Do You Remember?
How about a little Flashback Friday? Do you remember what happened in the Pea household a year ago today?
If you are a new reader, which it seems like there are a few of you, I’d like to extend you a special “Hidey ho!” and tell you how happy I am to have you along for the ride. Please do not click away or unsubscribe because I said “Hidey ho!” Trust me, far more absurd things will come out of my mouth (fingers?).
For the rest of you though, do you remember what happened on April 30, 2009? I’ll give you a hint.
I went from this:
to this:
(How incredibly shnockered do I look there? I wasn’t feeling a thing.)
There were two weeks of highly questionable chiropractic practices in between the half marathon and Vikefest 2009, but a year ago today was when I had the surgery to remove my ruptured disc. Would it have killed them to throw in a little C-cup action while they were in there?
I honored the remaining fragment of my compromised disc this morning by running for twenty minutes (not two hours), and spent the additional time organizing and putting away the 384 pieces to Disney Princess Monopoly.
The girls don’t actually play it, they just like to throw the little plastic pieces in the heater vents. Out of curiosity, I peeked at the board to see what the “Go to Jail” component of this version might be (as if moving in to the castle with your in-laws wasn’t “jail” enough). Sleeping Beauty and Snow White’s version of jail?
Eating lunch. Wow. I can just picture two little girls playing when one throws an unlucky cast of the die, counts the spaces and her pigtailed opponent cries, “Ha, ha, ha! You have to go to LUNCH!”
Ursula has spent some time at lunch. Great message, Disney.
Speaking of the girls, they’ve changed quite a bit over the last year as well. Gigi has outgrown her “never nude” phase that has her convinced she must wear a tutu at all times.
Or has she?
At least Lulu’s table manners have improved.
Maybe not.
But unlike my post on a year ago today, I will not be falling asleep on the floor with visions of Ryan Seacrest dancing a jig in a pageant gown underneath a rainbow of Skittles or for some reason showing you a picture of Pea Kitty doing puzzles,
Drugs are bad. Except for crack. Because you see, I celebrated my one year “$14,000 to take out a tiny little body part?!”-versary by hooking up an old habit: the Crack Wrap.
Remember this beauty?
I ate one of these delicious and addictive grilled wraps almost every day for lunch last year. I’ve been toying with the idea of resurrecting the smack in a tortilla for awhile now, and have even considered giving it a home in my book. I’m not quite sure how family-friendly a sandwich named after Whitney Houston’s favorite variety of cocaine is or if mainstream America will embrace it as I have.
Shh…don’t listen, my little wheat-wrapped electric kool-aid, “I will always love you.”
Vegan Crack Wrap
- whole wheat tortilla or wrap (FlatOuts were the original wrappage, but don’t let that dissuade you from making your own)
- 1/4 c. hummus (i.e. Sabra…or a top-secret homemade recipe)
- 1-2 oz. of shredded or sliced non-dairy cheese (i.e. Follow Your Heart mozzarella)
- melted vegan margarine (i.e. Earth Balance) or cooking spray
Place a medium skillet over medium high heat.
Spread your tortilla or wrap with a generous amount of hummus and top with sliced cheese.
Tuck both ends of the tortilla up and roll like a burrito.
Brush the outside of the wrap with a light coating of melted vegan margarine or a quick blast of cooking spray.
Grill wrap on both sides until the outside is toasted and the cheese has melted.
We did not pass go. We did not collect $200.
If this lunch is “jail,” lock me up for at least another year.
The name “Crack Wrap” alone should get you on Oprah. But is it just me, or have I been saying that since I met you?
Anyways, sorry I’ve been away and missed your big announcement! I’m so incredibly proud of you! I’ll buy a million copies of anything you write!
Does Oprah’s BOOK CLUB know about this yet? I think I’ve found your connection.
It won’t be long my dear. Promise.
XOXO,
Erin
crack is whack. life is fresh.
yo.
i’m tipsy and have been teaching life skills for three days. that’s all i’ve got.
The recipe you posted yesterday should be Crack Snack. Because it is. I’m going to have to buy the Costco-sized dried blueberries tomorrow.
Not even kidding!
ooooh that DOES look like a mighty fine lunch too me
I had no idea you hurt your back! Geesh, that is not an easy surgery to recover from… Or maybe my dad is just milking it and you toughed it out and started running again
I love the fact that you refer to hummus wraps as crack, because realistically an ezekiel tortilla in itself is pretty close to addictive, but that combination would send anyone over the top. If this takes off in your cookbook you could start a little club for people who are addicted called PEA (Pita-Eaters Anonymous)… Okay so i am not so funny after an 11 hour work-day… go figure 
I just bought brown rice tortillas and hummus from Trader Joe’s. Hmm… wonder what I’ll be making for lunch tomorrow?
P.S. You girls are both too cute that I feel compelled to write that in every comment!
I think its amazing how much the girls have changed – I have even seen a change in Lulu over the few months I’ve been reading.
omg I remember that laid up in the hosp bed pic! please, never again…stay outta that place
this looks delicious!!! i cannot buy tortillas or hummus where i live (sad face) but i am tempted to slave away in the kitchen for a few hours this weekend making em from scratch just so i can make my own variety of this wrap. yum!
Holy hell, where do you live? Prison? Or, should I say “lunch?”
One year?? My god, time does go by fast!
That crack wrap looks so good
Your “never nude” comment made my day (or my middle of the night when I’m awake for no reason)! I don’t see any jean cutoffs under that tutu!
Also, I remember reading your blog back then; I think I discovered it right around the time of your back surgery, actually. I was also thinking that you looked like a teenage mother. Meaning you look so young, of course, although what else could I possibly mean by that? I must go back to sleep.
Hey Sara, want to go to dinner and a movie? I think I might love you. I promise to make you crack wraps every day. You see, I will be 32 on Sunday and this “teenage mother” thing has me as giddy as a schoolgirl.
Mmmmm….yes please. I’ve tried FYH cheddar, but not their mozzarella. I’ll have to get my paws on some!
just when I thought I couldn’t like you more, you threw out an Arrested Development reference.
I watched that clip three times yesterday and nearly wet my cutoffs each time.
Vegan crack wrap looks so good. I need to look for that cheese because I can never seem to find non-dairy cheese that actually don’t contain dairy which seems to defeat the purpose, wouldn’t you say. Thanks for the brand name!
I do remember all of that! I am so glad things are better. It is a road to get to a better place when you look back at surgery like that. You look a hell of a lot better than I did after surgery! I think your cat (Maggie, right?) playing puzzles is a flashback from Vikefest! Enjoy your day, Sarah! So glad things are better!
u r so successful and smart …and so young…it blows my mind…i hope to accomplish every 1/5 of what u do by the time i am 60 years old…things are not in my favor in recent times!
Glad your physical self is much better now ! (hate hospitals).
Yay for resurrecting the crack wrap! Thanks for introducing me to them – they are my go to lunch or dinner :0)
when i first met my bf I was a nevernude….
Awww I remember how terrible your back was!
So glad you are better now, and STILL blogging (that hiatus you took was terrible, don’t ever do that to me again!) ;P
Never again, Alli. I promise. Unless I win the lottery, buy an island, move there and they don’t have internet access. Then you are screwed.
crack wrap indeed…how are you not still eating these every day? or MULTIPLE times a day? holy deliciousness…
You forgot a very important step in the crack recipe–repeat two or three times per sitting or until you find yourself scrounging through the leftover Cheerios and sesame seeds in the couch for spare change to fund your hummus habit.
Then again, maybe there’s a reason you left that out…
Mama Pea – I just discovered your website. I have been following (i.e., getting inspired by) Caitlin and Meghann (I am an Orlando resident) for about a year and then I found your website. Your writing is amazingly fresh and fun to read. I am hooked already.
Thank you, Leslie. I happy to have ensnared you in my trap. Muhahahaha!
i was recovering from sciatica and disc bulge last year too!!! well i wasn’t hospitalized…
i’m so glad you’re all better! and that crack wrap looks AMAZING!!
=)
have a fantastic weekend!
Have you tried Daiya? That’s the first non-dairy cheese I think I’m going to try as it gets rave reviews
I haven’t! I also have heard good things. I am such a mellow vegan, though, that if there’s a little casein in my cheese, I don’t go into convulsions.
Yikes I can only imagine how frustrating a back injury is. My husband still has a herniated disk from playing college football that gives him problems ALL THE TIME. I guess Vicodin is the only upside to it all
When reading about your infamous crack wrap I can’t help but think of this video…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nda_OSWeyn8
“Might be crack head…got hold of the wrong stuff!”
Too funny!
Omg the crack wrap came back!! This is like the best Friday present ever!
As one of those new readers, I had no idea about your back. Wow. I’m happy you’re doing so much better today than you were LAST April 30th
LOVED the never nude reference…and the close-ups of Disney Monopoly hahaha too funny!!
Oh, I do remember the disc debacle. I was so sad for you. But look how far you’ve come!
And OMG, the crack wrap, I had almost forgotten about that glorious concoction. Loving the vegan version Mama Pea.
I am glad that I am not the only one that seems to eat the same thing for lunch everyday.
Hahahaah. I just laughed aloud in my cubicle. I hope they don’t ask me what I’m laughing about — I’ll have to say crack wraps and vicodin.
oooh crack
I can so picture making that for the hubby after a night of drinking – hey, you gotta start somewhere when converting them to veganism right? I am sooo excited for you about your book! I can’t wait
http://www.calbeans.com/5-Peas%20N%20Carrot%20Cake.html
This recipe made me think of you. Peas ‘N Carrot Cake
I can’t believe that it has been a year! That was right around the time I started reading your blog
I am going to have to try the vegan crack wrap!
I’m glad you’re not in the hospital this year! Thank you for resurrecting that wrap! It looks amazing. I really want to try it
I remember this well. I remember our email conversations back and forth about the surgery and telling you that you will run again. I’m glad you can run even if it isn’t half marathons.
And those drug induced posts were some of the funniest ever
I remember that too, Cyn. I appreciate your support then and now!
Oh how I wish I could eat cheese….oh wait, it’s dairy less. I will try to find the Follow Your Heart…hopefully it’s not made with soy.
I can’t imagine having back surgery with 2 little ones! I like it when you go back in time with your posts because I am one of those newcomers. Look at the change in your girls in just one year!!
You should try Almond Cheese! I know Soy Station (bad name for an almond cheese) makes some, but it has a bit of casein in it if you can handle that. Anyway, it’s tasty stuff!
Ahh, I’ve been waiting for this! I think a vegan crack wrap definitely deserves a place in your book
It’s your signature thing!!
I just ate a C-wrap for lunch Wed! Great minds ? I remember when I had my first one… *sigh* …such a freakin good idea MP!! Mine did contain fake cheese… You know, the kind that never molds. HAHA
I wish I could attach a picture of my back… it’s pretty creepy looking with all the metal rods and cadaver bone… gross, right? But hey… I can ride a bike now, take hikes, sit in a chair for more than 30 minutes w/o pain… so, I’d say it’s worth it.
Sometimes I get tired of looking at your Hugh Jass. However, I was thrilled to see your crack (wrap!)
Hmmmm Crack Wrap! I love the sounds of this
Congrats on the book deal – I am a few days behind.
Ohhhhh that wrap looks good! I vote for YES in the new cookbook!! Which I will be in line to buy!!!!
I found your site last year while battling breast cancer and changing my nutrition to help fight it….. Thank YOU SO Much…. the cleaner eating helped me immensely in being strong enough through chemo and radiation and surgeries to workout and be strong the whole way through! No side effects except my loss of hair!
Thanks again!!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this, Tonda. You have made my day. I’m working on an email back to you!
If jail = lunch in Monopoloy Jr, then I’m brushing up on my money laundering and coming to your house for a game. Something tells me I’d have only a belly full of crack wraps to show for it.
I’m a relatively new reader, but your use of the phrase “hidey ho” only endears you to me more.
I am afraid of vegan cheeses…those pictures may have temped me to overcome said fears.
Oh geez is Ursela really in jail? Oof.
Snack wraps err crack wraps look amazing!
OMG I would totally pass go and not collect $200 to eat the crack wrap. Prince Charming has NOTHING on that foodgasm
PS I’m glad your back/health is better. And I can’t wait for your book.
PPS I got my mother reading your blog and she no longer harasses me about planning to raise my kids as vegetarians/vegans because of how awesome you’ve raised your two girls…so THANKS!
Yay! I love changing people’s minds! Hi, Sarah’s MOM!!!
first of all, thanks for the nevernude reference.
http://tcritic.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/i_just_blew_myself.jpg
I definitely have this shirt. everyone should.
yay for crack wrap resurrection! I had that for lunch today and it was amazing:D
do you have any recommendations for vegan cheese? most processed brands have little nutrition and are made of oil. although they are healthier (and better for the animals), i think it kind of defeats the purpose. any recipes, perhaps? i hope so because this sounds SO good. if i had a good alternative, i would make it right now. no joke.
have a lovely day!
xox
Hi Mandiee! I rarely eat vegan cheese and when I do, it’s usually Tofutti on some Ezekiel bread. I use the Follow Your Heart brand mozzarella for these. Here’s the ingredient label: Filtered water, expeller pressed canola oil, tofu (soybeans, calcium sulfate), soy protein, inulin (a natural extract of chicory), agar, sea salt, natural flavor (vegan), carrageenan (from seaweed), calcium lactate (vegan), lactic acid (vegan). I’ve never made my own vegan cheese, aside from a sauce with lemon juice, cashews and nutritional yeast, but it might be worth a shot!
I was totally addicted to crack wraps all last summer after seeing them on your blog!! I haven’t had one in so long, it just wasn’t as fun to eat them when you stopped eating them… but now I feel like new life has been put in the crack wrap!! I may just have to eat one tonight in your honor!!
oh man, I forgot about crack wraps until reading. I must have one asap! I love them with a little salsa thrown into the mix. YUM!
Oooh, BBQ sauce is choice too!!!
I had 2 ruptured discs in my cervical spine. I feel your pain. Well I felt your pain. Did you get cadaver bone and titanium or did you get the new replacement discs they have now.
I actually ruptured my disc at L4/L5, and the fragments were pressing on the nerve that runs down my right leg, so I had no feeling from my hips to my toes. They went in and removed the fragments and essentially pushed what was left of my disc back into “the hole.” I’m all natural baby! I’m so sorry you went through the pain too. I have such an appreciation for people that are in terminal pain, and I feel so lucky that mine was only temporary (aside from some daily stiffness and soreness).
Hi Sarah,
I’ve already written to you about my similar back surgery (herniated disc at L4/L5), but I just read this comment for the first time and was wondering something…my right leg went numb too–down to my foot and toes, but it never went away. It’s been a year now and I’m kind-of losing hope. Did you get the feeling back in your leg?
Hey Emily. I did get almost all the feeling back in my leg. My middle toe is still a bit numb, but I only notice when I’m cutting my toenails. It only took a couple of months, though, to regain feeling. You may want to ask your surgeon…
so, what happens when i take a blog reading break? my fave blogger gets a book deal and i’m days late on the news. mazel tov!!!
I read your blog “back then,” and then you resurrected when I was in Thailand, and though I didn’t have much time, occasionally I would stop by to see what you were up to and drool over your vegan creations. And now I am drooling over this crack wrap and considering breaking my personal ban on vegan cheeses (they kinda freak me out!) to make one.
By the way, as a girl raised on South Park I say please keep heidi-ho-ing and then some!
“taco, burrito, what’s inside your speedo?”
SNL cheerleaders at a swim meet…
The hummus inside a tortilla looks great!
Katherine
PS: Flashforward Friday- next year avoid the hospital!
Okay seriously, you have a way with words…I cannot wait for your book!
This “crack” wrap looks amazing!
Oh my goodness, I remember the crack wrap and the endless tutus! The crack wrap was even your header once, wasn’t it? That really brings memories back …
I definitely remember that zonked-out-yet-happy hospital picture, too. I’m glad you’re in a much better place now!
WOW! I can’t imagine what getting a disk removed from your back must be like. Crack wraps are amazing! I need one tomorrow for sure now
Hope your weekend treats you well!!
Vegan crack wrap!!! YAY! Friday just improved.
Ah yes, how could I forget the legendary crack wrap?? I might just have to make one soon…I’ve never found a vegan cheese like though. Must try FYH.
Hi there! I just found your blog a few days ago (through Meghann’s), and wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading it. Your humor has my sides splitting!
Happy one year anniversary (not so happy 14,000 $-aversary) on having that ruptured disc removed. Head and spine problems are no fun-but glad to see you doing so well now. Keep up the amazing work.
Thank you, Bridget! I’m glad you found me!!!
Hopefully, NO hospital trips for you this year! Unless there’s another little cute girl on her way…
I had a crack wrap today: apple + avocado + cream cheese+ brie. A bit heavy on the dairy, but mmm….
LOVE PeaKitty!!!
HOORAY for return of the crack wrap! cracklicious haha
i still need to try one!
i just love your blog. i can’t start my day without it, really. that is all
xoxo
Ursula always scared the bejezzus out of me when I was little.
I wasn’t around for crack whip but am so glad you revisited it…I see a little crack whip in my future, for sure.
Oh how I missed seeing your beloved crack wraps. So glad to see they’re back!
Oh gosh, I remember the surgery. I still cringe at the thought of that one photo – it was standing there, so very crooked. It looked miserable. I’m so glad you’re feeling much better this time around!
Wow, just found your blog today and this was a great intro post!! Will definitely see you around the blogosphere in the future!
I can’t wait for your book either!
I have never seen the crack wrap on here but looks awesome!
I remember the crack wrap! I can’t believe I’ve been reading your blog for over a year. LOL at Vikefest and Pea Kitty. You can always make me laugh!
Oh the crack wrap. Never forgotten! I think I had one last week and savoured every last ooey gooey melty cheesy bite. I’d gladly be locked up if it included a never-ending supply of that good stuff.
Oh must try the crack wrap now…… Can’t wait for the book either!!!
Crack wraps=heaven. Hooray for not spending the beginning of May (and your bday) in surgery!
oooo FBF! yeaaah. (and yes, it is tuesday now. you aren’t imagining things.)
i DO remember a year ago. that is when i started reading lovin’! i remember you were recovering and the FIRST post i read was one with lulu and a hugiant (it’s a word, promise) green smoothie stache! oh man, i should post that photo next time i do smoothie staches! and the crack wrap was all the rage.
i was definitely wondering if you were going to whip up the vegan version any time soon, what a great time to do it!