This year I have a different level of commitment to this HealthFULL Journey and I have taken different actions to yield more results. I am still not seeing as much progress on the scale. But I am learning it wasn't just physical pounds that I have been carrying. Some of these extra steps are to continue the efforts that have had positive influences - mentally and physically. I enjoy trying out a new produce which increases my cooking abilities and boosts the kitchen confidence. It also boosts the variety of vitamins and minerals in my system that could use a good shake-up as I have had a lot of years where my diet consisted of fries, mashed potatoes, chips, chicken, cheese, pasta, pop, and bread. Do you see a problem in that list? I do....now :) But when I was living with that menu - not a clue that wasn't athlete building material. Another method is to keep the exercise and movement consistent and interesting. What have I increased? AWARENESS! I visit the doctor regularly and we look at true physical stats (A1C, Blood Pressure, Weight) and discuss what is our best efforts moving forward. I am more aware of my choices as I wrote my goals down for the year (12 Resolutions for the 12 Months of 2012) and keep track of my progress. I know instantly if I am lagging in an area and not covering myself in delusions how hard I've been working on everything. Not only I am aware, but it keeps me consistently involved in improving my health in all areas. This allows me the chance to observe progress, note what's motivating -what's not and what areas need more attention. I got derailed health-wise and needed a reboot. I prayed about different options, researched, and brainstormed what would be different that would offer me a new perspective and momentum. With a few signs that I found in my daily life I decided a twenty-four hour fast was a good place to start.
I am working to build my faith. My weight is a result of gluttony as I idolize food in very unhealthy proportions. Logically, I can honestly respond no I don't choose food over important areas and people of my life. But there are sadly some actions that can contradict this logic. I have taught myself over the years that watching tv without a soda and a snack is almost impossible. I used to burst with pride that I had mastered the holding of a book and demolishing meals. Different books (paperback, textbook, hard cover, that between cover you pay $13) and depending on what section you are in the middle of reading (beginning, middle, and end) requires a different way to hold the book to maximize reading pleasure and having use of your hands to shovel food. I blissed out the emotional need for food because I always joined it with pleasurable activities, reading, tv watching, sometimes computer, and spending time with loved ones. So when something like food is ranked too high in your life and the thought of skipping/missing a meal is a little too close to the panic button it probably means drastic measures to reduce this "fix/need/obsession". I didn't get clearance from my doctor which I admit would have been best. But I did pray about it - felt I received confirmation from God. I told my husband so he was completely in the know of my plan. I skipped my daily dose of medication that I take to lower my blood sugar that drastically lowers it. And monitored my blood sugar numbers all day long so that I wasn't in a scary zone and had committed verbally to my husband that if my numbers dropped below a certain number that I would eat something. Awareness!
I have fasted (besides hospital mandated in possible preparation of surgery) twice I believe. Once as a youth participant in the thirty hour famine and as a youth leader for the same awareness. But both times that activity was swamped with distractions and activities to keep us busy. This was a prayerful meditation that I lifted up three big decisions in my life. And I wasn't nearly as hungry as I thought I would be. I ate a snack of a hard-boiled egg and peanuts right before the midnight starting Saturday. I wanted a good dose of protein in my system before beginning this 24 hour journey. My fear was to skip a meal and the first half of the day wasn't even challenging when I just had told myself I wouldn't be eating that day. It was almost peaceful not trying to decipher the perfect bite to appease my cravings. Granted I also slept the majority of those first twelve hours but still half-way and nowhere near panicsville. The truly tricky part of the day was that although I wasn't eating I still had to fix my son his meals and snacks. This meant going to the kitchen not tasting what I am about to feed him, nor modeling chewing that usually encourages him to sample all the bites. He's a toddler so I can fix the same meal everyday for a week and we'll have two days where he loves everything, one day where he won't touch any of it, one day where he picks at it, and three days where he loves one component, hates another, and plays with the third. And yet, still able to muddle through the day without too much hunger pains. My husband did ban me from his dinner. I was starting to get the tummy grumbles. And he said the hungry glint in my eye and drool on my face was a little off-putting. This was hard because we do try to spend quality time together on meals from the cooking to the eating and sharing grace and discussion. So that was a weird outcast moment but also completely justifiable. Then ten o'clock hit and still not the hunger getting me obsessed but my mind in panic that we should have eaten something by now. So I turned on the tv for distraction and got comfy on the couch in hopes of some blissful sleep to pass the hours and they did. Which made me so sleepy I woke up at midnight and limped down the stairs to crawl into bed. Woke up for church the next morning and debated if I should continue the fast for thirty-six hours. I decided thirty hours was plenty for a twenty-four hour fast.
I had three prayerful decisions that I meditated on during this fast seeking God's guidance. He granted two answers within the first two hours after the fasting. He answered another three within the next fourteen hours. Yes that's right I seeked three answers and He granted me five signs/symbols which in turn offered five answers to what I thought was only three questions. It was an emotional aftermath. It was an experience that I will repeat and that was extremely powerful.
Perhaps you need a re-set. Pray about it. Ask for guidance and be amazed by what life will offer with a little thoughtful effort from you.
May your HealthFULL Journey open your eyes to new approaches, opportunities to question and to be rewarded with answers. 'Til we meet again. . .
Monday, May 28, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Life gets Messy
Do you make plans? Do you make lists? I make oodles and oodles of them. I jot myself notes. I chickenscratch endless to do lists. And then I throw them out the window because life gets messy. I had high hopes to run to Whole Foods to pick our family's new produce for the week. But life happened and what was to be a errand kind of afternoon turned into my son needing a bath. It happens. He had one last night and most likely will have one tomorrow so that he can look and smell his Sunday best. But life got messy and he needed one Friday as well. This might not be right to admit but my son has only had three baths three days in a row when he was sick and we were trying to keep his fevers down.
We are in the teething stage. I feel like our household is in lockdown always because of the teething monster who likes to strike at night. My hubby and I and even our toddler probably had plans for sleep but the teething monster lurks around and keeps us all awake with moans and spontaneous screams. Life gets messy and we have to deal.
Its good to have plans. Its great to have goals and dreams. But it is important to be realistic which means to be flexible. Because Life gets messy. We can't stop chaos. We can't even safeguard against it. We try. We save, we try to exercise and eat healthy, we try to schedule fun and stay on top of chores. We charge our phones. We stock up on groceries. But it happens that we don't always have the exact thing we need when we need it. This seems impossible when restaurants deliver, online ordering is 24/7 with express delivery and yet we still sometimes find ourselves ill-prepared. We can't plan for everything and yet we try. We try to cover all the bases and sometimes we still our overwhelmed because repeat after me : Life gets Messy.
I like to please. I like to do things "right" and yet we all have only one life. Do we continue to run ourselves ragged? Do we just make even more lists in anticipation of what messes life can throw our way? Not likely since that would be impossible.
So we do our best. We keep working towards our goals. We keep trudging on paths that feel sturdy and help us become stronger. We pray for God's wisdom. Then after all that when life gets messy we breathe, we live, and do the best we can. And sometimes, after those messy situations we see all the blessings that arrived because of the mess or appreciate even more what remained.
If you are working on your health keep striving to get leaner, stronger, and healthier. If you are trying to get closer to God - continue to pray, cling to scriptures, and worship with other believers. If you are crushing debt - keep plugging away - save when you can, earn what you can, and pay down debts as quickly as possible. If you are getting organized - make your lists, clear the clutter, and admire your efforts. But in the end, when life gets messy - set the to dos aside and do your best.
May your HealthFULL Journey be a journey that doesn't easily get derailed and that every effort is worth applause. 'Til we meet again. . .
We are in the teething stage. I feel like our household is in lockdown always because of the teething monster who likes to strike at night. My hubby and I and even our toddler probably had plans for sleep but the teething monster lurks around and keeps us all awake with moans and spontaneous screams. Life gets messy and we have to deal.
Its good to have plans. Its great to have goals and dreams. But it is important to be realistic which means to be flexible. Because Life gets messy. We can't stop chaos. We can't even safeguard against it. We try. We save, we try to exercise and eat healthy, we try to schedule fun and stay on top of chores. We charge our phones. We stock up on groceries. But it happens that we don't always have the exact thing we need when we need it. This seems impossible when restaurants deliver, online ordering is 24/7 with express delivery and yet we still sometimes find ourselves ill-prepared. We can't plan for everything and yet we try. We try to cover all the bases and sometimes we still our overwhelmed because repeat after me : Life gets Messy.
I like to please. I like to do things "right" and yet we all have only one life. Do we continue to run ourselves ragged? Do we just make even more lists in anticipation of what messes life can throw our way? Not likely since that would be impossible.
So we do our best. We keep working towards our goals. We keep trudging on paths that feel sturdy and help us become stronger. We pray for God's wisdom. Then after all that when life gets messy we breathe, we live, and do the best we can. And sometimes, after those messy situations we see all the blessings that arrived because of the mess or appreciate even more what remained.
If you are working on your health keep striving to get leaner, stronger, and healthier. If you are trying to get closer to God - continue to pray, cling to scriptures, and worship with other believers. If you are crushing debt - keep plugging away - save when you can, earn what you can, and pay down debts as quickly as possible. If you are getting organized - make your lists, clear the clutter, and admire your efforts. But in the end, when life gets messy - set the to dos aside and do your best.
May your HealthFULL Journey be a journey that doesn't easily get derailed and that every effort is worth applause. 'Til we meet again. . .
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Not just a movie anymore
Alright people we have tried okra to claim our southern living. But we felt there was another produce that screams southern that we hadn't quite fried and tasted for ourselves (but have seen the movie :) - Fried Green Tomatoes. They are delicious! But then fried anything tends to always be an enjoyable guilty pleasure.
At least it wasn't deep fried. We used one of trusted recipe books and the recipe was super simple with a four step batter process. I was the dipper and my hubby was the fryer. First select firm green tomatoes. I assume that's why the South chooses green tomatoes because of their firmness. And I also think that you want the heat to help release the tomato flavor.
I believe I admitted that in the Pearly Vine blog I am not the biggest tomato fan. I love tomato based sauces and I enjoy when a tomato is heated to release the sweetness. But rarely do I enjoy straight up tomato. These fried slices were tasty!
Back to the actual prepping of this yummy side. Once you have the tomatoes you want to slice them generously - between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Then begin the four step battering. We dunked the slices into milk then dredged them in flour continued the process by letting the slices slip around in some beaten eggs and finally smothered with breadcrumbs - Ummm yeah not oh so healthy (which I did promise my doctor I was going to try harder on that front - more later about that) but delicious! After these slices were quadruple coated we let them sizzle in some olive oil. I believe because of the weight of the tomato you wouldn't want to deep - fry because these slices weren't going to float but drown. So we used olive oil (not too high of heat) and let the coating sizzle for roughly four minutes a side (let the batter get golden and crispy). The process sounds lengthy but goes quickly and clean-up was all shallow bowls so they went into the dishwasher - voila! And a quick wipe down of the pan after using it. The rest of our meal included a steamer bag of vegetables. Brilliant technology. Great vegetable flavor and you take the bag from the freezer into the microwave and done! The entree for our southern meal was grilled thinly sliced pork chops - fantastic! Which is why clean-up was such a breeze.
Again I urge you non-chefs and fearful boilers of water - little steps and you too can feel like a master chef in your kitchen. I am still no Julia Child but my hubby and I find time to giggle, bond, and are more likely to eat at home (saving money, time, and calories) if we share apron duty :)
So about that doctor visit. My last appointment was Wednesday and blah! Not awesome - there certainly wasn't no hug this visit but then I have been eating like a crazy ravenous tazmanian devil. I crossed my fingers and hoped that my A1C(blood sugar average reading for the last three months) wouldn't jump to the 8's. I started in October at 10.2 (horrible - uncontrolled full blown diabetic level reasons to have concerns). Then in February with medication and healthier diet and some exercise my A1C read 6.1 (reason I got a hug from my doctor :) May's reading was 7.1. I felt blessed. I have gotten my movement back up but let my eating slip for lots of reasons. Also a three pound weight gain from my Feb visit which isn't horrible for three months but then I also know that I had lost five to six pounds before the gain. Which equals an eight to nine pound gain. And honestly I had weighed myself a couple of weeks ago and had been up another four pounds. So really there had been a 12 - thirteen pound weight gain. Ouch! But I lost four of those pounds which equaled a three pound gain on my doctor's charts. I was very honest with my doctor that it was a diet issue most likely and let's not up the medication yet. She agreed but I promised better results in August. Which means although the Fried Green Tomatoes were tasty they will not become a staple in our household. For some of my choices the numbers (weight, A1C, blood pressure) could have been worse but I received a slight gift and I just need to get back on track. I think one of the big differences between visits is that in October I was terrified. That doctor visit was a huge wake up call! And I took the process seriously which opened the door to great results - four point drop in my A1C and a 16 pound weight loss. The numbers weren't in my favor but then I also hadn't put forth nearly as much of the effort.
Small steps I have taken to ensure more success. Taking my blood sugar more regularly. Packing healthier snacks (I have honey roasted peanuts packed in snack bags according to actual serving size and sandwich bags of popcorn). Its somewhat working to have healthier options at the fingertips as I was hungry and grabbed some edamame (soybeans) instead of chowing down chips, candy, or other treats that I tend to take by the fistful instead of by the serving. Also there are sliced strawberries and yellow peppers to eat plain, mix with some yogurt (just the strawberries on this one), or drop in a salad. And I am back to accepting nothing less than 7000 steps on the pedometer hoping for more but that is my bottom out number. Which means I fell asleep on the recliner two nights ago at 6000 steps and woke up and walked my last 1000 steps before actually retiring to bed. Its the little choices that make a big difference. I can't do it all in a day, but I can do something right now to keep me motivated and on track.
May your HealthFULL Journey share the wake up calls when you need them, encouragement when you're struggling, and applause for a success whether it be big or small because all successful steps lead to the big prize of you living as your best and healthiest version. 'Til we meet again. . .
 |
| Freshly sliced and awaiting the battering & frying! |
I believe I admitted that in the Pearly Vine blog I am not the biggest tomato fan. I love tomato based sauces and I enjoy when a tomato is heated to release the sweetness. But rarely do I enjoy straight up tomato. These fried slices were tasty!
Back to the actual prepping of this yummy side. Once you have the tomatoes you want to slice them generously - between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Then begin the four step battering. We dunked the slices into milk then dredged them in flour continued the process by letting the slices slip around in some beaten eggs and finally smothered with breadcrumbs - Ummm yeah not oh so healthy (which I did promise my doctor I was going to try harder on that front - more later about that) but delicious! After these slices were quadruple coated we let them sizzle in some olive oil. I believe because of the weight of the tomato you wouldn't want to deep - fry because these slices weren't going to float but drown. So we used olive oil (not too high of heat) and let the coating sizzle for roughly four minutes a side (let the batter get golden and crispy). The process sounds lengthy but goes quickly and clean-up was all shallow bowls so they went into the dishwasher - voila! And a quick wipe down of the pan after using it. The rest of our meal included a steamer bag of vegetables. Brilliant technology. Great vegetable flavor and you take the bag from the freezer into the microwave and done! The entree for our southern meal was grilled thinly sliced pork chops - fantastic! Which is why clean-up was such a breeze.
Again I urge you non-chefs and fearful boilers of water - little steps and you too can feel like a master chef in your kitchen. I am still no Julia Child but my hubby and I find time to giggle, bond, and are more likely to eat at home (saving money, time, and calories) if we share apron duty :)
So about that doctor visit. My last appointment was Wednesday and blah! Not awesome - there certainly wasn't no hug this visit but then I have been eating like a crazy ravenous tazmanian devil. I crossed my fingers and hoped that my A1C(blood sugar average reading for the last three months) wouldn't jump to the 8's. I started in October at 10.2 (horrible - uncontrolled full blown diabetic level reasons to have concerns). Then in February with medication and healthier diet and some exercise my A1C read 6.1 (reason I got a hug from my doctor :) May's reading was 7.1. I felt blessed. I have gotten my movement back up but let my eating slip for lots of reasons. Also a three pound weight gain from my Feb visit which isn't horrible for three months but then I also know that I had lost five to six pounds before the gain. Which equals an eight to nine pound gain. And honestly I had weighed myself a couple of weeks ago and had been up another four pounds. So really there had been a 12 - thirteen pound weight gain. Ouch! But I lost four of those pounds which equaled a three pound gain on my doctor's charts. I was very honest with my doctor that it was a diet issue most likely and let's not up the medication yet. She agreed but I promised better results in August. Which means although the Fried Green Tomatoes were tasty they will not become a staple in our household. For some of my choices the numbers (weight, A1C, blood pressure) could have been worse but I received a slight gift and I just need to get back on track. I think one of the big differences between visits is that in October I was terrified. That doctor visit was a huge wake up call! And I took the process seriously which opened the door to great results - four point drop in my A1C and a 16 pound weight loss. The numbers weren't in my favor but then I also hadn't put forth nearly as much of the effort.
Small steps I have taken to ensure more success. Taking my blood sugar more regularly. Packing healthier snacks (I have honey roasted peanuts packed in snack bags according to actual serving size and sandwich bags of popcorn). Its somewhat working to have healthier options at the fingertips as I was hungry and grabbed some edamame (soybeans) instead of chowing down chips, candy, or other treats that I tend to take by the fistful instead of by the serving. Also there are sliced strawberries and yellow peppers to eat plain, mix with some yogurt (just the strawberries on this one), or drop in a salad. And I am back to accepting nothing less than 7000 steps on the pedometer hoping for more but that is my bottom out number. Which means I fell asleep on the recliner two nights ago at 6000 steps and woke up and walked my last 1000 steps before actually retiring to bed. Its the little choices that make a big difference. I can't do it all in a day, but I can do something right now to keep me motivated and on track.
May your HealthFULL Journey share the wake up calls when you need them, encouragement when you're struggling, and applause for a success whether it be big or small because all successful steps lead to the big prize of you living as your best and healthiest version. 'Til we meet again. . .
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Poblano? No Problemo!
Do you like spicy food? I used to say yes to this question. And growing up in the Northern Midwest where it truly is the land of meat and potatoes I think I can be considered as a person who likes spicy food considering I enjoy MILD salsa :) However, I fell in love with a Louisiana boy who knows the difference between Cajun and Creole and enjoys eating level 10 Blazin Hot Wings for sport and flavor. In this perspective No I do not like spicy food and am a bland wimp - but loud and proud! I don't need to prove my taste buds by burning them numb. That being said I do try to let my hubby enjoy spicier foods and slowly build my tolerance level.
Well last night I attempted to make turkey chili from scratch (a can opener may have been involved) and I have made turkey chili before. However, I have to confess I tend to grab two or three recipes that I enjoy the flavors listed and then throw whatever I want in a pot. This works out sometimes. But by this approach it is very difficult to recreate meals that we enjoyed. But I attempted it. I realized we were running out of days in the week and still hadn't tried our new produce of the week. Usually, I let the produce call out my name in the hunt and work a meal around it. However it being Saturday night and Turkey chili was up on the menu I looked for what would work in this dish. I came up with a pepper could be a good addition. This led me to either the anaheim or the poblano. Can you guess which one I picked (Hint: Check out the title of this blog ;)
Did you guess poblano? You have amazing insight! The rich dark green color of this poblano made me believe this would have a depth of flavor and possibly some deep heat. It did not. It was extremely mild (remember this is coming from a lady who enjoys MILD salsa for some heat - so please believe me when I say this is a mild pepper). Appearance wise this pepper is HUGE! You may see it in your grocery store also as a pasilla pepper or when dried it becomes an ancho chili. Good chances you can find this pepper in most grocery stores.
I was hoping to actually pick a pepper (say that three times fast :) that had some kick to cut through the tomato flavor and bean hardiness. The poblano was tasty but definitely didn't add that kick. I would have thrown in some of the seeds had I cut into the second one. But as I started to simmer my turkey chili - the phone was ringing, my pets were demanding food, and my little one who desperately needing a bath (I won't say how many days have passed since he saw the tub :) and was rummaging in every drawer and dropping pans I decided the second pepper would have to be chopped another day! The flavor of the raw pepper was a cross between a green pepper and cucumber - very mellow with a distinctive punch. I read on some web articles (like Wikipedia) that the green poblano is USUALLY mild but occasionally throws the unprepared consumer a surprise heat bomb.
Our next attempt with the poblano peppers might have to be as a stuffed pepper. They have a great size with a sturdy flesh to hide a yummy meal inside. Also with their mild flavor they will add to the meal some spice without burning your tongue and a beautiful color for presentation.
If you are looking to step outside your kitchen comforts and spice things up without walking too far on the wild side definitely try the poblano. Like I said I will definitely try another recipe or two. It did well being diced and tossed in our turkey chili. But next time I will work more towards the poblano's natural strengths (size and color) which means a stuffed pepper is in our family's near future.
May your HealthFULL Journey keep your days spicy and your nights mild! 'Til we meet again. . .
Well last night I attempted to make turkey chili from scratch (a can opener may have been involved) and I have made turkey chili before. However, I have to confess I tend to grab two or three recipes that I enjoy the flavors listed and then throw whatever I want in a pot. This works out sometimes. But by this approach it is very difficult to recreate meals that we enjoyed. But I attempted it. I realized we were running out of days in the week and still hadn't tried our new produce of the week. Usually, I let the produce call out my name in the hunt and work a meal around it. However it being Saturday night and Turkey chili was up on the menu I looked for what would work in this dish. I came up with a pepper could be a good addition. This led me to either the anaheim or the poblano. Can you guess which one I picked (Hint: Check out the title of this blog ;)
Did you guess poblano? You have amazing insight! The rich dark green color of this poblano made me believe this would have a depth of flavor and possibly some deep heat. It did not. It was extremely mild (remember this is coming from a lady who enjoys MILD salsa for some heat - so please believe me when I say this is a mild pepper). Appearance wise this pepper is HUGE! You may see it in your grocery store also as a pasilla pepper or when dried it becomes an ancho chili. Good chances you can find this pepper in most grocery stores.
I was hoping to actually pick a pepper (say that three times fast :) that had some kick to cut through the tomato flavor and bean hardiness. The poblano was tasty but definitely didn't add that kick. I would have thrown in some of the seeds had I cut into the second one. But as I started to simmer my turkey chili - the phone was ringing, my pets were demanding food, and my little one who desperately needing a bath (I won't say how many days have passed since he saw the tub :) and was rummaging in every drawer and dropping pans I decided the second pepper would have to be chopped another day! The flavor of the raw pepper was a cross between a green pepper and cucumber - very mellow with a distinctive punch. I read on some web articles (like Wikipedia) that the green poblano is USUALLY mild but occasionally throws the unprepared consumer a surprise heat bomb.
Our next attempt with the poblano peppers might have to be as a stuffed pepper. They have a great size with a sturdy flesh to hide a yummy meal inside. Also with their mild flavor they will add to the meal some spice without burning your tongue and a beautiful color for presentation.
If you are looking to step outside your kitchen comforts and spice things up without walking too far on the wild side definitely try the poblano. Like I said I will definitely try another recipe or two. It did well being diced and tossed in our turkey chili. But next time I will work more towards the poblano's natural strengths (size and color) which means a stuffed pepper is in our family's near future.
May your HealthFULL Journey keep your days spicy and your nights mild! 'Til we meet again. . .
Saturday, May 12, 2012
It only takes a Spark
Do you know that good ol' campfire song?
It only takes a spark - to get a fire going.
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it,
Once you’ve experienced it,
you spread His love to everyone
You want to pass it on.
You want to pass it on.
(I believe this is title Pass It On written by Kurt Kaiser - great song - lots of memories singing it :)
I had the best of intentions to write two other blog entries before this one. But life happened and quickly passed. I was going to share some of my struggles in a post titled Derailed and then the next one was to be more upbeat how sometimes we need to "Drop Everything for a Hug" sharing some of my parenting joys and letting go of some of the chores for more smiles both from me and my son. But as hours passed and now we are on a new day overflowing with joy. That I just had to share where I was today.
First last night I actually went out with a friend - no hubby, no toddler, but me as Suzy with no other titles or responsibilities other than to be present. It was amazing! To laugh, to talk UNinterrupted in more than two word sentences, and to actually eat when the food was still hot. I don't do this a lot. As you probably guessed by my enthusiasm. But when I do carve away that time I wonder why I don't do it more often. And then as I head home with excitement and feeling rebooted to spend time with my guys I remember how much I do love to spend time with them - chores and everything :) But we do need that break to refresh, maybe it's time alone, maybe a creative project, maybe work, maybe a night out with friends, or maybe a chance to give back. We are intelligent human beings who crave stimulation. We need opportunities that feed our senses and if we keep ourselves in the same patterns and environments it is hard to stimulate those senses. However, once we hit refresh on those senses we can come back to our "daily lives" with new perspective - which in the end can change any or everything!
So after my enjoyable evening (which I have to brag about my hubby not only being a good sport about taking on single parent duties, but also my biggest cheerleader to encourage this much needed girl time.); it was to be an early morning this gorgeous Saturday. Again my fantastic hubby took on playing the parental role solo so that I could attend a charity/awareness event. As you may know one of my 1 resolutions for this year was to participate at least monthly with purpose with a new charity. I really debated if I wanted to walk/stroll this community event "Race for Adoption" to raise awareness about adoption. It was only a 5k and we've enjoyed the last couple we've participated. But after prayer and a lot of thought I decided that it would be fun and different to actually volunteer for the event, not just be a participant.
The race started at nine in the morning, but volunteers were requested to be there between seven thirty and eight. Oooh! Not that I wouldn't be up by that time but dressed and ready to help not a very typical Saturday morning. These are usually good jammy mornings for my son and I. But I arrived around 7:40 and looked around for the gathering spot. I found the man in charge who put me in contact with the guy with the clipboard. That should have been my first clue that he was the best guy to talk to. What is it about clipboards? Don't they make everyone look so organized and official? I was assigned Turnpoint 2. That's how early I was for sign-ups :) What was so great about this position? You got to see the participants early in the run and then close to the end of the race as this was one of two spots they passed twice. Me and my turnpoint partner felt it was our volunteer duty to not only point out the way but cheer and applaud with enthusiasm :) I am sure some of the participants appreciated our effort, I'm also sure some were annoyed but probably not as much as the people who lived in the houses near where we stood. But I felt moved to applaud for so many reasons.
It was such a blessing to see people of all ages, sizes, and health ranges participate. I think there were close to 280 runners/walkers for a first time event. Pretty impressive. It was inspiring to see the parents out pushing their newborns and toddlers in double-strollers, people who are struggling with weight ( I know that fight well!!!) but still out there giving it their all, people who are grandparents still finishing the race of three miles under thirty minutes (I couldn't do that!), and those runners who run daily (and you can tell) and are graceful and impressive, there were teenagers chatting it up, solo walkers who might have been praying or meditating. But all together just a beautiful sight and opportunity to people watch. This was real reality tv :) Guards down and people just doing their thing using different sources of motivation.
These people without trying were so motivating I got home feeling just pumped. It was still a tish downcast but gorgeous and I grabbed my son, his stroller, and our dancing dog. Our dog just gets so excited at the appearance of an impending walk. And together my little trio walked about a mile and a half. This is usually our stroll around the neighborhood but after seeing everyone come together and compete or stroll according to their skills and mindset; I just had to get outside and walk. I also decided that next year especially if they hold this same event. I am going to be a participant and not walk (well the whole way :) . I may not run/race the whole way but I do want to finish the three miles in under thirty minutes. That's my goal and I want to be held accountable. In one year's time I am going to finish a 5k in less than thirty minutes. I can do this. So thank you runners for inspiring me.
It only takes a spark! You can be that spark! I believe this is a quote of Theodore Roosevelt's I love it so much I wrote it twice in my Bible - "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
There is no time like right now to share your inner glow :)
May your HealthFULL Journey offer you ample opportunities to refresh so that you can be that spark to motivate others. 'Til we meet again. . .
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Are you just here? Or are you present?
If you have ever read FISH written by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen) you probably already know that there is a definite difference between being "here" and being present. A good chunk of the recent years I have been just here (or there :) but not really present. I think this is why I have felt like it has been effort some of these days to take this HealthFULL Journey. I was tired of just being here and not present.
My body would go and fulfill my responsibilities to work, family, and friends. But rarely was I truly engaged. I was busy disappearing into the past of good memories, painful lessons, and rehashing relationships and moments that slipped through my fingers for a variety of reasons. Occasionally I would motivate myself enough to engage myself into lists for the future - some short term and some long term. But rarely did anyone have my full attention; especially myself. As I was checking out I was killing myself with food and little to no activity.
Its why FULL stands for Fully Understanding Life by Living. I wasn't engaging life, I was barely showing up. As I have taken my sweet time on the scenic route of this journey - I feel some of these days I feel like I am driving 90 mph (and when I was a teenager I received two speeding tickets that prove I know what that feels like - not bragging about that fact just full disclosure). I feel overwhelmed. I feel thrilled. I feel joy. I feel needed. I feel alive. People come to me with questions. As I faded into the background those years not too far back few questions nor comments came my way. A zombie like fill-in doesn't tend to have much enthusiasm to attract people nor seem very wise with their empty stare and the occasional frown.
I write this entry because I am looking back in my rearview mirror at someone who wasn't living and though I was numb to hurt which I feel is one of the reasons I had shut-down - its only a temporary solution that freezes us out of own lives and out of the lives of those we care about. Our society seems to be losing control as few and fewer people want to pick up the reins of responsibility. Honestly, how many households have the discussion what/where should we eat and it last for twenty plus minutes? And rarely is that a lively debate kind of discussion but a lazy conversation where nobody wants to make the final decision. Within a week if you have a twenty minute conversation about where/what to eat for supper - that wastes over two plus hours. For something all of us have to do typically three times a day. That means it is a possible seven hour time - waster to stall on a weekly basis about what we should eat! That's insane. I admit we have that same discussion around here.
Not only do we waste time, avoid responsibility, but we grab minute details to fixate on and lose the big picture of the moment. We go to a restaurant as a form of ease and entertainment. We go to socialize but we get caught up in the minor details. You can have a good conversation at a restaurant - it is possible. But rare. As a family or a group you will have the server interrupt your meal on average five to seven times. That halts the conversation. That is kind of hard to have anyway as people are far apart usually and then surrounded by other conversations. You certainly don't want to shout private news - so that leaves small talk. It is easy at the dinner table to focus on your meal and be there in the group but not really present as you catch the server to criticize your meal or request a speedier service.
I write this post heavy on my heart that many of us could find more ways to be involved in our own lives. Find activities that bless your mind, spirit, and body. Reach out to community charities. Sign up for a church function. The world is crying out for us to take responsibility and engage in our own lives. But when we're "just here" we miss the cry of those in pain. When we're just here we miss the laughter of those living in the moment. When we're just here we miss too much. But when we're present - no mental lists, no flashbacks of recent arguments, no antagonizing games of "what if" - but really present we are blessed ten-fold -We learn, we connect, we live!
Be present so that you can know this kind of goodness:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. " --Philippians 4:8
May you be present in your life - engaging with those around you and able to offer a helping hand when called. 'Til we meet again. . .
My body would go and fulfill my responsibilities to work, family, and friends. But rarely was I truly engaged. I was busy disappearing into the past of good memories, painful lessons, and rehashing relationships and moments that slipped through my fingers for a variety of reasons. Occasionally I would motivate myself enough to engage myself into lists for the future - some short term and some long term. But rarely did anyone have my full attention; especially myself. As I was checking out I was killing myself with food and little to no activity.
Its why FULL stands for Fully Understanding Life by Living. I wasn't engaging life, I was barely showing up. As I have taken my sweet time on the scenic route of this journey - I feel some of these days I feel like I am driving 90 mph (and when I was a teenager I received two speeding tickets that prove I know what that feels like - not bragging about that fact just full disclosure). I feel overwhelmed. I feel thrilled. I feel joy. I feel needed. I feel alive. People come to me with questions. As I faded into the background those years not too far back few questions nor comments came my way. A zombie like fill-in doesn't tend to have much enthusiasm to attract people nor seem very wise with their empty stare and the occasional frown.
I write this entry because I am looking back in my rearview mirror at someone who wasn't living and though I was numb to hurt which I feel is one of the reasons I had shut-down - its only a temporary solution that freezes us out of own lives and out of the lives of those we care about. Our society seems to be losing control as few and fewer people want to pick up the reins of responsibility. Honestly, how many households have the discussion what/where should we eat and it last for twenty plus minutes? And rarely is that a lively debate kind of discussion but a lazy conversation where nobody wants to make the final decision. Within a week if you have a twenty minute conversation about where/what to eat for supper - that wastes over two plus hours. For something all of us have to do typically three times a day. That means it is a possible seven hour time - waster to stall on a weekly basis about what we should eat! That's insane. I admit we have that same discussion around here.
Not only do we waste time, avoid responsibility, but we grab minute details to fixate on and lose the big picture of the moment. We go to a restaurant as a form of ease and entertainment. We go to socialize but we get caught up in the minor details. You can have a good conversation at a restaurant - it is possible. But rare. As a family or a group you will have the server interrupt your meal on average five to seven times. That halts the conversation. That is kind of hard to have anyway as people are far apart usually and then surrounded by other conversations. You certainly don't want to shout private news - so that leaves small talk. It is easy at the dinner table to focus on your meal and be there in the group but not really present as you catch the server to criticize your meal or request a speedier service.
I write this post heavy on my heart that many of us could find more ways to be involved in our own lives. Find activities that bless your mind, spirit, and body. Reach out to community charities. Sign up for a church function. The world is crying out for us to take responsibility and engage in our own lives. But when we're "just here" we miss the cry of those in pain. When we're just here we miss the laughter of those living in the moment. When we're just here we miss too much. But when we're present - no mental lists, no flashbacks of recent arguments, no antagonizing games of "what if" - but really present we are blessed ten-fold -We learn, we connect, we live!
Be present so that you can know this kind of goodness:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. " --Philippians 4:8
May you be present in your life - engaging with those around you and able to offer a helping hand when called. 'Til we meet again. . .
Saturday, May 5, 2012
My O My Papaya
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| My O My Puh-PIE-ya ! |
I wanted to like this fruit - a lot! First off say the word - papaya (puh-PIE-ya). Isn't that fun? And the fruit looks fun. Its kind of big, not watermelon big - but good size. It starts off a pretty green - think watermelon green. And then you cut into this fruit and it has the coolest looking seeds inside. They are perfectly singular and look like squishy BBs. Their black color stands out very distinctively from the mellow salmon color background. I have heard great things about these seeds - WHEN dried out. They take on a peppery flavor that goes great with sweet dishes or a good rub for meat. So I've been told. But as a word of warning that must be their flavor when they're dry. My experience as they were fresh from the newly sliced papaya was that they tasted like a squishy bitter caper - tangy with a nail polish remover bitter aftertaste. Not all that yummy - to me at least. And perhaps the size of a papaya made me reminisce about tough produce to slice in half or peel (Turban squash, anyone?). This was not the case as my knife slid through very easily and the peeler slid smoothly removing the peel from around the fruit.
My initial taste of the papaya was mushrooms. Now I admitted to my husband what I am admitting to you. I might have picked up on the taste of what was cooking in our kitchen as I was disecting and investigating our new fruit of the week. In our kitchen cooking was the fixings for steak fajitas with red bell pepper, onions, sirloin tip, and nice thick portabella mushrooms. YUM is the right word for this. So there is a tasty aroma floating around me that at first covered up the mild flavor of the papaya. Because I love mushrooms but a fruit the color of papaya shouldn't taste like them. After a new consensus between both mine and my husband's palette we agreed the fruit tasted more like a cantaloupe. This made more sense in my mind. What would you do with a papaya?
We saw great recipes online - some cooking, some raw, but honestly we tended to be missing out on key ingredients. For instance in a few recipes I found the ingredient - jaggery. Ummm I have no idea what this is. So with my line of logic I had to assume we did not have any jaggery in the house. There were great tropical salads, and dessert goods, and more salads (lots of salads!) but a lot wanted to include fresh coconut and other tropical goodies that again aren't in our house as I looked up the recipe. And as we were less than an hour away from dinner I was trying to keep ingredients local like within my own kitchen local :) I decided to go the blender route.
Again I should stress I am not really a cook nor a chef nor a person with kitchen talent. Another reason I married my fabulous hubby who keeps me from losing my way and keeps my tummy full. He is great in a kitchen (So great I really would love for him to become a professional chef - but then he probably wouldn't want to cook for me and our son as that is what he would do all day at work- which means cereal anyone? :)
So after that tangent you are probably thinking anyone can use a blender. Oh how I chortle in your general direction. My blender and I have had several catastrophic messes. And I may have used the wrong part here or there. So as I am assembling our three piece blender (base, container with blade attached, and top) I did ask my husband at least twice if I was putting it together right. A lot of our time together is having this exact conversation -
He laughs a big laugh. I ask "What?" His response always includes a shaking of the head and the one-word response "You". I still to this day don't really understand how his response answers my question. But I chuckle for the conclusion and we carry on with our activity.
So now I have the blender together. We are missing a key ingredient pineapple. There are only four ingredients and we are missing one. But we forge ahead. We toss in our peeled papayas in small chunks and two diced bananas and a dash of milk. This was okay as a smoothie kind of drink but lacked a little bite. Bananas and papayas were both mild flavors and then so is milk. We added about eight - ten strawberries with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The strawberries added a touch of sweetness and sour and the hopes were that the cinnamon would add a little warmth. Still not quite the taste we were looking for so we added two capfuls of lemon juice to bring out a bit of the bite and a bit more milk to smooth out the texture. It was okay. I would like to try it with coconut milk and pineapple next time to give it more the tropical flavor and also maybe yogurt to give it a smoother consistency.
But the big news is my o my we ate papaya :) It is always fun to spend time in the kitchen and tackle the new produce item. Because there is nothing like learning about food firsthand. Don't be afraid to try new flavors - new techniques - at worse you may not eat your five dollar purchase. But will definitely learn your money's worth about what works and what doesn't for your palette and possibly your self esteem :) Its one thing to read a recipe, see a cooking show, but nothing like getting your hands dirty, giving it the ol' college try, and hopefully having fun!
May your HealthFULL journey offer you wisdom and laughter through experience, attempts, and successful endeavors. 'Til we meet again. . .
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
March for Babies One - by - One Hurrah!
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| Resting in the NICU |
My sister-in-law made a fabulous t-shirt of my niece (born at 24 1/2 weeks and 1 lb. 6 oz) and my son (born at 29 weeks and 3 lb 11 oz.). The t-shirt had them sitting next to each other at his baptism and then side by side a picture of each of them within the first few hours of their life which means they were in the NICU. The sight of them side by side overloaded my heart as memories of their first days, weeks, months rushed through my thoughts. So many emotions rocked through my body and the only release was tears.
The NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit) is like another world. You are buzzed into this semi lit huge room after scrubbing your arms down and as the doors shut all of the "world" problems - bills, politics, relationships, duties, chores, responsibilities tend to disappear. There is no nice fade - out they just don't matter. What matters is that tiny tiny person teaching all of us the importance, the challenge, the blessings, and the love that exists in that precious moment. The beeps in the outside world that would drive me CRAZY with annoyance. But here in the special world of the NICU - offer reassurance because they are telling us the answers all about our son to our questions that he can't ever answer. Its a world where nurses tend to have one to two patients as there are so many needs to fill because the patients are so fragile. And the best reward is when you are allowed to hold your child. There are so many fears (germs, oxygen levels, blood pressure, pulse, weight, feeding, R.O.P. and the list rattles on forever) but when that permission is granted and you can just bond with your child as you dreamed of upon learning the news you were going to be a parent. Your heart bursts and your body fills with warmth and the world goes quiet. I never take a cuddle with my son for granted.
He's doing amazing. And his journey was less chaotic than so many of his roommates. Its why we still support the March of Dimes as a family. We know that the research is teaching us about ways to prevent prematurity and other birth defects and also to guide us to protect and provide for those that are born with a challenge. I don't know what its like to leave the NICU and know your child won't see their nursery that you lovingly planned and set up. But I pray for these parents who do.
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| Our Early Bugs!!! |
May your HealthFULL Journey swirl in with those precious memories that remind you where you've been and motivates you to healthier choices of your future journey FULL of Health.
'Til we meet again. . .
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