The point of this list was to get me out of my comfort zone, to experience new things and ease the blow of turning 30. In reality, I've only crossed off a few items but I feel like this year has been one of tons of new experiences and new friends.
So far, I've gone camping twice(which I've never really done), gone out of town a whole bunch of times(which we haven't really gotten to do, I mean we didn't even get a honeymoon!), and crammed about as much fun stuff into our summer as we possibly could. It was such a whirlwind of a packed schedule that I almost feel like I missed it! I have been so lucky to get to do all these things with my very favorite person too.
This year has also been a shit show of just plain bad luck. To start our year, our furnace basically craps out. Luckily, its tax season and the tax refund covers that. Then our bathroom floods and we end up having to replace all the flooring on our first floor. Then some drunk asshole hits AND totals our car. Insurance covers most of these but not all. These were just the major hiccups since January. This doesn't count all the day to day struggles that we endure. It is so easy for me to just fall into the "Why me?" pity party. Each time, I ask what the hell we are doing wrong to have it so hard when it feels like everyone else has it so easy. Here's where I need to stop before someone yells at me.
Here we are. I am going to be honest with you as well as myself. Being an adult sucks. Sometimes you don't get that promotion you had your eye on. Sometimes you don't know how to talk to your teenager. Sometimes your washer just stops. I mean, there is this phrase that says whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger but for crying out loud, how strong does one person need to be???
I find myself spending a lot of time looking into other people situations thinking I know what's up and being so infinitely jealous that I don't have it "easy" like they do. I forget that other folks are icebergs too. That what I am seeing is just the tip and that I don't know their struggles. And for that, I am sorry. To no one in particular and to everyone.
My promise to myself is to stop looking in other peoples windows and assuming I know how perfect every one else's life is. I promise myself to look at my own problems not with eyes of pity but with solution. And to keep putting out good karma.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
1. Train and run a 5k
I am excited to say that I am officially crossing this bad boy off the list! Yesterday, the hubby, our two boys and I ran the Color Palooza. We got up early, ate some toast, drank some water and headed out to the start. We got there super early so we had a lot of time to just putz around. Which just lead to alot of nervous energy for me, haha.
Line up time finally was called and we gathered with about 500 of our closest friends to start the race. We were off and running. Ironically, we went over 1 bridge right out of the gate which had an incline, made a left and over another bridge which also had an incline. Curse you, course creators! But we were doing well, all four of us sticking together. Somewhere around the first mile, the 10 year old couldn't hang. To be fair, we did surprise both boys with this event the day before. The hubby hung back to make sure he didn't get lost in the crowd. The 14 year old and I kept pushing on.
Did I mention how hot it was? Cuz it was like a thousand degrees. Yes, 1000. Most of the training I've done over the last 8 weeks or so was in the not so hot part of the day because running in the heat in kind of a b*tch. So this race was tougher than most of the runs I've been on lately. Luckily, I had a pretty good motivator. The 14 year old literally pushed me every time I wanted to walk. Total for the whole race, we maybe walked about a block and 1/2. And I am ok with that. If it had been a bit cooler, I truly believe I could have pushed through the whole time but that heavy hot air is, well heavy and hot.
They don't give you a time at the end of the race but I can say I ran across the finish like and that was an awesome feeling. And the hubby did mapmyrun his time so based on his, I can say mine was somewhere in the 30-35 min range. I know I said I didn't care about the time and that just as long I finished I'd be happy, but I'm pretty ecstatic about a 30-35 minute 5k. Considering the attempt last year was a total of 1.5minutes running before feeling like I was going vomit and not even finishing the darn thing. Ecstatic I tell.
Also, one of the other things that made this event that much better was having the 10 year be in just absolute shock and amaze that he finished his first 5k as well. My boy is not super active and dislikes running as much as I do, so to give him this experience was a great feeling as well.
Line up time finally was called and we gathered with about 500 of our closest friends to start the race. We were off and running. Ironically, we went over 1 bridge right out of the gate which had an incline, made a left and over another bridge which also had an incline. Curse you, course creators! But we were doing well, all four of us sticking together. Somewhere around the first mile, the 10 year old couldn't hang. To be fair, we did surprise both boys with this event the day before. The hubby hung back to make sure he didn't get lost in the crowd. The 14 year old and I kept pushing on.
Did I mention how hot it was? Cuz it was like a thousand degrees. Yes, 1000. Most of the training I've done over the last 8 weeks or so was in the not so hot part of the day because running in the heat in kind of a b*tch. So this race was tougher than most of the runs I've been on lately. Luckily, I had a pretty good motivator. The 14 year old literally pushed me every time I wanted to walk. Total for the whole race, we maybe walked about a block and 1/2. And I am ok with that. If it had been a bit cooler, I truly believe I could have pushed through the whole time but that heavy hot air is, well heavy and hot.
They don't give you a time at the end of the race but I can say I ran across the finish like and that was an awesome feeling. And the hubby did mapmyrun his time so based on his, I can say mine was somewhere in the 30-35 min range. I know I said I didn't care about the time and that just as long I finished I'd be happy, but I'm pretty ecstatic about a 30-35 minute 5k. Considering the attempt last year was a total of 1.5minutes running before feeling like I was going vomit and not even finishing the darn thing. Ecstatic I tell.
Also, one of the other things that made this event that much better was having the 10 year be in just absolute shock and amaze that he finished his first 5k as well. My boy is not super active and dislikes running as much as I do, so to give him this experience was a great feeling as well.
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Tuesday, June 18, 2013
1. Train and run a 5k
It's race week, sports fans!
Saturday is the day I run my very first 5k. I've not quite finished the C25k program, I'm on week 8 but I feel ok about this. I have had my ups and downs with this running nonsense. But some where about week 6(the second time around) each run I did was better than the last. With that being said, last night was my best one so far. 28 minutes.WITHOUT.STOPPING. Yes, that's right.
When I started this excursion, I really didn't know what to expect. Part me really thought it was gonna be easy and I'd have a "why didn't I start this sooner" moment. And the more I ran, the harder I realized it was. And the more proud of myself I became. And all you folks out there in internet land who think they can't run, can just forget it. If I can do this, you certainly can.
I have a fondness for my running shoes that is so weird to me. They are perfectly broken in, slightly muddy and beautiful. I've loved shoes before but never for these reasons. In fact, I've never loved sneakers in my life. I'm a flip-flop kind of girl. But when I put those sneakers on, I feel a sense of power that is totally foreign to me but I totally dig it. It's like they whisper to me the whole time that I can in fact do this.
Or it's the voices. Whatevs.
Nonetheless, I'm calling myself a runner. And no matter what my time is on Saturday, as long as a finish, I can say that this list item will be my proudest.
Saturday is the day I run my very first 5k. I've not quite finished the C25k program, I'm on week 8 but I feel ok about this. I have had my ups and downs with this running nonsense. But some where about week 6(the second time around) each run I did was better than the last. With that being said, last night was my best one so far. 28 minutes.WITHOUT.STOPPING. Yes, that's right.
When I started this excursion, I really didn't know what to expect. Part me really thought it was gonna be easy and I'd have a "why didn't I start this sooner" moment. And the more I ran, the harder I realized it was. And the more proud of myself I became. And all you folks out there in internet land who think they can't run, can just forget it. If I can do this, you certainly can.
I have a fondness for my running shoes that is so weird to me. They are perfectly broken in, slightly muddy and beautiful. I've loved shoes before but never for these reasons. In fact, I've never loved sneakers in my life. I'm a flip-flop kind of girl. But when I put those sneakers on, I feel a sense of power that is totally foreign to me but I totally dig it. It's like they whisper to me the whole time that I can in fact do this.
Or it's the voices. Whatevs.
Nonetheless, I'm calling myself a runner. And no matter what my time is on Saturday, as long as a finish, I can say that this list item will be my proudest.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
18. Actually R*N a hash
First let me start with that I am not officially crossing this one off yet. I gave it a shot and just wanna talk about it.
If you aren't familiar with hashing(and no, it's not drugs or potatoes), allow me to explain a little. Basically its a drinking group with a running problem. Though, in my case, I do more walking than running. And really, it's more drinking than anything else.
The easiest way to describe it to someone who has never heard of it, is a scavenger hunt for beer. We follow marks of flour/chalk through various parts of town to find stops of beer that may be hidden. We sing a lot of goofy(read:offensive) songs and have a perverse sense of humor and all round good time.
We have been apart of this group for about 4 years now and I never run. Which is why I've added this item to the list. So for the Cinco de Mayo trail (It's on the 5th this year!) I gave it a go. And I ran about 1/3 of the trail. It mostly just shocked folks. I might have been able to run more, had we not run that morning and then I proceed to take my 4 beagles(yes, I am crazy) on a mile-ish walk around my neighborhood. So by 5pm, the start of the hash, my legs didn't want to cooperate with me so well.
We are hashing in Cincy this weekend and there are rumors of a shorter trail. I think I will give it shot again, though the hills down there can be brutal
If you aren't familiar with hashing(and no, it's not drugs or potatoes), allow me to explain a little. Basically its a drinking group with a running problem. Though, in my case, I do more walking than running. And really, it's more drinking than anything else.
The easiest way to describe it to someone who has never heard of it, is a scavenger hunt for beer. We follow marks of flour/chalk through various parts of town to find stops of beer that may be hidden. We sing a lot of goofy(read:offensive) songs and have a perverse sense of humor and all round good time.
We have been apart of this group for about 4 years now and I never run. Which is why I've added this item to the list. So for the Cinco de Mayo trail (It's on the 5th this year!) I gave it a go. And I ran about 1/3 of the trail. It mostly just shocked folks. I might have been able to run more, had we not run that morning and then I proceed to take my 4 beagles(yes, I am crazy) on a mile-ish walk around my neighborhood. So by 5pm, the start of the hash, my legs didn't want to cooperate with me so well.
We are hashing in Cincy this weekend and there are rumors of a shorter trail. I think I will give it shot again, though the hills down there can be brutal
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| I think this is one of the smaller hills in Cincy. |
1. Train and run a 5k
So we meet again.
I haven't given up on this crap just yet. The blog or the list. But life gets in the way and the computer is ALLTHEWAYINTHEOTHERROOM. So sometimes, I get lazy and don't feel like writing. Don't take it personally.
I am on Week 6 Day 2. Again. Big accomplishment; did 20 minutes(almost) of straight running. And felt awesome about it. After this, I thought for sure that the next run, which was run 5, walk 3 run 8 walk 3 run 5 would have been a cake walk but it was rough. And then time slipped away. And then we went camping in West Virginia. And then some more excuses, yada yada yada. I hit maybe a run a week since that 20 minute straight run. And none of them were good. So I decided to restart Week 6 again this week.
I'd like to say that this fresh start helped but running in 80* temps is making me struggle with the last leg of the run. I have tried to wait til like 8-8:30 when the sun goes down some but the air is still pretty heavy. I think on Friday, I am gonna give running in the AM a shot, hopefully that will help.
Tonight's run. Siggghhh. So, let's start with my irrational fear of the woods. Especially when I am alone. Last night, the husband and I ran in the woods by our house and it was wonderful. He is faster than me but knowing he was there puts my anxiety at bay.
Well, tonight I ran alone. And thought it was a good idea to take the same route we took last night. And as I enter the beautiful wooded area, I immediately start feeling like I am in a horror movie. I am literally looking behind me every few seconds worried I am being stalked by a serial killer. Of course, my pace has increased and by the time I get out of the woods I am struggling to catch my breath. This increase in adrenaline and speed basically had me crapped out for the rest of the run. Of the final 10 minutes, I only ran about 7.5.
I can honestly say that this program has given me a new found confidence in running that I have never had. I don't care how I look when I run anymore. My shin pain has decreased and my breathing has improved dramatically. Our 5k is only a few weeks away and I already feel like this is in my grasp more than ever before.
I haven't given up on this crap just yet. The blog or the list. But life gets in the way and the computer is ALLTHEWAYINTHEOTHERROOM. So sometimes, I get lazy and don't feel like writing. Don't take it personally.
I am on Week 6 Day 2. Again. Big accomplishment; did 20 minutes(almost) of straight running. And felt awesome about it. After this, I thought for sure that the next run, which was run 5, walk 3 run 8 walk 3 run 5 would have been a cake walk but it was rough. And then time slipped away. And then we went camping in West Virginia. And then some more excuses, yada yada yada. I hit maybe a run a week since that 20 minute straight run. And none of them were good. So I decided to restart Week 6 again this week.
I'd like to say that this fresh start helped but running in 80* temps is making me struggle with the last leg of the run. I have tried to wait til like 8-8:30 when the sun goes down some but the air is still pretty heavy. I think on Friday, I am gonna give running in the AM a shot, hopefully that will help.
Tonight's run. Siggghhh. So, let's start with my irrational fear of the woods. Especially when I am alone. Last night, the husband and I ran in the woods by our house and it was wonderful. He is faster than me but knowing he was there puts my anxiety at bay.
Well, tonight I ran alone. And thought it was a good idea to take the same route we took last night. And as I enter the beautiful wooded area, I immediately start feeling like I am in a horror movie. I am literally looking behind me every few seconds worried I am being stalked by a serial killer. Of course, my pace has increased and by the time I get out of the woods I am struggling to catch my breath. This increase in adrenaline and speed basically had me crapped out for the rest of the run. Of the final 10 minutes, I only ran about 7.5.
I can honestly say that this program has given me a new found confidence in running that I have never had. I don't care how I look when I run anymore. My shin pain has decreased and my breathing has improved dramatically. Our 5k is only a few weeks away and I already feel like this is in my grasp more than ever before.
I'm pretty sure I still look silly when I run, I just don't care anymore:D
Monday, April 29, 2013
1. Train and run a 5k
Have no fear, faithful readers, I have not fallen off the planet. Nor have I given up on this thing. I have diligently gotten my 3 runs in each week. I just completely Week 4 Day 3, so you know what that means??? Half way baby!
If you are not familiar with the Couch to 5k program, it is a gradual build of walking to running. The lady living in my ear buds tells me when to walk and when to run and she's mostly pretty nice about it. Until she makes me run more than I wanna. So far, my basic view is that I hate what I am doing, and longing for the previous week's "easier" run, which I guess means it's working.
This journey has been hard. As discussed earlier, I dislike running. I hate the breathing heaving, the nose running and most of all the shin pain. BUT despite all these challenges, I have made it to halfway point and I have to admit, I'm pretty freaking proud of that.
All whining aside, starting this in the spring is by far the best thing about it. My neighborhood smells like flowers which is so delightful. The air is cool enough that I don't feel like I am wearing a wet blanket but not so cold that my lungs feel like they are going freeze up. And 4 weeks into this thing, I am a lot less concerned with how I look when I run. Mostly, because I am focusing all of my energy on willing time to move faster so the fire in my shins will go out but that is totally besides the point.
When I started this, running more than a minute was tough and now I am up to 5. It's not huge, but I will take it and I'll just keep waiting for that great run I keep hearing about.
If you are not familiar with the Couch to 5k program, it is a gradual build of walking to running. The lady living in my ear buds tells me when to walk and when to run and she's mostly pretty nice about it. Until she makes me run more than I wanna. So far, my basic view is that I hate what I am doing, and longing for the previous week's "easier" run, which I guess means it's working.
This journey has been hard. As discussed earlier, I dislike running. I hate the breathing heaving, the nose running and most of all the shin pain. BUT despite all these challenges, I have made it to halfway point and I have to admit, I'm pretty freaking proud of that.
All whining aside, starting this in the spring is by far the best thing about it. My neighborhood smells like flowers which is so delightful. The air is cool enough that I don't feel like I am wearing a wet blanket but not so cold that my lungs feel like they are going freeze up. And 4 weeks into this thing, I am a lot less concerned with how I look when I run. Mostly, because I am focusing all of my energy on willing time to move faster so the fire in my shins will go out but that is totally besides the point.
When I started this, running more than a minute was tough and now I am up to 5. It's not huge, but I will take it and I'll just keep waiting for that great run I keep hearing about.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
1.Train and run a 5k
Week 2 Complete.Hurray!
Week 3 Day 1 in the books as well.Groan...
And I thought 90 seconds was bad. HA! It's cake to 3 minutes. (hmmm.. cake...)
I am not so secretly cursing my parents for not making me go out and run more often as a kid because this sh*t is hard as an adult. Honestly, the things I am struggling with the most are my shin pain and my breathing. I gave some new stretches a shot tonite and having iced the crap out of my shins on Sunday after our run, I noticed a difference. They still hurt but the pain has definitely decreased in intensity. Now, to work on my breathing so I stop sounding like I am giving birth whilst running.
On the plus side, having dropped 15lbs since the last time I gave Couch to 5k a shot, I notice a lot less strain on my knees which makes running slightly more pleasant but only slightly. Also, having a running buddy makes me more accountable. Thanks Hubby!
One of the things I struggle with is follow through and so hitting milestones like completing Week 2 is a big deal for me. Especially with something I don't really *want* to do like, pant and hiss and moan for 2 miles in my neighborhood. And I was especially dreading the 3 min straight run this week. But I did it and for that, I am going to glow with pride. Or sweat. Could go either way.
BTW, running in the rain today was kind of sucky but at least we beat the heavy rain!
Week 3 Day 1 in the books as well.Groan...
And I thought 90 seconds was bad. HA! It's cake to 3 minutes. (hmmm.. cake...)
I am not so secretly cursing my parents for not making me go out and run more often as a kid because this sh*t is hard as an adult. Honestly, the things I am struggling with the most are my shin pain and my breathing. I gave some new stretches a shot tonite and having iced the crap out of my shins on Sunday after our run, I noticed a difference. They still hurt but the pain has definitely decreased in intensity. Now, to work on my breathing so I stop sounding like I am giving birth whilst running.
On the plus side, having dropped 15lbs since the last time I gave Couch to 5k a shot, I notice a lot less strain on my knees which makes running slightly more pleasant but only slightly. Also, having a running buddy makes me more accountable. Thanks Hubby!
One of the things I struggle with is follow through and so hitting milestones like completing Week 2 is a big deal for me. Especially with something I don't really *want* to do like, pant and hiss and moan for 2 miles in my neighborhood. And I was especially dreading the 3 min straight run this week. But I did it and for that, I am going to glow with pride. Or sweat. Could go either way.
BTW, running in the rain today was kind of sucky but at least we beat the heavy rain!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
1.Train and run a 5k
Week 2 Day 1.
The one where I learn exactly how long 30 seconds is.
When I was a kid, whenever I said any amount of time wasn't "that long" my dad would always says " How would you like to hang by your toes for that long?" And I feel like I can now change this to "How would you like to run for that long?". Ug. I hate it so much and I want to quit.
This is hard (at least for me, I know some of you pro runners are like Oh it's nothing haha!) but I am not going to quit, despite all of the efforts I make to think of excuses why it would be ok if I did.
One of my goals is to improve my follow through. I have great ideas, I am not going to lie but I am royal suck at sticking with stuff when the going gets tough. (Things, not people. I am loyal as hell to people I care about.) So, as much as I feel like death while I am doing it, I will focus on the sunshine and the warm breeze and that at some point this gets easier.
It does get easier, right?
The one where I learn exactly how long 30 seconds is.
When I was a kid, whenever I said any amount of time wasn't "that long" my dad would always says " How would you like to hang by your toes for that long?" And I feel like I can now change this to "How would you like to run for that long?". Ug. I hate it so much and I want to quit.
This is hard (at least for me, I know some of you pro runners are like Oh it's nothing haha!) but I am not going to quit, despite all of the efforts I make to think of excuses why it would be ok if I did.
One of my goals is to improve my follow through. I have great ideas, I am not going to lie but I am royal suck at sticking with stuff when the going gets tough. (Things, not people. I am loyal as hell to people I care about.) So, as much as I feel like death while I am doing it, I will focus on the sunshine and the warm breeze and that at some point this gets easier.
It does get easier, right?
Monday, April 1, 2013
1.Train and run a 5k
I hate running. I always have. I don't like sweating or breathing heavy and to be very honest, I think I look stupid when I run. With all that being said, I put on my list "Train for and run a 5k" . Why might you ask? Because I'm an idiot who likes to torture myself? Nah. Because at some point I will learn to the love the sweat and learn how to breathe correctly and eventually I won't care about how I look when I run... right?
Truth is people talk about running like it's this amazing thing. And I want to like it. I just have get past the panting and feeling like I am dying first, I think. The only way I know to get to that point is to have a goal. So I got a Groupon for registration for the Color Run 5k in June. Knowing myself, I need something to help me stay accountable and that's where you come in, my fine readers. This particular item is going to be a series of posts until June as I train.
Today was Day 1 of the Couch to 5k program. I had wanted to start once I finished the cleanse but it was ass cold. And last week I was fighting off some sinus crapola. So today was the day. And believe me, I tried to talk myself out of it. It was a balmy 40-something degrees when I got off work and it was windy. Maybe tomorrow it will be nicer..... NO. I know if I don't start on a Monday I'll put it off til NEXT week. But I kind of have a headache... NO. It's not that bad and the fresh air will do me good.
So I panted and my nose ran and I just wanted to stop but I did it. 32 mins, 2.06 miles.
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| Couldn't be more accurate |
Truth is people talk about running like it's this amazing thing. And I want to like it. I just have get past the panting and feeling like I am dying first, I think. The only way I know to get to that point is to have a goal. So I got a Groupon for registration for the Color Run 5k in June. Knowing myself, I need something to help me stay accountable and that's where you come in, my fine readers. This particular item is going to be a series of posts until June as I train.
Today was Day 1 of the Couch to 5k program. I had wanted to start once I finished the cleanse but it was ass cold. And last week I was fighting off some sinus crapola. So today was the day. And believe me, I tried to talk myself out of it. It was a balmy 40-something degrees when I got off work and it was windy. Maybe tomorrow it will be nicer..... NO. I know if I don't start on a Monday I'll put it off til NEXT week. But I kind of have a headache... NO. It's not that bad and the fresh air will do me good.
So I panted and my nose ran and I just wanted to stop but I did it. 32 mins, 2.06 miles.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
The Cleanse...
There is no easy way to say this but I have struggled with weight loss since I had my son. Which was 10 years ago. I never consider myself "fat" per say but I missed my tiny body that I had prior to getting knocked up. The problem is that despite knowing all the things to lose it, I never stuck through with anything. The husband and I tried all sorts of things. Weight watchers online, gym memberships, Slimfast, good old fashion calorie counting but because we didn't see results instantly we always fell off the wagon. We like to eat. And more than anything we are emotional eaters. Bad day? Good day? Celebrations? Eat. Eat. Eat. We are not gluttonous people, we are eating our weight in crappy food or going back for third and fourthsey. But we like food and we are don't like to exercise so well.
Enter Dr. Bryan. He is our chiropractor and has been talking to us about the Standard Process Cleanse for years. But no cheese? No bread? NO COFFEE? You sir, have lost your damn. But after trying so many things the husband was convinced that this would be the only thing that would work. I finally gave in, convinced that this wasn't gonna work, that we are gonna dump money into something but at least I can say I gave it the old college try.
So this cleanse is suppose to basically detox your body to help you get rid of cravings over the course of 21 days. You do this by only eating fruits and veggies as well as brown rice or lentils for 10 days and then adding in chicken/fish on days 11-21. You should drink at least 64ozs of water daily. No coffee, alcohol or pharmaceuticals allowed. I figure 21 days isn't so long and if I power through I will be back to eating "normal" in no time.
This was one of the hardest things I have ever done. And it was totally worth it. Day 2 was the hardest for me, I had a massive headache that lasted basically from lunchtime to bedtime. I'm fairly confident that this was the withdrawals of caffeine. I had been slowly tapering off from 3 cups a day to just 1. I don't drink soda so all my caffeine comes from coffee but I really really love my coffee.
At first we were not very creative with our meals. Shake for breakfast, salad sans dressing for lunch and more veggies and rice for dinner. This only lasted like 3 days before the husband almost lost his mind. We searched the internet for SP recipes( which Dr Cindy and Mommypotamus helped with quite a bit!) and tried some new things. But by Day 11 both of us we over the moon to add chicken into the mix.
It was hard. I know I've said this already but I want to make sure that I put that out there. Because one of the very awesome benefits of this process is weight loss. In the 21 days I lost almost 15lbs. And when I say that part everyone wants to know what diet I am on. And whereas I went into this thinking it was a diet, I've come to realize this is more of a lifestyle change than a diet. Because when St Patrick's day fell on day 21 I thought well, 20 days is just as good, bring on the green beer! But when faced with said green beer, I declined. And I felt good about that. In fact, when the husband said he wanted to do the Post Cleanse program, I agreed. And I felt good about that, too.
So I haven't resumed my life of caffeine and booze. I try to stay away from processed food at all costs. And I eat veggies like I actually enjoy them. I slipped for the husband's bday and ate 3 slices of pizza and then a bowl of mac and cheese but I felt like such crapola that I don't want to do that again.
If you are considering do this cleanse, my advice would be start weening yourself off caffeine, carbs,cheese and meat first. Also, find a bunch of vegan recipes and try those before you start. This program is way more mentally straining than physical, especially if you eat your feelings like we do. But I am so happy we did this and I truly feel like it was an eye opening experience. I hope you can get as much of this process as we did.
Enter Dr. Bryan. He is our chiropractor and has been talking to us about the Standard Process Cleanse for years. But no cheese? No bread? NO COFFEE? You sir, have lost your damn. But after trying so many things the husband was convinced that this would be the only thing that would work. I finally gave in, convinced that this wasn't gonna work, that we are gonna dump money into something but at least I can say I gave it the old college try.
So this cleanse is suppose to basically detox your body to help you get rid of cravings over the course of 21 days. You do this by only eating fruits and veggies as well as brown rice or lentils for 10 days and then adding in chicken/fish on days 11-21. You should drink at least 64ozs of water daily. No coffee, alcohol or pharmaceuticals allowed. I figure 21 days isn't so long and if I power through I will be back to eating "normal" in no time.
This was one of the hardest things I have ever done. And it was totally worth it. Day 2 was the hardest for me, I had a massive headache that lasted basically from lunchtime to bedtime. I'm fairly confident that this was the withdrawals of caffeine. I had been slowly tapering off from 3 cups a day to just 1. I don't drink soda so all my caffeine comes from coffee but I really really love my coffee.
At first we were not very creative with our meals. Shake for breakfast, salad sans dressing for lunch and more veggies and rice for dinner. This only lasted like 3 days before the husband almost lost his mind. We searched the internet for SP recipes( which Dr Cindy and Mommypotamus helped with quite a bit!) and tried some new things. But by Day 11 both of us we over the moon to add chicken into the mix.
It was hard. I know I've said this already but I want to make sure that I put that out there. Because one of the very awesome benefits of this process is weight loss. In the 21 days I lost almost 15lbs. And when I say that part everyone wants to know what diet I am on. And whereas I went into this thinking it was a diet, I've come to realize this is more of a lifestyle change than a diet. Because when St Patrick's day fell on day 21 I thought well, 20 days is just as good, bring on the green beer! But when faced with said green beer, I declined. And I felt good about that. In fact, when the husband said he wanted to do the Post Cleanse program, I agreed. And I felt good about that, too.
So I haven't resumed my life of caffeine and booze. I try to stay away from processed food at all costs. And I eat veggies like I actually enjoy them. I slipped for the husband's bday and ate 3 slices of pizza and then a bowl of mac and cheese but I felt like such crapola that I don't want to do that again.
If you are considering do this cleanse, my advice would be start weening yourself off caffeine, carbs,cheese and meat first. Also, find a bunch of vegan recipes and try those before you start. This program is way more mentally straining than physical, especially if you eat your feelings like we do. But I am so happy we did this and I truly feel like it was an eye opening experience. I hope you can get as much of this process as we did.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
20. Go Vegetarian for a month-Part 2
So it has been a month since I have completed my month of no meat. I also did a cleanse which, I was going to include in this post but feel like it deserves it's own post. But no meat went over so well. I truly felt better, I was really excited to try new recipes and think it definitely help me unearthed a love of cooking I never realized I had. (Back story: My mom is a cook. And if you know me, you know I tend to go against the grain on anything and everything. So when my mother tried to "teach" me how to cook, I formally protested the whole thing. In fact I stood by guns so
adamantly I moved into a house without an oven/stove).
The only thing that could prevent me from go full on meatless forever is bacon. And when I say this to folks, everyone agrees. I know logically is just made of pork but in my soul I'm convinced its actually made of equal parts magic and crack. Nonetheless, I was completely ready to swear off meat forever until we did this cleanse, which involved basically swearing off all things not fruits and veggies for the first 10 days and then adding in chicken/fish on day 11. By Day 11 I needed something tasty so chicken came back. I also ate way more fish than I have ever in my life, which was also odd.
When we finished the cleanse I thought, I'd go back to no meat and I believe A LOT less meat is my end goal however, we decided to do the post-cleanse program as we reintroduce food back and I'm not prepared to go back to a vegan lifestyle until I can eat everything again.
So far of the 2 List items I've tried, this had the best and most surprising outcome.
The only thing that could prevent me from go full on meatless forever is bacon. And when I say this to folks, everyone agrees. I know logically is just made of pork but in my soul I'm convinced its actually made of equal parts magic and crack. Nonetheless, I was completely ready to swear off meat forever until we did this cleanse, which involved basically swearing off all things not fruits and veggies for the first 10 days and then adding in chicken/fish on day 11. By Day 11 I needed something tasty so chicken came back. I also ate way more fish than I have ever in my life, which was also odd.
When we finished the cleanse I thought, I'd go back to no meat and I believe A LOT less meat is my end goal however, we decided to do the post-cleanse program as we reintroduce food back and I'm not prepared to go back to a vegan lifestyle until I can eat everything again.
So far of the 2 List items I've tried, this had the best and most surprising outcome.
Monday, February 18, 2013
20. Go Vegetarian for a month-Part 1
February is the shortest month, in case you didn't know. So that is part of the reason we(the hubby and I) chose this to be the month we go meatless. I don't consider it cheating so you shouldn't either. Day 18 and not completely unhappy with the lack of meat in my diet. I had intended to write weekly on this particular item but as they say, life gets in the way.
So, we have tried some interesting substitutes for meat. Seitan was good, a tad salty and Tempeh(Soy) was not so good. Could very well be the recipes we made, I'd be willing to try each differently. We also gave lentils a shot, which wasn't too bad either.
One would think I should have like 18 new recipes that I have tried but one would be wrong. We did a lot of Subway and some other restaurants where their menu was very extensively vegetarian, ya know with like just black bean burger as non-meat option. But here are the new recipes we tried and respective reviews of each.
Margherita Pizza- We were hungry and lazy and didn't make our own dough but this was pretty good. I could have crushed the tomatoes more but there is something about fresh mozzarella that makes everything better. This is easily an 8 out of 10.
Tempeh Stir-Fry with Black Bean Sauce-This one took some trouble as I couldn't find the black bean sauce in question for a bit. This was definitely not my favorite recipes so far. I don't care for snow peas and I expected kale to be similar to spinach, which it's not so overall I was disappointed. I'll give it 2 of 10.
Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Stew-I didn't hate this one at all. If fact, went back for seconds and ate it for lunch the next day. Though, not a huge curry fan it was a nice change from our norm. The hubby actually prepared this one and said it was pretty tedious with the chopping and such and wouldn't make it again. And I'm probably ok with that. We included some Naan with it as well. A solid 5 out of 10.
Lentil Walnut Burgers- This came from the Moosewood Cookbook, which is no longer in print, booo. These burgers were pretty good, similar texture to a black bean burger but a very different taste. I don't like the texture of mushrooms or walnuts typically but since they are minced and squished with the lentils I hardly noticed it. I would definitely make these again and try them fried instead of the broiled. An easy 8.5 out of 10.
Spicy Enchiladas - This recipe calls for chicken but I replaced it with Seitan. This one was very good and not too difficult to make. Seitan has a weird feel to it in preparing the meal but cooked and mixed with everything else, tasted just fine. I'd called it a 9.5 out of 10.
Overall, I am not missing meat, other than bacon too much and could see this continuing though, we shall see how the husband feels about all that.
So, we have tried some interesting substitutes for meat. Seitan was good, a tad salty and Tempeh(Soy) was not so good. Could very well be the recipes we made, I'd be willing to try each differently. We also gave lentils a shot, which wasn't too bad either.
One would think I should have like 18 new recipes that I have tried but one would be wrong. We did a lot of Subway and some other restaurants where their menu was very extensively vegetarian, ya know with like just black bean burger as non-meat option. But here are the new recipes we tried and respective reviews of each.
Margherita Pizza- We were hungry and lazy and didn't make our own dough but this was pretty good. I could have crushed the tomatoes more but there is something about fresh mozzarella that makes everything better. This is easily an 8 out of 10.
 | |||||
| Mmm... cheese... |
Lentil Walnut Burgers- This came from the Moosewood Cookbook, which is no longer in print, booo. These burgers were pretty good, similar texture to a black bean burger but a very different taste. I don't like the texture of mushrooms or walnuts typically but since they are minced and squished with the lentils I hardly noticed it. I would definitely make these again and try them fried instead of the broiled. An easy 8.5 out of 10.
Spicy Enchiladas - This recipe calls for chicken but I replaced it with Seitan. This one was very good and not too difficult to make. Seitan has a weird feel to it in preparing the meal but cooked and mixed with everything else, tasted just fine. I'd called it a 9.5 out of 10.
Overall, I am not missing meat, other than bacon too much and could see this continuing though, we shall see how the husband feels about all that.
Monday, January 28, 2013
21. Go Offline for a weekend
I am excited to say I have crossed the first thing off my list. I went off the grid starting at 5pm on Friday and didn't get back on until Monday (today) at 5:30am (that is normal wake up time, I didn't specifically get up that early *just* to check my phone:) I scheduled my offline weekend for this weekend since I knew I would be out of the house both Friday and Saturday nights and it would be easier to avoid the interwebs whilst being social. It was not super easy cuz I definitely am quick to search the internet while watching tv or check Facebook obsessively.
I like lists, so here goes:
Things I discovered:
Overall, I'd rate the experience with ... I should probably come with some kind of rating system, I suppose.... Meh. It was a good experience though I am glad to be plugged back into to the Matrix. Just call me Neo:)
I like lists, so here goes:
Things I discovered:
- I think in status updates. I consider myself witty but apparently, it's only in a short form status update kind of way.
- It's much easier to put the phone down when I have a goal in mind.
- It was nice to watch a movie uninterrupted at home. (This Means War was an adorable movie, btw)
- I fall asleep more quickly when watching tv without the constant stimulation of the interwebs on my mobile device.
- The world didn't stop without me.
- As much as I love to stay connected with friends on Facebook, they were still there after 60 hours without constant supervision.
- I am not as popular as I think I am. Only 15 notifications? Come on!
- I was entirely too nervous to leave the house without the phone even if it was off the in my bag the whole time.
- The things I see that I need to look up RIGHTNOW are really not that important if I don't remember to look them up after a few hours.
- Social Networking is incredible for getting contact info for new friends without intrusively asking for someone's phone number.
Overall, I'd rate the experience with ... I should probably come with some kind of rating system, I suppose.... Meh. It was a good experience though I am glad to be plugged back into to the Matrix. Just call me Neo:)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The first one's always the hardest...
So, I turned 30 a few weeks ago. Which to say I was freaked out is an understatement to say the least. And as it grew closer more and more folks asked why I was so freaked out. And at first, it was hard to say. But giving it some thought I realized the picture in my head of where I would be at this point is way different than the real life version. Not bad, just different. But not having met my own self imposed expectation causes me quite a lot of grief. And really it's this feeling of not knowing what I want to be when I grow up and being a grown up now is scary.
To ease the pain, I created this list of 30 brand spanking new things for me to complete this year. The hope is that perhaps I can find something to hold my interest for more than 30 seconds but if not,worst case scenario though, I'll experience 30 new things this year and I will be a better person for it. Here is the list and every time I cross one off, I'll write about it here.
1.Train and run a 5k
2. Start writing a book
3. Take up yoga consistently
4. Get a pedicure
5. Take a Segway tour
6. Play Paintball
7. Rappelling(with Anita)
8. White water rafting
9. Cook Thanksgiving dinner
10. Roller girls Wannabe clinic
11. Start a podcast with Matt
12. Take an improv/acting class
13. Take a photography class
14. Ride a Mechanical Bull
15. Get a bikini wax
16. Go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
17. Cook a week of new recipes
18. Actually R*N a hash
19. Go rock climbing
20. Go Vegetarian for a month
21. Go offline for a whole weekend (Friday after work to Monday morn)
22. Read 5 Classic books
23. Find 5 parks I've never been to and explore
24.Indoor skydiving Take a cooking class
25. Go to a Casino
26. Market to Market Bike ride
27. Go to a shooting range
28. Go to Comic-Con
29. Do 30 random acts of kindness
30. Go to the Pride Parade
Unfortunately traveling outside of Ohio isn't really an option at this time and the closest place to indoor skydive is North Carolina so I had to replace it with something less exciting.
My first one to cross off will be #21 this weekend. Wish me luck!
To ease the pain, I created this list of 30 brand spanking new things for me to complete this year. The hope is that perhaps I can find something to hold my interest for more than 30 seconds but if not,worst case scenario though, I'll experience 30 new things this year and I will be a better person for it. Here is the list and every time I cross one off, I'll write about it here.
1.Train and run a 5k
2. Start writing a book
3. Take up yoga consistently
4. Get a pedicure
5. Take a Segway tour
6. Play Paintball
7. Rappelling(with Anita)
8. White water rafting
9. Cook Thanksgiving dinner
10. Roller girls Wannabe clinic
11. Start a podcast with Matt
12. Take an improv/acting class
13. Take a photography class
14. Ride a Mechanical Bull
15. Get a bikini wax
16. Go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
17. Cook a week of new recipes
18. Actually R*N a hash
19. Go rock climbing
20. Go Vegetarian for a month
21. Go offline for a whole weekend (Friday after work to Monday morn)
22. Read 5 Classic books
23. Find 5 parks I've never been to and explore
24.
25. Go to a Casino
26. Market to Market Bike ride
27. Go to a shooting range
28. Go to Comic-Con
29. Do 30 random acts of kindness
30. Go to the Pride Parade
Unfortunately traveling outside of Ohio isn't really an option at this time and the closest place to indoor skydive is North Carolina so I had to replace it with something less exciting.
My first one to cross off will be #21 this weekend. Wish me luck!
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