So, yesterday was Ash Wednesday. I've struggled for two days to figure out what to give up this year.
No, I'm not currently a practicing Catholic. Honestly, if I had to fit my beliefs into a box (which would be pretty difficult), I'd have to say I'm more spiritual than religious and more Buddhist than anything else. I believe that good begets good, kindness is the key to everything, and compassion will get you a long way.
But I like the idea of giving something up each year. I think it gives me an opportunity to build strength in an area or develop a better sense of myself. Some years, I have given up a food in an effort to better my health. One year I gave up swearing (well...I attempted...and was reminded daily to try even harder).
This year, I was discussing options with a friend when she suggested giving up looking at the phone when with people. I immediately knew this was what needed to be done.
The simple act of being more present when with friends, family, and loved ones is a true gift. One that I want to give more often.
I know I miss out on pieces of conversations and what's truly going on because my nose is buried in a status update, a received text message, or any number of other things going on inside my phone.
So, effective immediately through the end of Easter (though I'm hoping that the practice sticks and becomes a longer goal), I am going to be more present when with company. The phone will be tucked away and the people I am with will be the most important people, conversation, and focus of that moment.
:)
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Oh, February...
...the month when even the most sane of individuals begin to lose their shit.
Seriously.
Haven't you heard the warnings about not doing anything drastic to your hair during the month of February? IT'S BECAUSE WE ARE ALL A LITTLE NUTS THIS MONTH!!
I, personally, have been on an emotional roller coaster from hell.
And, I'm getting off.
Immediately.
I am no longer going to be a passenger in someone else's cart. I'm taking back control and driving myself where I need to go.
I generally have things under control, but being snowed in TWICE this year within two weeks, having two earthquakes immediately after, missing the gym more than I should have (partially from weather and partially from mindset), and overthinking absolutely EVERYTHING had me a little wonky and I ended up displacing some feelings onto others unnecessarily while making myself a little ill. :(
The good news is that I have PLENTY of great people in my life who help me daily to realize and recognize the person I truly am....not who I think I am or am not....not my insecurities....not my shortcomings....but ME.
And now, I'm officially one day closer to fulfilling all those dreams I have.
Being back on track feels so good. I know I'll waiver again...that's called life. But knowing that I don't ever have to feel completely alone, knowing that I am making decisions based on what is best for ME FIRST, and knowing that I am growing daily into the person I'm meant to be will help make derailments that much easier to deal with.
Quote of the day:
"It's easy to get discouraged and settle where you are in the tough times. But faith is about believing even when you can't see it. ... Don't talk yourself out of your future." - Joel Osteen
Food for thought:
Seriously.
Haven't you heard the warnings about not doing anything drastic to your hair during the month of February? IT'S BECAUSE WE ARE ALL A LITTLE NUTS THIS MONTH!!
I, personally, have been on an emotional roller coaster from hell.
And, I'm getting off.
Immediately.
I am no longer going to be a passenger in someone else's cart. I'm taking back control and driving myself where I need to go.
I generally have things under control, but being snowed in TWICE this year within two weeks, having two earthquakes immediately after, missing the gym more than I should have (partially from weather and partially from mindset), and overthinking absolutely EVERYTHING had me a little wonky and I ended up displacing some feelings onto others unnecessarily while making myself a little ill. :(
The good news is that I have PLENTY of great people in my life who help me daily to realize and recognize the person I truly am....not who I think I am or am not....not my insecurities....not my shortcomings....but ME.
And now, I'm officially one day closer to fulfilling all those dreams I have.
Being back on track feels so good. I know I'll waiver again...that's called life. But knowing that I don't ever have to feel completely alone, knowing that I am making decisions based on what is best for ME FIRST, and knowing that I am growing daily into the person I'm meant to be will help make derailments that much easier to deal with.
Quote of the day:
"It's easy to get discouraged and settle where you are in the tough times. But faith is about believing even when you can't see it. ... Don't talk yourself out of your future." - Joel Osteen
Food for thought:
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Ridiculicious!!!!
Welcome to the South...where we shut down when the threat of wintry weather comes our way. And while I am being serious, you DO detect a twinge of sarcasm in my words.
Why??
Because, I grew up in northeast Ohio, where we had lake effect snow for 6 months out of the year. I walked to school in snow (with bread bags on my feet because I hated boots, but that's a story for another time. Contact my mother, she's HAPPY to tell it as often as possible...haha). I had to wait 6 months after my 16th birthday to get my driver's license so I could "experience all kinds of weather." I have a 4 wheel drive option on my vehicle. I've got this.
So when this state closes down over a few inches, it makes me giggle. HOWEVER, I have lived here long enough to know that we have 8 snow plows for the entire city in which I live. These plows spread sand, not salt, which helps very little in the battle of ice. The power goes out in the blink of an eye when ice starts covering wires. And people here start running into each other when the weatherman says there is a chance of rain, let alone sleet, snow, and ice.
So, when the roads cleared enough to get out today, I did. I traveled to the grocery store to get bacon...something that one should NEVER be without.
$99 later, I left. The good news is, I remembered the bacon.
I wanted to try a recipe for short ribs. Keeping it Paleo, I googled and came across this recipe from NomNomPaleo. I was only able to find boneless short ribs and, though I thought I had some at home, had no fish sauce, so I left that out. Otherwise, I followed the recipe and was PLEASANTLY surprised. The meat takes on an AMAZINGLY subtle flavor and is quite tender. I cooked a large pot of collard greens to accompany, and garnished with cilantro.
Here is where I admit that yes, I licked the bowl. (No, really!!) It is absolutely RIDICULICIOUS!!!
I cannot wait to eat leftovers tomorrow! In fact, I may even do so for breakfast! (And you think I'm kidding...)
Why??
Because, I grew up in northeast Ohio, where we had lake effect snow for 6 months out of the year. I walked to school in snow (with bread bags on my feet because I hated boots, but that's a story for another time. Contact my mother, she's HAPPY to tell it as often as possible...haha). I had to wait 6 months after my 16th birthday to get my driver's license so I could "experience all kinds of weather." I have a 4 wheel drive option on my vehicle. I've got this.
So when this state closes down over a few inches, it makes me giggle. HOWEVER, I have lived here long enough to know that we have 8 snow plows for the entire city in which I live. These plows spread sand, not salt, which helps very little in the battle of ice. The power goes out in the blink of an eye when ice starts covering wires. And people here start running into each other when the weatherman says there is a chance of rain, let alone sleet, snow, and ice.
So, when the roads cleared enough to get out today, I did. I traveled to the grocery store to get bacon...something that one should NEVER be without.
$99 later, I left. The good news is, I remembered the bacon.
I wanted to try a recipe for short ribs. Keeping it Paleo, I googled and came across this recipe from NomNomPaleo. I was only able to find boneless short ribs and, though I thought I had some at home, had no fish sauce, so I left that out. Otherwise, I followed the recipe and was PLEASANTLY surprised. The meat takes on an AMAZINGLY subtle flavor and is quite tender. I cooked a large pot of collard greens to accompany, and garnished with cilantro.
Here is where I admit that yes, I licked the bowl. (No, really!!) It is absolutely RIDICULICIOUS!!!
I cannot wait to eat leftovers tomorrow! In fact, I may even do so for breakfast! (And you think I'm kidding...)
Saturday, January 25, 2014
One Week Later...OH, THE PROGRESS!!!
This week I managed to make a ridiculous decision during the start of a second bottle of wine and haven't looked back!
Wednesday was cheat night meal, so my friend came over with Thai food (YUM!). We drank a bottle of wine and started a second, when I said I needed to go to 4:15pm WOD since I had a birthday dinner at 6:30. She wasn't going to be able to get to 4:15, so we decided to go to 6am. YES, you read that correctly...6am.
Meaning? Getting up at 5am. Yep. You read THAT correctly, too. Haha.
So, Thursday morning, I received a text from my friend:
Bri: You up?
Me: Almost.
Bri: How are you feeling?
Me: I have no clear expectation of what 5am should feel like.
The workout was intense. We had to work as partners (thank GOODNESS!!) to tackle (for time):
2000m row
500 single jumps
250m sled pull (110 lbs) - outside, in the cold (uphill, both ways...haha)
100 no push up lateral burpees
We did it...in 28:14...to Rx specifications!
YES!! I Rx'd my first Crossfit workout!!!
Friday morning, it was a little harder to get up, and the workout was harder - I didn't manage to Rx it, but I didn't think I'd Rx a workout for the first few months, so I was ahead of schedule on day one...fell right back into schedule on day two. :)
Today, on the other hand, I am sore. I was so sore it hurt to step up onto and down from curbs. Seriously. PAINFUL.
Two epsom salt baths, lots of Biofreeze, and some ibuprofen have been today's saviors. Even put a little cinnamon whiskey in the tea tonight...hoping that my body repairs itself in time to be at the 6am class on Monday.
I know, I know....making plans to be up at 5 on a Monday sounds crazy. But I honestly can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be than in that gym making myself better. :)
Wednesday was cheat night meal, so my friend came over with Thai food (YUM!). We drank a bottle of wine and started a second, when I said I needed to go to 4:15pm WOD since I had a birthday dinner at 6:30. She wasn't going to be able to get to 4:15, so we decided to go to 6am. YES, you read that correctly...6am.
Meaning? Getting up at 5am. Yep. You read THAT correctly, too. Haha.
So, Thursday morning, I received a text from my friend:
Bri: You up?
Me: Almost.
Bri: How are you feeling?
Me: I have no clear expectation of what 5am should feel like.
The workout was intense. We had to work as partners (thank GOODNESS!!) to tackle (for time):
2000m row
500 single jumps
250m sled pull (110 lbs) - outside, in the cold (uphill, both ways...haha)
100 no push up lateral burpees
We did it...in 28:14...to Rx specifications!
YES!! I Rx'd my first Crossfit workout!!!
Friday morning, it was a little harder to get up, and the workout was harder - I didn't manage to Rx it, but I didn't think I'd Rx a workout for the first few months, so I was ahead of schedule on day one...fell right back into schedule on day two. :)
Today, on the other hand, I am sore. I was so sore it hurt to step up onto and down from curbs. Seriously. PAINFUL.
Two epsom salt baths, lots of Biofreeze, and some ibuprofen have been today's saviors. Even put a little cinnamon whiskey in the tea tonight...hoping that my body repairs itself in time to be at the 6am class on Monday.
I know, I know....making plans to be up at 5 on a Monday sounds crazy. But I honestly can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be than in that gym making myself better. :)
Friday, January 17, 2014
And the Fun Continues...
I stayed home Friday and called the doc, knowing that the three day weekend would be too long to wait if I indeed needed antibiotics for the bronchitis.
Upon arrival, I was greeted with a mask and told (as politely as possible) to sit in the corner. Apparently they're giving the masks to anyone who has a sore throat or cough, but there is nothing like having one thrust at you and told to sit in a corner to make you feel like you alone are responsible for any and all cooties being transported in the waiting room.
At this point, I know I only have bronchitis, but I decide to humor them, despite being the ONLY person in the entire waiting room.
That changed quickly.
Within 10 minutes, the waiting room was full of people, mostly elderly women who were quite thankful for the mask once they heard my cough. So, if it made the days of a few folks, I can deal with that. You're welcome.
After 45 minutes (oh, the joys of being "worked in"), I get taken back. Good news...I'm down another pound...haha. My blood pressure is WONDERFUL and I have no temp. My pulse ox is still 100%. And I proceed to list my symptoms: coughing. Yep, seriously, that's it. I'm just coughing. Oh, and I kinda feel like there's an elephant on my chest. I have bronchitis. I know the symptoms.
And BOOM! I get an 8 inch swab shoved up both nostrils. My nose immediately starts bleeding. Super. I've been assaulted for a flu test....ridiculous since I only have bronchitis.
I proceed to wait for another 35 minutes before the doc comes in and says," I'm sorry for the wait. Your cough sounds awful. Oh, and you have the flu."
Wait, WHAT?!!??
ASYMPTOMATIC and I have influenza A.
No body aches, no fever, no sore throat, no nasal congestion, no drainage, I'm not really sleepy, and my cough is bronchitis.
True enough, I ALSO have bronchitis, but I definitely have the flu.
It's day 2, so we caught it early and Tamiflu will help, she says.
Less than 4 hours later, I'm at home and miserable. The symptoms waited to kick in.
Freezing down to the bones one minute and hot and sweaty the next. Fever of 101.2. Sore throat. Nasal congestion. Tired but can't rest. Neck pain.
SUPER!
Just my luck...it's a long weekend.
The better news is my house is clean and my proposal is in review, so I have time to just chill this weekend...but I'd prefer to do it without sweating onto a popsicle or taking hot showers just to get my innards warm.
This year, the flu is going around big time...whether you've had the shot or not, with and without symptoms, and compounded with other problems....like BRONCHITIS.
If you even THINK you may have been exposed, I'd recommend getting tested. It's relatively painless...okay, that's a lie...they will JAB a swab up your nose and make it bleed...but you'll recover and know fairly quickly whether or not you need to spend the next few days drugged up and guzzling liquids.
On that note, I'm gonna drink my hot tea....
Cheers to good health!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
And the Dancing Continues...
In my last post, I professed that I had pretty good rhythm and the whole one step forward, one step back Cha-Cha was part of my routine.
Welp...
The music never seems to stop.
Tuesday I had an appointment with my pulmonologist. It went SOOOO well!! Not only was my pulse ox at 100% (something I've NEVER experienced), I had lost 5 pounds since my last visit!! We took me off all the asthma meds (with clear instruction that I should use them consistently through the months of March and November, as those are the worst for my allergies) and changed the nasal spray to PRN.
I was so excited!
And then....
DUN DUN DUN........
Today I woke up with bronchitis.
or even better....
Sigh. SOOO...I have committed to resting, getting plenty of fluids (in my awesome new mug...a Christmas gift from the best sister in the world!...pic below), and thinking about all the work I have that I can't do from home...which, by the way, is probably VERY helpful in the recovery process.
Oh well, at least my cup is grammatically correct....something IS right in my world today! :)
Monday, January 13, 2014
12/365
Today is day 12 of the 365 days you have in the year 2014. What have you done today? What have you done over the last 12 days?
Here's my list of 12 things I've done over the past 12 days:
1. 30 day Paleo Challenge
2. Exercise
3. Plexus
4. Keep in touch
5. Sent (what I hope are dang near final) revisions to my committee
6. Read!!
7. Resurrect this blog
8. Deep clean my house
9. Joined a DietBet
10. Meditated
11. Lost weight
12. Tried Cross Fit
Okay, so some of these probably deserve a little explanation - if for no other reason than when I look back, I'll actually remember what I was talking about...haha.
1. My friend asked me to participate in a 30 day Paleo challenge (eating Paleo-centric, Primal, Caveman diet for a month). SOOOO...I did it. I'm on day 8 and feeling great! No withdrawals this time (I've tried it before) since I don't really do sugar or simple carbs much, anyway. :)
2. Exercise - been back at the gym faithfully since returning from Ohio for break. 4 workouts last week. Three at my gym and one...well...that's #12...so you'll have to wait for it. I love this gym SO MUCH. I would never be able to move on to the next level (again...wait for it...#12!) without the care and nurturing I've received at this place. I was not an exercise lover, or even liker, prior to joining a year ago. I've come a long way...and a large part of that is thanks to them.
3. Plexus. This stuff kinda rocks! Plexus Slim and the Accelerator have been WONDERFUL. They curb my appetite and I have incredible energy all day long! I'm considering becoming an ambassador, so stay tuned for details.
4. I've sent cards and letters to friends and family. This is a big accomplishment. I generally say I'm going to do this, but don't. My goal is to write to someone each week. So far, I'm on it!
5. I submitted a revision of the proposal, my checklist, and my IRB application to my dissertation committee. I'm close, I know this....and the closer I get, the more nitpicky they get. One step forward, one step back....until I'm doing the cha cha. It's okay...I've got pretty darn good rhythm. ;)
6. I've finished a book and started three new ones. I'm listening to Reading Lolita in Tehran and Touch and Go. I'm reading The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (on my new Kindle...which I LOVE!!).
7. I've resurrected this blog. Over the years, I've started it and stopped it repeatedly. This time I wiped the slate completely clean and started over. It's only been 3 days since my last post, so we'll call that a victory!
8. I deep cleaned my house. I started Friday evening and continued all day Saturday, stopping only to have a phone conference with my chair. Sunday I did the kitchen before heading off to work at Starbucks for a few hours. I have a little more work to do in the dining room and spare room, but it's definitely getting there! I've scrubbed baseboards, cleaned out drawers and the closets, reorganized everything, and tossed 6 bags of trash! Go me! Go me!
9. I joined a Diet Bet. The first two I tried were $25 for one month during which time you're expected to lose 4% of your body weight. I failed. Both times. This time it's a 6 month challenge to lose 10% of your body weight. It was $25 per month or an up front fee of $125 (one month free). Of course I paid up front and even purchased the tokens to weigh in weekly for a chance to win prizes. The pot is over $428,000 right now. During the first month, you're expected to lose 3% of your total body weight. Today I managed to weigh in and am 89% there. I have less than a pound to lose before I've nailed it...and it's only been a week!!
10. I ordered a mala bead bracelet and purchased a strand of mala beads for meditative purposes. The bracelet is easy to wear out and about - simple, yet beautiful - and I always have the option to calm myself in any situation with it on my body. I have consciously meditated one time so far this year. It's on my list of things to do to improve myself (remember that first post from last week??...yep...it's part of becoming the best me I can be), so I know I'll be doing more of it soon.
11. Indeed, I've already lost weight. It's gonna carry on into the new year. I was on a weight loss roll last year until hurting my back. Now that I'm back on track (with pain on most days, but managing it well), I'm ready to keep this going! The combination of exercise, Paleo, and Plexus is working for me!
12. I cheated on my gym last Wednesday. I went to a new Cross Fit gym for a free trial night. I was terrified. I was nauseous all day leading up to being there. The workout was short, but hard. I honestly thought I was going to throw up when I was done. But ya know what? I didn't. And somewhere deep down inside, I loved it. So much that I have decided not to renew with my current gym and go give this place a try. These owners are Cross Fit professionals, run a blog (health-bent.com), and have a best selling Paleo cookbook (Primal Cravings) on the market. And they're two of the nicest people I've ever met. They're definitely motivating and I think it's going to be a welcome change in my world.
Here's my list of 12 things I've done over the past 12 days:
1. 30 day Paleo Challenge
2. Exercise
3. Plexus
4. Keep in touch
5. Sent (what I hope are dang near final) revisions to my committee
6. Read!!
7. Resurrect this blog
8. Deep clean my house
9. Joined a DietBet
10. Meditated
11. Lost weight
12. Tried Cross Fit
Okay, so some of these probably deserve a little explanation - if for no other reason than when I look back, I'll actually remember what I was talking about...haha.
1. My friend asked me to participate in a 30 day Paleo challenge (eating Paleo-centric, Primal, Caveman diet for a month). SOOOO...I did it. I'm on day 8 and feeling great! No withdrawals this time (I've tried it before) since I don't really do sugar or simple carbs much, anyway. :)
2. Exercise - been back at the gym faithfully since returning from Ohio for break. 4 workouts last week. Three at my gym and one...well...that's #12...so you'll have to wait for it. I love this gym SO MUCH. I would never be able to move on to the next level (again...wait for it...#12!) without the care and nurturing I've received at this place. I was not an exercise lover, or even liker, prior to joining a year ago. I've come a long way...and a large part of that is thanks to them.
3. Plexus. This stuff kinda rocks! Plexus Slim and the Accelerator have been WONDERFUL. They curb my appetite and I have incredible energy all day long! I'm considering becoming an ambassador, so stay tuned for details.
4. I've sent cards and letters to friends and family. This is a big accomplishment. I generally say I'm going to do this, but don't. My goal is to write to someone each week. So far, I'm on it!
5. I submitted a revision of the proposal, my checklist, and my IRB application to my dissertation committee. I'm close, I know this....and the closer I get, the more nitpicky they get. One step forward, one step back....until I'm doing the cha cha. It's okay...I've got pretty darn good rhythm. ;)
6. I've finished a book and started three new ones. I'm listening to Reading Lolita in Tehran and Touch and Go. I'm reading The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (on my new Kindle...which I LOVE!!).
7. I've resurrected this blog. Over the years, I've started it and stopped it repeatedly. This time I wiped the slate completely clean and started over. It's only been 3 days since my last post, so we'll call that a victory!
8. I deep cleaned my house. I started Friday evening and continued all day Saturday, stopping only to have a phone conference with my chair. Sunday I did the kitchen before heading off to work at Starbucks for a few hours. I have a little more work to do in the dining room and spare room, but it's definitely getting there! I've scrubbed baseboards, cleaned out drawers and the closets, reorganized everything, and tossed 6 bags of trash! Go me! Go me!
9. I joined a Diet Bet. The first two I tried were $25 for one month during which time you're expected to lose 4% of your body weight. I failed. Both times. This time it's a 6 month challenge to lose 10% of your body weight. It was $25 per month or an up front fee of $125 (one month free). Of course I paid up front and even purchased the tokens to weigh in weekly for a chance to win prizes. The pot is over $428,000 right now. During the first month, you're expected to lose 3% of your total body weight. Today I managed to weigh in and am 89% there. I have less than a pound to lose before I've nailed it...and it's only been a week!!
10. I ordered a mala bead bracelet and purchased a strand of mala beads for meditative purposes. The bracelet is easy to wear out and about - simple, yet beautiful - and I always have the option to calm myself in any situation with it on my body. I have consciously meditated one time so far this year. It's on my list of things to do to improve myself (remember that first post from last week??...yep...it's part of becoming the best me I can be), so I know I'll be doing more of it soon.
11. Indeed, I've already lost weight. It's gonna carry on into the new year. I was on a weight loss roll last year until hurting my back. Now that I'm back on track (with pain on most days, but managing it well), I'm ready to keep this going! The combination of exercise, Paleo, and Plexus is working for me!
12. I cheated on my gym last Wednesday. I went to a new Cross Fit gym for a free trial night. I was terrified. I was nauseous all day leading up to being there. The workout was short, but hard. I honestly thought I was going to throw up when I was done. But ya know what? I didn't. And somewhere deep down inside, I loved it. So much that I have decided not to renew with my current gym and go give this place a try. These owners are Cross Fit professionals, run a blog (health-bent.com), and have a best selling Paleo cookbook (Primal Cravings) on the market. And they're two of the nicest people I've ever met. They're definitely motivating and I think it's going to be a welcome change in my world.
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