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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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.