Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Arugula

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I've kind of been dreading writing this post. Don't get the wrong idea here - nothing terrible has happened, but in 3 short days, something significant is going to happen. And it involves a birthday. And the numbers 3 and 0. 

I can barely look at those numbers together. I'm just not entirely sure I am ready for this. I don't feel that old. Not that 30 is old, because, here I am, about to turn it...but something inside of me kind of wants to curl up on the couch and hyperventilate a little bit. And so I decided I wanted to do something "Drastic" in celebration of such a monumental birthday...

• Cut my hair? No, I like my rather simple hair style where I don't really have to do anything with it.
• Dye my hair a crazy color - like purple? Sounds fun, but honestly, I have never ever dyed my hair, and I am kind of nervous about it. What if it ruins my natural color, which I happen to love? 
• Tattoo? I like the idea of a tattoo, but not of actually getting one. Until I can decide 100% what and where and how I want a tattoo, I won't get one. I once saw a girl with a tattoo of a potato on her ankle...because she got drunk one night and she thought it was funny. Oh boy... 
• Go on a crazy diet and loose 20 pounds? Pa-leaz...Not gonna happen. LOL
• A piercing maybe? But where? And is 30 too old to have fun piercings? Probably... 

Finally, I decided on something that may not sound as drastic as all that, but will still make a dramatic impact on my life. First, I want to start incorporating fish into out diet. Both Joel and I grew up in the midwest, where the only fresh fish was catfish and bluegill, and we never really grew a taste for either. Not that the Mid Ohio Valley has a ton of fresh fish choices, either, but we can always buy it frozen, right? And there have been a few times where we were at expensive restaurants and bought it and liked it. So apparently I just like fancy expensive fish, haha. Ok, so here is where I need your help! I know NOTHING about fish. Not a thing! So, tell me - how do you like to cook it? What is your absolute favorite fish dish that you would serve to a fish hater? Haha
Secondly, and this is a super big one for me... I am going to start running. Ugh. I hate even typing that word. Running is definitely my least favorite thing, but it is such a good form of exercise. And I need something, because there is definitely zero exercising happening right now. Plus this is free, and if I get a jogging stroller I can take ladybug with me. And when Joel is home, we can all go as a family, and there will be zero excuses. Except when its cold. Or raining. So... what are your best running resources for beginners? 



Ok, so you probably want to know something about this pasta dish, huh? It's perfect for a weeknight, or when you are in a rush. Its simple to throw together, relatively healthy, and tastes delicious. There you have it, the perfect trifecta - easy to throw together, healthy, and relatively cheap! 
Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Arugula (Cooking Light, December 2010)
9 ounces fettuccine1 TBSP olive oil6 ounces turkey sausage2 garlic cloves, minced1 pint cherry tomatoes1/2 tsp pepper3 cups baby arugula leaves2 ounces Romano cheese, shredded
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain in a colander, reserving 2/3 cup cooking liquid.Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.Remove the casings from the sausage, break into bite size pieces and add to pan.Cook 3 minutes, or until browned, stirring frequently to crumble.Add garlic, cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.Add the tomatoes and pepper.Cover the pan and cook 2 minutes.Mash the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon to break them up.Cover the pan back up, reduce the heat to low, and cook 3 minutes.Remove the pan from heat.Add the pasta, 2/3 cup reserved cooking liquid, and arugula.Toss well and sprinkle with Romano cheese.Enjoy!