Thursday, March 14, 2013

Well, well, well..... looks who's back.  After almost exactly a year in hiatus, I'm back to blogging!!

I find it interesting to look at how easily other people's opinions can sometimes sway what I do.  After a few mindless comments, pertaining to the 'abuse of the internet to share of simple, useless things that no one cares about', and it wasn't even directed at me, I told myself that blogging about the little happenings in my life were silly.  So, I stopped.

It's funny.  I hadn't realized this.  Until I noticed that I felt the need to express myself.  I would think about making an entry, and would then tell myself, 'no, people don't care'.  And I've had an amazing revolution.  I don't care if people don't care!!

I enjoy sharing, and I enjoy writing.  AND, if one other person finds it interesting, BONUS!!

Where I'm most inspired to share these days is in the area of health and wellness.  I'm fascinated by all the ooey-gooey layers as I watch my own choices, thoughts and ideas transpire into my way of being, out in the world.  I'd like to use the word hypocrite, and at the same time, it seems much too harsh.  However, I say (and think) one thing.... and sometimes my actions convey the complete opposite!!!  I think this is important to share because I know I'm not alone!  And I don't have to be so hard on myself.

Most mornings, I wake up feeling positive and clear-headed.  I decide to make choices that promote wellness.  And, I tell myself that if other thoughts creep in and cloud these good decisions, I will have the were-with-all to stay committed to do what I set out to do. 

HA!!  By the end of a long day:
dinner = cereal
no junk food = a batch of peanut butter cookies
a good night's rest = extended time on my computer

And boy, oh boy does the self-talk turn ugly!!! 

Honesty (and getting REAL) has played a huge part in my understanding of 'self' these days.  What am I really thinking.  What am I really feeling.  Really??  It is a relief to finally give myself permission to inwardly express what is really going on, leaving the 'shoulds' out of my self-talk.  And what I've noticed is that there is always something else that's missing.  It could be that I'm missing my long-distance boyfriend, I haven't practiced yoga in a few days, I haven't made time to write in my journal, I haven't had a good, long chat with my sister, etc., etc.  I can see that I go inwards and treat myself badly when I haven't made time for ME.  For so long the punishment has continued because I haven't recognized what is happening.

I'm like a little kid who's misbehaving because he/she needs some love and attention!!

So, my commitment to myself is to notice when I'm feeling less than in-love with myself, and ask what it's really about.  Instead of getting mad at the behaviour, I can take a closer look.  Where am I lacking in some way, and what can I do to fix it?

Truth be told... I can't promise that this realization will curb the cookie making at 10pm.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

I'm Still Surviving... and Doing Quite Alright!

I'm well in to the second week of this liver cleanse and I'd say I'm doing pretty well! Actually.... VERY well! Considering last week I was suffering migraines, crabbiness and really low energy, I'm feeling great now!

I've been enjoying creating meals on the spot and watching the changing preferences of my palette. It's been fun to throw things together to see what they taste like!

1. (top left)
I've always been a fan of salads! Lots of dried fruit, nuts, yummy veggies and a bit of grilled chicken make for a very satisfying lunch!

2. (middle left)
Applesauce has been my 'go to' when I've had sugar cravings!!

3. (bottom left)
Banana/blueberry smoothie with almond milk!

4. (top right)
Mulberries! What a delicious treat! They are called Turkey's superfruit!!

5. (bottom right)
Indian Butter Chicken with rye berries.

I'm normally a bread-a-holic and a cereal addict! I have an active lifestyle and my habit has been to fuel my days with sugar and carbs. It's been a challenge to go with very little. I've succombed to thin, brown rice cakes in emergencies, which are actually pretty good!

Pictured here, tiny tuna sandwiches with whole grain pumpernickel loaf and exotic greens!!

I've been mastering the art of stir-frying. My skillets have never been used so much!!

Tonight was this amazing masterpiece, served over a new-to-me grain... Millet!! Followed by my Ol' Faithful sugar craving hero, unsweetened applesauce!!

I've been keeping up with my daily supplements, drinking lots of water and every morning, before eating any food, I sip a hot lemon water.

**HONESTY ALERT** I must come forward and admit that I cheated a few days ago. I was out for a friend's birthday and there were 2 homemade and super scrumptious-looking cakes. It didn't seem right to avoid such beauty!! I did my very best to keep my taste-testing to a minimal, and I ate around the icing. It could have been much, much worse of a cheat, I tell you! Those cakes were outstanding!

I feel great and I think that I can continue with this cleanse for the entire month, however there is one small problem. EASTER! I can't promise that I will not partake in some chocolate bunny action.... just sayin'.


Monday, March 19, 2012

Spring (Liver) Cleaning!!

Ha. So it's been months and months since I've shared, and the topic that's inspiring me to write a new post is:

Liver Cleansing!

Oh boy.... "What is that?" you may be asking yourself. And really, to be honest, I don't know all the in's and out's (I've got a friend that's been guiding me through it), I just know that it's gonna be an interesting (and challenging!) project.

Reasons why this will be good for me:
1. After 17 YEARS I have decided it's time to go off the birth control pill. Don't go getting all excited!!! I'm not planning to have a baby..... it's definitely time though to clear out all the sediment that's been calling my body home for almost 2 decades!!

2. It's SPRING.... there's no better time than the first signs of good weather, flowers blossoming and people smiling to get into action about one's health!

3. I've been rather laaaazy lately at creating a healthy eating lifestyle for myself. And as a result, my energy has been low and I'm not feeling as fit as I like to be. I'm inspired to try new recipes and new flavours!! No more DQ Blizzards!!

4. My sleeping pattern has been horrendous! I fall asleep at the drop of a hat (in a movie theatre, on the bus, during a phone conversation, while I'm meditating, reading my book....) and then I have troubles staying asleep for long periods of time. Hopefully this cleanse will help me get on a regular schedule and kick the lack of zzzzz's!!

5. I've been searching for a new challenge! Well, be careful what you ask for!!

The downsides:
Headaches, fatigue, sugar lows. A lot more food prep than I'm used to. MILK THISTLE. That stuff is gross. Plus, a plentitude of other supplements. I've promised to go strong for at least 2 weeks.... with a goal of riding even stronger towards a month. Think I can do it??



I find myself planning my meals.... and I think about food constantly.... the good thing is, I'm not craving junk, and I'm not feeling sorry for myself that I can have it. I'm dreaming about interesting concoctions!! (At least this is the story as of now!!!)

Last night I roasted some lovely veggies.... and served them over sprouted, whole grain toast with salsa. I sprinkled it with the teeniest bit of mozza (shhh..... I'm supposed to avoid cheese) and then added a zip of yummy hummus.

My bedtime snack was oatmeal. I mixed in some muesli with dried fruit and nuts and drizzled real maple syrup. Mmmm!

This morning I made the yummiest of smoothies..... perhaps I was so starved for sugar that it tasted that much more delicious!?

Today I snacked on sliced apples with almond butter and I also had a little bit of All Bran with blueberries and almond milk. Gotta stay regular!!

If you've had Almond butter before, you'll know that the photo isn't upside down, it's the jar!!



For dinner I was in creation mode. I sauteed veggies, cooked up a little ground turkey and wrapped it all up in some large lettuce leaves. A bit of Hoisin sauce for dipping. Voila! Mouth magic!!





I was adventurous and bought some coconut yogurt today. It's surprisingly good! I got Vanilla flavoured. It's tart and creamy, and it's been calling my name every half hour or so, and I've been appeasing it's little voice with small spoonfuls!! I also bought almond yogurt. NOT so good. Actually, the taste isn't so bad..... the texture is not very appetizing. That stuff will be going into my smoothie mixtures!!



Tomorrow...... who knows where my tastebuds will take me??

Perhaps I'll keep you in the loop with this liver cleanse.......

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

MAJOR Dilemma


I've got a Holiday problem..... I LOVE eggnog. It's extremely delicious. And it's only available at this particular time of year. Hence, the reason I purchased a 2 LITRE carton!!


Having indulged myself with a multitude of Christmas delights, I am REALLY feeling the bulge and I'd like to get all of this stuff out of my house ASAP.


:My Dilemma:

Should I scarf it down... knowingly full well that I'll be increasing my calorie intake even more, which will lead to even MORE bulge to deal with??

-OR-

Shall I dump it.... deny myself the final few remaining portions, sadly say 'Adieu, until next year' and take control my cravings??


Heart or head?


As my very wise father would say....

"It goes to waste, whether you eat it or not......."

Bah..... It's Christmas....... what's one more jog around the block??

Bottom's up!!

Monday, December 19, 2011

'Tis the Season!


Today I went to the Christmas Market downtown and had some very yummy snacks!! To mention a few.... a Bavarian Smokie, a salty Pretzel with mustard, and a Chocolate Fondue Fruit Cup!! So delicious!! There was a booth offering ciabatta bread smothered with a very stinky cheese ... I did not sample any of that!

Santa was there, and a giant Nutcracker. And a fast moving carousel with a child that wanted nothing more than to get off of it!! Scented soaps, slippers, coffees, roasted nuts, and Christmas tree ornaments.

It was raining, but not too chilly..... AND because it was during the week, admission was $2!! Overall a very fun way to spend an hour or two!!



(Baked apples...)






Are you all geared up for Christmas? Less than a week to go!!

I must admit that I've kinda wimped out on my Christmas giving this year. I mailed cards, and sent a few gifts, and that's about it. Until I have children of my own, I think I will save up my dollars. I'd much rather surprise someone and send them a gift during the year.... or spoil them on their birthday.

Spending too much money at Christmas is ANTI-Christmas.

Ho-ho-ho!!!

Merry Christmas everyone! Now, go be with people you LOVE!!!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Time FLIES!!



3 months since I last posted.... REALLY?

I guess that MUST mean I've been busy??? Well, luckily I have been!

Hmmm.... let's see..... where should I start?

Yoga..... I'm up to 6 regular classes, very soon to be 8! The support and trust I've been shown has been extremely wonderful! I'm surrounded by amazing yogi friends who've helped me grown and expand further than I could have imagined! I once had a fear that I'd lose part of the passion I feel for yoga when I started teaching. Thankfully, I was wrong to think that! It is so very different and awesome! I was meant to share this passion with others, indeed!!

Photography..... I've been approached by a woman who has 'the horrible predicament of too many jobs on her hands' and she's asked me to apprentice under her. Uhh.... YEAH! This is a very new endeavor, not really anything else to report on this yet..... stay tuned though!

CIRCUS!.... I've joined the Big Top!! Well, not really. BUT I've been taking TRAPEZE lessons, with the hopes that I will graduate up to the Aerial Hoop very soon! I've only had 3 lessons so far. The only thing I can brag about are the blisters on my palms! I need to build up a lot more forearm strength and callouses before any sort of tricky stunts can be attempted. Right now, I'd say I'm at the kindergarten level...... maybe even lower than that!! Perseverance.... and lower belly strength..... those things will help me out considerably!!

This summer has been a challenging one, primarily because I've been adjusting to the fact that my Stinky moved away..... (my one and only sister and BEST person in the world!!) It's been one of the biggest transitions in my life learning to cope without our daily interactions. But who can argue with love??!! She's happy and that's all that matters! And she's going to take me on a killer tour when I visit!! And so to add to the emotions of her leaving, I also moved in to her apartment when she went south. Moving is such a stressful operation at the best of times. It took a while for this place to feel like MY home, rather than hers, but after moving my things around 3 or 4 times, I am finally happy with the layout!!



So................. with that, I think I can say I've officially updated my blog. Unfortunately it's a very simple posting, not much imagination, no photos......

I promise... more to come! (Always!!)

xo

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Wisdom From Yoga..... For Life



Finally I can tell you about this most recent project I've been a part of!!! My wonderful and beautiful friend Andrea has had a vision of creating a book based on inspiring words of wisdom from different yoga teachers in the community. And now, her vision has become reality!! She approached me in March and asked me if I'd be on board to capture her Gurus on camera. Of course!

So now the book is available online, for viewing as well as for purchasing. It is our hope that YYoga will soon promote the book within the studios.

Here's the link that will take you to the preview site.....

http://www.blurb.com/books/2314116


Congrats Andrea! You can do anything when you put your mind to it!!!

Here are a few samples that you'll find in the book........





Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Pro/ 'kras/ ti/ 'nay/ shun

In psychology, procrastination refers to the act of replacing high-priority actions with tasks of low-priority, and thus putting off important tasks to a later time.

Etymology

From Latin prōcrāstinātiō, from prōcrāstinō (procrastinate), from prō + crāstinus (of tomorrow) < crās (tomorrow).

Pronunciation

/pɹəʊˌkɹæstɪˈneɪʃən/

Noun

procrastination (plural procrastinations)

  1. The act of postponing, delaying or putting off, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness.

"Procrastination is the thief of time."



I'm moving in 1.5 days.........

Monday, June 27, 2011

Calm seas do not make for skilled sailors....

What a wonderful, and very true quote. This was posted on a billboard outside a church near my house. This church often has very interesting quotes. I wonder who is in charge of choosing which ones get used. Probably a very thoughtful, deep person.

You learn very little from smooth sailing... it's the bumps along the way that really give you life's lessons! The bumps may not be fun at the time, but looking back, a person can probably smile and say... "it darned well was worth it!!"

Saturday, June 25, 2011

It's Been Too Long....



Dress Rehearsals & Dance Recitals, the Stanley Cup Finals, Photography Projects, De-Cluttering my Home, Watching Game of Thrones, Softball, Picking up Extra Shifts..... all reasons why I've been M.I.A.

And now........... here I am!!!

Haha... with actually not much to say at all.... but feeling like I'd like to close up this gap between writing and not writing.... and back to writing again.

The sun was out yesterday and it was glorious! I'm hoping there's more Sun on the menu today. How brilliant that would be! Poor Vancouver has been struggling to get its summer off the ground. It's been a heavy haul.... I know it's coming though! Very soon I will hear complaints of it being 'too friggin' hot'..... can't WAIT!!



I'm going to wear my shades today, no matter what!

The Power of Positive Thinking!!

This quote found me yesterday. It's one I like, and it gets me every time.....

Live the life you love; love the life you live. Yes. Amazing! So powerful, and so true.

Hey all.... go on out there are have a good day! :)

Saturday, May 21, 2011

The Thzoooo!!

It's been THREE weeks! Finally, the Zoo Pics!


The funniest-lookin' animals at the Zoo! THREE of us on a two-seater! :)



Hippo




3 Peachies




Me with a Bird of Prey!!



This is Hagrid



Hagrid again




How wonderful to be born with this amazing pattern on your skin!!




Melts my heart!




Lion Feeding Show: Mallie or Callie, one of them.




Sweetie getting a snack too




She's so curvy! I love how her back end makes the shape of a heart!




Do these guys look like they'd have English accents?




Mmm.... carrot!!




I can't really blame him.... we were dawdling and they were wanting to close!!



Shadow




Little boy on the shuttle through Bear Country

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Zoo!! (the full post is on its way!!)

I went to the Zoo last week! I've been wanting to post my photos, yet somehow life keeps getting in the way and other things have been taking priority!

Here's a teaser..... such a FACE!

More photos will come.... ASAP!

Softball!!


New/Used cleats.... stretching out the new glove..... guess who's playing Softball this year!!??

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

What a Way to Cure a Sweet Tooth!




I was craving something sweet last night. Hmmm.... that NEVER happens! I didn't want to go to the store, so I concocted a yummy experience with what I had at home... and it was DEE-lish!!

Cooked apples + mango, with some brown sugar + honey
Muesli + raisins
Topped with Greek yogurt

Mmmmm!!!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Ta-Da!!



Yay! Here's the book, in PRINT! There are some really great photos! Erin & Jason did an awesome job compiling and preparing this project! I'm so happy to have been a part of it!

You can buy your own copy online at:
http://www.cargoh.com/


You can check out the short video clip here on the TIEV website:
http://www.thisiseastvan.com/

Friday, April 15, 2011

Medicinal Purposes Only....



**Caution: Content in this post may be deemed inappropriate to some blog readers**

Hello Y'all....

For those of you that know me well.... you will understand this 'complex' and 'delicate' situation I've got.... related to... my bowels.

Hey, I'm an open individual. I can share my problems (and hopefully my solutions) with the world. If I can help ONE person to not have to go through what I go through on a regular basis (don't mind the pun) then my job here on Earth has maybe been fulfilled.

"Constipation"

This is the word of the day. And it's MY word of the day much too often. Ugh.

I like to say that "I have a hard time letting things go. I hold on to crap.... and.... literally.... I hold on to crap." Lovely.

If you weren't in the category of 'those that know me well' at the beginning of this post.... well, you are now!!

SO!? Why is today's post centred around this delightful topic? Coffee. I'm crossing my fingers that this simple, age-old remedy will rise above all other failed concoctions, massages, altered diets, and cleanses... and have me singing from the Porcelain Throne... daily... if not more!

I've never been a coffee drinker. I've always been proud to say I'm a morning person, and I can be quite cheerful in the AMs without needing to rely on a cuppa Black Magic. I detest the stuff. However, my sis graciously donated an adorable little 4cup coffee pot. I love it and I love making my coffee! With a dollop of cream and a spoonful (maybe 2) of sugar.... this experiment might be drinkable after all.

I'm on Day 2.

So far, so good! If you know what I mean!

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