Next Tuesday, March 26th, marks 2 years of being Pescatarian minus all dairy/egg. TWO YEARS! Wow. Time flies.
It has been an eye-opening couple of years to say the least. I never imagined how much my life would change. Two years ago I had come to my wits end. My body was fighting me at every turn and I was at my limit.
Constant stomach pain. Vomiting. Bloating. Tests. Doctors. Homeopathy. Pills. Etc. etc. etc.
Nothing helped. So I took drastic measures and cut out all dairy, eggs and meat cold-turkey. I kept fish in my diet knowing I would need some animal product to get more nutrients. It was a ROUGH transition going from Cheese Addict to Almond Milk connoisseur. But I did it. And I loved it.
The changes I felt were immediate. And amazing.
I have had involuntary vomiting issues since infancy. Over the course of my life, I went from throwing up once every week and a half to several times per day. It was terrible and a defining factor in my life. I hid it from everyone but my family and J. There is a stigma to females and throwing up... and being a gymnast, I was all too familiar with eating disorders. At 18, I was accused by a teacher of having an eating disorder. It resulted in my mom storming into the principal's office and telling him and that teacher to screw themselves.... in polite momma terms of course. Thanks Mom!
The older I got, the less violent the throwing up was which meant it was easier to hide. My body would just reject the food. I could go to the bathroom as soon as I knew it was coming and it would come up quickly and easily. Then the pain would go away. But I could feel the leftover issues it was leaving behind. My teeth were starting to be worn from all the stomach acid. And I developed GERD. Stomach acid constantly up and down my throat has created regular and unyielding heartburn. It is so regular that when I don't have heartburn, I forget that the feeling is supposed to be normal. Around 12, I just got used to the constant burning in my chest and throat. And it hasn't changed unfortunately. BUT... The past two years I have only thrown up THREE times. THREE! Talk about a miracle!
Now the time has come.... I'm adding Beef back into my diet! That's right! Red meat in all its glory. This has been a long time coming. At about the year mark, my husband started incorporating local, grass fed, grass finished, hormone free meat back into his meals. Not often. But he had some red meat about once every 2 months or so. I debated adding it in, but with how great I was feeling, I didn't want to jeopardize it. So I decided I would wait another year or so.
So after two years of nothing but fish, I am adding red meat to my lifestyle and seeing how it goes. Don't get me wrong, I won't be eating burgers at cook-outs and scarfing down steaks at restaurants. UNLESS they are local. Grass Fed. Hormone and Drug free. But I would like to eat it sporadically and see how my body takes it.
... and man, am I pumped! We have friends who chip in and buy a full cow from a local family farm to split. J and I are currently researching options since we have a tiny little freezer.
With the addition mentioned above, I am also planning on cutting back on wheat, gluten, processed crap as best as possible. I want to make my body as healthy as possible and the results I have seen over the past year have floored me. I improved my quality of life drastically! No more sneaking off to the gas station or insisting on having my car around at all times just in case the food didn't settle. I even had to run around downtown Salt Lake and puke in a porta-potty once. Terrible.
Two Years - What a difference. And, I dropped 12 lbs... that never hurts either ;)
I am hoping cutting down on the grains and other processed crap will help with the heartburn and my overall health. Last time I had blood work done, they were shocked and impressed with how great my results were... I am hoping that after making this transition, they will be even better!
I will definitely let you know how it goes... for better or for worse. :)
Friday, March 22, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Archetyping
So occasionally when I refresh my instagram for the eleventy-millionth time
and still have boredom written on the brain, I research random things on the
internet. Today, I came across a website that gives you your
archetypes.
I love this kind of crap! In elementary school, we were required to do this giant personality test. I remember it being really long and asking really random questions, but in the end they give you what careers best fit your personality. My careers were teacher, athletic coach, writer and marine biologist. You better believe I was thrilled! Little Meg was sure that she was going to work full time with manatees, be a famous author and coach gymnastics on the weekend.
Sweet!
Over the years, I seem to get pretty much the same result every time I take a personality test. So when I saw this Archetype website, I was hooked. You start by choosing whether you identify yourself as female or male. Then it asks you a series of questions where you can choose up to 3 answers. I chose 3 for pretty much every question.
Here's my result:
I'm not going to lie, I was pretty shocked. Athletic?! Seriously? I was a gymnast for 14 years... so yes, the athletic nature is still ingrained within my being. But other than some cheerleading, dance and diving sprinkled through the years... I really have been almost anti-athletic for the last 10 years. I have written about it here... but basically, I was burned out on all things sport related. I have started to appreciate it more recently but I still feel FAR from athletic.
The other major thing that struck me is one category where I always score high.... but this time, it wasn't listed in my top 3. Spirituality.
Sad. I feel that my spirituality is an important and integral part of my entire being. Where was it?! Sure, it's just a silly quiz but it still hit me hard to know that it wasn't an identifier.
I used to be very vocal about my beliefs as a kid but around 15, I decided I wanted more. I set out on researching EVERYTHING. My favorite classes in college were my religion and sociology classes and I enjoyed gaining some knowledge and understanding of the various beliefs in the world.
When I moved to Utah, J and I started following the Red Path. A form of native american healing and spirituality. I don't really want to talk about it because I feel it would diminish the reverence I hold for everything it has done in my life. The Red Path brought new understanding and respect to the God that I knew and the fundamentals of my faith.
Over the last 6 years of following the Red Path, I feel I have finally found my footing with my spirituality. My spirituality has developed into something that I follow and believe for me. Not just because it was what I was taught or what I am comfortable with. I hold to it because it is part of my identity. I have much to improve on, but it is a daily guide and reminder to me to live my life in a certain way. Through all this change and understanding, I also have found that my beliefs have become very internalized. Very personal. And the foundation of my authentic self.
I still believe in the God of my parents and childhood but in such a greater way then I ever imagined. J and I watch all of the sermons from my Oklahoma church online and then sit and discuss the topics after and how to apply them to our lives. It's the first time since childhood that church has mattered to me. It shocks me that this wasn't identified in this silly survey. But I guess it shows how much growing I still have to do.
Well although, the whole Marine Biology thing never really worked out... I still hope to publish at least one book in my life :) We'll see how that turns out.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
HBD to my #1 Squeeze - the big 33
I am way behind on blogging because I pretty much work all the time. But I wanted to take the time to recap my husband's birthday. I always recap his birthdays and this year we realized just how special that is.
So... those of you who read my blog know that my husband is a musician and owns his own business - a recording studio. He is the best engineer and producer this side of the Mississippi. ;) With his passion and his livelihood focused on music, he is always talking about new gear he wants for his band or his studio. I pay attention and then try to get him one of the items each year for his bday. The past while, he has repeatedly looked for and talked about a Rhodes keyboard.
Me, being the ever prepared wife (laugh it up), started looking for a Rhodes back in October. I knew they were expensive so finding one even close to my budget would take a while. Well... a few days later, I found the motherload in a Craigslist ad from Vegas. I talked with the seller and knew I could not pass up such a deal! I sent the ad to his bandmate and also to a friend in California who has a Rhodes in his studio.
They signed off on its awesomeness and I let J know that he needed to clear out 24 hours. He had no idea what was going on but he agreed to clear his schedule. So we hopped in my car and drove the 5 1/2 hours to Vegas, picked it up and drove back to Salt Lake.
The Rhodes was beautiful, in great shape, and a super amazing deal! Sure it was 4 months before his birthday but hey, a deal is a deal.
So when his actual birthday rolled around, J had already decided he wanted it to be low key. He had toured in England in December and recorded for over a week in the mountains in January.... so low key and personal was on the plate. Ben Folds Five was playing a reunion show in Vegas the week before his birthday... so of course we had to go!
His actual birthday started off with a nice home-cooked breakfast. Since I gave up dairy and eggs 2 years ago, I don't ever cook fancy breakfasts. For his bday, I surprised him with an egg and bacon breakfast sandwich...
I am a birthday fanatic (it's a problem), so I also made sure he still had a present to open... an album by the Cure ...
We then followed our birthday tradition of Benihana and the Red Door. Dinner was exceptional and tasty like always.
And of course the Red Door is always a win-win situation... they seriously have the best martinis in Utah. While at the Red Door, we talked a lot about the future and where we are today. We also started reminiscing about past birthdays. For the life of us, we could not remember which year was which. Enter my handy-dandy blog. We read through my recaps of his past birthdays with the who, what and where. It was amazing and such a good way to spend the evening. We both felt very blessed to be surrounded by amazing, loving family and friends.
So... those of you who read my blog know that my husband is a musician and owns his own business - a recording studio. He is the best engineer and producer this side of the Mississippi. ;) With his passion and his livelihood focused on music, he is always talking about new gear he wants for his band or his studio. I pay attention and then try to get him one of the items each year for his bday. The past while, he has repeatedly looked for and talked about a Rhodes keyboard.
Me, being the ever prepared wife (laugh it up), started looking for a Rhodes back in October. I knew they were expensive so finding one even close to my budget would take a while. Well... a few days later, I found the motherload in a Craigslist ad from Vegas. I talked with the seller and knew I could not pass up such a deal! I sent the ad to his bandmate and also to a friend in California who has a Rhodes in his studio.
They signed off on its awesomeness and I let J know that he needed to clear out 24 hours. He had no idea what was going on but he agreed to clear his schedule. So we hopped in my car and drove the 5 1/2 hours to Vegas, picked it up and drove back to Salt Lake.
The Rhodes was beautiful, in great shape, and a super amazing deal! Sure it was 4 months before his birthday but hey, a deal is a deal.
He was SHOCKED and THRILLED!
So when his actual birthday rolled around, J had already decided he wanted it to be low key. He had toured in England in December and recorded for over a week in the mountains in January.... so low key and personal was on the plate. Ben Folds Five was playing a reunion show in Vegas the week before his birthday... so of course we had to go!
 |
| crazy hair |
I am a birthday fanatic (it's a problem), so I also made sure he still had a present to open... an album by the Cure ...
We then followed our birthday tradition of Benihana and the Red Door. Dinner was exceptional and tasty like always.
And of course the Red Door is always a win-win situation... they seriously have the best martinis in Utah. While at the Red Door, we talked a lot about the future and where we are today. We also started reminiscing about past birthdays. For the life of us, we could not remember which year was which. Enter my handy-dandy blog. We read through my recaps of his past birthdays with the who, what and where. It was amazing and such a good way to spend the evening. We both felt very blessed to be surrounded by amazing, loving family and friends.
So Happy Birthday J! You are always my favorite celebration! :)
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
2012 - a year in review
2012. I have a hard time wrapping my head around 2013. 8
days in and I am still writing the wrong year on everything.
2012 was nothing like I expected. It was more and less at the same time. Not in a bad way. Just in an honest way. To be honest, I had a fantastic year. It was so much more than I expected and honestly was wrapped up in a tight little bow. But it was an insightful year.
I started 2012 being thrown for a loop. I got really sick New Years Eve with a nasty respiratory thing (thanks to being allergic to some cute little pugs I saw at a New Years Eve party). It lasted over 3 weeks.... needless to say 2012 didn't start with a bang.
I spent months worrying about a family cruise we were leaving on in April due to my fear of boats. It would be a lie if I didn't say that I spent months of anxiety praying that it would all be okay. When we boarded the boat, I had an overwhelming sense of calm. I realized that with all my family on the same boat... I was okay. If something happened, I was with my family and my husband. I was exactly where I wanted to be.
It ended up being a fantastic trip and I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity to hang out with my family. I don't get to see them very often. Especially my cousins, aunt and uncle. But spending a week with them in the middle of the ocean... with no cellphones... no facebook.... no jobs ... it was pure bliss at its highest level.
2012 was the year I realized that Utah is now my home. Sure I will always be an Oklahoma girl... Sooner born and Sooner bred .... but it was the first year where I knew my place is in Utah. And the first year that I am truly okay with that. I will always miss my family and wish I could be just down the street from them. That I could run over for dinner. That I could take my niece and nephew for a "fun Aunt Meg day" ... that I could just be there. More. Often. Always. But Utah is my home.
2012 reminded me of the difference between "acquaintance" and "friend" ... It truly is amazing what time will do for friendships. I am thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with some of the women that have meant the most to me over my life. We were able to reestablish solid friendships on a foundation of nothing more than love and understanding. I am so grateful for these women. Despite the distance or the lack of communication that has happened over the years, they are truly my lifeline to the journey that got me where I am today. I am so blessed to call them friends and only hope I am as good to them as they are to me.
2012 showed me the importance of only filling the buckets that need filling. I saw this quote and I felt it was a slap across the face:
... Mainly because it made me cry. I have enjoyed watching some of the
friendships I have in Utah blossom into endearing supportive
relationships. I realized that I was putting a lot of energy into the
wrong buckets while neglecting the right ones. I aspire to be the kind of
friend that returns the love and care that is worthy of a true
friendship.
2012 humbled me in ways I can't describe. It tested every ounce of my being and my desire to be in control of my life. I know God has a plan but I think I just always try to help that plan along toward what I think is best … In every aspect of my life. I’ve learned that time can’t be controlled. This past Christmas was the first time I have really absorbed that not every Christmas will be the same. That the traditions I have held dear aren’t always going to be there. But that it’s okay. Traditions are molded with time. Life is just time in review.
And more than anything, 2012 showed me that I picked the right partner for the journey. The love, support, encouragement, and compassion I have received from J is hard to explain. I am so honored to be his wife and am beyond thankful and humbled that we were able to share 2012 together.
2012 tested who I am. The true core of me. It reminded me of the importance of friends. True, honest, raw friends. It solidified my love and admiration for my family. It showed me that there is a bigger plan in progress and that I should be humbled and honored to take the journey.
So here is to 2013. Here is to turning the big 3-0. Here is to a new journey, wherever this year takes us.
I leave you with a song from my husband's new band... mainly because I adore it. And hey, if you like James Bond... then that's just a bonus ;)
2012 was nothing like I expected. It was more and less at the same time. Not in a bad way. Just in an honest way. To be honest, I had a fantastic year. It was so much more than I expected and honestly was wrapped up in a tight little bow. But it was an insightful year.
I started 2012 being thrown for a loop. I got really sick New Years Eve with a nasty respiratory thing (thanks to being allergic to some cute little pugs I saw at a New Years Eve party). It lasted over 3 weeks.... needless to say 2012 didn't start with a bang.
I spent months worrying about a family cruise we were leaving on in April due to my fear of boats. It would be a lie if I didn't say that I spent months of anxiety praying that it would all be okay. When we boarded the boat, I had an overwhelming sense of calm. I realized that with all my family on the same boat... I was okay. If something happened, I was with my family and my husband. I was exactly where I wanted to be.
It ended up being a fantastic trip and I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity to hang out with my family. I don't get to see them very often. Especially my cousins, aunt and uncle. But spending a week with them in the middle of the ocean... with no cellphones... no facebook.... no jobs ... it was pure bliss at its highest level.
2012 was the year I realized that Utah is now my home. Sure I will always be an Oklahoma girl... Sooner born and Sooner bred .... but it was the first year where I knew my place is in Utah. And the first year that I am truly okay with that. I will always miss my family and wish I could be just down the street from them. That I could run over for dinner. That I could take my niece and nephew for a "fun Aunt Meg day" ... that I could just be there. More. Often. Always. But Utah is my home.
2012 reminded me of the difference between "acquaintance" and "friend" ... It truly is amazing what time will do for friendships. I am thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with some of the women that have meant the most to me over my life. We were able to reestablish solid friendships on a foundation of nothing more than love and understanding. I am so grateful for these women. Despite the distance or the lack of communication that has happened over the years, they are truly my lifeline to the journey that got me where I am today. I am so blessed to call them friends and only hope I am as good to them as they are to me.
2012 showed me the importance of only filling the buckets that need filling. I saw this quote and I felt it was a slap across the face:
2012 humbled me in ways I can't describe. It tested every ounce of my being and my desire to be in control of my life. I know God has a plan but I think I just always try to help that plan along toward what I think is best … In every aspect of my life. I’ve learned that time can’t be controlled. This past Christmas was the first time I have really absorbed that not every Christmas will be the same. That the traditions I have held dear aren’t always going to be there. But that it’s okay. Traditions are molded with time. Life is just time in review.
And more than anything, 2012 showed me that I picked the right partner for the journey. The love, support, encouragement, and compassion I have received from J is hard to explain. I am so honored to be his wife and am beyond thankful and humbled that we were able to share 2012 together.
2012 tested who I am. The true core of me. It reminded me of the importance of friends. True, honest, raw friends. It solidified my love and admiration for my family. It showed me that there is a bigger plan in progress and that I should be humbled and honored to take the journey.
So here is to 2013. Here is to turning the big 3-0. Here is to a new journey, wherever this year takes us.
I leave you with a song from my husband's new band... mainly because I adore it. And hey, if you like James Bond... then that's just a bonus ;)
Friday, November 2, 2012
A crooners wife...
Yes, I said crooner. Why does no one use that phrase anymore!?
Anyways, my uber talented husband and some friends have been writing songs for the last year or so for a fun side project called Bon Vivant. AND... They decided to play some shows!
Those of you that read my blog not only know that my husband has been in bands for a while, you also have most likely been to a show ... Or two... Or ten! :)
But this band is a little different. He will only be doing the vocals! Crazy right!? Usually he has his acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, keyboard, bass, cello or SOMETHING. But nope, just singing with this one.
And let me just tell you... I am pumped to see them perform on November 14th at Urban Lounge! These songs are some of my very favorite tunes he has ever done. And he recorded all of them in his studio. So click on the link for a sneak peek :)
Anyways, my uber talented husband and some friends have been writing songs for the last year or so for a fun side project called Bon Vivant. AND... They decided to play some shows!
Those of you that read my blog not only know that my husband has been in bands for a while, you also have most likely been to a show ... Or two... Or ten! :)
But this band is a little different. He will only be doing the vocals! Crazy right!? Usually he has his acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, keyboard, bass, cello or SOMETHING. But nope, just singing with this one.
And let me just tell you... I am pumped to see them perform on November 14th at Urban Lounge! These songs are some of my very favorite tunes he has ever done. And he recorded all of them in his studio. So click on the link for a sneak peek :)
Monday, October 15, 2012
Frick and Frack ... Who is that?
Frick and Frack.... Who's that?
Over the years, friends tend to lose touch. Life gets busy and before you know it, 3 years have gone by since you saw that old "bestie" of yours. Thankfully, with some friends, no matter how much time goes by.... you always pick up right where you left off.
That is the case with my friend, Lisa. You may know her from imanokie.com ... but I know her as Lis, Marv and the other half of my Frack.
Lisa and I met in the early 90s. Just two girls who had their hearts set on being the next Shannon Miller or Kim Zmeskal. We were teammates who turned into friends. We quickly bonded over all things Backstreet Boys and our love for Nick and Brian. We were the ultimate teeny-boppers and we loved every minute of it.
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| (Me - back row, 2nd from L / Lisa - back row, 4th from R) |
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| Bangs were all the rage! |
When gymnastics ended, we kept in touch...
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| Lisa's 16 bday |
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| College |
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| College |
And she was even with me the night I met my husband.
2 years later, she was a bridesmaid at our wedding ....
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| Bachelorette Party |
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| 4.4.08 |
In her old relationships, I never got the sense that she had that thrill that I think all relationships should have. She never felt special or needed the way I think she should have. But it was her life to live how she wanted whether or not I thought that she deserved the world + infinity.
Then she met Chad...
When she first told me about Chad, I remember being thrilled. ECSTATIC actually. She was being thrilled, needed, and accepted. She was feeling the way a woman should feel and she was getting the love that I thought she has always deserved. She seemed at peace for the first time in a long time. And I loved it.
When we made our visit out to Oklahoma over the summer, it just happened to coincide with Cora's birth. We of course made time to go visit them in the hospital.... which was our first time to meet Chad. I was nervous. I know that's silly ... but she is one of my best friends which means Chad had some major impressing to do ;)
Getting to see them in that hospital room as a family was all I needed to know... Lisa had found home in Chad. And vice versa. Seeing her be 100% Lisa and comfortable and happy was humbling and exciting all at the same time.
So... when we got the invite to attend their Wedding in Breckenridge, J and I jumped at the chance to be there.
to be continued ...
Even though the same people don't read my blog, I am not going to post the wedding recap yet. I want to make sure she posts about it in her own words before I go talking about it. It was a beautiful weekend... and I am so glad I got to share it with her :)
Friday, October 12, 2012
a Utah Wedding
If you haven't been to Utah, let me just tell you: It's Beautiful! And way better than I ever expected before moving here.
Recently we had a friend's little sister get married in one of the Canyons and it was gorgeous. Instead of doing a long recap... I'm just going to post some photos. :)
Recently we had a friend's little sister get married in one of the Canyons and it was gorgeous. Instead of doing a long recap... I'm just going to post some photos. :)
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Baby Shower ... via Skype.com
Growing up, I never thought I would live anywhere except Oklahoma. Many of my friends were the same way. Born and bred Okies destined to live in that fabulous state forever.... But of course. That didn't happen. A year after graduating college, I loaded up my car and headed to Utah. Slowly, a lot of my Oklahoma friends also started moving out of our beloved Okie bubble.
One of my closest friends fell in love with a handsome Brit .... Which meant, off she went! Now that she lives "across the pond" we keep in touch via Skype.
During one of our catch-up sessions, we got talking about the cultural differences between England and the US. Apparently, the US tends to be shower happy. As in, shower obsessed. In England they don't do the typical American idea of showers to celebrate the birth of a new child. Things are either loaned or the responsibility of the parents to purchase. I couldn't imagine having to purchase EVERYTHING myself. Babies are expensive.... And so is all the items you need for the baby. Clothes, furniture, etc. etc. etc.
I immediately got the idea that I wanted to throw her a shower. But with her in England, me in Utah and the rest of our friends in Oklahoma and the Carolina's, I knew I had some research to do. Long story short... I decided to throw her a Skype shower.
In order to get everyone all the Skype info, I made the invitation like a newspaper page (thank you Pinterest)... Thanks to my handsome husband for photoshopping it all together....
Everyone mailed their gifts to Jen and she opened them over Skype we also did a quiz about her and her husband's childhood for the shower game.
We ended up with a 4 video Skype shower. All the Oklahoma girls skyped from one location. Then I had one from Utah, Jenny in England and Em is South Carolina.
It was so fun to get everyone together and laugh and chat and be the same silly girls we've always been.
Jen's little boy made an early entrance and was born exactly a week after the shower. Even though it wasn't a huge shower, I had so much fun being able to honor her and her husband with the long-
distance shower :)
One of my closest friends fell in love with a handsome Brit .... Which meant, off she went! Now that she lives "across the pond" we keep in touch via Skype.
During one of our catch-up sessions, we got talking about the cultural differences between England and the US. Apparently, the US tends to be shower happy. As in, shower obsessed. In England they don't do the typical American idea of showers to celebrate the birth of a new child. Things are either loaned or the responsibility of the parents to purchase. I couldn't imagine having to purchase EVERYTHING myself. Babies are expensive.... And so is all the items you need for the baby. Clothes, furniture, etc. etc. etc.
I immediately got the idea that I wanted to throw her a shower. But with her in England, me in Utah and the rest of our friends in Oklahoma and the Carolina's, I knew I had some research to do. Long story short... I decided to throw her a Skype shower.
In order to get everyone all the Skype info, I made the invitation like a newspaper page (thank you Pinterest)... Thanks to my handsome husband for photoshopping it all together....
Everyone mailed their gifts to Jen and she opened them over Skype we also did a quiz about her and her husband's childhood for the shower game.
We ended up with a 4 video Skype shower. All the Oklahoma girls skyped from one location. Then I had one from Utah, Jenny in England and Em is South Carolina.
It was so fun to get everyone together and laugh and chat and be the same silly girls we've always been.
Jen's little boy made an early entrance and was born exactly a week after the shower. Even though it wasn't a huge shower, I had so much fun being able to honor her and her husband with the long-
distance shower :)
Congrats to Jen and M!! Love you both :)
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Ryder Landon
I have been a very poor blogger this month. September is my busiest month of the year at work so I had 19 events plus conference calls. Now that the craziness has died down (a little), I thought I'd try to catch up with my posts.
For starters.... I am an Aunt to a precious new baby boy...
... And I couldn't be more thrilled! Ryder came a little earlier than expected but is the cutest little boy EVER :)
J and I won't have a chance to meet him until Christmas. Luckily, I've been able to facetime with my sis a few times. (Thank you Steve Jobs). So excited to have a little boy to spoil!
For starters.... I am an Aunt to a precious new baby boy...
... And I couldn't be more thrilled! Ryder came a little earlier than expected but is the cutest little boy EVER :)
J and I won't have a chance to meet him until Christmas. Luckily, I've been able to facetime with my sis a few times. (Thank you Steve Jobs). So excited to have a little boy to spoil!
I'm a lucky Aunt :)
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
The Carpenter
If you read my blog at all, you know my love for all things Avett! I had been debating about pre-ordering their new vinyl but was disheartened that they had no sort of special package like they've done in the past.
Well....
They finally posted their awesome pre-order deluxe set and guess what!? I bought it!
Oh, Merry Christmas to me! ;)
I'm SO excited! I get the instant download of the new album on September 11th and the box set ships in October. Joy!
The Carpenter Deluxe Box Set includes:
A beautiful, genuine pine box, adorned with a burned-in Avett Brothers and...
I can't event say how excited I am! I ordered it the day it was announced so I was one of the first 500! Eeeeek! Pee my pants kind of excitement right here!
If you are interested in pre-ordering their album, please visit this website: http://www.myplaydirect.com/the-avett-brothers
And just for kicks and giggles...
Well....
They finally posted their awesome pre-order deluxe set and guess what!? I bought it!
Oh, Merry Christmas to me! ;)
I'm SO excited! I get the instant download of the new album on September 11th and the box set ships in October. Joy!
The Carpenter Deluxe Box Set includes:
A beautiful, genuine pine box, adorned with a burned-in Avett Brothers and...
- Thirteen 12x12 Two Sided 2013 Calendar and Lyric Prints
- Seven 12x12 High Quality Photo Prints
- Signed Lithograph (only for the first 500 orders)
- 12x12 Exclusive Letterpress Art Print
- The Carpenter 180 Gram Double Vinyl Gatefold Package
- Exclusive 6-song CD of Demo Recordings from The Carpenter, not available anywhere else!
- 7" vinyls of "Live and Die"/"The Clearness is Gone" (limited to the first 1000)
- Instant download of single “Live and Die”
- Full download of The Carpenter on September 11
I can't event say how excited I am! I ordered it the day it was announced so I was one of the first 500! Eeeeek! Pee my pants kind of excitement right here!
If you are interested in pre-ordering their album, please visit this website: http://www.myplaydirect.com/the-avett-brothers
And just for kicks and giggles...
*sigh*
Friday, August 24, 2012
Who is Guyon and why do I care?!
I have been super MIA, I know. So much has been going on! My work is starting its busy season and we just completed the whole refi process! Yay on saving money :)
Also, I haven't really mentioned it before... but I am now a few treatments in with a physical therapist.
When I was about 11 years old, I had a sports surgeon tell me that by the time I was 30, I would be lucky if I had any movement in my hands or wrists. He told me specifically that if I did not quit gymnastics immediately, I would be lucky to do ANYTHING in the future with my hands! As in write, hold things, play tennis... ANYTHING. I was devastated. Being 11 and already having 7 broken bones behind me, I thought that I was tougher than that. I wasn't going to give up just because some doctor told me I should. (4 broken bones later and 2 elbow surgeries, I finally learned my lesson)
Enter 28 years old and on to the good old 29....
I started noticing that my right hand was cramping pretty regularly. I then started to lose the strength in it and was dropping stuff on accident all the time. It got so bad that if I could make it through an entire day and only drop 2 things, I was thrilled! I started researching online and of course did what you are never supposed to do: self diagnosed through WebMD. I mean, it is hard to look anything up on WebMD and not come out with some sort of fatal illness. But... it kept coming up with the same thing .... a condition similar to carpal tunnel (just in a different area of the wrist and hand) known as Guyon's Canal and is related to the ulnar nerve.... All the research online stated the same thing... "Get it fixed or it will get worse!" ... and believe me, the last thing I want is hand surgery!
So I made an evaluation appointment with a doctor that had been suggested to me by some reliable sources. After some muscle testing, xrays, and stress tests... turns out it is indeed the same condition I self-diagnosed on WebMD. The nerves have been damaged and is causing the issues with my right hand, wrist and arm. Dang.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. He thinks the nerve issues are also related to my neck. So he is working on getting my spine back in place and making the vertebrae back in their proper position instead of their current position... which believe me, is totally whack! Truth. So I'm pumped! Not pumped about the time and cost but VERY pumped about the changes I am already noticing! I don't wake up in pain throughout the night! I have only dropped ONE thing in the last week! (That's a record)... AND I'm getting everything fixed now to reduce long term damage!
Who knows?! Maybe this 3 month hiatus from all things workout related will be over soon!
I am always so fascinated by how the body is connected. And I am thrilled to have a doctor that is really going above and beyond to make sure it is fixed.... and fixed correctly! I even had a treatment today. Man oh man, am I sore!
Have you ever been told not to do something and then hated when it slapped you across the face? ;)
Also, I haven't really mentioned it before... but I am now a few treatments in with a physical therapist.
When I was about 11 years old, I had a sports surgeon tell me that by the time I was 30, I would be lucky if I had any movement in my hands or wrists. He told me specifically that if I did not quit gymnastics immediately, I would be lucky to do ANYTHING in the future with my hands! As in write, hold things, play tennis... ANYTHING. I was devastated. Being 11 and already having 7 broken bones behind me, I thought that I was tougher than that. I wasn't going to give up just because some doctor told me I should. (4 broken bones later and 2 elbow surgeries, I finally learned my lesson)
Enter 28 years old and on to the good old 29....
I started noticing that my right hand was cramping pretty regularly. I then started to lose the strength in it and was dropping stuff on accident all the time. It got so bad that if I could make it through an entire day and only drop 2 things, I was thrilled! I started researching online and of course did what you are never supposed to do: self diagnosed through WebMD. I mean, it is hard to look anything up on WebMD and not come out with some sort of fatal illness. But... it kept coming up with the same thing .... a condition similar to carpal tunnel (just in a different area of the wrist and hand) known as Guyon's Canal and is related to the ulnar nerve.... All the research online stated the same thing... "Get it fixed or it will get worse!" ... and believe me, the last thing I want is hand surgery!
Aww geez... the 11 year old gymnast in me is pissed.
So I made an evaluation appointment with a doctor that had been suggested to me by some reliable sources. After some muscle testing, xrays, and stress tests... turns out it is indeed the same condition I self-diagnosed on WebMD. The nerves have been damaged and is causing the issues with my right hand, wrist and arm. Dang.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. He thinks the nerve issues are also related to my neck. So he is working on getting my spine back in place and making the vertebrae back in their proper position instead of their current position... which believe me, is totally whack! Truth. So I'm pumped! Not pumped about the time and cost but VERY pumped about the changes I am already noticing! I don't wake up in pain throughout the night! I have only dropped ONE thing in the last week! (That's a record)... AND I'm getting everything fixed now to reduce long term damage!
Who knows?! Maybe this 3 month hiatus from all things workout related will be over soon!
I am always so fascinated by how the body is connected. And I am thrilled to have a doctor that is really going above and beyond to make sure it is fixed.... and fixed correctly! I even had a treatment today. Man oh man, am I sore!
Have you ever been told not to do something and then hated when it slapped you across the face? ;)
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Wakey, Wakey... Eggs and Bac-ey
It's been almost a year and a half since I have had any dairy or meat other than fish. That is a LONG time. It has truly been an adventure and I wouldn't go back unless it was absolutely necessary. The changes I have felt in my own body are phenomenal! No more throwing up. No more constant pain in my stomach. No more worrying about where the nearest bathroom is. It's been a life changer.
That being said, I have been surprised by what cravings quickly diminished and which ones refuse to let goand are hanging on for dear life. Going into my diet change, I was a cheese addict! Like serious cheese lover. As in, I could eat a WHOLE bag of cheese cubes in a single sitting. Truth.
I was positive that not having cheese would be the end of the world. Little did I know that I wouldn't even miss it! Not one bit. The thought of cheese actually grosses me out the majority of the time. Who would have thought?!
BUT... there are 2 things that I seriously struggle with .... Eggs and Bacon. Oh sweet breakfast food and all its glory!
I have always been an egg lover! Fried, scrambled, hard-boiled, poached, deviled.... all divine! But of all the dairy-ish items...turns out I am seriously allergic to eggs. I had tried going eggless in the past but it never changed my gut issues... But now I am definitely seeing the intensity of this allergy. As in, I can't eat breaded eggplant if they use egg in the breading. Sad.
The other source of Sunday brunch sadness is Bacon. Oh, beloved bacon. Surprisingly, the thing that keeps me from eating bacon is this terrible situation...
Yet, according to the Humane Society, this is the year of the pig! Please go read more here. Changing their situation is necessary and they have made huge strides over the past year.
So more than anything for Mr. Pig, pay attention to where your food comes from! Educate yourself! And buy local as much as possible.
And on a side note> always try to go for Grass-Finished beef... not Grass-Fed.
Grass-finished is much more strict and generally means the cow was fattened on grass for the 90 to 160 days before slaughter. Grass-fed means just that... a cow was fed grass... however, the length of time it had grass and the rest of its meals could have been conventional. (Pending more defined terms via legislation) ... Most grass-fed cows are finished on grain/corn during those 90-160 days.
So to finish this random little post... I will leave you with one of my favorite facebook memes....
That being said, I have been surprised by what cravings quickly diminished and which ones refuse to let go
I was positive that not having cheese would be the end of the world. Little did I know that I wouldn't even miss it! Not one bit. The thought of cheese actually grosses me out the majority of the time. Who would have thought?!
BUT... there are 2 things that I seriously struggle with .... Eggs and Bacon. Oh sweet breakfast food and all its glory!
I have always been an egg lover! Fried, scrambled, hard-boiled, poached, deviled.... all divine! But of all the dairy-ish items...turns out I am seriously allergic to eggs. I had tried going eggless in the past but it never changed my gut issues... But now I am definitely seeing the intensity of this allergy. As in, I can't eat breaded eggplant if they use egg in the breading. Sad.
The other source of Sunday brunch sadness is Bacon. Oh, beloved bacon. Surprisingly, the thing that keeps me from eating bacon is this terrible situation...
Yet, according to the Humane Society, this is the year of the pig! Please go read more here. Changing their situation is necessary and they have made huge strides over the past year.
So more than anything for Mr. Pig, pay attention to where your food comes from! Educate yourself! And buy local as much as possible.
And on a side note> always try to go for Grass-Finished beef... not Grass-Fed.
Grass-finished is much more strict and generally means the cow was fattened on grass for the 90 to 160 days before slaughter. Grass-fed means just that... a cow was fed grass... however, the length of time it had grass and the rest of its meals could have been conventional. (Pending more defined terms via legislation) ... Most grass-fed cows are finished on grain/corn during those 90-160 days.
So to finish this random little post... I will leave you with one of my favorite facebook memes....
awww.... bacon. *sigh*
Fil-A Fiascos and General Absurdities
Alright friends... I am generally not political on public forums. (Unless you follow me on twitter... for which I apologize, I can't help myself). That being said, I have had it up to HERE with all the ridiculousness that surrounds presidential elections.
I will not get all preachy on you because I have my opinions and you obviously have yours. (Or at least you should).... Instead, I request that you make yourself informed and do your civic duty of voting in the election.
Search out resources outside of the norm. Don't only listen to one news source. Even listen to the "other-side" to get an idea of what stances and beliefs they consider to be the most important. More than ever, it's our future and the future of our children that are determined with each election. Be informed. Make opinions. And even donate to the candidate you support! I know first hand from working on a campaign that money (unfortunately) can make it or break it.
If you are unsure about each candidate's stance on the numerous issues, please visit: http://www.isidewith.com/
The site has an in-depth quiz asking your opinion on each issue and then pairs you with the candidates that share your beliefs. Each question even has an option to "Choose another Stance" which opens several other answers or allows you to enter your own.
I always knew I was an Obama girl ....
.... (much to my family's chagrin) even though I have disagreed with every agricultural decision he has made... specifically when it comes to GMOs. I assumed I would score high with Ron Paul, score 50% with Obama and not with Romney at all .... the results of my quiz surprised me...
I will not get all preachy on you because I have my opinions and you obviously have yours. (Or at least you should).... Instead, I request that you make yourself informed and do your civic duty of voting in the election.
Search out resources outside of the norm. Don't only listen to one news source. Even listen to the "other-side" to get an idea of what stances and beliefs they consider to be the most important. More than ever, it's our future and the future of our children that are determined with each election. Be informed. Make opinions. And even donate to the candidate you support! I know first hand from working on a campaign that money (unfortunately) can make it or break it.
If you are unsure about each candidate's stance on the numerous issues, please visit: http://www.isidewith.com/
The site has an in-depth quiz asking your opinion on each issue and then pairs you with the candidates that share your beliefs. Each question even has an option to "Choose another Stance" which opens several other answers or allows you to enter your own.
I always knew I was an Obama girl ....
.... (much to my family's chagrin) even though I have disagreed with every agricultural decision he has made... specifically when it comes to GMOs. I assumed I would score high with Ron Paul, score 50% with Obama and not with Romney at all .... the results of my quiz surprised me...
So dear friends - take the quiz, stay informed and remember to VOTE! :)
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Mommy's little Slugger ...
The reunion weekend I just posted about here was also a special weekend for my family. I was able to co-host a shower for my sister and my future nephew, Ryder. My sis is a full time manager for a national company which means she is always traveling to work with her reps in the field. I was thrilled she was actually going to be in town the same weekend I was there for my reunion.
My cousin and I had discussed the room decor with my sister and determined a theme: vintage baseball. Her husband was a catcher in high school and loves the Kansas City Royals.... I then spent a few hours Pinteresting my butt off and narrowed it down to a few ideas. My cousin is an amazing hostess so I knew going into it that this would be a cute shower :) She made the fun invitations ....
... and I finalized the food. We rolled the turkey and ham so the sandwiches looked like mini-hotdogs. The picture isn't as cute as they were in person, but you get the idea :)
The end result was perfect! The shower was classy just like my sister wanted :) I happen to be currently obsessed with mason jars so I was thrilled that they went along with our theme. My cousin and her girls tied the twine with the tag on each glass .... Such a cute result....
One of my favorite touches was my idea to fill the jars with baseballs... Love how it turned out (thanks to my aunt for collecting all of them!)
My sister was genuinely excited and impressed with all of the fun touches. I was so blessed to have such amazing family help out with the food and decor ... Especially my cousin Jaime who is über talented in all things "hostess" :)
My cousin and I had discussed the room decor with my sister and determined a theme: vintage baseball. Her husband was a catcher in high school and loves the Kansas City Royals.... I then spent a few hours Pinteresting my butt off and narrowed it down to a few ideas. My cousin is an amazing hostess so I knew going into it that this would be a cute shower :) She made the fun invitations ....
... and I finalized the food. We rolled the turkey and ham so the sandwiches looked like mini-hotdogs. The picture isn't as cute as they were in person, but you get the idea :)
The end result was perfect! The shower was classy just like my sister wanted :) I happen to be currently obsessed with mason jars so I was thrilled that they went along with our theme. My cousin and her girls tied the twine with the tag on each glass .... Such a cute result....
The cake was beautiful...
And the decorations were incredible thanks again to my amazing cousin, Jaime....
One of my favorite touches was my idea to fill the jars with baseballs... Love how it turned out (thanks to my aunt for collecting all of them!)
My sister was genuinely excited and impressed with all of the fun touches. I was so blessed to have such amazing family help out with the food and decor ... Especially my cousin Jaime who is über talented in all things "hostess" :)
Can't wait to meet Ryder when we go home for Christmas!
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| me, my sis, my mom and my niece |
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