex again?' Not at all, and the reason I wasn't was because I know my vagina was made to have a baby and to push it out, and I knew it was going to go right back (to what it was). Everything's still in there, it all feels the same, the furniture is just probably rearranged."

She also went on to speak about how the couple, who just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary last year, also make it a priority to find the time to connect as a couple and go on date nights.

"We'll take a walk, go to dinner, take a drive. That has been something that's been really great . . . because 24/7 it's about Isaac and we're both working parents now, so we need that extra time for ourselves that we used to have all the time," she said.

Sounds like Ashley and Justin are working towards a healthy balance and we love that for them.

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Delicious Homemade Root Beer Recipe (Ready in 15 minutes!)

This Homemade Root Beer is a fun, sweet, refreshing treat to make any occasion extra special. It takes just 4 ingredients to create a little magic and a whole lot of tasty fun! I have two ways to make this luscious drink!

I love to serve this at Halloween time, the dry ice gives it such a spooky flare. But serve this with Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes, Homemade Sweet Potato Fries and Perfect Apple Pie for an all American dinner.

Homemade Root Beer in a frosty mug.

The Best Homemade Root Beer

Who knew you could make your own Root Beer and that it could be so fun. Family and friends will gather quickly around to see what all the fog is about. It’s fun and exciting and brings an extra special flare to any occasion. It’s rather simple to make and tastes fantastic. The hardest part will be the wait!

If you can’t find Dry Ice I’ve included a non dry ice variation. It does take up to 4 days to make however, so plan ahead. Feel free to double the batch for a huge party. I promise it won’t go to waste. it’s just too good and just that much fun!

Old Fashioned Homemade Root Beer Ingredients

Dry ice is so fun to use in this recipe, it creates the bubbly and a little bit of atmosphere too. Serve up this refreshing beverage everyone will enjoy at any event!

Cold Water: Even room temp water is ok, as you’ll see in my tips below
Sugar: Adds the needed sweetness
Root Beer Extract: Flavor and color make this even better. I used Hires Big H Root Beef Extract for this recipe.
Dry Ice: Dry ice provides the fun and bubbles

How to Make Root Beer from Scratch

Mix: In a large container mix the cold water and sugar and stir till dissolved. Add the Root Beer Extract.
Dry Ice: Add the dry ice and stir frequently to prevent the ice from clumping. Serve once Dry Ice is dissolved.

Making Yeast Carbonated Root Beer

Don’t have Dry Ice locally? Try this method. It takes time but has excellent results.

Mix: Add Sugar and the Root Beer Extract to 11 cups of warm water.
Yeast: Add one Tablespoon of yeast to a separate cup of warm water and stir.
Stir: Stir the yeast mixture with the sugar mixture.
Pour: Place into clean bottles leaving an inch of space. Let them sit at room temp for four days.
Fridge: After four days place them in the fridge till ready to use.

Adding in Root Beer extract to the sugar mixture.

Root Beer Extract Vs Root Beer Concentrate

Just so you aren’t surprised by your flavor or lack of, double check what you buy. Either will work for your Homemade Root beer, but they are different.

Root Beer Extract (What this recipe calls for) Extract has a milder flavor so you need more to get that flavor. You can always add extra if you feel it needs it too.
Root Beer Concentrate: If this is what you have make note is much stronger than extract so you’ll need less. For this recipe you would need only 3 teaspoons of concentrate for 12 cups of water.

Stirring up the mixture till dissolved.

Dry Ice 101

When making Homemade Root Beer, dry ice is a must. It creates that smokey exciting atmosphere and bubbles. There are a few things to remember when working with it however.

Where to find: To save yourself trouble and frustration, call your local stores to see if they carry it. You’ll be surprised that many do. Warehouse stores such as Sam’s Club and Costco often carry it as well as Walmart and Krogers if you have them in your area.
Storing: Dry ice evaporates quickly. Do not buy days before you need it. Buy it the day you plan on making your Root Beer.
Keeping it: Never completely cover a container with dry ice. For this reason don’t keep it in a shut freezer either. Place in a cooler or styrofoam cooler with a towel over it. Keep it as cool as possible to help it last longer.
Break it: If it needs to be broken up, place in a brown paper bag and hit it with a hammer or mallet outside.
Burns: Never touch dry ice with your bare hands and keep it away from children. It can cause severe burns immediately. Wear gloves and use tongs when handling.
Inhale: Do not inhale the smoke from dry ice, in fact this should be made in a well ventilated area or outside so the carbon monoxide doesn’t build up.
Drink: Never drink or swallow dry ice. Wait till the ice has melted before drinking or ladel out only the rootbeer without the ice.
Fog: To get the best fog for your homemade root beer use in tepid temperature water.
Carbonation: Dry ice will actually not add a ton of carbonation. If you want more use sparkling or soda water for best results for perfect Homemade Root beer.

Adding the dry ice and stirring the Root Beer.

More Lushious Drink Recipes to Try

Drink it up!

Homemade Root Beer

This Homemade Root Beer is a fun, sweet, refreshing treat to make any occasion extra special. It takes just 4 ingredients to create a little magic and a whole lot of tasty fun!

Course Beverage, Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Homemade root beer, Homemade root beer recipe, root beer

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings People

Calories 242kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers