Well, I think we all agree that you definitely do not have to run races to consider yourself a runner! You guys were pretty passionate about the topic – I like that! A lot of sports are so exclusive, but running is everyman(and woman’s) sport. You can do it wherever and whenever – no matter your skill level. And for those of you who do want to run a race, but don’t feel like it’s possible, know this: I went from barely being able to run 2 miles, to running a half marathon. It is possible – I promise!
On another note – it.is.friggin’.freezing.here. I watched my little Weather.com temperature widget get gradually lower and lower…and lower and lower…all day. I think I shed a little tear when it reached 2 degrees. 
It’s right around this time of year when I seriously contemplate moving to California. It’s true – the “cali bug” creeps up on me every single year. Ooofta.
At any rate, my cravings for all things warm and comforting kept me at the stove last night for a couple reasons. 1) To try and stay warm, 2) to whip up some Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup!
This soup was extra special tonight because I baked the chicken instead of boiling it, which is what I usually do (it’s the fastest & least messiest option.)
All I did was season two chicken breasts with salt, pepper & garlic powder, then baked them in a 375 degree oven for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. I cannot tell you how tender and juicy they turned out. Such a treat!
I also broiled up some Parmesan Bread to go with my soup.
1 slice of toast, smeared with a wee bit of butter, sprinkled with garlic powder and parmesan cheese and broiled to a beautiful golden brown color.
I freaking love parmesan bread!
Ben and I slurped our way through this one. 
I’m telling you, nothing warms the heart like homemade chicken noodle soup. Especially when it’s been made the night before and is ready to eat when you get home from work! 
Well this girl actually has to go brave the cold (ugh, don’t wanna) to run some errands. Target and my parent’s house are on the list. Oooo, maybe I can snag a peanut butter kiss cookie while I’m there…fingers are crossed!
Bill paying (boo) and Christmas gift wrapping (yay!) shall round out my evening. Come back tomorrow for an awesome giveaway – this one’s GOOOOOD!
~~~~~
Do you lay low on the weeknights, or do “stuff” – ie go to the movies, go shopping, visit friends, go to the bookstore, etc.?
I’m a hermit crab during the week. When I get home from work, the possibility of getting me back out of the house is extremely small. Hence, the thought of going to Target right now is kind of messing with my mind!
I always think I want to do stuff, but I love to lay low! I always have a few things during the week, but like to cram it all into my weekends when I can.
I didn’t comment earlier since I was out all day, but I am finally getting comfortable calling myself a runner, even though I don’t race! Racing doesn’t make you any more of a runner
I’m a total lump when i get home from work. I usually cook dinner before I even change into my PJs, then shower, change, and relax for hours… i feel lazy, but hey, i like it!
After moving cross country I forced myself to go to group runs during the week, but otherwise I love just chilling out at home to decompress during the week
I am useless on weeknights . . . occasionally I’ll run a few errands after work, but typically I change out of work clothes & straight into PJ’s! I did organize my gift wrap box & wrap a few presents, tonight, though–I know I’m a dork, but I had so much fun!
Most nights of the week, I stay at home but on Wednesdays, I go to a friend’s house for a girl’s night in — it sure does make the week go by faster
But I love being a homebody too!
You’re on a soup kick!
I like to lay low during the week… I get tired
I’m still in school so I have some night classes
but otherwise one night a week I do dinner and wine with a girlfriend and watch Bravo, and the rest of the weeknights I lay low if I can.
And by the way, I lived in Santa Barbara, California, for one summer a couple years ago and I dream about it ALL THE TIME, especially living in Des Moines! SO COLD!
When I get home from work, it’s in my PJ’s and relaxing for the rest of the night!
The chicken soup really looks good! It was super cold today, huh? I’m from Iowa too!
I definitely lay low. By the time I get home I am too pooped to go anywhere or do anything.
Parmesan bread, genius! Mike LOVES garlic bread and I really am not a fan. I know, what’s wrong with me. But I always feel like plain toast is so boring with a meal. I’ll have to have parmesan bread soon!
I am like you, a total hermit during the week. If I stay out after work, I am a-okay. But get me home and in comfy clothes, your chances are about .01% to get me to go anywhere.
I like to lay low! Especially if a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup is within arms reachh!!!
YUM!
I definitally like to come home after a long day and put on my jammies and eat dinner and then lounge around on the couch, but on the weekends I like to go out and get things done!!
Oooh, your soup looks delish!
I have a day off during the week and the hubs does too–so I’d rather go out during the week than on the weekend, when things are super busy. It’s REALLY nice and we’re totally spoiled by getting to visit the mall and the post office on Wednesday or THursday afternoons instead of fighting crowds on the weekends.
I like to stay in on week nights too. Plus I usually get up pretty early so I go to bed early!
That Chicken Noodle Soup looks so delicious!! My boyfriend has been requesting a broth based soup like that recently.. haha. I tried to click on your link for the recipe but it took me back to the post about considering yourself a runner. Do you have the recipe posted somewhere? I’d love to make it!!
I do go out weeknights and do stuff, but right now I’m working weekends, so I don’t go out weekend nights
I made your baked potato soup today and it was great! My mom liked it too! I shared it (and your blog) on Craftster and had to give a shout-out. I also posted the yummy bread I did to go on the side (mushrooms, bacon, and chevre, Win!)
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=331053.0
We are usually busy with work stuff on week nights except on Tuesdays. So if we go out during the week that is the day.
I like to do a bit of both on the weekend. Lay low on Friday and Sunday and be social and busy on Saturday. I enjoy soaking up some rest and relaxation as much as I can on the weekend since my weeknights seem to fly by!
OK, I so want some chicken noodle soup now and it isn’t even cold here in Florida (supposed to get chilly this weekend and next, crossing my fingers as I am sick of the 80′s, hard to get into the Holidays when it is hot outside)………it looks amazing!!! =)
[...] Ok, sorry, I have to add another: Parmesan Garlic Toast. [...]