What a difference I've made in my life. Nearly a year ago I was technically considered obese, and physically I was in pretty bad shape. Fast forward to now. I've lost over 50 lbs. I'm in good condition, I exercise regularly, I eat well, and I'm happy.
The move to the city has been very well. I love it here so much; I hope I can stay after my internship is done. I love the people, the weather, the food, the sights, the sounds, the smells--yes, even the dirty subways--everything about this city makes me so happy I'm here. My internship is hard, harder than I could imagine. But it's enjoyable and rewarding as well. I'm so glad I made the decision to travel for it.
Back to my physical fitness, after I finished the Couch-to-5K program I kept running, and I started rock-climbing at some local indoor gyms. Fantastic workout! Unfortunately that's not something I've been able to continue in New York but I'm on the lookout for new possibilities. I ran my first 5K race in August at The Color Run and had a blast! I'm currently signed up for a Mud Run in Brooklyn in June; hopefully I don't die!
My diet has evolved and changed over the past year. I've been vegetarian off and on, but for the most part I consider myself flexitarian; I only eat meat occasionally. My diet mostly consists of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and eggs. I drink green tea almost daily. I rarely consume dairy products, and meat even less. I've learned to incorporate treats into my diet--it's good to have stuff like candy and cupcakes every once in a while in moderation, just to keep yourself sane. But honestly most of the time I prefer my own cooking to meals eaten at restaurants--I love being able to make things exactly how I want, with the flavors and ingredients I want, and having control over the calories as well. It's amazing how many restaurant foods have ridiculously high calorie counts.
Since starting my internship I've also taken the time to enjoy activities that I loved in the past, but during college have not had time to do. I took an art class and got back into sketching, I've been able to read more books, and when the weather warms up I'm looking to take some riding lessons at a stable in Brooklyn. A good friend of mine back in Texas recently bought a horse and has been training it herself--I miss having horses so much! Someday I'll have them again, but until then, I'll have to make do with what I have available.
Anyway, that's about it for now. Loving life and the decisions I've made. So until next time...
Monday, February 18, 2013
Saturday, April 28, 2012
The End Is Near
Hello all!
A very good update to report today. I'm on the final week of the Couch to 5K program, with just two runs left until I'm finished! Since I started this, I have lost 9 lbs., I can (fairly) comfortably run for half an hour, my clothes are getting loose, and my confidence is only gaining more and more. After the program is over, I'm now asking myself, what next?
I have several options. My goal for long-term sustainable health has really been divided into three phases. Phase 1: Healthy Eating. Phase 2: Cardiovascular Exercise. Phase 3: Strength Training. I'm hovering on the border between, should I continue my cardio as-is, intensify it, or move on to strength training?
I'd like to enter a 5K race soon. Especially before summer gets too hot. Once I've done that, I'm considering training to run up to a 10K. Beyond that, I haven't decided yet. Do I want to pursue half-marathons or full marathons? (Those are 13.1 and 26.2 miles each, respectively.) I don't know. I suppose the best thing to do would be to work up slowly and see what happens.
Concerning strength training, I don't want to do anything too intensive, but I should round out my 3 days a week of cardio with at least two days a week of something else. I guess it's just a little daunting because I may need to invest in some equipment or something, and I don't really know how to get started. I really need a trainer...
Anyway, not only is the end of my C25K program near, I'm also just days away from finishing the semester! I will be so relieved to have a break. Of course during my break I'm going up to Iowa with B for his brother's college graduation, I'll be searching desperately for an apartment for the move, and I'm sure whatever spare time is left out of that I'll be visiting friends and family. Not that I'm complaining, but it's going to be a busy break for sure.
I have to say, I'm very much looking forward to my internship, where my work ends with the school day, I can go home and not worry so much about homework, and I'm not having to sit in 3-hour lectures multiple times a week. Of course it'll be like I have a real job, but honestly I'm looking forward to that. I'm ready to not feel like a student anymore; I'm ready to be an adult!
Anyway. I'm also ready to do some laundry and a little house-cleaning. And probably go through my closet yet again to prepare for my (probably) 300 sq. ft. future apartment. I should probably get started on that. So until next time...
A very good update to report today. I'm on the final week of the Couch to 5K program, with just two runs left until I'm finished! Since I started this, I have lost 9 lbs., I can (fairly) comfortably run for half an hour, my clothes are getting loose, and my confidence is only gaining more and more. After the program is over, I'm now asking myself, what next?
I have several options. My goal for long-term sustainable health has really been divided into three phases. Phase 1: Healthy Eating. Phase 2: Cardiovascular Exercise. Phase 3: Strength Training. I'm hovering on the border between, should I continue my cardio as-is, intensify it, or move on to strength training?
I'd like to enter a 5K race soon. Especially before summer gets too hot. Once I've done that, I'm considering training to run up to a 10K. Beyond that, I haven't decided yet. Do I want to pursue half-marathons or full marathons? (Those are 13.1 and 26.2 miles each, respectively.) I don't know. I suppose the best thing to do would be to work up slowly and see what happens.
Concerning strength training, I don't want to do anything too intensive, but I should round out my 3 days a week of cardio with at least two days a week of something else. I guess it's just a little daunting because I may need to invest in some equipment or something, and I don't really know how to get started. I really need a trainer...
Anyway, not only is the end of my C25K program near, I'm also just days away from finishing the semester! I will be so relieved to have a break. Of course during my break I'm going up to Iowa with B for his brother's college graduation, I'll be searching desperately for an apartment for the move, and I'm sure whatever spare time is left out of that I'll be visiting friends and family. Not that I'm complaining, but it's going to be a busy break for sure.
I have to say, I'm very much looking forward to my internship, where my work ends with the school day, I can go home and not worry so much about homework, and I'm not having to sit in 3-hour lectures multiple times a week. Of course it'll be like I have a real job, but honestly I'm looking forward to that. I'm ready to not feel like a student anymore; I'm ready to be an adult!
Anyway. I'm also ready to do some laundry and a little house-cleaning. And probably go through my closet yet again to prepare for my (probably) 300 sq. ft. future apartment. I should probably get started on that. So until next time...
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Progress
This is just a quick update, but an important one. Now into my sixth week of the Couch-to-5K program, I am proud to call myself a runner.
This past Saturday, W5D3, was my 20-minute run. I was terrified of it, scared that I wouldn't be able to do it. But boy was I wrong! I did do it, and the rush of endorphins and emotions afterward made every second worth it. Parts of it were excruciating, parts of it were simply a mind game, forcing myself to run. I thought all kinds of weird thoughts. Maybe if I throw up that's a good excuse to stop running. Maybe if I just fall over onto someone's lawn, they'll think it really was too much for me. Maybe...
So many maybes, but in the end I did it. Today marked W6D1, and I made several mistakes. The most glaring was that I decided to start my run at nearly noon, and it was just too hot. Today's runs were 5 minutes, 8 minutes, 5 minutes; halfway through the 8 minutes I was absolutely dying. I walked the last minute, and managed to only run around 2 of the 5 minutes next. Disgusted with myself, but feeling as though I should have been able to do it, I brooded all day over what I should do. I made up my mind to run tonight, when the temperature dropped. I'm glad I did, because I was able to do it, and I felt so good.
On top of my running accomplishments, I've also managed to lose 6 pounds in the last 3 weeks. This may not be much in the scheme of things, but it's 2 pounds a week; if I can continue at this rate, I'll meet my weight goal even sooner than I hoped. Even if my rate does begin to slacken, it's still a great start and I'm proud of myself.
Anyway, that's all for now. So until next time...
This past Saturday, W5D3, was my 20-minute run. I was terrified of it, scared that I wouldn't be able to do it. But boy was I wrong! I did do it, and the rush of endorphins and emotions afterward made every second worth it. Parts of it were excruciating, parts of it were simply a mind game, forcing myself to run. I thought all kinds of weird thoughts. Maybe if I throw up that's a good excuse to stop running. Maybe if I just fall over onto someone's lawn, they'll think it really was too much for me. Maybe...
So many maybes, but in the end I did it. Today marked W6D1, and I made several mistakes. The most glaring was that I decided to start my run at nearly noon, and it was just too hot. Today's runs were 5 minutes, 8 minutes, 5 minutes; halfway through the 8 minutes I was absolutely dying. I walked the last minute, and managed to only run around 2 of the 5 minutes next. Disgusted with myself, but feeling as though I should have been able to do it, I brooded all day over what I should do. I made up my mind to run tonight, when the temperature dropped. I'm glad I did, because I was able to do it, and I felt so good.
On top of my running accomplishments, I've also managed to lose 6 pounds in the last 3 weeks. This may not be much in the scheme of things, but it's 2 pounds a week; if I can continue at this rate, I'll meet my weight goal even sooner than I hoped. Even if my rate does begin to slacken, it's still a great start and I'm proud of myself.
Anyway, that's all for now. So until next time...
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Battling Demons
Today marked Week 4 Day 1 of the Couch-to-5K program I've been following. And it was a hard one. After the warm-up, 3 minutes running, 1.5 minutes walking, 5 minutes running, 5 minutes walking, repeat. I made it through the first two intervals, but after the second 3 minutes I was burning. The second 5 minute interval I had to take several breaks, which amounted up to about a minute of walking.
I'm mad at myself for it. I should have done it. I did the first 5 minutes, why couldn't I do the second? I shouldn't beat myself up, I know. In the past few weeks I've improved so much in my physical ability, much more than I thought was possible. I also made several mistakes today. I went running much later than usual (my usual time is around 6-6:30 am, and today I went at 11:30), without having eaten anything to build up my reserve of carbohydrates. It's no wonder I tired out. Still, I won't make that mistake again Thursday. I will not be weak.
Despite all that, I am proud of myself. I'm glad I've progressed this far. I bought my very first pair of real running shoes last week, and they feel great. I've started counting calories and bought a scale, and I've already lost a pound in the last week. If I can continue on my current path, I'll be well on my way to living a healthy, active lifestyle. My goals for myself in the coming weeks are to continue C25K as planned, further develop my nutritional plan to ensure I have the proper energy to exercise, and also begin incorporating some different exercise activities into my off-days. I haven't decided exactly what other types of exercises to do though. There's so much information on the internet, I wish I could just get a personal trainer!
Anyway. After writing my frustrations and goals, I'm actually feeling better about myself. Thanks. So until next time...
I'm mad at myself for it. I should have done it. I did the first 5 minutes, why couldn't I do the second? I shouldn't beat myself up, I know. In the past few weeks I've improved so much in my physical ability, much more than I thought was possible. I also made several mistakes today. I went running much later than usual (my usual time is around 6-6:30 am, and today I went at 11:30), without having eaten anything to build up my reserve of carbohydrates. It's no wonder I tired out. Still, I won't make that mistake again Thursday. I will not be weak.
Despite all that, I am proud of myself. I'm glad I've progressed this far. I bought my very first pair of real running shoes last week, and they feel great. I've started counting calories and bought a scale, and I've already lost a pound in the last week. If I can continue on my current path, I'll be well on my way to living a healthy, active lifestyle. My goals for myself in the coming weeks are to continue C25K as planned, further develop my nutritional plan to ensure I have the proper energy to exercise, and also begin incorporating some different exercise activities into my off-days. I haven't decided exactly what other types of exercises to do though. There's so much information on the internet, I wish I could just get a personal trainer!
Anyway. After writing my frustrations and goals, I'm actually feeling better about myself. Thanks. So until next time...
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Up and Running
Literally. This week I have been up and running. Me, the most unathletic person in the world, the girl who even in elementary school hated "Monday Run-Day" on the track ... I have gone running, and enjoyed it, twice this week.
I've started a beginner running program, Couch to 5K (or C25K). I downloaded a free app on my phone (C25K Free for Apple or Android users), and just decided to try it out. It's a great program so far; it works to gradually bring you from a sedentary lifestyle to being able to run a 5K distance in 8 weeks, running 3 times a week. You start off with a 5-minute warm-up walk, and then, at least for week 1, complete 20 minutes of intervals, 60 seconds jogging, and 90 seconds walking. Then one more 5-minute cool-down walk, and you're done. The first day was hard. My diaphragm was aching. My lungs were burning. My legs were straining. But I did it. And boy did that cool shower feel good afterward. Today I completed Week 1 Day 2, and it was remarkably easier. Not easy, but definitely easier. I found myself, as I neared the ends of the 90-second walking intervals, wondering when the jogging would start because I felt ready for it. My next run will be Saturday, and I'm already looking forward to it.
Yesterday also marked the second week of which I have been participating in Lent; I decided to fast from meat and soda. I am proud to say I have been successful! I've been trying new vegetarian recipes, really pushing myself to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. My body is my temple, the only place I have to live on this earth, and I need to treat it right. After two weeks of a strictly enforced better diet, and now running thrown into the mix, I think I'm taking some pretty good steps toward better overall health and wellness.
Oh, and this past weekend I took my Dachshund Toby to our second ever field trial; he placed! I was so proud of him, being able to display his natural talent for hunting, doing what his ancestors were bred to do. I also met and networked with a lot of really cool people, and plan on continuing even after we move to The City. (Which by the way, is only 4 months away now! Yay!!!)
Anyway. Life is good right now. Jam-packed busy, but good. School is in full-swing, but soon enough I'll be moving on to the next chapter in my life. I can't wait! So until next time...
I've started a beginner running program, Couch to 5K (or C25K). I downloaded a free app on my phone (C25K Free for Apple or Android users), and just decided to try it out. It's a great program so far; it works to gradually bring you from a sedentary lifestyle to being able to run a 5K distance in 8 weeks, running 3 times a week. You start off with a 5-minute warm-up walk, and then, at least for week 1, complete 20 minutes of intervals, 60 seconds jogging, and 90 seconds walking. Then one more 5-minute cool-down walk, and you're done. The first day was hard. My diaphragm was aching. My lungs were burning. My legs were straining. But I did it. And boy did that cool shower feel good afterward. Today I completed Week 1 Day 2, and it was remarkably easier. Not easy, but definitely easier. I found myself, as I neared the ends of the 90-second walking intervals, wondering when the jogging would start because I felt ready for it. My next run will be Saturday, and I'm already looking forward to it.
Yesterday also marked the second week of which I have been participating in Lent; I decided to fast from meat and soda. I am proud to say I have been successful! I've been trying new vegetarian recipes, really pushing myself to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. My body is my temple, the only place I have to live on this earth, and I need to treat it right. After two weeks of a strictly enforced better diet, and now running thrown into the mix, I think I'm taking some pretty good steps toward better overall health and wellness.
Oh, and this past weekend I took my Dachshund Toby to our second ever field trial; he placed! I was so proud of him, being able to display his natural talent for hunting, doing what his ancestors were bred to do. I also met and networked with a lot of really cool people, and plan on continuing even after we move to The City. (Which by the way, is only 4 months away now! Yay!!!)
Anyway. Life is good right now. Jam-packed busy, but good. School is in full-swing, but soon enough I'll be moving on to the next chapter in my life. I can't wait! So until next time...
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Start Spreading the News
There are some bright lights on my horizon...
Yes, in about 6 months, I will be moving to The City, The Big Apple, The Capitol of the World, Gotham, The City That Never Sleeps...New York City.
After a lot of phone calls and mailed resumes and nail-biting, I had an interview which secured my internship. I will actually be working just outside the city in a Westchester town, but my plans are to live in and commute from the city.
I'm so thrilled, for a multitude of different reasons! For starters, I will be switching to a lifestyle dependent on public transportation. I can count myself out of the gas-guzzling population of America. Second, the food. I could write an essay on the million ways that food in the city is superior to everything everywhere else. Not only is it a mecca for foodies and chefs nationwide (worldwide?), there are countless markets for me to take advantage of to bring out and develop my own inner chef. Third, the history, the art, the architecture, the culture...well okay so maybe that's several things, but it's really not easy to wrap up why the city is so amazing.
Now I just have to prepare for the changes coming to my lifestyle. I've already cleaned out my closet several times in preparation for downsizing (I'm expecting to live in something roughly the size of a shoe-box), and I could probably stand to clean it out again. Some things it's difficult to decide what to do with, like my massive collection of Disney VHS tapes. I know I can leave them with family for safe-keeping, but I do wish they could come with me! Also my ever-growing number of books. I can't help it, I like to read! I would consider some sort of e-reader, but when it comes down to it, I simply don't buy new books often enough to justify it. Plus I find great enjoyment in searching through the odd independent or used bookstore, whether I buy something or not. And then there's the matter of libraries. I know you can rent e-books from libraries for free now, but you can also rent physical books for free without the $200 cost of the e-reader. But we'll see. After several months of riding a train for an hour every morning, maybe I'll want something small and light to carry my book collection with me for the commute.
Anyway, when it comes down to it I simply need to simplify, and determine what are the important things I can't live without. So should all aspects in my life be, simple. Simple possessions, simple food, simple relationships...clutter and complication never helped anybody.
B is excited for my move, although this means some serious long-distance for probably the next two years. I'm not worried, considering most of our 7-year relationship has been long-distance. He went back to school yesterday pursuing his new scientific career in physics, and I start my semester this afternoon. This semester is going to be only more involved than the last, which means yet again I'll have practically no spare time. But in just a few months it will be over, the light is at the end of the tunnel, and for the first time in nearly 20 years I won't have to attend school! I'll just work at one; oh the irony.
So my mantra for the coming months will be "simplicity". If I can keep focus on that in all aspects of my life, it's only a matter of time before I'll be on my way to the next chapter of my story. Until next time...
Friday, August 26, 2011
Less of Me
I have officially lost 20 lbs. since the beginning of the year!
I was so ecstatic when I learned this three days ago, when I hopped on my Wii Fit for a little indoor exercise. I'm on the third notch in on my belt now, and moving toward the fourth. I credit this mainly to my changed way of eating--whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole fresh dairy, and very little meat. If I'm going to eat meat I really prefer seafood. I don't go out to eat by myself, and minimize fast food as much as possible. On average I think I've eaten it maybe once a month. If I do go out with friends, I make an effort to steer us toward places with healthier options, like simple sandwiches and soups, and vegetarian choices.
I'm also making an effort to become more active. I'd really like to lose another 20 lbs. by the end of the year. I've been biking my dog Ryder, which has been good for the both of us; I get exercise, and so does he, which helps him be calmer in the house. When you live in an apartment with a high-energy dog, you have to learn how to provide proper exercise, or you risk your dog becoming destructive. In addition to biking, I've also been working out on my Wii Fit, and within the next couple days I hope to start working out in the apartment gym. It's only a little workout room, but it really has all the equipment I would need from a larger gym. And it's free.
Elsewhere in life, I started school again this week. This semester is going to be extremely busy! I'm finishing up the research project with my professors, and I'm going to start another with a different professor in the coming weeks. I took a job as an Instructional Assistant, and will be devoting several hours a week to that as well. In addition, one of my classes is Practicum, which entails 122 hours of time spent in a classroom this semester. And on top of that, in another class I'll be conducting Universal Screening tests to at-risk children in the schools. Needless to say, my spare time is fairly nonexistent. As time-consuming as this semester will be, however, I'm actually really looking forward to it, and expanding my experiences.
Anyway, that's all for now. Just a quick update into my life. So until next time...
I was so ecstatic when I learned this three days ago, when I hopped on my Wii Fit for a little indoor exercise. I'm on the third notch in on my belt now, and moving toward the fourth. I credit this mainly to my changed way of eating--whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole fresh dairy, and very little meat. If I'm going to eat meat I really prefer seafood. I don't go out to eat by myself, and minimize fast food as much as possible. On average I think I've eaten it maybe once a month. If I do go out with friends, I make an effort to steer us toward places with healthier options, like simple sandwiches and soups, and vegetarian choices.
I'm also making an effort to become more active. I'd really like to lose another 20 lbs. by the end of the year. I've been biking my dog Ryder, which has been good for the both of us; I get exercise, and so does he, which helps him be calmer in the house. When you live in an apartment with a high-energy dog, you have to learn how to provide proper exercise, or you risk your dog becoming destructive. In addition to biking, I've also been working out on my Wii Fit, and within the next couple days I hope to start working out in the apartment gym. It's only a little workout room, but it really has all the equipment I would need from a larger gym. And it's free.
Elsewhere in life, I started school again this week. This semester is going to be extremely busy! I'm finishing up the research project with my professors, and I'm going to start another with a different professor in the coming weeks. I took a job as an Instructional Assistant, and will be devoting several hours a week to that as well. In addition, one of my classes is Practicum, which entails 122 hours of time spent in a classroom this semester. And on top of that, in another class I'll be conducting Universal Screening tests to at-risk children in the schools. Needless to say, my spare time is fairly nonexistent. As time-consuming as this semester will be, however, I'm actually really looking forward to it, and expanding my experiences.
Anyway, that's all for now. Just a quick update into my life. So until next time...
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Self Reflection
How busy is life!
I can't believe I haven't posted in so long. February? Really?! Shame on me. Well, life has been incredibly busy, but so satisfying. I guess I should start off by saying that I took a trip to Europe for two weeks last month. It was completely amazing. I learned a lot about the world, and about myself. Namely,
1) It's okay to get lost. Complete strangers will give you directions, let you use their phone, walk you to where you need to go, or even give you a ride. (Not that I suggest getting in the car with random strangers, but hey, when you're in Europe and don't speak the native language, you get pretty desperate.)
2) Hostels are actually pretty cool. I don't know that they would every work in the U.S., but they were cheap, comfortable, and we didn't happen across any psychopaths so I'd say we did alright.
3) Internet is important, but is also not that important. Not speaking the native languages made me crave contact with those who did, so whenever we had Wifi access the first thing I would do was check Facebook and email to see how my friends and family were, but there were several days where we didn't have any Wifi or computer access, and I found myself strangely just fine with that. In fact I managed to catch up on some reading...I read a whole 2.5 books! Mostly on the trains, which leads me to my next point...
4) Public transportation is awesome. It's convenient, it's cheap, and there's no reason why Americans can't embrace it. I mean come on, you can be lazier than while you're driving, because you can just sit there and do what you want! Of course here I'm sure we'd make sure all the trains had Wifi, but imagine the possibilities. One or two-hour commutes would no longer be lost time; you could work on your laptop, talk or text on the phone, do your makeup without scaring other drivers...
5) Americans are wasteful. We drive big cars, eat big food, and live in big spaces. We have large electric bills, large guts, and large landfills. I was very impressed with Europeans; they drive small cars, eat good portions, and their living spaces are small but adequate. I saw many solar panels, mini-cars, and small houses and apartments, and the people all seem extremely happy and healthy. Not to mention their food is so much simpler.
One example of the difference between American and European foods. Think of Fanta orange soda. It's a bright, radioactive orange color, full of calories and sugar, and has no health benefits whatsoever. Yet in Europe, it has no artificial colors or flavors, it contains real juice and pulp, and fewer calories! And you know what? It tasted better. Why is it that we can't have such simple things like that here in America? Fewer artificial ingredients, and just fewer ingredients. Why isn't that possible? Why do we have to drink sodas that match the color of a traffic cone?
If I learned anything, I learned how easily others can live their lives so differently from us, and yet it seems they do it so much more easily. There were many times I asked myself "Why?", especially "Why can't we do that too?", and found no good answers. I don't think there are any. Maybe one day I'll return to Europe and stay there for a few years (or longer). Until then, I'm just going to have to do the best I can with what I'm given.
I've already made more changes to my diet. I eat out very little nowadays; mostly I make myself sandwiches, rice, or pasta, generally of a vegetarian variety, and try to eat fruits and veggies at least once a day, if not more often. I've mostly given up meat, as now every time I eat it, my digestive system throws a temper tantrum the next day. I do eat beans, nuts, and textured vegetable protein (TVP) often, so I'm getting enough protein. I do still eat eggs and dairy products as well, and the occasional seafood. I suppose I'm more of a lacto-ovo-pescatarian than a true vegetarian.
I've also managed to get B on board with my way of eating as well. He went to visit his parents, and called me in a panic from the grocery store, because they didn't have anything organic, and he couldn't find the TVP...He makes me so proud!
The United States is currently in an obesity crisis, but we're also in a malnutrition crisis; it's truly amazing how many Americans don't eat properly. My own family members rarely eat vegetables, and one in particular, when I asked, couldn't remember the last time they had eaten fruit. How sad! I think it's important that when we encounter people like this in our lives, we do the best we can to encourage them to care about what they put into their body. I've found that just talking about the importance of fresh, unprocessed foods and the nutrients they hold can be enough to inspire some people to eat better. Or at least think about eating better. Just plant the seed, and it will grow...
School is exhausting. I'm currently taking two summer classes AND assisting two of my professors with a research project, so needless to say I don't have much spare time. But each day I remind myself that I'm just one more day closer to graduating and pursuing my career. Hopefully the next year will go quickly, and before I know it I'll be moving to New York City to live the life of my dreams.
So, until next time...
I can't believe I haven't posted in so long. February? Really?! Shame on me. Well, life has been incredibly busy, but so satisfying. I guess I should start off by saying that I took a trip to Europe for two weeks last month. It was completely amazing. I learned a lot about the world, and about myself. Namely,
1) It's okay to get lost. Complete strangers will give you directions, let you use their phone, walk you to where you need to go, or even give you a ride. (Not that I suggest getting in the car with random strangers, but hey, when you're in Europe and don't speak the native language, you get pretty desperate.)
2) Hostels are actually pretty cool. I don't know that they would every work in the U.S., but they were cheap, comfortable, and we didn't happen across any psychopaths so I'd say we did alright.
3) Internet is important, but is also not that important. Not speaking the native languages made me crave contact with those who did, so whenever we had Wifi access the first thing I would do was check Facebook and email to see how my friends and family were, but there were several days where we didn't have any Wifi or computer access, and I found myself strangely just fine with that. In fact I managed to catch up on some reading...I read a whole 2.5 books! Mostly on the trains, which leads me to my next point...
4) Public transportation is awesome. It's convenient, it's cheap, and there's no reason why Americans can't embrace it. I mean come on, you can be lazier than while you're driving, because you can just sit there and do what you want! Of course here I'm sure we'd make sure all the trains had Wifi, but imagine the possibilities. One or two-hour commutes would no longer be lost time; you could work on your laptop, talk or text on the phone, do your makeup without scaring other drivers...
5) Americans are wasteful. We drive big cars, eat big food, and live in big spaces. We have large electric bills, large guts, and large landfills. I was very impressed with Europeans; they drive small cars, eat good portions, and their living spaces are small but adequate. I saw many solar panels, mini-cars, and small houses and apartments, and the people all seem extremely happy and healthy. Not to mention their food is so much simpler.
One example of the difference between American and European foods. Think of Fanta orange soda. It's a bright, radioactive orange color, full of calories and sugar, and has no health benefits whatsoever. Yet in Europe, it has no artificial colors or flavors, it contains real juice and pulp, and fewer calories! And you know what? It tasted better. Why is it that we can't have such simple things like that here in America? Fewer artificial ingredients, and just fewer ingredients. Why isn't that possible? Why do we have to drink sodas that match the color of a traffic cone?
If I learned anything, I learned how easily others can live their lives so differently from us, and yet it seems they do it so much more easily. There were many times I asked myself "Why?", especially "Why can't we do that too?", and found no good answers. I don't think there are any. Maybe one day I'll return to Europe and stay there for a few years (or longer). Until then, I'm just going to have to do the best I can with what I'm given.
I've already made more changes to my diet. I eat out very little nowadays; mostly I make myself sandwiches, rice, or pasta, generally of a vegetarian variety, and try to eat fruits and veggies at least once a day, if not more often. I've mostly given up meat, as now every time I eat it, my digestive system throws a temper tantrum the next day. I do eat beans, nuts, and textured vegetable protein (TVP) often, so I'm getting enough protein. I do still eat eggs and dairy products as well, and the occasional seafood. I suppose I'm more of a lacto-ovo-pescatarian than a true vegetarian.
I've also managed to get B on board with my way of eating as well. He went to visit his parents, and called me in a panic from the grocery store, because they didn't have anything organic, and he couldn't find the TVP...He makes me so proud!
The United States is currently in an obesity crisis, but we're also in a malnutrition crisis; it's truly amazing how many Americans don't eat properly. My own family members rarely eat vegetables, and one in particular, when I asked, couldn't remember the last time they had eaten fruit. How sad! I think it's important that when we encounter people like this in our lives, we do the best we can to encourage them to care about what they put into their body. I've found that just talking about the importance of fresh, unprocessed foods and the nutrients they hold can be enough to inspire some people to eat better. Or at least think about eating better. Just plant the seed, and it will grow...
School is exhausting. I'm currently taking two summer classes AND assisting two of my professors with a research project, so needless to say I don't have much spare time. But each day I remind myself that I'm just one more day closer to graduating and pursuing my career. Hopefully the next year will go quickly, and before I know it I'll be moving to New York City to live the life of my dreams.
So, until next time...
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Winds of Change
Well it's a new year, and I feel like I'm slowly becoming a new me.
I officially haven't eating a McMeal in over two months, and I feel so refreshed. I'm slowly becoming more active (although it is still a struggle), and nearly all my meals are homemade. I've been mostly vegetarian, although I do eat meat occasionally. A few days ago, I tightened my belt a notch.
I find myself enjoying the changes I've made for myself, and encouraging the changes in friends around me. A good friend of mine M recently discovered she is pregnant, and asked me to be a godparent, and I really feel as though this is a good opportunity to further invest in this new change for myself, and do my part to contribute positively to the new life of another. B and I probably won't have any children anytime in the near future, if ever, so I want this opportunity to count, and I'm going to give it my all.
Life is good. Hard, but good. The parents are working through marital problems, some family is sick, some family is healthy, work is frustrating, and school is challenging. But I find myself rising to the tasks presented to me, and I relish the education I'm receiving. My favorite class right now is Intellectual Assessment; I find it endlessly interesting to learn how the human mind works and adapts in its environment.
I've found myself contemplating things lately that may be meaningless to some, but very important to me. Is "healthy fast food" an oxymoron? How can consumption be lessened in this country? Why are people so greedy? Less and less do I find myself attracted to the gluttonous, wasteful, toxic consumerist ideals of my culture. Perhaps I should have been an anthropologist.
Anyway. I have dogs to take care of and homework to finish. Just wanted to drop a line and give an update. I'll be back soon with more rantings and philosophies I'm sure. So until next time...
I officially haven't eating a McMeal in over two months, and I feel so refreshed. I'm slowly becoming more active (although it is still a struggle), and nearly all my meals are homemade. I've been mostly vegetarian, although I do eat meat occasionally. A few days ago, I tightened my belt a notch.
I find myself enjoying the changes I've made for myself, and encouraging the changes in friends around me. A good friend of mine M recently discovered she is pregnant, and asked me to be a godparent, and I really feel as though this is a good opportunity to further invest in this new change for myself, and do my part to contribute positively to the new life of another. B and I probably won't have any children anytime in the near future, if ever, so I want this opportunity to count, and I'm going to give it my all.
Life is good. Hard, but good. The parents are working through marital problems, some family is sick, some family is healthy, work is frustrating, and school is challenging. But I find myself rising to the tasks presented to me, and I relish the education I'm receiving. My favorite class right now is Intellectual Assessment; I find it endlessly interesting to learn how the human mind works and adapts in its environment.
I've found myself contemplating things lately that may be meaningless to some, but very important to me. Is "healthy fast food" an oxymoron? How can consumption be lessened in this country? Why are people so greedy? Less and less do I find myself attracted to the gluttonous, wasteful, toxic consumerist ideals of my culture. Perhaps I should have been an anthropologist.
Anyway. I have dogs to take care of and homework to finish. Just wanted to drop a line and give an update. I'll be back soon with more rantings and philosophies I'm sure. So until next time...
Friday, December 17, 2010
Let Food Be Thy Medicine...
I may not have mentioned this before, but I have a very depressing family history of heritable illnesses. Heart disease, stroke, Diabetes Type 1 and 2, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, hyperthyroidism, cancer, leukemia, and arthritis. Don't you know that I look forward to aging. For the past year--well, maybe even longer than that--I've felt as though the world is telling me to change my lifestyle habits now, or suffer the consequences later. Typically I have a poor diet, I eat a lot of fast food and processed food, and I don't regularly exercise. All of that is now going to change.
I have looked seriously into vegetarianism. However, I don't feel that it is necessary to become completely vegan. Humans are omnivores and do require certain nutrients that can only be ascertained from animal sources. Plus, I am not ethically against eating animal proteins. So, eggs and dairy are definitely okay with me. Meat...well, I'm ethically fine with it, but it seems that today we Americans consume far too much of it. Several hours of research into the night led me to the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on lots of whole grains, lots of vegetables, fruit, some dairy, occasional fish, and the least emphasis on other meats and fats. However it does integrate the liberal use of olive oil when cooking and eating, and the consumption of red wine with dinner.
So what am I going to do? So far I'm taking a slow but steady approach to change, as I feel I should to maintain success. However I will say that I haven't had any fast food since Monday morning, and it's a refreshing feeling. I have had several homemade meals including butternut squash soup and shepherd's pie with ground turkey instead of beef. I've experimented with veggie burgers, and have determined that I like ones made with black beans rather than "original" ones. Today, I ate entirely vegetarian. For breakfast I had grits, toast, and orange juice. For lunch I had a black bean veggie burger on 12-grain bread, grapes, and cashew nuts for a snack. For dinner, I had a warm pita with roasted red pepper hummus and melted feta cheese, and a side of salad with more feta cheese and an Italian vinaigrette dressing. It was absolutely delicious. I would have no problem being vegetarian if all the meals were as good as today's. It's funny, today is probably the first in a long time that I think I actually reached the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables. For me, that really is saying something. And I feel really good about myself. I feel energized, less stressed, and happy. I don't know if it's the diet or just the knowledge that I'm making a positive change for myself, but either way it feels good.
If I can keep up with this, it will be such a positive step in my life towards good health. Granted, I'm not unhealthy right now, but if family history is any indication, then I have a lot of health problems to prevent. My next step is going to need to be more regular exercise. I spend probably 30 minutes walking the dogs every day, but that's really not good enough. I need to do more strenuous activities daily as well. But, baby steps. I don't want to get too excited, overwork myself, burn out, and just go back to my old habits of fast food in the car or junk food in front of the TV.
One thing I really like about the Mediterranean diet (I hate calling it a "diet", like the Atkins or something...lifestyle might be a better choice of wording) is that it heavily emphasizes enjoying food with friends or family around the table, not just sitting and staring aimlessly at the boob-tube. Unfortunately I live alone, but for dinner today I just sat peacefully without the TV on, and took the time to really taste and savor each bite of food. It was a rewarding experience.
Anyway, so after several very good days of home-cooked, healthy meals, and a very tasty day of vegetarianism, I'm feeling refreshed and ready to wholeheartedly commit to my new lifestyle changes. I hope this trend continues for me! So until next time...
I have looked seriously into vegetarianism. However, I don't feel that it is necessary to become completely vegan. Humans are omnivores and do require certain nutrients that can only be ascertained from animal sources. Plus, I am not ethically against eating animal proteins. So, eggs and dairy are definitely okay with me. Meat...well, I'm ethically fine with it, but it seems that today we Americans consume far too much of it. Several hours of research into the night led me to the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on lots of whole grains, lots of vegetables, fruit, some dairy, occasional fish, and the least emphasis on other meats and fats. However it does integrate the liberal use of olive oil when cooking and eating, and the consumption of red wine with dinner.
So what am I going to do? So far I'm taking a slow but steady approach to change, as I feel I should to maintain success. However I will say that I haven't had any fast food since Monday morning, and it's a refreshing feeling. I have had several homemade meals including butternut squash soup and shepherd's pie with ground turkey instead of beef. I've experimented with veggie burgers, and have determined that I like ones made with black beans rather than "original" ones. Today, I ate entirely vegetarian. For breakfast I had grits, toast, and orange juice. For lunch I had a black bean veggie burger on 12-grain bread, grapes, and cashew nuts for a snack. For dinner, I had a warm pita with roasted red pepper hummus and melted feta cheese, and a side of salad with more feta cheese and an Italian vinaigrette dressing. It was absolutely delicious. I would have no problem being vegetarian if all the meals were as good as today's. It's funny, today is probably the first in a long time that I think I actually reached the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables. For me, that really is saying something. And I feel really good about myself. I feel energized, less stressed, and happy. I don't know if it's the diet or just the knowledge that I'm making a positive change for myself, but either way it feels good.
If I can keep up with this, it will be such a positive step in my life towards good health. Granted, I'm not unhealthy right now, but if family history is any indication, then I have a lot of health problems to prevent. My next step is going to need to be more regular exercise. I spend probably 30 minutes walking the dogs every day, but that's really not good enough. I need to do more strenuous activities daily as well. But, baby steps. I don't want to get too excited, overwork myself, burn out, and just go back to my old habits of fast food in the car or junk food in front of the TV.
One thing I really like about the Mediterranean diet (I hate calling it a "diet", like the Atkins or something...lifestyle might be a better choice of wording) is that it heavily emphasizes enjoying food with friends or family around the table, not just sitting and staring aimlessly at the boob-tube. Unfortunately I live alone, but for dinner today I just sat peacefully without the TV on, and took the time to really taste and savor each bite of food. It was a rewarding experience.
Anyway, so after several very good days of home-cooked, healthy meals, and a very tasty day of vegetarianism, I'm feeling refreshed and ready to wholeheartedly commit to my new lifestyle changes. I hope this trend continues for me! So until next time...
Thursday, September 16, 2010
People Chow!
Introducing...
Now you'll never have to worry about cooking again! Simply pour yourself a bowl of new complete and balanced People Chow, and enjoy! People Chow has been formulated by top nutritionists and physicians to meet all the nutritional requirements your body needs! Wholesome whole grains, sweet fruits, crunchy vegetables, dairy, and meat...mmm! Plus added vitamins and minerals! And it's all been baked into savory, convenient nuggets! Want a little extra flavor? Simply add a half cup warm water to one cup People Chow, let sit for five easy minutes, and watch as People Chow makes its own delicious gravy!
People Chow! You'll never need anything else!
...
I hope you found that utterly disgusting. I don't know about you, but the thought of eating a bowl of the same stuff every day, from a bag, with no fresh foods...well...it grosses me out to say the least. And so what if it has been formulated by top nutritionists and physicians? Science is constantly changing, learning, and growing. There are things we thought were wonder products 50 years ago that we now know are carcinogens. If you know anything about nutrition, you know that nutrients are best absorbed from whole, fresh foods, not processed junk preserved in a bag.
Clearly, such an idea is preposterous, and would never take hold in society. The doctors or nutritionists who formulated such garbage would be laughed out of their industry.
So then why do we do it...to our pets?
I'll let you ponder that for a second. Now I want you to think about your own animal, who probably eats the same thing, day after day, year after year. And you wonder why dogs beg for scraps. Luckily, there are alternative ways to feed your dog. My method of choice is to feed my dogs a prey-model raw diet. Dogs are descendants of wolves, and despite thousands of years of domestication, they are still just as much carnivores as their ancestors. A quick look into your dog's (or cat's) mouth will reveal large dagger-like canines, sharp premolars, and carnassial teeth capable of shearing flesh from bone, and then crunching that bone into digestible bits. Other less obvious research will show you that dogs (and cats) have a digestive system built for processing raw meat and bones. A short intestinal tract, an undeveloped cecum, and the lack of production of certain enzymes such as amylase in their saliva are all huge red flags that should tell you, dogs are carnivores. And because they are carnivores and because they have such short intestinal tracts, they can safely eat raw food without a significant risk of food poisoning because the food simply moves through the system faster than the bacteria has a chance to proliferate.
I switched my own dogs over to the raw diet in February this past year. I must say, it has truly worked wonders for my dogs. Raw meat, meaty bones, and organs provide them with all the nutrition they need. They get a variety: chicken, pork, beef, turkey; basically whatever I find for a reasonable price at the grocery store, they can eat. I won't go into all the details here of correct amounts and weights and everything, but I will say there are plenty of great resources out there if you know where to look. In my opinion some of the best resources are Dr. Tom Lonsdale's book Work Wonders (I also recently found a free PDF version of it here), his website as well, the Raw Feeding Yahoo! group, and this wonderful webpage that lists and provides references to disprove all the myths associated with feeding raw food.
Do your research. Examine your pets for what they are, not for what pet food companies have made them out to be. Ditch the bag, and give your dog (and your self) some wholesome, fresh food.
So until next time...
Friday, September 3, 2010
For the Love of a Dog
The saying goes that dog is man's best friend. Today I think that was certainly true. A little after 7 p.m. today I had a knock on the door. A look out of the peep hole showed a young guy in a T-shirt and shorts, looking normal and happy. I answered the door, and he introduced himself as a neighbor from the apartment complex. My dog Toby stood right by myself barking initially, and continuing to growl. After his brief introduction the guy launched into this sales pitch about selling magazine subscriptions. I told him right now was not a good time, but maybe he might have a flyer that I could contact him by; I asked what apartment number he lived in. He said quickly that he was from a unit in Building A (which does not exist in my complex), and that maybe he'd stop by again next week. He then hurried away. My dog Toby stood right by my side, growling quietly, the entire time.
I had heard of scams like this before. In fact in the few months before I moved I had heard of quite a few incidences. I questioned the man about his apartment number not because I was really interested, but because I thought he might be lying about his residence here. As it turns out I was right. A quick call to 911 ensured that someone came out to the complex to make sure he had left the premises and was not bothering more tenants. The problem is that these salesman have a history of becoming violent and attacking the people they're "selling" to. Robbery, assault, rape, and murder have all been committed by so-called door-to-door salesmen.
Living by myself like I do, it's a very scary thing to think about. I'm so proud of and thankful for Toby, who knew that there was something about this guy that he didn't like. He may be small, but he's got a big voice. He might not be able to save me from an attacker, but I'm confident that he wouldn't stand by quietly.
So for anyone who's reading this right now, take a moment to appreciate your dog. Maybe they haven't always been the best; I mean sure there's been carpet stains, chewed up shoes, and muddy paws. But if your dog is anything like mine, he's loyal, he's loving, and he would put himself in harm's way to protect the people he loves.
So until next time...thanks, Toby.
I had heard of scams like this before. In fact in the few months before I moved I had heard of quite a few incidences. I questioned the man about his apartment number not because I was really interested, but because I thought he might be lying about his residence here. As it turns out I was right. A quick call to 911 ensured that someone came out to the complex to make sure he had left the premises and was not bothering more tenants. The problem is that these salesman have a history of becoming violent and attacking the people they're "selling" to. Robbery, assault, rape, and murder have all been committed by so-called door-to-door salesmen.
Living by myself like I do, it's a very scary thing to think about. I'm so proud of and thankful for Toby, who knew that there was something about this guy that he didn't like. He may be small, but he's got a big voice. He might not be able to save me from an attacker, but I'm confident that he wouldn't stand by quietly.
So for anyone who's reading this right now, take a moment to appreciate your dog. Maybe they haven't always been the best; I mean sure there's been carpet stains, chewed up shoes, and muddy paws. But if your dog is anything like mine, he's loyal, he's loving, and he would put himself in harm's way to protect the people he loves.
So until next time...thanks, Toby.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Farmers' Markets
Well, I officially bought my first items from the farmer's market today! B and I went to two different ones; the first would have been more accurately named an "arts and crafts with a little bit of food thrown in" market, but the second had much more. I didn't get a whole lot as I still haven't branched out too much on the kinds of vegetables I eat, but I did get some fresh corn on the cob, okra, goat milk and goat cheese. The goat products were a bit more expensive than I was planning on paying, but the lady offered me samples of everything, and I really just felt like supporting their business. The cheese I got was garlic and herb feta...mmmmm! Delicious!
If you'd like to find a farmer's market in your area, try searching this website: http://www.localharvest.org/
It's been such a great help for me!
Anyway, so that was the farmer's market experience. B was a little disappointed because somehow or another he thought there would be a variety of Asian foods there, and wanted to try cooking some dish with squid...yuck. I'm glad there was no such booths there. After that B and I had a lazy day watching a movie marathon of Pirates of the Caribbean. I forgot how much I love those movies! Especially the original. We had a pretty good time; I just wish neither of us had to work tomorrow so we could spend the whole weekend together.
In other news, K and I went to the mountains of New Mexico for a week earlier this month; it was amazing! So cool and comfortable; the cabin we stayed in doesn't even need air conditioning! We spent a good amount of time hiking and enjoying the scenery. I think it just further convinces me that I want to move out of Texas after graduation. Maybe it's because I've grown up in Texas, but other states just seem to have so much more beautiful scenery. Plus I keep checking the weather in New York City, and even though it's not much cooler than it is in Texas right now, the humidity is so low that it actually feels like what the temperature actually is, rather than having to add about 10 degrees to how it feels because of the humidity. Ugh. I'm sick of humidity and mosquitoes. I am so ready to graduate and move out of here.
Anyway, that's pretty much it for tonight. I always get super tired after B leaves, and that wave of tiredness has just hit me. Definitely my cue to go to bed. So until next time...
If you'd like to find a farmer's market in your area, try searching this website: http://www.localharvest.org/
It's been such a great help for me!
Anyway, so that was the farmer's market experience. B was a little disappointed because somehow or another he thought there would be a variety of Asian foods there, and wanted to try cooking some dish with squid...yuck. I'm glad there was no such booths there. After that B and I had a lazy day watching a movie marathon of Pirates of the Caribbean. I forgot how much I love those movies! Especially the original. We had a pretty good time; I just wish neither of us had to work tomorrow so we could spend the whole weekend together.
In other news, K and I went to the mountains of New Mexico for a week earlier this month; it was amazing! So cool and comfortable; the cabin we stayed in doesn't even need air conditioning! We spent a good amount of time hiking and enjoying the scenery. I think it just further convinces me that I want to move out of Texas after graduation. Maybe it's because I've grown up in Texas, but other states just seem to have so much more beautiful scenery. Plus I keep checking the weather in New York City, and even though it's not much cooler than it is in Texas right now, the humidity is so low that it actually feels like what the temperature actually is, rather than having to add about 10 degrees to how it feels because of the humidity. Ugh. I'm sick of humidity and mosquitoes. I am so ready to graduate and move out of here.
Anyway, that's pretty much it for tonight. I always get super tired after B leaves, and that wave of tiredness has just hit me. Definitely my cue to go to bed. So until next time...
Monday, June 28, 2010
Rainy Day Reflections
So it started raining last night. Thunderstorms came in heavy, and the thunder woke me up from time to time. Now that it's daytime, it's still storming on and off. And from the looks of it, this will continue throughout the week because Hurricane Alex is approaching. My first hurricane on my own...I hope I don't have to evacuate!
Yesterday was a really good day. B came over and we cooked baby back ribs and corn on the cob...mmm! It was so good. I showed him my Crops in Pots and The Backyard Homestead books, and he seemed really interested. I think if we ever have land he'd have no problem getting down and dirty helping me maintain plants and animals.
Speaking of crops, today I watched another documentary, The World According to Monsanto. This one really takes a look at how Monsanto is manipulating and controlling the national and global food and crop industry. A real eye opener, for sure. It's just amazing the lies and underhanded practices they get away with. It makes me sad that corporate greed is so powerful.
I think I may see what food plants are available at the store, and try my hand at gardening. In fact, yes, I think that's what I'll do today. So until next time...
Yesterday was a really good day. B came over and we cooked baby back ribs and corn on the cob...mmm! It was so good. I showed him my Crops in Pots and The Backyard Homestead books, and he seemed really interested. I think if we ever have land he'd have no problem getting down and dirty helping me maintain plants and animals.
Speaking of crops, today I watched another documentary, The World According to Monsanto. This one really takes a look at how Monsanto is manipulating and controlling the national and global food and crop industry. A real eye opener, for sure. It's just amazing the lies and underhanded practices they get away with. It makes me sad that corporate greed is so powerful.
I think I may see what food plants are available at the store, and try my hand at gardening. In fact, yes, I think that's what I'll do today. So until next time...
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Patenting Life
So I just finished watching another food documentary, "The Future of Food". You can watch it free on Hulu here. It's not quite as high quality as "Food, Inc.", but it presents similar information, and focuses more on the aspect of patent infringement of seeds and crops, as well as what kind of effect having such patents on life means for agriculture both in our country and in the rest of the world. It also looks into the ethics--or lack of ethics, if you prefer--of the fact that genetically modified foods are still not labeled in the United States.
In other news, I'm finally settling into my new life. I graduated on May 14th, and on the 15th I moved here to my new apartment. It's been difficult, especially with the dogs and no longer having a yard, but as I said I'm finally settling in. I started class for my master's on June 8th, and it's going well. It's basically a human development class, and so far everything has been a review of things I learned in my undergrad classes, but it's interesting nonetheless. I started work yesterday, and I think I made a good impression with my new boss, so that's always a good thing I suppose. I'm considering applying to be a resident advisor at a homeless shelter for children and adolescents, but I don't know if I have the hours that they're looking for. I suppose I should contact them for more information.
Personal life is going well. I haven't really made friends here yet, but one of my classmates is from my old college and we had a few classes together, so we sit together in class. I have been talking a lot to old friends on the phone pretty much daily, and I've managed to get to see B a few times a week, since we're both in the same city now. It still takes us 45 minutes to get to each others' apartments, but it's better than an hour and a half I suppose.
Also, I'm thinking I'm going to start a patio garden. I'm not 100% sure what I'm going to plant yet, but I'd like to have a strawberry bush, maybe a blackberry bush, and maybe some spinach. My friend K gave me a book called Crops in Pots, and it's given me some good ideas and tons of good tips. Other books I've been reading about small-scale self-sufficient farming include The Backyard Homestead and Keeping Poultry and Rabbits on Scraps. Anyway, I'll quit sounding like an advertisement now. But they are good books, definitely worth reading. But I think I've rambled enough now, so until next time...
In other news, I'm finally settling into my new life. I graduated on May 14th, and on the 15th I moved here to my new apartment. It's been difficult, especially with the dogs and no longer having a yard, but as I said I'm finally settling in. I started class for my master's on June 8th, and it's going well. It's basically a human development class, and so far everything has been a review of things I learned in my undergrad classes, but it's interesting nonetheless. I started work yesterday, and I think I made a good impression with my new boss, so that's always a good thing I suppose. I'm considering applying to be a resident advisor at a homeless shelter for children and adolescents, but I don't know if I have the hours that they're looking for. I suppose I should contact them for more information.
Personal life is going well. I haven't really made friends here yet, but one of my classmates is from my old college and we had a few classes together, so we sit together in class. I have been talking a lot to old friends on the phone pretty much daily, and I've managed to get to see B a few times a week, since we're both in the same city now. It still takes us 45 minutes to get to each others' apartments, but it's better than an hour and a half I suppose.
Also, I'm thinking I'm going to start a patio garden. I'm not 100% sure what I'm going to plant yet, but I'd like to have a strawberry bush, maybe a blackberry bush, and maybe some spinach. My friend K gave me a book called Crops in Pots, and it's given me some good ideas and tons of good tips. Other books I've been reading about small-scale self-sufficient farming include The Backyard Homestead and Keeping Poultry and Rabbits on Scraps. Anyway, I'll quit sounding like an advertisement now. But they are good books, definitely worth reading. But I think I've rambled enough now, so until next time...
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Going Green
So I've had a lot of thoughts recently that I would like to become a more "green" individual. I recently watched the documentary film, Food, Inc., and it has really opened my eyes to the evils of the food production industry. The cruelty and manipulation that occurs, not always to the animals but to the people, is repulsive and I don't wish to further fund it. To be clear, I'm not in favor of becoming vegetarian or vegan. Not that I have a problem with either of these lifestyles, but they're not appropriate options for me personally. Rather, I think the industry should produce all foods ethically and with respect for the creature and the farmer.
Anyway, I'm following a couple of blogs about living green, and self-sustainable living. I know I won't be able to for the next couple of years, but eventually I'd like to have a garden, and raise some livestock small-scale. I'm particularly interested in raising rabbits for meat, and chickens for eggs and meat. Perhaps it would even be feasible to raise a few dairy goats, and raise the kids for meat. I talked about this in depth with B, and he seemed interested in the idea as well. He confessed he's actually always been interested in keeping a vegetable garden, so he seems to be on board with such a way of living.
I've found a local farmer's market that is open in Saturdays. I think I'll attend, and see what I can find. So until next time...
Anyway, I'm following a couple of blogs about living green, and self-sustainable living. I know I won't be able to for the next couple of years, but eventually I'd like to have a garden, and raise some livestock small-scale. I'm particularly interested in raising rabbits for meat, and chickens for eggs and meat. Perhaps it would even be feasible to raise a few dairy goats, and raise the kids for meat. I talked about this in depth with B, and he seemed interested in the idea as well. He confessed he's actually always been interested in keeping a vegetable garden, so he seems to be on board with such a way of living.
I've found a local farmer's market that is open in Saturdays. I think I'll attend, and see what I can find. So until next time...
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Brace Yourself...
Wow, this year has been a real crash course for the rest of life. Since my last writing I've traveled halfway across the United States showing dogs, I've gained a dog, lost a dog, gained (sort of) another dog, traveled to New York to attend the annual Westminster dog show, and soon I'll be graduating from college and moving away to pursue my Master's. Whew!
So. I guess I can elaborate a little more on life. B and I are still together and doing wonderfully. We've had a couple of rough patches in our relationship, especially concerning where we want to live, and how we want to live. Do we want a family or not, those kinds of things. Some of the discussions became fairly heated, but I think we're much better off for them, and now we can focus on what we do want in our relationship.
I'm very seriously considering moving to New York City for a couple of years after I get my Master's. Why not? I just want to say I've done it. And since B and I decided to post-pone having a family until much later (so we can establish and enjoy a marriage and partnership for a few years before changing everything), it gives me the perfect opportunity to go out and experience the world, really live it up (with B going with me, of course!). I went to New York in February, to go to the Westminster dog show, celebrate my birthday, and have a little mini-vacation before starting grad school in the summer, and it was amazing!!! I never dreamed I would love it so much. The architecture was beautiful, the people were intriguing, and the atmosphere was exhilarating! I had so much fun, and yet I barely scratched the surface of everything there is to see. How I want to go back!
So, I'm also graduating in three weeks. It's a bit mind-blowing and scary, but by that same token I'm excited to open the next chapter of my life. I'm moving to a smaller city outside of the big city where B lives, so I'll only be about 45 minutes away from him. I'm very excited about that aspect of it. We can go out on regular dates, enjoy the city nightlife, theatre, the beach...oh yeah, I'll be only 5 miles from the water! I'll be able to go out there, enjoy the water, take the dogs swimming...it's going to be amazing.
Speaking of the dogs, I ended up keeping T. And I'm sick of writing letters for my dogs' names, so I'll just give real names. Toby is my Dachshund. He's such a doll, and I've spent so much time showing him, so I ended up becoming his co-owner. We've started Earthdog training, and we're just touching on obedience, and I think he'll be a great working dog and companion. And the little coffee puppy was born, and I got him in August. Ryder is his name, and I think he might be what some of my friends refer to as my "heart dog", that one dog in my life that goes above and beyond being a pet or companion, and is the one dog that meets and exceeds my wants and expectations. So far he as. I've been showing him, and I've started working with him in the field. He shows so much promise! And he's obedient. That boy learned how to shake, with both paws, in less than five minutes. My mom witnessed the whole thing and was in awe! He's just wonderful. Maverick (M), my other Brittany, has been living with my parents for about 6 months now. I got some new neighbors, who have a dog that likes to fence-fight. I felt that I was unable to control Maverick, not to mention I could barely keep him from climbing over my 6' wooden privacy fence (that has no footholds, mind you). Even if he was in the kennel in the yard, he would still whine and bark and make himself miserable. It seemed kindest to let him go stay with my parents in the country for a while, but he's really blossomed there and now my mom is quite attached to him. He's become her little shadow, and buddies around with her wherever she goes! I can't complain. I'm happy to see him happy.
As school is winding down, life seems so stressful. I'm graduating in three weeks, moving the day after graduation, starting a new job *sometime* when I'm moved in, and starting grad school on June 7th. In other words, it's going to be very busy. But like I said, I'm ready to start the next chapter, so I hope it all goes smoothly and as planned. I'm moving into a one-bedroom apartment (down from my current 3-bedroom house!), so that's going to be a bummer, but it's a very nice apartment so I can't complain too much. I'll just have to get creative with storage. On the bright side, I can't spend any money on useless things, because I'll have no room for them! Ha ha...
Anyway, I've got to study for a couple exams that I have tomorrow. Easy ones, but still. I should study. So until next time...
So. I guess I can elaborate a little more on life. B and I are still together and doing wonderfully. We've had a couple of rough patches in our relationship, especially concerning where we want to live, and how we want to live. Do we want a family or not, those kinds of things. Some of the discussions became fairly heated, but I think we're much better off for them, and now we can focus on what we do want in our relationship.
I'm very seriously considering moving to New York City for a couple of years after I get my Master's. Why not? I just want to say I've done it. And since B and I decided to post-pone having a family until much later (so we can establish and enjoy a marriage and partnership for a few years before changing everything), it gives me the perfect opportunity to go out and experience the world, really live it up (with B going with me, of course!). I went to New York in February, to go to the Westminster dog show, celebrate my birthday, and have a little mini-vacation before starting grad school in the summer, and it was amazing!!! I never dreamed I would love it so much. The architecture was beautiful, the people were intriguing, and the atmosphere was exhilarating! I had so much fun, and yet I barely scratched the surface of everything there is to see. How I want to go back!
So, I'm also graduating in three weeks. It's a bit mind-blowing and scary, but by that same token I'm excited to open the next chapter of my life. I'm moving to a smaller city outside of the big city where B lives, so I'll only be about 45 minutes away from him. I'm very excited about that aspect of it. We can go out on regular dates, enjoy the city nightlife, theatre, the beach...oh yeah, I'll be only 5 miles from the water! I'll be able to go out there, enjoy the water, take the dogs swimming...it's going to be amazing.
Speaking of the dogs, I ended up keeping T. And I'm sick of writing letters for my dogs' names, so I'll just give real names. Toby is my Dachshund. He's such a doll, and I've spent so much time showing him, so I ended up becoming his co-owner. We've started Earthdog training, and we're just touching on obedience, and I think he'll be a great working dog and companion. And the little coffee puppy was born, and I got him in August. Ryder is his name, and I think he might be what some of my friends refer to as my "heart dog", that one dog in my life that goes above and beyond being a pet or companion, and is the one dog that meets and exceeds my wants and expectations. So far he as. I've been showing him, and I've started working with him in the field. He shows so much promise! And he's obedient. That boy learned how to shake, with both paws, in less than five minutes. My mom witnessed the whole thing and was in awe! He's just wonderful. Maverick (M), my other Brittany, has been living with my parents for about 6 months now. I got some new neighbors, who have a dog that likes to fence-fight. I felt that I was unable to control Maverick, not to mention I could barely keep him from climbing over my 6' wooden privacy fence (that has no footholds, mind you). Even if he was in the kennel in the yard, he would still whine and bark and make himself miserable. It seemed kindest to let him go stay with my parents in the country for a while, but he's really blossomed there and now my mom is quite attached to him. He's become her little shadow, and buddies around with her wherever she goes! I can't complain. I'm happy to see him happy.
As school is winding down, life seems so stressful. I'm graduating in three weeks, moving the day after graduation, starting a new job *sometime* when I'm moved in, and starting grad school on June 7th. In other words, it's going to be very busy. But like I said, I'm ready to start the next chapter, so I hope it all goes smoothly and as planned. I'm moving into a one-bedroom apartment (down from my current 3-bedroom house!), so that's going to be a bummer, but it's a very nice apartment so I can't complain too much. I'll just have to get creative with storage. On the bright side, I can't spend any money on useless things, because I'll have no room for them! Ha ha...
Anyway, I've got to study for a couple exams that I have tomorrow. Easy ones, but still. I should study. So until next time...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Anticipation
So much has been going on! Last Thursday I got B moved out of his dorm just fine. I met his roommate for the first (and last) time, and when we got back to my house we moved my old 32" clunker cathode ray TV out of the living room and installed his sleek 37" Vizio hi-def 1080P flatscreen...wow. Just...wow. I love it and now I'm pretty much convinced I need a flatscreen too. And I'm very impressed with Vizio, despite my upbringing as a hardcore fan of anything Sony. On Friday, B and I went into the big city to go to the tech school to finalize his financial aide paperwork. Afterwards, we went all around the area looking for him an apartment that he needs to move into by June 8th when school starts. On Saturday, we went back to the city to go to his class orientation, and afterwards we did more apartment shopping. We've narrowed it down to two, and he's going back tomorrow to decide which one he wants to live in, and do all the paperwork. That night I went with my friend J, back to the city again, to pick up her puppy from the airport...so cute! Sunday, I pretty much worked from open to close, and when I got home I was exhausted and went to sleep early. Yesterday, Monday, wasn't supposed to be busy but we did run some errands so it wasn't totally relaxed. I had to search all over the mall to find some shoes and an undershirt for my dog show suit, and we also had to get the industrial-sized package of batteries from Sam's since I've run out of batteries twice in the past week, so now I've got enough to last a year or two! Then last night J took me out to Chili's for dessert as a thank-you for going with her to the airport last week, and when I got back B and I went to Gamestop for the midnight release of the new UFC game. It was fun; the local MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) club put on a demonstration, which was pretty interesting to watch.
Mentally, I am so excited right now. T's breeder and owner, who is also a professional handler, has invited me to tour the country showing with her the next couple of weekends. This weekend we'll be going to Oklahoma for a show, then next weekend we'll be going to Louisianna, and immediately from there we'll leave for Kentucky! I'm super thrilled and am so glad I'm finally under a handler's wings so that I may gain a foothold in the world of professional dog showing.
Another source of anticipation right now is waiting to hear back from the lady who is the breeder of my next Brittany puppy. She is going to have the female x-rayed tomorrow, and hopefully I'll get a picture of the ultrasound! (I'll be sure to post the picture here if I do.) I'm so excited about my little coffee puppy! Now I just need to pick a name...
Mentally, I am so excited right now. T's breeder and owner, who is also a professional handler, has invited me to tour the country showing with her the next couple of weekends. This weekend we'll be going to Oklahoma for a show, then next weekend we'll be going to Louisianna, and immediately from there we'll leave for Kentucky! I'm super thrilled and am so glad I'm finally under a handler's wings so that I may gain a foothold in the world of professional dog showing.
Another source of anticipation right now is waiting to hear back from the lady who is the breeder of my next Brittany puppy. She is going to have the female x-rayed tomorrow, and hopefully I'll get a picture of the ultrasound! (I'll be sure to post the picture here if I do.) I'm so excited about my little coffee puppy! Now I just need to pick a name...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
What a Night
Well, yesterday was going fine. K and I went to drop off my mom's dog and stopped by her parents' house since they lived in the area, and said hello. She was very pleasant yesterday and didn't talk about agility at all, which was a godsend to me. When we got back to my house at around 10:30 (she had left R crated in my house while we were gone) R was very hyper so we let the dogs out in the back yard to run their energy off before she went home. We were sitting on my little patio table, T beneath our feet, when R walked up to us, and before I knew it he grabbed T, pinned him down, and I thought he was going to tear him apart. K had to pull R off of little T, and T was shaking so bad afterward, and he bled pretty bad from a cut on his ear. K helped me clean it up. I was pretty upset, but I have to admit I did find it inwardly amusing when--since K is always saying that I'm going to end up keeping T--K said, "Well, I guess R won't be coming over until T goes back home." But seriously, she's absolutely right. T is not my dog, and even if he was, I don't want him to get killed. R is not going to be invited over for a long time.
Well, time for me to go. Today I have to go move B out of his dorms. He'll be staying with me for a week, then he's going back to his parents' house for a week. Later!
Well, time for me to go. Today I have to go move B out of his dorms. He'll be staying with me for a week, then he's going back to his parents' house for a week. Later!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Salutations!
Welcome all to my first ever blog. I hope it's not too boring!
For most of my life I have been an avid keeper of a diary. With college, that habit has all but ceased, so I've decided that perhaps I can rekindle the flame of writing if I write on the computer, which I'm on a good deal anyway.
I guess I should give myself a brief introduction. I'm just a girl, born and raised in the country, currently attending a large university. As is stated in my "About Me", I'm a Psychology major and an Anthropology minor, and put together with my recurring insanity it is the inspiration for my name. I am now a senior, so I have just one more year before entering the "real" world.
I have two dogs right now, a Brittany and a Dachshund (the Dachshund is temporary; I'm keeping him for a friend for an extended, unspecific period of time). M and T, they will be called respectively. I'm also expecting another Brittany puppy in the future; right now he's a bun in the oven, and until further notice he'll be referred to as the coffee puppy. I'm in a relationship with a wonderful man, B; we've been together for over 4 years. I think we have something really special, but I won't elaborate for fear of inducing nausea amongst those of you who are unfortunately reading this.
Well, I suppose that's enough introduction, and I'll get to my daily life! Read on if you dare...
Today I've got to go pick up Mom's dog from her handler and take her back to Mom; my friend K is going with me! I'm worried about K right now. We're currently doing an agility class together and yesterday she made it expressly clear that the only reason she's doing it is because I'm doing it, and that she doesn't care if her dog, R, learns anything or not because she just wants a dog she can live with. She hates the instructor and hates the class, and I feel totally guilty and responsible for talking her into going with me. I totally thought she would enjoy having an activity to do with R. I guess I thought wrong. The psychology part of me is attempting to psychoanalyze the situation; why doesn't K want to participate with R? Is she afraid of public embarrassment? Does she lack a competitive drive? There has to be some reason why she doesn't want to participate. I just have to figure out why.
In other news, B has been accepted into the tech school he applied to! I'm so happy for him. He rarely gets so excited about something, especially school-related. Seeing him excited makes me excited! He'll be moving a little farther away than he is now, so trips to see each other will be about an hour and a half instead of just an hour, but that's okay. It'll only be for 2 years, and in that time I'll be working on my Master's degree anyway so I'll be kept busy for sure.
Well, I've got to go for now, I'm going out to lunch with my friend J. Talk to you soon...
For most of my life I have been an avid keeper of a diary. With college, that habit has all but ceased, so I've decided that perhaps I can rekindle the flame of writing if I write on the computer, which I'm on a good deal anyway.
I guess I should give myself a brief introduction. I'm just a girl, born and raised in the country, currently attending a large university. As is stated in my "About Me", I'm a Psychology major and an Anthropology minor, and put together with my recurring insanity it is the inspiration for my name. I am now a senior, so I have just one more year before entering the "real" world.
I have two dogs right now, a Brittany and a Dachshund (the Dachshund is temporary; I'm keeping him for a friend for an extended, unspecific period of time). M and T, they will be called respectively. I'm also expecting another Brittany puppy in the future; right now he's a bun in the oven, and until further notice he'll be referred to as the coffee puppy. I'm in a relationship with a wonderful man, B; we've been together for over 4 years. I think we have something really special, but I won't elaborate for fear of inducing nausea amongst those of you who are unfortunately reading this.
Well, I suppose that's enough introduction, and I'll get to my daily life! Read on if you dare...
Today I've got to go pick up Mom's dog from her handler and take her back to Mom; my friend K is going with me! I'm worried about K right now. We're currently doing an agility class together and yesterday she made it expressly clear that the only reason she's doing it is because I'm doing it, and that she doesn't care if her dog, R, learns anything or not because she just wants a dog she can live with. She hates the instructor and hates the class, and I feel totally guilty and responsible for talking her into going with me. I totally thought she would enjoy having an activity to do with R. I guess I thought wrong. The psychology part of me is attempting to psychoanalyze the situation; why doesn't K want to participate with R? Is she afraid of public embarrassment? Does she lack a competitive drive? There has to be some reason why she doesn't want to participate. I just have to figure out why.
In other news, B has been accepted into the tech school he applied to! I'm so happy for him. He rarely gets so excited about something, especially school-related. Seeing him excited makes me excited! He'll be moving a little farther away than he is now, so trips to see each other will be about an hour and a half instead of just an hour, but that's okay. It'll only be for 2 years, and in that time I'll be working on my Master's degree anyway so I'll be kept busy for sure.
Well, I've got to go for now, I'm going out to lunch with my friend J. Talk to you soon...
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