Yesterday after I wrote my entry, I actually got myself on the treadmill and ran the full amount of time I planned on running. Yay for me!

We did go to stick and puck last night, but boyfriend paid for me to play, so no money out there. On the way home, I treated him to Chinese food, so I spent $21 including the tip.

Then, last night, I looked at the recipe I was supposed to make---I needed a jalapeno pepper for the recipe. I didn't have one. Dangnabit. I also was supposed to marinate the chicken for 24 hours. Ok then. Good thing we stopped for Chinese.

So I pulled out the chicken to thaw so I can marinate it starting tonight. This morning, I stopped by the store and bought two jalapenos, one for this week's recipe and one for next week's recipe. Spent 27 cents for the two. That's all I bought at the grocery store--but after having made a big deal of NOT going to the grocery store, I'm a little irritated at myself for not checking the recipe thoroughly before going shopping last Friday. Urg.

I could have done several things. One, the no grocery week now starts on Monday. So, no grocery shopping until next Monday. Do-able. Just re-jiggered my goal.

Two, I could have substituted....something. I didn't like this idea for two reasons. I always like to make a recipe like it says the first time so I know if it is the recipe I don't like (like the Pineapple chicken I made last week), not the ingredients I used. The second reason is that I'm not sure the jalapeno in this recipe is contributing only heat. You're actually taking out the seeds, so it isn't just a "substitute cayenne pepper" kind of thing. I've never made Tikka Masala before and I'm not sure if there is some....greenness....that the jalapeno contributes that is needed. I didn't have any other peppers in the house to substitute for....greenness.

Three, this recipe is the backbone of my menu plan for the week. It's also my new recipe of the week. I didn't want to not make it, but I did think about it for a bit before deciding to go ahead and buy the peppers.

All excuses, I'm aware. Better organization next time. I will try to not go shopping at the grocery store until next Monday. I'm only worried about running out of milk.

This morning on my way into work, I stopped at McDonald's for a caramel mocha ($4). This is a rare treat for me. It's taken me six months to fill up that little McCafe rewards card and I knew if I bought one more, it would fill the card so my next one is FREE! I woke up from a bad dream and couldn't shake the feeling of irritation the dream caused. In addition, I was the primary one answering the phone all day at work, so I really wanted a treat. Right next door is the gas station I usually use, so I also filled up my gas gift card for the month ($100).

Tonight I have spin class and I might try to stop by the library on the way home. I'm not sure if they are open or not because it is President's Day. Then, home to marinate some chicken for my Tikka.