Thursday, October 4, 2012
Stories change...
I haven't posted in months. I got a little discouraged with my "212 in 2012" as I found out I was pregnant. Then morning sickness hit, and I didn't really care (!!) what I ate once I could keep things down. Then, after a while, I realized that I was not keeping track of my 212 days very well ( = more discouragement), and frankly, I didn't fall off the "bandwagon". I lept.
I've often thought about my blog and wanted to write something, but the daunting task of explaining why being pregnant seemed to kill my energy for the idea of 212 in 2012 seemed too much to bear. (Note: I doubt anyone else cared, but I am VERY hard on myself). So, I dutifully avoided updating; vacillating between starting to post and deleting said post. Until, one tiring day, I had my baby.
That day was the most difficult of my life, and the most frustrating. Definitely one of most emotionally/physically/mentally exhausting.
Because, you see, Josiah's birth was the complete opposite I had intended it to be.
I had dreams of a gentle, peaceful water birth at home.
But after 8 hours of labour at home, I was 6 cm dilated, with no signs of my baby boy even starting to descend. Due to the midwife on call being the one that was not supportive of me staying at home (she prefers going to the hospital), she soon found reasons to make sure I had to leave home. My heart broke, but I was in too much pain to fight a losing battle.
After arriving at the hospital, I worked for 4 more hours through difficult contractions. I was checked and was still only 6 cm dilated and Josiah had still not descended. That I felt discouraged is an understatement.
Now they wanted to give me an epidural. I had so wanted my boy's birth to be intervention free...I asked, and my midwife reluctantly agreed, to let me try for one more hour.
Noon: still no change, and my frustration and despondency was so high, I was now begging for an epidural.
The "snow ball effect" I had studied/been warned about began. I was put through nearly every intervention we had learned about in prenatal classes, ending with the birth of our son via caesarian section at 7:57 PM.
I felt nearly everything was stacked against me: bad midwife, hospital birth, baby that wouldn't (possibly couldn't) descend, intervention after intervention...the list goes on and on.
Yet, after it all, I wasn't angry or disappointed with myself. I felt good.
Huh???
I felt that both Isaac and I had made the best choice in every given moment, that we could have.
Sure, I wish we'd had a different story, but this story was good too, because we chose well. I was ok, and baby was healthy.
I chose grace.
Ever since then, I've realized how important it is to choose to live gracefully. See the good, use the negative for growth and leave all the ugliness of bitterness to shrivel in the forgetfulness of the past.
It's worth every ounce of your strength.
I am often so hard on myself, and this day - one of the most important in my life - taught me more than I can even fathom at the moment! I am just so grateful that I have the opportunity to choose grace for both myself and others.
That my little boy is too cute, helps as well ;P
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Sopa de Lima :D
One of my favourite things I had on my honeymoon with my love was "sopa de lima", a traditional Mexican soup that was often served as the appetizer to the main course. It's a very simple soup; with the most exotic feature being the afore-mentioned "limas" (or a type of sweet lime found in Mexico, and other parts of Latin and South America). I couldn't find any here, so the first time I tried to recreate this soup, I used the little mini limes in the supermarket (limas aren't big like our limes). Bad mistake!! Those cute, little limes are very bitter, especially once the soup has simmered for awhile. Regular limes, as ripe as possible (therefore sweeter) are your best choice (in my experience, that is!).
I also find that boiling my own, fresh, chicken stock makes for a) a tastier soup, and b) more authentic taste. I often make this soup after we’ve finished off a chicken; when there’s little meat left on the bones, but enough to make this soup ;P
So, take your chicken bones/carcass and boil in 4-6 cups of water for 30-45 minutes. This should create a lovely broth that easily is manipulated into “Sopa de Lima”!
SOPA DE LIMA (a la Robyn Cabrera) ;P
Chicken bones, with some meat (equivalent to bones from 1 small chicken)
6 cups water
Boil for 45 minutes
Remove bones carefully (I use a sieve and clean rubber gloves to help me with this)
Add 2-3 TBSP chicken bouillon if desired (I like Victorian Epicure brand).
1 tsp crushed, dried, red chili peppers (more if you like ;)
Salt to taste
½ tsp pepper
1 onion, thinly sliced and cut into 2 inch pieces.
2 cloves garlic, pressed or smashed
1 lime, cut into 8 pieces (do not peel!), squeeze them quick then pop them in.
½ cup unpacked cilantro, chopped coarsely (or finely, if you like it that way).
Let simmer for 10-15 minutes. This is the taste test time. I often find that I add “Cinco Pepper Blend” from Victorian Epicure and some Mexican habanera sauce before serving, but both Isaac and I love spicy food. Also, you may need more salt (dependant on what kind of bouillon you used). I use Redman’s red mineral salt, so I often use a tiny bit more then the recipe suggests as a) it’s good for you and b) it’s not as salty as sea or table salt.
Break corn tortilla chips into soup immediately before serving.
Delish!
I hope you enjoy this as much as we do!!
I also find that boiling my own, fresh, chicken stock makes for a) a tastier soup, and b) more authentic taste. I often make this soup after we’ve finished off a chicken; when there’s little meat left on the bones, but enough to make this soup ;P
So, take your chicken bones/carcass and boil in 4-6 cups of water for 30-45 minutes. This should create a lovely broth that easily is manipulated into “Sopa de Lima”!
SOPA DE LIMA (a la Robyn Cabrera) ;P
Chicken bones, with some meat (equivalent to bones from 1 small chicken)
6 cups water
Boil for 45 minutes
Remove bones carefully (I use a sieve and clean rubber gloves to help me with this)
Add 2-3 TBSP chicken bouillon if desired (I like Victorian Epicure brand).
1 tsp crushed, dried, red chili peppers (more if you like ;)
Salt to taste
½ tsp pepper
1 onion, thinly sliced and cut into 2 inch pieces.
2 cloves garlic, pressed or smashed
1 lime, cut into 8 pieces (do not peel!), squeeze them quick then pop them in.
½ cup unpacked cilantro, chopped coarsely (or finely, if you like it that way).
Let simmer for 10-15 minutes. This is the taste test time. I often find that I add “Cinco Pepper Blend” from Victorian Epicure and some Mexican habanera sauce before serving, but both Isaac and I love spicy food. Also, you may need more salt (dependant on what kind of bouillon you used). I use Redman’s red mineral salt, so I often use a tiny bit more then the recipe suggests as a) it’s good for you and b) it’s not as salty as sea or table salt.
Break corn tortilla chips into soup immediately before serving.
I hope you enjoy this as much as we do!!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The moments in between
So, most of you know now (hopefully!) that Isaac and I will become parents in about 6 months. This news, when we found out in January was both exciting, amazing, and, well, a teensy bit scary! I felt like I should hold off telling people till I'd ended the first trimester, however hard that was. Of course we did tell immediate family and some close friends, as we definitely needed to "spill the beans" to someone!!! ;P
Morning sickness (or all day long sickness, as it was for me) was a stage that I seem to have finally passed out of in the past two weeks and THANK YOU GOD!! It is miserable to be cheerful and "un-pregnant" to most people when you feel like throwing up constantly and overall pretty gross :(
Oh the joys of having your nose run away from you and act like it's someone else's. Someone else's who is quite weird. Your fridge, after a complete scrubbing down, STILL smells like a dirty toilet (upon which discovery sends you into irrational tears), flowers often smell like the strongest, sometimes worst perfume ever invented, and simple things like baking bread can make you feel like your nose has grown in 10x it's smelling capabilities inside a brewery. Fun? No. Exciting and adventure-causing? Yes. Many times I felt pushed to tears or laughter over the ridiculousness of my new sense of smell. I am glad to say, I usually laughed.
I still hold my breath when I open the fridge or freezer. I still hate the smell of toothpaste. And my dearly beloved Indian food is no longer on our menu. That being said, I don't feel sick all the time, and THAT, my friends, is worth all the breath-holding I need to do!!
This week I've made some lovely dishes. I forgot to take pictures of the Morrocan stew, but it was glorious!! Filled with celery, carrots, figs, chicken, tomatoes and potatoes. YUMMMMMY IN MY TUMMY.
On Sunday, Isaac and I walked to Safeway to get our remaining ingredients for gluten-free quiche. It began to rain gently on us as we started for home, but I was so enchanted to see RAIN and not SNOW that I was blissfully unaware of the cold wind and wetness descending upon us. It was so fun to smell that smell of rain and really feel like Spring is here, even if it's in baby steps! The crust was made from various gluten-free flours, mostly potato starch and rice flour and butter. Isaac actually put it together and I rolled it out with our "make do" rolling pin. We really do need to get a "real" one...but our "unwine" bottle really works splendidly until we do :) Lots of eggs, almond milk, turkey bacon, mushrooms, onions, asparagus and spinach made up the amazingly yummy filling and of course I topped it with goat's milk feta before popping it in the oven.
I've meant to bake quiche ever since we got married, but kept putting it off. Then, morning sickness arrived, and I lost my appetite and couldn't cook hardly at all. My sweetest of sweet husbands made such progress in his cooking and baking during those bothersome weeks and I am SO proud of him!! We were both very rewarded in our dual job in making said quiche as he claimed it was the tastiest he's ever eaten. It was mighty fine, if I do say so myself.
What's your favourite egg recipe?
I've been doing extremely well in keeping almost all sugars at bay. I do allow myself fruit juice sweetened jam, mayonaise and ketchup (little amounts), but that's about all! I am very proud of myself. I so do NOT want to get gestational diabetes...and with my family history and my own personal issues with my pancreas/high blood sugar, I need to really get on this, cravings or no cravings!
My only wish is that I didn't find the process of cooking so smelly. Raw vegetables, raw meat, beans, etc. all make me feel a little sea sick. It's frustrating to have so many ideas and yet so little desire to accomplish them. Any advice would be much appreciated.
As for my 212 in 2012, I've tried to write down/think about it at least once a week so I can try to keep it going. It has been very hard to stay focused, but I really meant everything I wrote back in the beginning of January...little did I know our little treasure was already beginning to grow!
It feels so good to update and have everyone in "the know" of our special secret. Here's to life's moments...the ones in between all the famous ones like birthdays, Christmas, and Easter. The everyday moments of life that really make it worth while.
Love to you all,
Robyn
39-33
Morning sickness (or all day long sickness, as it was for me) was a stage that I seem to have finally passed out of in the past two weeks and THANK YOU GOD!! It is miserable to be cheerful and "un-pregnant" to most people when you feel like throwing up constantly and overall pretty gross :(
Oh the joys of having your nose run away from you and act like it's someone else's. Someone else's who is quite weird. Your fridge, after a complete scrubbing down, STILL smells like a dirty toilet (upon which discovery sends you into irrational tears), flowers often smell like the strongest, sometimes worst perfume ever invented, and simple things like baking bread can make you feel like your nose has grown in 10x it's smelling capabilities inside a brewery. Fun? No. Exciting and adventure-causing? Yes. Many times I felt pushed to tears or laughter over the ridiculousness of my new sense of smell. I am glad to say, I usually laughed.
I still hold my breath when I open the fridge or freezer. I still hate the smell of toothpaste. And my dearly beloved Indian food is no longer on our menu. That being said, I don't feel sick all the time, and THAT, my friends, is worth all the breath-holding I need to do!!
This week I've made some lovely dishes. I forgot to take pictures of the Morrocan stew, but it was glorious!! Filled with celery, carrots, figs, chicken, tomatoes and potatoes. YUMMMMMY IN MY TUMMY.
On Sunday, Isaac and I walked to Safeway to get our remaining ingredients for gluten-free quiche. It began to rain gently on us as we started for home, but I was so enchanted to see RAIN and not SNOW that I was blissfully unaware of the cold wind and wetness descending upon us. It was so fun to smell that smell of rain and really feel like Spring is here, even if it's in baby steps! The crust was made from various gluten-free flours, mostly potato starch and rice flour and butter. Isaac actually put it together and I rolled it out with our "make do" rolling pin. We really do need to get a "real" one...but our "unwine" bottle really works splendidly until we do :) Lots of eggs, almond milk, turkey bacon, mushrooms, onions, asparagus and spinach made up the amazingly yummy filling and of course I topped it with goat's milk feta before popping it in the oven.
I've meant to bake quiche ever since we got married, but kept putting it off. Then, morning sickness arrived, and I lost my appetite and couldn't cook hardly at all. My sweetest of sweet husbands made such progress in his cooking and baking during those bothersome weeks and I am SO proud of him!! We were both very rewarded in our dual job in making said quiche as he claimed it was the tastiest he's ever eaten. It was mighty fine, if I do say so myself.
What's your favourite egg recipe?
I've been doing extremely well in keeping almost all sugars at bay. I do allow myself fruit juice sweetened jam, mayonaise and ketchup (little amounts), but that's about all! I am very proud of myself. I so do NOT want to get gestational diabetes...and with my family history and my own personal issues with my pancreas/high blood sugar, I need to really get on this, cravings or no cravings!
My only wish is that I didn't find the process of cooking so smelly. Raw vegetables, raw meat, beans, etc. all make me feel a little sea sick. It's frustrating to have so many ideas and yet so little desire to accomplish them. Any advice would be much appreciated.
As for my 212 in 2012, I've tried to write down/think about it at least once a week so I can try to keep it going. It has been very hard to stay focused, but I really meant everything I wrote back in the beginning of January...little did I know our little treasure was already beginning to grow!
It feels so good to update and have everyone in "the know" of our special secret. Here's to life's moments...the ones in between all the famous ones like birthdays, Christmas, and Easter. The everyday moments of life that really make it worth while.
Love to you all,
Robyn
39-33
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Finding Balance
Finding balance seems to be what I’ve been striving for these past few weeks. As much as I am eager to try new things, keep my eating goals in check and work out regularly, I also need to give myself space to grow, explore and sometimes, simply the space for space’s sake!
I’m sure you can imagine that I’ve been very busy…which I have, but really, the real reason behind me not writing for so long was I felt overwhelmed by so many things (mostly good!!) happening in my life right now, that I needed some space; needed to allow myself the right to not be some sort of “perfect” blogger (my perfectionism told me there was such a thing, lol) and just wait until I was ready again.
One of the things keeping me busy is that we’re dog sitting for some friends. I don’t know why, but as much as I enjoy living in a small mansion, having two different places to call home can be a bit tiring. That being said, I am enjoying having some fuzzy creatures to keep me company. ☺
One of my favourite things about dogs is their ability to get me off my behind and outside for a walk. I am not very self-motivated, but put a dog or child in my care, and I almost can’t let a day go by without some lovely fresh air via a walk in the sunshine, snow, rain or whatever else the weather might throw at me.
On Monday it's my man's birthday...have been planning some secrets for the past couple weeks. Looking forward to some fun celebrations! I'll try to keep you posted! He's been asking for something that he has NO IDEA is within our budget, so I can't wait to give it to him :) :) :)
Hmmmm....in lounging around this morning, I haven’t gotten to eating my breakfast yet…must do that. I’m thinking some organic plain yogurt with a sliced ataulfo mango….one of my favourite combinations!!
What are your "go to" breakfast(s)?
Robyn
22- 18
I’m sure you can imagine that I’ve been very busy…which I have, but really, the real reason behind me not writing for so long was I felt overwhelmed by so many things (mostly good!!) happening in my life right now, that I needed some space; needed to allow myself the right to not be some sort of “perfect” blogger (my perfectionism told me there was such a thing, lol) and just wait until I was ready again.
One of the things keeping me busy is that we’re dog sitting for some friends. I don’t know why, but as much as I enjoy living in a small mansion, having two different places to call home can be a bit tiring. That being said, I am enjoying having some fuzzy creatures to keep me company. ☺
One of my favourite things about dogs is their ability to get me off my behind and outside for a walk. I am not very self-motivated, but put a dog or child in my care, and I almost can’t let a day go by without some lovely fresh air via a walk in the sunshine, snow, rain or whatever else the weather might throw at me.
On Monday it's my man's birthday...have been planning some secrets for the past couple weeks. Looking forward to some fun celebrations! I'll try to keep you posted! He's been asking for something that he has NO IDEA is within our budget, so I can't wait to give it to him :) :) :)
Hmmmm....in lounging around this morning, I haven’t gotten to eating my breakfast yet…must do that. I’m thinking some organic plain yogurt with a sliced ataulfo mango….one of my favourite combinations!!
What are your "go to" breakfast(s)?
Robyn
22- 18
Monday, January 16, 2012
Thai Soup
As requested, here is my Thai Soup recipe! ☺ Here’s to spicy yumminess to warm us all up on chilly days! ;)
Coconut Curry Thai Soup
3-4 chicken breasts (fresh or defrosted frozen)
1 medium to large onion, chopped into 1” pieces.
Saute with 2-3 TBSP oil (I use grapeseed) for 2-3 minutes not more than 3! (chicken won’t be cooked yet)
Add 8 cups of chicken stock,
1+ TBSP Thai red curry paste (depending on your spicy preferences…I usually use around 2-3 T)
3 TBSP fish sauce
2 TBSP soya sauce
1 tsp salt
1 TBSP Epicure Thai seasoning spices (optional)
6 inches of lemon grass cut into 2 inch pieces and gashed every ½ inch (to unlock flavour)
1 jalapeno, quartered lengthwise (I use 2 of the quarters) OR add one thai chili pepper whole
2 TBSP of brown sugar or 1 ½ TBSP agave syrup
1 inch of ginger, grated (more if you like)
1 garlic clove, smashed, but still whole
2 cans of coconut milk
Cook all of the above medium heat until boiling. Then turn down heat to medium low or low and add:
1 cup zucchini (in bite-sized pieces)
11/2 cups chopped peppers (sliced lengthwise then cut in half; about 1½ inches long) I like to use, red, green and yellow, but it doesn’t really matter.
1 can of sliced bamboo shoots (optional)
Feel free to add other veggis if you have them…these are just my favourites I’ve tried do far.
¼ cup chopped basil (or more…I love fresh basil!)
Simmer for 15-30 minutes until everything is cooked. YUMMY!
Serve with rice – I find about ½ cup rice in the bowl first and then pouring a scoopful of soup over top is usually perfect.
Enjoy!!
Robyn
6-11
PS – I usually use the time when it’s coming to a boil to chop everything, as it usually takes a good 10-15 minutes for it to boil with all that liquid. This makes a hearty, big pot of soup…my husband eats a lot and as I’m from a big family, I enjoy cooking up big pots of food and eating leftovers…trust me…this soup’s flavour improves on its “sitting”…as long as your ok with your veggis getting a little “overcooked”. I’d love to hear how your batch turns out…or what changes/additions/omissions you try – this recipe has evolved so much already…lol! I’m happy to see more! Hopefully I didn't miss any ingredients! I'll try to add photos tomorrow...
Coconut Curry Thai Soup
3-4 chicken breasts (fresh or defrosted frozen)
1 medium to large onion, chopped into 1” pieces.
Saute with 2-3 TBSP oil (I use grapeseed) for 2-3 minutes not more than 3! (chicken won’t be cooked yet)
Add 8 cups of chicken stock,
1+ TBSP Thai red curry paste (depending on your spicy preferences…I usually use around 2-3 T)
3 TBSP fish sauce
2 TBSP soya sauce
1 tsp salt
1 TBSP Epicure Thai seasoning spices (optional)
6 inches of lemon grass cut into 2 inch pieces and gashed every ½ inch (to unlock flavour)
1 jalapeno, quartered lengthwise (I use 2 of the quarters) OR add one thai chili pepper whole
2 TBSP of brown sugar or 1 ½ TBSP agave syrup
1 inch of ginger, grated (more if you like)
1 garlic clove, smashed, but still whole
2 cans of coconut milk
Cook all of the above medium heat until boiling. Then turn down heat to medium low or low and add:
1 cup zucchini (in bite-sized pieces)
11/2 cups chopped peppers (sliced lengthwise then cut in half; about 1½ inches long) I like to use, red, green and yellow, but it doesn’t really matter.
1 can of sliced bamboo shoots (optional)
Feel free to add other veggis if you have them…these are just my favourites I’ve tried do far.
¼ cup chopped basil (or more…I love fresh basil!)
Simmer for 15-30 minutes until everything is cooked. YUMMY!
Serve with rice – I find about ½ cup rice in the bowl first and then pouring a scoopful of soup over top is usually perfect.
Enjoy!!
Robyn
6-11
PS – I usually use the time when it’s coming to a boil to chop everything, as it usually takes a good 10-15 minutes for it to boil with all that liquid. This makes a hearty, big pot of soup…my husband eats a lot and as I’m from a big family, I enjoy cooking up big pots of food and eating leftovers…trust me…this soup’s flavour improves on its “sitting”…as long as your ok with your veggis getting a little “overcooked”. I’d love to hear how your batch turns out…or what changes/additions/omissions you try – this recipe has evolved so much already…lol! I’m happy to see more! Hopefully I didn't miss any ingredients! I'll try to add photos tomorrow...
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Adjustments
Ok, so apparently the average life span of a New Year’s Resolution is less than 7 days. Whaaattt!!!??? You say….yah, sorry about that, but you and I have about as much chance of success as you do at learning to synchronize swim in the next 10 seconds. And as science predicted, I did find some definite hurdles to jump over in the first 7 days (much to my chagrin). January 1st seems so bright, fresh and crisp, it’s hard to get bogged down in the day to day routines of life…until January 2nd and then it all comes flooding back like the hippopotamus it is. You have meetings, work late, don’t work at all (full access to fridge and TV…which the latter, usually for some insane reason does not shout “exercise!” as often as it shouts “movie!”. Hmmmm. Must look into that more…), date nights, church, coffee…and who knows what else that can, if you let it, get you to slowly slide down the slippery slope of “just this once”. If you’re like me, this phrase is code for “do I really have to? Ever? I mean COME ON!!!”.
Mind you, I say all this after quite a good week. Overall I feel better and am pleased with the baby steps toward a healthier me. I’ve enjoyed freshly made juice and smoothies in the morning, homemade deliciousness, and of course, some days where the peanut butter chocolate cookies won out or I slept through my alarm and avoided working out. But, that my friends, is life. You can’t get around it. You aren’t always going to be perfect! ☺
Today I made my “famous” Coconut Curry Thai Soup. It’s a staple at our house, as a few other soups are too. Healthy and low cost are perhaps my favourite things about soup. Add all those heart-healthy veggis and top it off with some coconut milk…what’s not to love? (well, for me at least!). Today, the temperature slipped to something terrifying close to -23 C and I suddenly needed a warm, spicy, creamy pick-me-up like Thai Soup to really get this chilly day turned around. Especially since I had a run-in with gasoline and my jacket. ☹ I looked up some remedies to fix this smelly issue, and discovered one needs baby oil. Well, I didn’t have any baby oil, so I mixed two parts grapeseed oil with 1 part dish soap and 4 parts water. Soak for 10 seconds and voila! No more smell ☺ Now said jacket is in the washer and I will see if it is damage free from all this once it’s out. Apparently you should let it air dry due to any remaining fumes…no one wants a fire in the dryer!
So I’ve re-evaluated my New Year’s Resolution (as discussed last post) and here it is (bet the New Year’s Resolution “Negative Nancy’s” never thought of this, haha!):
1) A “Good” day shall consist of a minimum of 4 of the following listed below:
2) A day where I do ALL may wipe out a “bad” day and move it to the “good” day side (highly doubtful this will EVER happen, but thought a challenge might be a nice idea for me).
Physical activity for 30+ minutes
No sugar
No dairy (except organic, plain yogurt)
No wheat at all and no processed, white grains
5 servings of vegetables and fruit (preferably organic of course)
Lights out by 11 PM or earlier
No eating after 9 PM
No caffeine or alcohol
So yes, you can see I’ve done some adjustments ☺ I found the thought of doing ALL of this has been REALLY hard, so once I switched to aiming to do 4 or 5/day, I found it much more achievable, and often found I could get more (6 or 7). I would like to work into aiming for 6 minimum a day, but honestly, I’ve had some days where I almost resented it, which was a red flag that my perfectionism was kicking into high gear again.
I wish I could have kept the original list, but I am more grateful for the kindness I am showing myself by being flexible. Better is better no matter how you look at it, right!? I look forward to upping my good numbers now with goals that are apparently more achievable for me ;P
Good night all,
Robyn
5-11
PS – Jacket appears to be A-OK. It isn’t completely dried, but no smell and no stain. YAY!
Mind you, I say all this after quite a good week. Overall I feel better and am pleased with the baby steps toward a healthier me. I’ve enjoyed freshly made juice and smoothies in the morning, homemade deliciousness, and of course, some days where the peanut butter chocolate cookies won out or I slept through my alarm and avoided working out. But, that my friends, is life. You can’t get around it. You aren’t always going to be perfect! ☺
Today I made my “famous” Coconut Curry Thai Soup. It’s a staple at our house, as a few other soups are too. Healthy and low cost are perhaps my favourite things about soup. Add all those heart-healthy veggis and top it off with some coconut milk…what’s not to love? (well, for me at least!). Today, the temperature slipped to something terrifying close to -23 C and I suddenly needed a warm, spicy, creamy pick-me-up like Thai Soup to really get this chilly day turned around. Especially since I had a run-in with gasoline and my jacket. ☹ I looked up some remedies to fix this smelly issue, and discovered one needs baby oil. Well, I didn’t have any baby oil, so I mixed two parts grapeseed oil with 1 part dish soap and 4 parts water. Soak for 10 seconds and voila! No more smell ☺ Now said jacket is in the washer and I will see if it is damage free from all this once it’s out. Apparently you should let it air dry due to any remaining fumes…no one wants a fire in the dryer!
So I’ve re-evaluated my New Year’s Resolution (as discussed last post) and here it is (bet the New Year’s Resolution “Negative Nancy’s” never thought of this, haha!):
1) A “Good” day shall consist of a minimum of 4 of the following listed below:
2) A day where I do ALL may wipe out a “bad” day and move it to the “good” day side (highly doubtful this will EVER happen, but thought a challenge might be a nice idea for me).
Physical activity for 30+ minutes
No sugar
No dairy (except organic, plain yogurt)
No wheat at all and no processed, white grains
5 servings of vegetables and fruit (preferably organic of course)
Lights out by 11 PM or earlier
No eating after 9 PM
No caffeine or alcohol
So yes, you can see I’ve done some adjustments ☺ I found the thought of doing ALL of this has been REALLY hard, so once I switched to aiming to do 4 or 5/day, I found it much more achievable, and often found I could get more (6 or 7). I would like to work into aiming for 6 minimum a day, but honestly, I’ve had some days where I almost resented it, which was a red flag that my perfectionism was kicking into high gear again.
I wish I could have kept the original list, but I am more grateful for the kindness I am showing myself by being flexible. Better is better no matter how you look at it, right!? I look forward to upping my good numbers now with goals that are apparently more achievable for me ;P
Good night all,
Robyn
5-11
PS – Jacket appears to be A-OK. It isn’t completely dried, but no smell and no stain. YAY!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Success with workouts....but a Carrot Cake failure
I had no idea how hard it would be to blog daily! As you can probably guess by my obvious lack of daily posts! It’s not the desire…merely a time issue. If I could find a way to get over that hurdle, I would be able to get a lot more done, lol!
My life has been busy; getting back into working, and just everything else that seems to eat away at time so quickly! It seems I am always gasping at the clock; horrified by its ticking arms – intent on marching forward, with no thought of compassion for me.
I’ve got a lot of stuff going on in my head right now, as I am trying to get all my “adjustments” for my “Good day” list done by the end of this week. I will post about that sometime in the next 3 days or so. I am excited and feel very happy that I gave myself 2 weeks to work out my exact details….I need it!
My new workout DVD has been fun – tiring, but very fun. It’s often hard to find a good DVD where I feel challenged, but also don’t find it so difficult that I feel a bit discouraged. This seems to be a good mix, so I’m happy to have something to get my metabolism up and my energy up too ☺
I haven’t tried many new recipes of late, although I did have a FAIL of a recipe with a carrot cake made with spelt flour, almond milk, applesauce and agave. I was very disappointed with the result, but my husband enjoyed the catastrophe just fine, haha! He is encouraging in everything…even finds good in my failures! I don’t know what I did to deserve him!
Blessings to all,
Robyn
4-7
My life has been busy; getting back into working, and just everything else that seems to eat away at time so quickly! It seems I am always gasping at the clock; horrified by its ticking arms – intent on marching forward, with no thought of compassion for me.
I’ve got a lot of stuff going on in my head right now, as I am trying to get all my “adjustments” for my “Good day” list done by the end of this week. I will post about that sometime in the next 3 days or so. I am excited and feel very happy that I gave myself 2 weeks to work out my exact details….I need it!
My new workout DVD has been fun – tiring, but very fun. It’s often hard to find a good DVD where I feel challenged, but also don’t find it so difficult that I feel a bit discouraged. This seems to be a good mix, so I’m happy to have something to get my metabolism up and my energy up too ☺
I haven’t tried many new recipes of late, although I did have a FAIL of a recipe with a carrot cake made with spelt flour, almond milk, applesauce and agave. I was very disappointed with the result, but my husband enjoyed the catastrophe just fine, haha! He is encouraging in everything…even finds good in my failures! I don’t know what I did to deserve him!
Blessings to all,
Robyn
4-7
Sunday, January 8, 2012
End of the Holidays!
Wow….how time flies :S I have had so many successes and appreciate the notes sent to me from my last post – THANKS! I have also had some slip-ups too (apparently I really am human…lol).
I think the best thing has been that I’ve had an absolutely delightful weekend enjoying the end of my Christmas break with my favourite person – my husband Isaac. We kind of “splurged” and enjoyed some lovely outings, Indian food at “Nirvana” restaurant (amazing décor and YUM food, by the way), seeing the movie “Tin Tin” (loved it!), and a lovely trip out to Banff (where we got to sample organic, no sugar Mexican hot chocolate with almond milk. Perfectly creamy, spicy delight! “Wild Flour Café” will see us back, for sure!
I had one good day and a couple days where I spent too much time “enjoying” and perhaps not quite enough time “being aware” ;) It’s been so wonderful to enjoy these last few days of holiday before the “real” January begins.
I’ve added a few new stretches to my regime and I’ve got a new “abs workout” dvd to try tomorrow. I’ve been really enjoying smoothies or juice in the mornings. I’m not sure if I mentioned this in my first post, but I had read about drinking fresh smoothies and/or juice in the morning was many things; all very good! First of all, it seems that it’s easier on your body to digest blended up fruits and veggis first thing in the AM. Obviously, one can’t deny the benefits of the natural fibre, minerals and vitamins from this morning ritual and finally, aside from the energy one receives, it also can detoxify your body; helping set up your metabolism for the day and also aide in cutting cravings and assisting your body in desiring healthier food (less sugar especially). Anyways, this has been the easiest resolution to keep (probably due to its novelty, lol). I feel SO much better in the mornings and love trying new recipes. I took some pictures of these concoctions over the past couple days too.
Friday I tried a spin off of another Whole Living recipe “Beet Apple Mint Juice”. Again, this was meant for a juicer, so I modified it slightly to make it for the vitamix.
1 beet (including greens, if you wish…I kept half of them in the blender)
2 carrots
1 sweet apple
¼ cup fresh mint (squished as much into a quarter cup measuring cup)
1 cup water
½ cup ice
Blend until smooth. Strain through a cheesecloth and enjoy!! I found it a bit sweet from the apple (surprised me, actually!) but it was very good. The mint was the best. It felt so refreshing!
Saturday morning I made some gluten-free scones and a yummy mixture of yogurt, sugarsnap peas, a carrot and some red peppers…also some blueberries. It was very yummy. Message me if you want the recipe…I didn’t pay that much attention to it!
Sunday I made the carrot ginger grapefruit juice from Thursday again. I’ve attached pictures of this too (whoops! As promised on Thursday).
I hope and pray everyone reading this has a wonderful week, working hard towards bettering yourself! I look forward to getting into a better schedule now that I’m back to work. Isaac and I decided that we should try to not eat after 8 PM – adding it onto my list. I will try to post an updated list, as I’ve been working on it over the past few days and need to make some adjustments. I definitely need to get working on switching my numbers….lol…it needs to be the other way around!!! ☺
Blessings to all!
Robyn
2-6
I think the best thing has been that I’ve had an absolutely delightful weekend enjoying the end of my Christmas break with my favourite person – my husband Isaac. We kind of “splurged” and enjoyed some lovely outings, Indian food at “Nirvana” restaurant (amazing décor and YUM food, by the way), seeing the movie “Tin Tin” (loved it!), and a lovely trip out to Banff (where we got to sample organic, no sugar Mexican hot chocolate with almond milk. Perfectly creamy, spicy delight! “Wild Flour Café” will see us back, for sure!
I had one good day and a couple days where I spent too much time “enjoying” and perhaps not quite enough time “being aware” ;) It’s been so wonderful to enjoy these last few days of holiday before the “real” January begins.
I’ve added a few new stretches to my regime and I’ve got a new “abs workout” dvd to try tomorrow. I’ve been really enjoying smoothies or juice in the mornings. I’m not sure if I mentioned this in my first post, but I had read about drinking fresh smoothies and/or juice in the morning was many things; all very good! First of all, it seems that it’s easier on your body to digest blended up fruits and veggis first thing in the AM. Obviously, one can’t deny the benefits of the natural fibre, minerals and vitamins from this morning ritual and finally, aside from the energy one receives, it also can detoxify your body; helping set up your metabolism for the day and also aide in cutting cravings and assisting your body in desiring healthier food (less sugar especially). Anyways, this has been the easiest resolution to keep (probably due to its novelty, lol). I feel SO much better in the mornings and love trying new recipes. I took some pictures of these concoctions over the past couple days too.
Friday I tried a spin off of another Whole Living recipe “Beet Apple Mint Juice”. Again, this was meant for a juicer, so I modified it slightly to make it for the vitamix.
1 beet (including greens, if you wish…I kept half of them in the blender)
2 carrots
1 sweet apple
¼ cup fresh mint (squished as much into a quarter cup measuring cup)
1 cup water
½ cup ice
Blend until smooth. Strain through a cheesecloth and enjoy!! I found it a bit sweet from the apple (surprised me, actually!) but it was very good. The mint was the best. It felt so refreshing!
Saturday morning I made some gluten-free scones and a yummy mixture of yogurt, sugarsnap peas, a carrot and some red peppers…also some blueberries. It was very yummy. Message me if you want the recipe…I didn’t pay that much attention to it!
Sunday I made the carrot ginger grapefruit juice from Thursday again. I’ve attached pictures of this too (whoops! As promised on Thursday).
I hope and pray everyone reading this has a wonderful week, working hard towards bettering yourself! I look forward to getting into a better schedule now that I’m back to work. Isaac and I decided that we should try to not eat after 8 PM – adding it onto my list. I will try to post an updated list, as I’ve been working on it over the past few days and need to make some adjustments. I definitely need to get working on switching my numbers….lol…it needs to be the other way around!!! ☺
Blessings to all!
Robyn
2-6
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Enough is Enough!
I don’t know why, but I have this problem. It’s ridiculous, really….but it’s a problem none-the-less. I believe it’s called “portion control” or something along those lines. Good grief. You might as well call it “damage control” because I just can’t seem to get the hang of the “control” aspect of it, and trust me. No control = damage. When I think something’s yummy, my tongue keeps screaming “the more the merrier!” and does this screaming so virulently that I can’t seem to drown out the yells with common sense like: “do you REALLY need that extra scoop, piece, bar, PAN?” Common sense never seems to win out until my tummy does it’s own screaming “OUCH! How big do I look?” and then, not so kindly, the mirror answers honestly and then I go and moan in bed about how I never want to see food again.
It seems like an endless cycle, and although my sweetest of husbands has nothing but loving words to say, it’s about me. Inside. There’s a problem.
Something inside tells me if I don’t eat it now, it might not be there later. “Sacrifice your body for the food!” seems to be the call my mind makes. This is deeply distressing to me, because I KNOW that’s not true! I live in Canada for heaven’s sake! I can purchase and have at my disposal, an entire house of food, if it really came down to it. I really covet your prayers, advice…and anything else you can give to me. Thank you in advance.
On notes of interesting liquids for the body, I created my version of a drink from Whole Living Magazine, (a great magazine by the way, usually with lots of great recipes, articles and whole living ideas). Their recipe was for a juicer, but I used my vitamix and cheesecloth, so I made it slightly different. Isaac liked it in its original form (not having gone through the cheesecloth yet), but as I am not for “odd textures”, I found the juice much more palatable.
Carrot Grapefruit Ginger Juice
2 grapefruits, halved, peeled and cored
5 carrots, stems removed and cut into 2-3 inch long pieces
1 inch piece of gingerroot
½ cup water (more if you’d like)
½ cup ice (to make it cold….lol a huge pet peeve of mine!)
Blend until thoroughly blended.
Pour bit by bit over cheesecloth (I used a mason jar and attached the cheesecloth with an elastic round the top…worked pretty well!) until only juice is left.
Very spicy and energizing. Enjoy!
I won’t post a pic tonight, as I need to get some shut eye. I’ll try to remember to add it to tomorrow’s.
Night!
Robyn
1-4
It seems like an endless cycle, and although my sweetest of husbands has nothing but loving words to say, it’s about me. Inside. There’s a problem.
Something inside tells me if I don’t eat it now, it might not be there later. “Sacrifice your body for the food!” seems to be the call my mind makes. This is deeply distressing to me, because I KNOW that’s not true! I live in Canada for heaven’s sake! I can purchase and have at my disposal, an entire house of food, if it really came down to it. I really covet your prayers, advice…and anything else you can give to me. Thank you in advance.
On notes of interesting liquids for the body, I created my version of a drink from Whole Living Magazine, (a great magazine by the way, usually with lots of great recipes, articles and whole living ideas). Their recipe was for a juicer, but I used my vitamix and cheesecloth, so I made it slightly different. Isaac liked it in its original form (not having gone through the cheesecloth yet), but as I am not for “odd textures”, I found the juice much more palatable.
Carrot Grapefruit Ginger Juice
2 grapefruits, halved, peeled and cored
5 carrots, stems removed and cut into 2-3 inch long pieces
1 inch piece of gingerroot
½ cup water (more if you’d like)
½ cup ice (to make it cold….lol a huge pet peeve of mine!)
Blend until thoroughly blended.
Pour bit by bit over cheesecloth (I used a mason jar and attached the cheesecloth with an elastic round the top…worked pretty well!) until only juice is left.
Very spicy and energizing. Enjoy!
I won’t post a pic tonight, as I need to get some shut eye. I’ll try to remember to add it to tomorrow’s.
Night!
Robyn
1-4
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Feeling better!
Wow…missed posting yesterday, but I must tell you all I am LOVING this journey so far! I love feeling proud of myself, no matter what my failures, and I’ve been having so many successes, that I just can’t feel bad! I’m sure it’s just a combo of more sleep, more raw fruits and veggis and, of course, exercise/stretching, but I am honestly really just “drinking up” all the good feelings in my body. It’s sure a lot easier to look at oneself in the mirror when you have so many things to be proud of, then when you stand there for 10 minutes, racking your brain for ONE thing to be remotely proud of (Way to go girl! You just ate that entire box of chocolates by yourself, WOOT!! :S)!!
Yesterday morning I started the day with Carrot/yogurt/lemon honey smoothie/juice. It wasn’t really very thick, but had that nice smoothness yogurt added, so I’m not entirely sure which name “smoothie” or “juice”, is really appropriate??? Maybe a jummie? LOL Here’s the basic ingredients:
Carrot “Creamsicle” Yogurt Smoothie (or Juice maybe?)
I used 4 carrots (mediumish)
½ cup yogurt
1 cup iced
1 cup water
2 Tbsp Beary Berry Lemon flavoured honey (made locally and to DIE for!)
Blend for 1-2+ minutes. This one takes longer, as the carrot fibre is super tough to break down. It was still a little “fiberous”, but very good. It looked like a creamsicle drink, as you can see here:
Yesterday I also made some slow-cooked beef for burritos (about 11/2 lbs of cheap cut steak with one chopped onion, 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed once, 1+ TBSP of dried red chili flakes…we love spice! And salt to flavour…probably 2-5 tsp, depending on your salt likes. Use sea or mineral though – NOT regular iodinized salt). This was ultra yummy served with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, refried beans and, of course, my favourite mango/peach/habanero salsa from Costco.
Today, I used the leftover beef for dinner….so good! Made mashed potatoes to die for (secret ingredient is EPICURE’s chicken boullion, but any natural or organic chicken boullion is good), with yogurt instead of milk….but I did sneak some butter in too ;) and steamed up some lovely asparagus. Wow. Amazing food that is all good for me (in moderation!)!
Isaac and I went for a lovely walk last night and I also got some stretching done too. Felt super good! It was also a day for taking down all the Christmas décor and our beloved “1st married tree” *tear*. Oh well! It does feel nice to feel less cluttered and have more space in our little love nest again!!
Till tomorrow!!
Robyn
1-3
Yesterday morning I started the day with Carrot/yogurt/lemon honey smoothie/juice. It wasn’t really very thick, but had that nice smoothness yogurt added, so I’m not entirely sure which name “smoothie” or “juice”, is really appropriate??? Maybe a jummie? LOL Here’s the basic ingredients:
Carrot “Creamsicle” Yogurt Smoothie (or Juice maybe?)
I used 4 carrots (mediumish)
½ cup yogurt
1 cup iced
1 cup water
2 Tbsp Beary Berry Lemon flavoured honey (made locally and to DIE for!)
Blend for 1-2+ minutes. This one takes longer, as the carrot fibre is super tough to break down. It was still a little “fiberous”, but very good. It looked like a creamsicle drink, as you can see here:
Yesterday I also made some slow-cooked beef for burritos (about 11/2 lbs of cheap cut steak with one chopped onion, 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed once, 1+ TBSP of dried red chili flakes…we love spice! And salt to flavour…probably 2-5 tsp, depending on your salt likes. Use sea or mineral though – NOT regular iodinized salt). This was ultra yummy served with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, refried beans and, of course, my favourite mango/peach/habanero salsa from Costco.
Today, I used the leftover beef for dinner….so good! Made mashed potatoes to die for (secret ingredient is EPICURE’s chicken boullion, but any natural or organic chicken boullion is good), with yogurt instead of milk….but I did sneak some butter in too ;) and steamed up some lovely asparagus. Wow. Amazing food that is all good for me (in moderation!)!
Isaac and I went for a lovely walk last night and I also got some stretching done too. Felt super good! It was also a day for taking down all the Christmas décor and our beloved “1st married tree” *tear*. Oh well! It does feel nice to feel less cluttered and have more space in our little love nest again!!
Till tomorrow!!
Robyn
1-3
Monday, January 2, 2012
Onward, forward!
Well so far it's 0-2. I do have high hopes for tomorrow though!! Today has been successful in many little ways, although I blew the "good day" idea overall. I went for a brisk, 75-minute walk among the hills and dales of NW Calgary and ate a delicious, healthy shake for breakfast. Sadly I overslept this AM, so I lost on that score, but tomorrow is a new day and here's hoping my lazy butt gets in gear for Jan 3!
I invented said smoothie with ingredients at hand...mostly yummy, very healthy and a great way to boost my energy for said trek. Here is the recipe (invented on the spot) if you'd like it, but please note I am not a cook who measures very well, so yours might be a bit different ;)
Snappy Blueberry Smoothie
1 cup frozen, wild blueberries
1 cup organic yogurt
1 cup sugar-snap peas
1-2 Tbsp agave syrup (if you can take the sourness of the yogurt, then skip this!)
11/2 cups of ice
11/2-2 cups water
Blend until well mixed (I used my lovely new vitamix!)
Enjoy! This makes about 3 medium-large smoothies (you can tell I’m from a large family...lol), so I need to scale it down if I make this next time. Try halving it perhaps for two smaller ones.
Have a great rest of your day and here’s to a new one tomorrow!
I invented said smoothie with ingredients at hand...mostly yummy, very healthy and a great way to boost my energy for said trek. Here is the recipe (invented on the spot) if you'd like it, but please note I am not a cook who measures very well, so yours might be a bit different ;)
Snappy Blueberry Smoothie
1 cup frozen, wild blueberries
1 cup organic yogurt
1 cup sugar-snap peas
1-2 Tbsp agave syrup (if you can take the sourness of the yogurt, then skip this!)
11/2 cups of ice
11/2-2 cups water
Blend until well mixed (I used my lovely new vitamix!)
Enjoy! This makes about 3 medium-large smoothies (you can tell I’m from a large family...lol), so I need to scale it down if I make this next time. Try halving it perhaps for two smaller ones.
Have a great rest of your day and here’s to a new one tomorrow!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
For better...not for worse!
I’ve had an itch to write a blog (and have done so on and off for the past 4 years) that really means something to me. Deep down. In my core being. Partly due to an illness I struggled through last Autumn, and partly due to my delight in all things yummy AND healthy, I have also wanted to choose to live more intentionally with my health and all other daily things. However, I met a huge hurdle. Me. Being the perfectionist I am, I always fall off whatever “band wagon” I hop onto and it is, quite honestly, exhausting. So I knew, that whatever journey I decided to embark on, it would have to be one of gentle goals (actually achievable!) and goals that led to progress on my journey…not necessarily a destination. This is where the “212 in 2012” was born….and I’d like to invite any person reading this to join me!
Goal: 212 days where you live your best, give your best and rest your best in the year 2012.
**strong note: you have permission to fail 153 days! :D
Some may balk at such a large margin for failure, but trust me, I am exhilarated!! My perfectionism says, “Why I could do that!!” which is EXACLTY what I need. Positive feed from me. I know I have many reasons I should take care of myself and better myself, but sadly, I let those beautiful things get tossed aside once I feel like I “blew it”. So here’s to “212 in 2012” for each of us…and maybe I’ll complete it by my birthday in November so I can add a few more days in there before January 1, 2013!
So what does a “good day” entail? This could be different for anyone. I have a huge “issue” with food. I love it. I indulge in it like it is more than mere fuel for my body, which is NOT good. I know for others food may not be anything to worry about, or “better themselves” about, so pick your items as you wish. Perhaps you want to read a certain number of books, or perhaps actually get your butt in gear and read the Bible from cover to cover? Maybe you want to work out for 30 minutes a day, or eat “only organic” as much as possible. Maybe you want to try new recipes, make your own lotions, drink less alcohol or pray more….write it down, because it’s not about “New Year’s Resolutions Gone Awry”, it’s about a precious person, YOU, who is striving to become the best person they can!
Robyn’s “good day list” (you’ll see why the huge margin of error after this, lol!):
Physical activity for 30+ minutes
No sugar or dairy (EXCEPT organic, plain yogurt) or wheat in my diet
No white, processed grains in my diet (white rice included)
5-7 servings of vegetables and fruit (preferably fresh organic, but organic frozen will count too)
Lights out by 10 PM or earlier (talking about brutal…this may be the one section I struggle with the most….I am a definitely “night owl”)
Up before 8 AM.
No alcohol.
I am giving myself 2 weeks to change or adjust this list, as I may come up with some other things that I want to add, or change some of the above slightly to make it possible. It still comes across as VERY daunting to me, so I’d love to have some others join me on this journey. Let me know what you’ve chosen to be a “good day” for you….perhaps I shall steal some of your ideas!!
Until I blog again (hopefully my first good day is tomorrow…today is a bust as “New Year’s Day Dinner” shall attack me from all sides in about 2 hours…).
Robyn
PS: check out this lovely poem by William Arthur Ward (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)
“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”
Go have a GOOD day!
Goal: 212 days where you live your best, give your best and rest your best in the year 2012.
**strong note: you have permission to fail 153 days! :D
Some may balk at such a large margin for failure, but trust me, I am exhilarated!! My perfectionism says, “Why I could do that!!” which is EXACLTY what I need. Positive feed from me. I know I have many reasons I should take care of myself and better myself, but sadly, I let those beautiful things get tossed aside once I feel like I “blew it”. So here’s to “212 in 2012” for each of us…and maybe I’ll complete it by my birthday in November so I can add a few more days in there before January 1, 2013!
So what does a “good day” entail? This could be different for anyone. I have a huge “issue” with food. I love it. I indulge in it like it is more than mere fuel for my body, which is NOT good. I know for others food may not be anything to worry about, or “better themselves” about, so pick your items as you wish. Perhaps you want to read a certain number of books, or perhaps actually get your butt in gear and read the Bible from cover to cover? Maybe you want to work out for 30 minutes a day, or eat “only organic” as much as possible. Maybe you want to try new recipes, make your own lotions, drink less alcohol or pray more….write it down, because it’s not about “New Year’s Resolutions Gone Awry”, it’s about a precious person, YOU, who is striving to become the best person they can!
Robyn’s “good day list” (you’ll see why the huge margin of error after this, lol!):
Physical activity for 30+ minutes
No sugar or dairy (EXCEPT organic, plain yogurt) or wheat in my diet
No white, processed grains in my diet (white rice included)
5-7 servings of vegetables and fruit (preferably fresh organic, but organic frozen will count too)
Lights out by 10 PM or earlier (talking about brutal…this may be the one section I struggle with the most….I am a definitely “night owl”)
Up before 8 AM.
No alcohol.
I am giving myself 2 weeks to change or adjust this list, as I may come up with some other things that I want to add, or change some of the above slightly to make it possible. It still comes across as VERY daunting to me, so I’d love to have some others join me on this journey. Let me know what you’ve chosen to be a “good day” for you….perhaps I shall steal some of your ideas!!
Until I blog again (hopefully my first good day is tomorrow…today is a bust as “New Year’s Day Dinner” shall attack me from all sides in about 2 hours…).
Robyn
PS: check out this lovely poem by William Arthur Ward (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)
“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”
Go have a GOOD day!
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