Make A Million

Fabric is, and has been a hobby of mine since I learned to sew. My mom told me about a 'cause' called Make a Million Pillow Cases. You make them and then send them to a charity of your choice. Well, I went through my scraps and made a few, then bought a few pieces to go with other scraps I had, then set it up as a project for the young women at church, and then came home and made some more. Last count I had eleven completed and enough fabric for about six more.

It's kind of addicting, and it's difficult to eat and sew at the same time. They are so easy to make and I'm excited to give them away.
Of course I haven't given up the gym....or trying to eat healthy. I've lost 48 pounds, so I'm almost halfway to my goal. I know I need to 'up my game' and get more serious about my food intake habits. But, as we all know, bad habits are extremely easy to pick up and so hard to loose.

Back For a Minute

Ran a mile in 13 minutes 15 seconds....fastest time yet! Also, I can walk/run five miles now. Ahhhhh, and they said it wouldn't last.

Veg Fest

Yesterday my vegan friend, Anne, and I ditched our families and headed to sunny San Fransisco for the veg fest.

If you had asked me about attending a veg fest when I was 10 yr old, I would have shrieked "EW!!!". I am now proud to say that I love my vegetables! Although that's not really what I was eating at the fest.... There was a plethora of vegan samples, all free! FREE!! Yeah I am not ashamed to admit that Anne and I made the rounds.. More than once!! Vegan chocolate, vegan yogurt, vegan sausage, crispy kale chips, chocolate coconut water, larabars, vegan potato chips, fruit snacks, etc... We also indulged in some vegan mexican food for lunch. I had the black beans and taquitos... Super yum!! We were able to attend a lecture and a couple cooking demonstrations. I wish everyday could be veg fest. Can't wait for next year!

Whatsa vegan?

I guess I have been throwing the term "vegan" around like it's no big deal.. Then I realized that there is A LOT of negative connotations that come with the word "vegan." By the reaction on peoples' faces, you'd think I was swearing when I said "vegan" (dun dun dun, that is scary music..)... To me, vegan means a diet of fruits, vegetable, nuts, and whole grains. I guess most of us hear "vegan" and think "crazy hippie, animal rights activist, throwing red paint on fur coats, picketing the EPA (I saw some people protesting the EPA when I was in DC, so now I am going to assume they were vegans!).

So, let me clarify. I am not a VEGAN (not the way most people define them), I like to eat healthy. I try and eat a diet that primarily consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.  I feel better when I eat like this. I am not perfect (although I might pretend to be). Yesterday I ate honey walnut shrimp and it was delicious. I still have a fetish for cheese (although I can't remember the last time I ate some), I don't cook with butter, I don't consume a lot of eggs (I will when I want to), and I eat my weight in dark, dairy free chocolate everyday. I am not out there trying to save the animals, although I do disagree with the treatment of them. I am not trying to convert anyone to "my diet."

I am simply a girl who has a little obsession with nutrition. I like to read articles,  talk to friends, and try things out. Maybe one day I will become a full fledged vegan (I would not be opposed to that) if that's what my body wants. I like to encourage people to try out some vegan eating because I think it's beneficial. I don't think there is anything wrong with eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat and processed food. You will notice a change in how you feel (it might take a week). I like to post vegan baked good recipes to show people that you can still eat fattening foods with out consuming butter. You can stop eating animal products and still be a pig, it's possible people! So my challenge to all 3 of you people out there reading this blog, eat vegan for a week. You won't regret it!

Vegan Power! I love celery too!

Why can't I just purchase some mental energy???

I love to run, but I have been so unmotivated lately.
Every morning I wake up feeling tired, sick, or ornery.
I don't want to haul my butt outta bed and inflict hard work on it. 
Alex and I have a 5K coming up. I know we need to train.
There is no getting around it!
You can not run with out training (unless you're my friend Denise).
Alex isn't training because I am not making him!
3 days a week of running is not too much to ask of anyone.
I will feel better.
I won't be as stressed.
Does someone want to call me at 7am and give me this pep talk??? 

For those who need it (me!) here are 10 mental tricks to help you beat a brain fatigue:


http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--13996-0,00.html

Did I mention that I LOVE LeMoN???

Vegan lemon bars. 

I never thought that I could make a lemon bar that didn't use dairy. I was REALLY skeptical about these. Even as I was making them I kept thinking that they were going to taste a little "off". But DANG! They were SO yummy! So lemony, the crust was divine, chewy, yet soft and firm (ya I know that makes no sense). I literally could have eaten the entire pan by myself. It was the perfect end to summer... Now onto all the FALL baking!! I just got me a pie pumpkin! Can't wait to try it out!

Hurray!

New personal best. Two miles in 30 minutes 30 seconds. Had to work hard to do it. But.......I DID!!!!!!

FYI: I ran most of the distance

Everyone should watch this

http://www.forksoverknives.com/about/synopsis/

And after you watch it, please read the China Study

http://thechinastudy.com/PDFs/ChinaStudy_Excerpt.pdf

I am not claiming that EVERY health problem we have is due to food, but I absolutely 100% with out a doubt believe that the vast majority are.

Vegan Lemon Poppy Muffins

OK if you don't like lemon, then I can't be friends with you! I am so obsessed with all citrus fruit, they always add the extra "yummers" factor to pretty much every food. 

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
Makes 12 muffins
As ubiquitous as your pink-haired, lip-pierced, cat-tattoo barista, these muffins are a coffee shop staple.  Who doesn't want to wake up to a bright, fresh-tasting lemon?
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
5 teaspoons poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup soy milk (or almond milk, or rice milk)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 375.  Lightly grease a muffin tin.
    In a large mixing bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, poppy seeds, and salt.  Make a well in the center and add milk, lemon juice, oil, zest, and vanilla.  Mix just until all wet ingredients are moistened.
    Fill the muffin tin three-quarters full and bake for 23 to 27 minutes, until muffins are lightly browned on top and a toothpick or knife inserted through the center comes out clean.  When cool enough to handle, transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.

Excerpted from the book Vegan Brunch by Isa Chandra Moskowitz, published by Da Capo Lifelong, a member of the Perseus Books Group.  Copyright © 2009

 I am tempted to run downstairs and make some right now!!! I think you can cut the sugar too, I never fill my measuring cup up the whole way when I do the sugar..

Hustle

I want to thank Rachel's friend, Denise for being my Tuesday and Thursday gym buddy. I didn't want to go today, but knew she'd be waiting.
After class the instructor invited everyone to stay for her dance class. She said it was the Hustle. Being a woman of the 80's I said to myself, "Self, I can stay for a few extra minutes and shake it."
SHE LIED, it wasn't no HUSTLE. It was that new stuff that young folks do like shake everything. I actually did jump a little, but I felt like Homer Simpson when he wiggled and his whole body did The Wave for 5 minutes. Consequently, I snuck out after 1/2 hour. I think the instructor was relieved to see me go.

BEST vegan choclate cake/cupcake EVER

I am a little hesitant to post this recipe (even though it can be found online!) because I want people to think that I just somehow, all on my own accord, make AN AMAZING vegan cupcake!!!

So... The secret is now out.. I didn't come up with the amazing cupcake.. But I sure made it look pretty! 

OK if you're ready for awesomeness bake the following immediately:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add the oil, vanilla, vinegar and water. Mix together until smooth.
3. Pour into prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. About 15-20 minutes for cupcakes.

Just Breath

The instructor of the Body Pump class often tells us not to hold our breath, but to breath and to breath deeply.
It's difficult to do when your muscles are being pushed and it takes every ounce of strength to lift the bar just one more time.
But then, you do the best that you can and hope that you are gaining a little more muscle than the last time....hoping that your lungs are opening up a little more to receive extra oxygen and that when the pain, sweat, agony, exhaustion are over you are a little healthier than before; that all the effort will be worth it.
Today, I decided to focus on proper breathing and proper form---even if the weight was lighter or even if I couldn't bend down as far as the rest of the participants. I noticed that I had more stamina, so apparently it's important to work on those two things.
Driving home a song came on the radio with the phrase 'just breath' and I began to think of breathing deeply as it applies to life.
Learning to breath deeply is a little like learning to live. When I say live I don't mean exist, I mean take in every moment, every smell, every feeling, every sight, and every word uttered. In other words live as deeply as possible. Each second only happens once, there are no do-overs.
So, my conclusion? Breath in each moment as deeply as possible, even if the moment is uncomfortable, painful, strenuous, bitter or joyful. Whatever the feeling or emotion we only get it once and then it's over, forever. Make the most of it.......cease to avoid any of life's moments as they make us stronger, give us stamina for the future and make us who we are and who we need to be if we allow them.

YUM!

Had friends over tonight for virgin margaritas and Yum Sauce. Super good, vegan recipe so thought I'd share. Very healthy because you cover it with fresh vegetables...personally the veggies on top are the best.

Makes 2 1/2 cups of sauce
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup toasted silvered almonds or toasted whole hazelnuts
1/2 cup garbanzo beans
1/4 cup cooked and drained soybeans (canned OK)
4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup nutritional yeast (not the same as "active dry yeast")
2 tsp ponzu seasoning (sold with the soy sauce) or soy sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/8 ascorbic acid (for "zing")
In a blender, combine the oil, nuts, garbanzo beans, soy beans and garlic. Run the motor, stopping several times to scrape the sides of the jar and push the mixture into the blades. Once the mixture is a rough puree, add the water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, ponzu seasoning (or soy sauce), salt, basil, curry powder, ground cumin and ascorbic acid. Continue blending until the mixture is relatively smooth (it will remain grainy because of the nuts). Scrape it into a container and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This can be served warm or cold, I prefer it warm.
Serve over Jasmine rice. Regular rice is OK, but Jasmine rice is more tender.
Cut up lots of vegetables. Tonight, I cut up cucumbers, radishes, celery, peas, onion, avocado, carrots and celery.
YUM!

Ahhhh Good Food and Friends

Enjoyed a lovely spur-of-the-moment evening with a couple of fabulous friends. We met at Cafe Rio at approximately 5:00 and finally sauntered out about 9:00.
No we were not grazing for four hours, we were laughing ourselves silly. Really, it's all about the company----not the food!
Halfway through the food I realized I was full, so instead of continued nibbling I covered up my leftovers so I wouldn't be tempted.
Now, I am happy because I have lunch tomorrow and I didn't stuff myself like a Thanksgiving Turkey so I'll be able to fall asleep without that 'I wish I could just throw-up feeling'.

Muscle Map

For all your "I don't know where my deltoids are" needs

Fitness 24 Hours

Rachel's friend Denise asked if I wanted to attend the Body Pump class at the Jordan Landing 24 Hour Fitness (shameless plug).
So, I went sort of with her. This class was MUCH better than the other. The people, although in better shape than me, seemed more concerned about their health than their big hair.
I added 2 1/2 pounds to my weights today and felt 'the burn', or maybe more of a scalding. Can I just say again, I hate lunges.....these knees don't want to bend!
Still don't know what muscles she's talking about when she says deltoids and when she says squeeze your glutes I don't know if she means legs, stomach or butt. So, I just try to look intelligent and squeeze any and everything squeezable. Hopefully some sort of muscle will eventually form somewhere on my body.

Holy Hamburger!

Too hot to eat anything during the day. No air conditioning and no air circulating through our building makes it difficult to put anything in one's mouth other than water. So, after work I decided to stop for a hamburger.
Sadly, or not I don't think I'll be partaking again. I have been so ill. Don't know if it's because the meat was bad or if my body is trying to let me know that now that it has adjusted to a red meatless lifestyle it doesn't want to go back. Whatever the reason, I don't like feeling this way so the next hamburger I eat will be vegetarian.

Vegified

Yes you read right, vegified. It means, all I am eating is fruits and vegifies.. OK that doesn't make sense, but I have become vegified. I will only be eating fruits and vegetables for 7 days. Now before you think "Hey that's crazy!", let me tell you, it is crazy, but how can anyone go wrong with fruits and veggies? They provide everything I need, carbs, sugars, vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats (thank you avocado).

I started this fun experiment on Monday, and accidentally ate a piece of pizza on Tuesday (it fell into my mouth) not even a good piece of pizza! A crappy $5 pizza, ya you know the one.. Why didn't I eat sushi or ramen???

Anyway, even with that slip up, I've lost 4 lbs. Don't freak out! I know that is WAY too much to lose in 2 1/2 days, but I'm sure it's mostly water weight, and um... Some other weight that has been waiting to leave my body (mom you know what I mean!).

Sure, I get hungry, then I just go eat. I can eat as much food as I want, I stocked the kitchen with some mushrooms, arugula (my new obsession), apples, bananas, kiwis, carrots, celery, avocado, etc.. Now the real question is, has anyone ever gotten that I-am-so-sick-from-eating-I-can't-walk-and-I-want-to-throw-up feeling from eating like this??? I guess we will find out!!!

I like this blog too, there are only 2 posts, but it's still a cool experience to read about:
http://ebjackson.blogspot.com/2011/04/let-food-be-your-medicine.html

Do I Have to Take the Bad with the Good?

So, I went to the Body Pump class offered at night since I'm working during the day. Blech! So, got there about 15 minutes early to set my stuff up. Tried to set up in the corner because I like to remain inconspicuous. All ready to go so I'm just people watching. Lots of women trickling in and they are all in color-coordinated outfits; sporting nonsagging boobs, great tans, caked-on makeup and perfectly coiffed hair. Here am I in my same pair of dorky shorts and grass-stained shoes with wilty makeup and hair pulled up in a bun.
OK, well I can get over the low self esteem feeling that is pouring over me. But then, some size -6 chick walks in and proceeds to set her stuff up so close to me that I either have to move or run into her when class begins. I guess she set her stuff up there so she could be close to some guy that apparently is super hot. So, I moved.
About 5 minutes later another size -3 chicka arrives and sets up too close on the other side. So, I move again.
Class begins, and I try to reassure myself that no one notices me, (they must not since they keep taking my spot), and just tell myself to do the best that I can.
Soon, the instructor tells us to add weight and before I can grab my 2 1/2 pounders the -6 chick picks them up and places them on her bar.
Yes, I know I should stand up for myself and yes, I know I shouldn't care what others think but I can't help it and it made me mad and I don't want to go back.
Since when did the gym become the socializing-pick-up -palace? I thought that's what bars were for.

OUCH!

First day of school. Oh my aching feet! Of course I don't want to go excercise, isn't tromping around 30 kids for six hours enough?

Really, really just want to put my jammies on or hang out in my underwear in my nice, cool house and maybe watch a little T.V. But, if I do I'll have that image of Ray in my head giving me her pouty little you-can-do-whatever-you-want-but-you're-going-to-ruin-all-my-hard-work look. All her hard work?

Guess I'll go change my clothes and sweat some more.

Does Size Matter?

Why, yes it does. I went to the doctor today for a quick checkup. Was filled with giddiness when she measured my blood pressure and it was 110/80. Woo Hoo!!!!!!!! So excited, I bounded around the examination table while performing my 12th-grade pep club vitriolic dance.
I know my heart wishes it could give me a big wet kiss! I, as well, wish to show my thanks to my heart for being there for me for the past 50 years by giving it some well deserved rest. Now if you'll excuse me, my heart and I are going to go swim some laps.

Butterfly Circus

If you think you can, then you can. If you think you can't, then you can't.
I just watched a very inspiring, thought provoking, attitude changing video. I hope you will watch it too and then realize we are so much more than our height, color, age, beauty, net worth, home, car, and bank account. We are all born for greatness---our birth is the gift we receive. What we make of our life is the gift we give to our maker, everyone we come in contact with and to ourselves!

http://thebutterflycircus.com/short-film/

What the Vegan

I am not a Bill Clinton fan, but I am a fan of healthy eating.


http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/18/bill.clinton.diet.vegan/index.html

Peanut Lo Mein

This is mostly for Zandy and Angela as I think both of you wanted this recipe and I just made it again tonight so it's fresh on my mind.
And......speaking of vegan food this is definitely that and it's also delicious!
Oh yeh, I think it's also super healthy because of all the fresh vegetables.
So here goes:
1/3 cup peanut butter (crunchy or regular)
1 teaspoon peanut oil
1 cup vegetable broth or water
1 teaspoon Chinese mustard
1 teaspoon Chinese chili sauce
1 teaspoon freshly chopped ginger
3 or 4 cloves chopped garlic
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Place all of the above in a wok or large deep skillet and heat up until it's mixed together. Then cut up the following into bite size pieces or how ever you like them cut: 1/2 bunch green onions, 4 stalks of celery, 2 carrots, 1/2 bunch of broccoli, small bunch bok choy, 1/2 head of cabbage and 6 medium-sized mushrooms.
Place the vegetables in the pan with the sauce and cook until done, limp, semi-crunchy or how ever you like your veggies.
This is really good served over whole grain spaghetti or rice or eat it all by itself like I did tonight because I didn't want the carbs but I was hungry.
PS: You can change amounts of spices according to your taste and you don't have to use the vegetables that I used as I think any would be tasty!
genieben sie, ihre nahrung su essen!

LIFE

What is most important? I miss my children. Rachel and I butt heads sometimes...well a lot of the time. I feel the tension, but I still miss her.
She is an amazing woman. She has drive, curiousity, conviction, a thirst for knowledge, creativity, and a big heart. It was a wonderful summer getting to know her as an adult and not a child living under my roof.

I've thought a lot about getting older and what a drag it is. You know wrinkles, fragile bones, hearing loss, arthritis, change-of-life, empty nest, gray hair, agility---all the things we take for granted when we are young. However, I realized one benefit of aging; seeing the accomplishments and successes of adult children. I find a great sense of pride and satisfaction when I am with them and when I see what wonderful people they have become.

Our society minimizes families which is disturbing when I think that one of the few things I can take with me when I leave this earth are my memories and the knowledge that my children are good, kind, intelligent, responsible people.

What does this have to do with a better life? Well, our lives encompass more than just physical health. We are a combination of many areas which can lead to health or sickness. Emotional health is just as important as physical health. I noticed many unhappy-looking people tonight while I was at the gym. Sure, they looked physically attractive, but many faces looked empty, lonely, or angry. I am so grateful for all my life's blessings and for daily light even in times of darkness.

Improvement

Ran one whole mile without stopping!!!!! 39 pounds....that's as much as four really big new born babies that I could have been carrying around my waist, hips, legs, butt and arms. HOLY COW!

Pump It

I think I've lost some of my double chin. Always happy to have less to show off.

Attended the Body Pump class all by myself. I went up the stairs and got my weights and mat ready then ran, yes I said ran down the stairs to use the lady's room. It's funny, I was running down the stairs and I didn't realize what I'd done until I got to the bottom.
It's the little milestones that keep me motivated and give me encouragement. Rachel told me the first time I attended the Body Pump class that if I continued going I would begin to enjoy it. She's absolutely right!

School starts next week so I won't be able to go on Wednesday mornings. However, I have been strategizing how I will plan my day out so that I can make it to the evening classes.

Faster

Completed a mile in just under 15 minutes. Now, I know that is slow for most but for me it's the fastest I've moved in several years.

Springs of the Cascades

Oh man, didn't realize how sore I was until we decided to walk around Cascade Springs. My legs were burning!

We talked Devin into venturing forth with us. We think he enjoyed himself. He did comment that he felt out-of-shape. Well, if Rachel has her way he won't be for long!

Timpie

Sunburned from yesterday, my bottom lip is swollen so I look like I'm pouting.
11:00 am we're greased up with sunscreen, water and hats ready to drive to Timpanogos Mountain to hike to the cave. Can I really do this? My friends said it is a mile-and-half straight up. Yarg! Why do people torture themselves?
I'm wearing long sleeves to protect myself from the sun. Rachel tells me I'm going to be too hot. Yeh, I know that, but how hot can it be 6500 feet above sea level. Doesn't the air thin and cool down?
So, the hike begins. First 1/4 mile I'm feeling pretty good about myself...yes there is definitely an incline but I can handle it. Moving on to the next 1/4 mile; my smile is fading---aren't we almost there? O.K. now we're half-way. I'm HOT, sweaty and I've dumped most of my water down my shirt to try and cool myself down. I've begun to count my steps to try and entertain myself and keep my mind off my heavy breathing. Wondering to myself if people passing by me can hear me gasping for breath and if they are taking bets as to whether I'll make it another 50 yards. 3/4 the way there---seriously, why would anyone want to forge a path to the top of this mountain? If you've seen one mountain haven't you seen them all? I'm stopping now after every 100 steps, wonder if Rachel and Alex will notice if I never show up at the top. Five more switch-backs and I'll be there. Some overly zealous nut-case passes me by jogging up the mountain, I secretly hope he trips. Two more resting stops and now there are only two more switch backs and I wonder how bad it would hurt my knees to crawl.
I MADE IT!!!!!!! I collapse against the rocks while we wait for the cave tour. As I'm sitting trying to control my breathing I think back to the beginning of our little journey and the guide at the bottom of the mountain that checked our tour tickets and remarked that we were beginning our trek a little earlier than necessary to make it up the mountain. Yeah, what did she know? She'd never hiked with me.
So, we got to go through the cave....it was incredible. We walked right under the fault line and witnessed some amazing formations created by our moving, changing earth.
Was it worth it? With all the technology available don't you think they could build an elevator to take people up and down the mountain?

Paddle Boating It

We spent the day at East Canyon. What a wonderful day of fun in the sun! My grandson wanted to ride in a paddle boat, which made me nervous, because the last time I rode in a paddle boat I was completely exhausted after just a couple of minutes. It was four summers ago at Girl's Camp. We rented a few boats for the leaders and girls to share. We were supposed to paddle across the lake and back so that everyone could have equal turns. Well, my group was stuck in the middle of the lake because of the fat, out-of-shape leader that was having heart palpatations from the minor exertion. Needless to say I was extremely humiliated and embarrassed.

Today Alex and I paddled from the rental area back to our picnic spot. Then we paddled around for another hour or so....and it didn't bother me at all, in fact it was fun!

EEE

Excercise, energy and empowerment. Those are three important reasons to get up and move. At yesterday's Body Pump class I finally felt like I was getting the hang of things. I still can't get my knees to bend enough to perform the lunges, but I can now squat and keep up with most of what is required.
Also, I'm super sore today, so apparently I must be doing the required moves somewhat correctly.
Perhaps it sounds twisted but, I find that it feels good to sweat, it feels great to be tired and it feels fabulous to be sore because then I know that muscles are being strengthened.
Found an informative article about the benefits of weight lifting, it can be found at womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/weight-training-tips.
Well, now I've got to figure out a way to do weight-training two more times a week. Maybe Rachel will take me to the gym and help me figure out a routine before she heads back to California.

No Bones About It

Should I be worried about Osteoporosis? Just read an article that said if Osteoporosis medication is taken too long it can have an opposite effect as far as bone density. What the what? Great, another thing to worry about as I reach the 'More mature faze of my life'.
Sometimes I wish there wasn't so much information out there. Just when I think I'm doing a good job managing my life I find out that I'm probably placing my bones in jeopardy. Really wanted to light a match to the article or use it to line the bird cage.
So, I read on....decided to ignore all the information except the part that suggested the best exercises for increasing bone mass. They are as follows: Sports that involve the use of a racket, jogging, speed walking, aerobics (especially step), lunges, squats, rowing, resistance bands, and weights.
There, I feel a little better, however, sometimes I'd like to revisit the dark ages when we lived our lives the best we could and didn't lie awake at night fretting over all things we've been made aware of thanks to modern technology.

See, I Said I'd Be Back

Yesterday we had a family barbeque with lots of food including my favorites---chips, hamburgers, potato salad and corn on the cob. Although I hadn't had meat in 31 days and the cooking hamburgers were screaming out to me, I passed and ate a veggie dog instead. Yes, I really wanted the hamburger and no I don't think I'll never eat one again, but I thought about the calories and what I really wanted the most (something I wouldn't have done a couple of months ago). I decided that I needed to choose between the potato salad and burger. Decided on the salad because it had lots of vegetables in it and light mayonaise dressing. I knew it would be more nutritional and I also knew I could smear lots of ketchup on the veggie dog and it would taste ok. So, there you have it, another day of thinking about my food choices. Oh yes, and when I got up this morning and weighed myself I had lost another 1/2 pound, for a grand total of 37 1/2 lbs. Still got a long way to go, but I think I can.

Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End

It's been 28 days, actually 29, but who's counting? So, this could be the end or it could be the beginning. I've decided I want it to be the beginning.
First, I need to evaluate if and how my life is different; worse or better. So, here goes: 1st-I still can't fall asleep at night; 2nd-I know I have more energy than I've had in at least four years; 3rd-I'm running, something I thought I wouldn't do again; 4th-Bouts of severe hopelessness have decreased at least 50%; 5th-I'm feeling a little better about having a photo taken; 6th-I stuck to a goal; 7th-I'm still alive despite the lack of milk products and meat; 8th-I've discovered water again; 9th-My clothes are getting loose; and 10th-I pulled out two pairs of pants from my plastic containers under the stairs and..............(dramatic pause).............they fit!
So, it won't hurt my feelings if any body that happened upon this blog and read it, stops. I think, at least for a little while, I'll continue to record my thoughts, successes, failures and whatever nonsensical ramblings enter my brain. That way I can look back and reread my history with the hopes that I'll avoid making the same mistakes as in the past.
Thanks Rachel!

DAY 29

Why does everything lead to food? Family visiting=food; Tired=food; Celebration=food; Bored=food; Sad=food; Lonely=food. Today has been horrible because I have just wanted to shove everything edible in my face.
My oldest daughter Erin is in town visiting so we all went to lunch. Everybody, including my six-foot son was complaining about how full they were after a half a sandwich. Never would I have said out loud that I ate my half in a jiffy and was ready for more. Why Me?
Later the girls went shopping. We talked Erin into getting a new outfit for her 15-year reunion so we hit a Ross store. As we were searching through the size 8 outfits I was thinking how fabulous it would feel to be able to look through the 'normal ladies' sizes. But mingled with that thought is the other thought creeping in my brain wondering if we are going to go out later for pizza.
Oh yeh, the shoes don't have much to do with my rantings except that, in my opinion, they look much better on thin people and I like the pictures. Guess I'll go eat an apple.

Holy Mother Sandwich

 Today we went to lunch with family. I really wanted to go to Kneaders (it's my FAVORITE sandwich place in UT, I LOVE the hazelnut bread) but Nic wanted to go somewhere closer to his work. We ended up going to The Grove. I love small, quaint, little delis. This one was PACKED to capacity!! My heavens it took us about 20 minutes just to order.. Was it worth it?? I am going to go with YES, mostly because I think they put a whole avocado on my sandwich (and avocado is like the chocolate of the vegetable world... Yes that makes sense in my mind..). Anyway, I LOVED that avocado... I can't stop thinking about it. The bread wasn't my favorite mostly because I was getting 1/2 lb of bread in my mouth with every bite. But dang, look at that sandwich, he is HUGE ----------------------->
Is anyone opposed to a giant sandwich???

Devin's sandwich attempted to put every animal known to man on it. He made sure we all knew that he was a "meativore"

 Guess what, his wittle belly couldn't handle all the meats, and he had to give up! I finished my half, because I am a true champion!

Cecret Lake

I have the best job ever. I get to work with the young people! I absolutely love them!

Tonight we went on a hike supposedly to Cecret Lake. However, our plans were foiled as the road was closed. So, what did we do you ask? Turn back? NEVER! We pretended we were mountain goats and hiked up a random mountain. Well, not random I guess, since we knew where we were, but it was not a 'people trail'. I offered to yodel but was asked not to---politely of course.
I love hiking even though I find myself glistening a lot. (Real women don't sweat)
The kids were such good sports and always encouraging to some of us old people.
I'm grateful for a body that can get me around to enjoy the beauty of God's creations. My hope is to be more mindful of the gift I've been given, to treat it with respect and to climb lots of mountains....physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

RuNnInG

OK I know I LOVE love love to cycle, but I also Love LOVE love running! Before you judge me and think "Ew I hate you" (because that's what I use to think about people who "loved" to run) hear me out.. I NEVER EVER in my life thought that I could run. In High school my gym teacher told me I had to run a mile, I was literally gasping for air within the first 30 seconds (gasping dramatically of course). I NEVER ran intentionally and when I did run it was for about 5 seconds, to catch the ice cream truck. Then a couple years ago, as I was about to graduate from college, I decided that I wanted to run a marathon someday. That's a PRETTY big goal considering I had never run a 5K!! 

I still remember leaving my mom's house (getting ready for my epic run), walking a block, and then running for about a minute before I had to catch my breath.. It was HARD work, running is probably the hardest work you will ever do. It is so hard to keep going when you're thinking to yourself "Hey I don't have to do this! This is self inflicted torture, just STOP"! But hard work always pays off. Pretty soon I could run a 5K like it was nothing. 3 miles is a short run for me now.

I haven't yet run my marathon, but I can't wait to. There is no greater feeling than going out for a 10 mile run, and feeling GOOD after you finish. I never in a million years thought I would "like" running, let alone "miss" running. Running was always "Blah I have to run today" and "If I stop here no one will know I didn't finish." Now when I haven't run for a while, I get the "itch", I see people running and want to jump out of car to join them. I don't know what happened to me, but I absolutely LOVE running, and I hope that never changes. If I can do run, so can you. Trust me, I am the biggest wussy baby on Earth.

ENERGY

Today while Rachel was cycling I was walking/running. I just perused the website given by my daughter as I didn't know what anaerobic was. I ran three different times for five minutes and now know I was building musccle. Yeh me, yeh muscle!
After dinner Rachel suggested a walk...which I wasn't thrilled about because I thought I was super tired. Low-and-behold after finishing our walk I mowed my lawn, pulled weeds and weed wacked.
My energy level has definitely increased. I am thrilled, thrilled, and more thrilled about that!

Cycle

I LOVE love LOVE love LoVe cycle class.. If you think you can't do it, you're wrong. It is SO painful and hard the first few times, but after that it becomes an addiction. It is one of the BEST workouts you can get at the gym... I am always dripping with sweat during the entire class. Plus it makes you want to get out there and ride the road! I tend to push myself more in cycle class because of the instructor and group environment. I go anaerobic several times (if you don't know what that means, click here Anaerobic) during the hour, and who doesn't want that? Here are some more benefits of indoor cycling http://www.fitmoves.com/indoorcycling/benefits-of-spinning.htm

Only Five Days Left

It's been said, "Time flies when you're having fun." Well what about time if you've had to swear off your favorite foods, i.e. cheese, milk, BUTTER, beef, pork, chicken, and did I mention BUTTER?
YARG!
My favorite pizza, (vegetarian with a cream sauce) was served at a party; my friend ordered a Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato sandwich, (another fav); waxy chocolate-covered-donuts were being consumed in front of me; and to top it all off my good friend enjoyed not one but two chocolate fudge milkshakes. Of course it's hard to resist, especially when Rachel is not around and I'm being told to go ahead and taste because they won't tattle on me. (And a little sample won't hurt anything)
However, I honestly can't remember the last time I set a goal and actually stuck to it. 25 days have past and I've not cheated, not even once. Realizing that we all have the power within us to accomplish any feat---great or small---can be extremely empowering.
I think I'm going to be o.k.

Green.. Not so Goodness

I have been wanting to try a green smoothie for quite some time... Then I watched Fat Sick and Nearly Dead, and I knew the time for green was now!! I bought the kale, green apples, cucumber, lemon, and ginger. Then waited for the day to come when I could juice it up... Well today was that day.. and I don't really know what to say.. Or think... So I'll let the video do the talking

I tried to mask the overwhelming lemon flavor with a banana (which didn't really juice), and some more kale... It didn't do much to improve the taste

So if anyone knows how to make a green smoothie that is actually edible.. I would love to know how!

Farmers Market

I think I could live at the farmers market.. There are too many sights, sounds, tastes, and smells. Not to mention all the super crafty people, who create the most AMAZINGLY fun stuff you-never-knew-you-needed, until-you-saw-it-and-then-knew-you-needed-it! I was overly stimulated.. I wanted to taste everything, see everything, and buy everything.. Some highlights were:
-The Sudanese food, really, it's the BEST food you will have at the farmers market!
-Cherry jam! So fresh and yummy
-Cucumber herb hummus, I have yet to meet a hummus I didn't love
-Mint lemonade another MUST at the market
-Lemon spinach, who knew this even existed!! It was amazing... Yes I love food

It was a great day to walk around, sampling, laughing, and people watching.

These ladies know how to sample!! 

 Loved this piano, especially the fact that it was being pulled around the city by a bike!

 Indian curry and salad

 My 2 mommys

 Always gotta have a creepy clown hanging around

ANOTHER BEST DAY EVER

How many best day evers are we allowed? Some of "The Girls" drove up to East Canyon for swimming, floating and picnicing. SOOOOO much fun! We blew up Zandy's Relaxation Station and floated around for awhile, then Ray, Zandy and I decided to try out some lake swimming. The water was fabulous.
Two things I rerealized (that means I already knew, but forgot): Nobody else is worrying about how I look in a swim suit and life can be fun!

Babysitting

I thought I was going to spend the whole summer babysitting my mom... Watching her every move! Making sure she didn't stick some butter in her face, counting her diet cokes, throwing away all her food storage fruit snacks. But... I haven't really had to do any of that. She's pretty dern committed to being healthy on her own.. I even let her leave the house tonight WITH OUT my supervision! I know.. I know.. What is the world coming to.. How can a food addict resist food (partially speaking about myself..).. It's a miracle. It was fun to run next to my mom at the gym... I am very proud of her, and I can't wait for our 5K (yes, we're putting on a 5K) so she can run the whole way!

p.s. she is learning new skills too. Check it out

Miles to Go Before We Sleep

Today, I got on the treadmill and all-of-a-sudden my legs decided they wanted to run. Let me just say, it totally caught me off guard, but being the person pleaser that I am I thought, "What the heck, go for it."
So, my legs and I ran for one minute, then two, then three and then suddenly it was a half-mile. Yeah LEGS! Yes, we were tired but our heart rate went down quickly and before I knew it they were running again. They were able to complete another half-mile!
What's the moral of this story? Well, if a 50ish out-of-shape, overweight, prisoner to food can do it then ANYONE can.
PS I think I might be up for parole soon.

Blue Plate Diner, and lunges

UGH this blog is ALL about food... But food is SO good... But before I talk about the food I'll talk about exercising a little... Just because it's still happening. We went to Body Pump this morning, and it was INTENSE. We did lunges, squats, biceps, triceps, shoulders, back, booty, thighs, abs, more lunges, more squats... My whole body was shaking afterwards...

After working out we got to go to lunch with a good friend.. We tried out the Blue Plate Diner in Sugarhouse.. I, of course, had the hummus (I am a hummus addict). It was pretty tasty delicious. My mom had the Vegan burger.. I like food...

DAY 20

Snicker Doodles and Chocolate Chip cookies were offered tonight. Yep, I'd be lying if I didn't say I lusted after them. But, I'm stronger. Some of the old fight is beginning to rise to the surface.
Today, at the gym weight lifting class (can't remember what it's really called) I realized that even though I still can't do the lunges and obviously my form is lacking, I was able to bend my knees more than in the past.