Life with Chere Michelle

Inspirational Rambles by one Veggie girl trying to live happy & healthy.

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Things I’m Excited About #10

Nov 11

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Inner Happiness | No Comments

Wow. Big #10. You would think I’d have an actual plan of what I was going to talk about, rather than a few scribbles in the notebook I keep in my purse.

- Carageenan: Or the lack of it in my diet…this is an additive in tons of foods, particularly sauces, ice creams and gels. It could even be in, *GASP* beer. It’s also been linked quite extensively to affecting those who suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, quite adversely! A friend of mine who has UC, eliminated it from her diet and quickly saw some positive changes in the pain and discomfort she experienced on a daily basis. I figure it can’t hurt to knock this thing out of me…I don’t NEED it, I don’t WANT it…and if it’s possibly affecting my tummy I want it gone from my life. I did email the awesome folks at Sleemans Brewery because my heart skipped a beat the other day at work…when I realized, “Oh my…The Honey Brown Ale I adore *could* have this in it!” I panicked. I was running around like a crazy woman and decided to take matters into my own hands. I rapidly fired off an email and the response back made my heart sing. ‘Sleemans does not use any additives or preservatives in our beer. We hope this news makes you happy.’ Happy?? Happy? I’m ecstatic! Now if only Granville Island Brewery would get back to me so quickly… 

Summer Coaster Series...a la Perler Beads

 - Perler Beads are cool: Moops and I are slightly addicted to these little things. If you don’t know the name ‘perler’ maybe you remember those tiny, colored beads from elementary school you laid out in designs on a plastic pegboard, and then ironed…does that sound familiar? Check out the official Perler Beads site for more info, or just google images. The possibilities are endless! It’s easy, silly, crazy-fun and we can’t get enough of it. Thanks to my dear Mom who was the one who sent the original Perler Beads kit out for Christmas 2010. That was what started it all and we’ve been Perlering ever since. And yeah, I know ‘perlering’ isn’t a real word.

- Today, November 11, is Remembrance Day in Canada. It’s a time to remember, reflect and be thankful to those citizens who fought for our amazing country. My Guy, Moops and I went to the Cenotaph in Victory Square today for the ceremony. It was a somber and tranquil event that had thousands in attendance all there for the same reason: to remember. The Vancouver Bach Youth Choir was absolutely stunning to listen to; like the voices of angels. To hear those voices while staring at the Cenotaph, the grey day simply slid away from me and I felt warm and content. Together with our many Canadian Forces, the Russian Navy was also standing proudly beside them, an integral part of the ceremony. There was much to take in and absorb but above all, the crowd was respectful and filled with pride for the people who serve our country.

- Civic Elections are next week and personally speaking, I’m doing my homework! How many times do we grumble about our city? The increasing traffic? The transit system…how many times do we say “If I was mayor I would…” So maybe I’m not running for mayor (yet), I do have a say in who does get to run my city. I have a voice and if I don’t speak up, I lose the right to complain and ask why. Some people say it’s only one vote- does it really matter? What if 100 people said that? It is only ONE vote, yes, but it’s YOUR vote and we can all vote together to make a difference. As each day goes by in this city of mine, I feel more and more distanced from it. It’s not the Vancouver I know and love. It’s not the Vancouver I remember. It seems it’s getting bigger and bigger, being built higher and higher…and the middle guy is left hanging. This isn’t the city I want to be in without some major changes. For those of you in Vancouver too, and still not sure who is running in your area check out the Vancouver Votes site.

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“It Does Get Better”

Oct 27

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | No Comments

 This mornings drive into work was a long one since I left later than usual, and was caught up in all the morning traffic to get onto the bridge. I wasn’t too worried; I had CBC Radio One on and The Current, one of my fave news shows, was about to begin. Little did I know how deeply the opening story would affect me. Rick Mercer of the Mercer Report was up first speaking about how a 15 year old boy from Ottawa took his own life. Jamie Hubley was a troubled teen battling depression and the struggles that come with being an openly gay person in a place with little to no support. Jamie was described first and foremost as a gifted singer and actor…his future was promising.

Jamie kept a blog of his day to day challenges. I haven’t read it, nor am I seeking it out. I appreciate and respect that he chose to talk openly in this forum, being a fellow blogger. I choose to not read it because I know it will be too painful for me. High school is hard enough- you couldn’t pay me enough money to go back and do it all over again. I simply can’t imagine what he would have endured every day when all he wanted to do was fit in, and live a normal, happy teenagers life. Instead he fought depression, was faced with bullying and harassment and had no support system within the school to turn to.

Unless the issues of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender are brought up IN the schools and talked about regularly, they will always be this source of shame for those who are going through it. We have the power to educate and inform. We have power to SUPPORT those who need it most within our community, our schools and our workplaces.

Rick Mercer brought up a good point about bullying. This behaviour wouldn’t be tolerated in our workplaces or our homes without some sort of repercussions, but we let it go on in our schools.(Read Ricks full comments, from the Mercer Report here)

One of my best friends is a lesbian and I never have thought twice about it. It never stopped me from wanting to get to know her, and it never stopped me from considering her one of my ‘tried and true’ friends. Without a doubt she is someone I respect and look up to. She is someone I love.

I am begging anyone out there reading, or who knows someone maybe…who is gay, lesbian, bi or transgender and is in a position to make a difference, to please do so. Speak up to young people, volunteer, help set up a Gay-Straight Alliance in your school…be a role model. Let young people who are struggling and feeling alone, know it DOES GET BETTER.

If just a few prominent ‘out’ people in each community stood up and offered support, I’m sure many lives could be saved and many hearts opened.

There are many issues today that need support like this; this is only ONE. But it’s one that struck me close to home today and it’s still with me.

Rest in Peace Jamie Hubley; may you continue to shine.

We can make a difference.

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On My Mind

Oct 20

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | No Comments

I had an opportunity to think about ‘hate’ the other day. To be specific it was about the hate and negativity some people carry around within them, for other people. Someone close to me was battling with the fact a person they once were somewhat close to, now seems to hate them. I thought to myself, ‘Is it really worth it to carry that weight around?’

I understand when it’s an intimate relationship involved the hurt can appear almost too much to handle. I know, I’ve been there. It may seem as if you could never look at that person again…but unless someone has done something really awful to me personally and it wasn’t just a relationship running its course…I could never hate, loathe or despise another human being. When the pain wears off from a relationship that didn’t work out, one can often understand WHY it failed and learn from it. That’s where the love (or like) you had for that person should re-surface. Are they really that bad? What does carrying that negativity around do to your Soul?

I may have been a late bloomer and maybe my past isn’t that colorful, but the men I have been in relationships with, I still talk to. It may not be daily, weekly or even monthly communication in some respects, but I know they’re close by in Spirit and would help me if I only asked. I look back with clarity that  these relationships DID NOT work out, because they weren’t meant to…I wasn’t supposed to go that route. I would never be where I am, with My Guy now, if I’d stayed in a place I didn’t belong.

How can you hate when you look at this engineering marvel? The Falkirk Wheel. Google it. Photo by Chere Michelle.

In the case of the person I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I hope they realize it’s not their fault. They are not the one carrying the hatred and they must realize, you can’t force someone to change their ways. Hopefully, in time, the one who ‘hates’ will let their wounded Soul heal and open up.

We have too many burdens we put on ourselves every day already- do we need the extra weight of hate for ‘someone’ hanging around our shoulders?

Now kind of along the same lines as hate, but really not so strong, are pet peeves. We all got ‘em. I’m sure you know your partners, your best friends and your co-workers MANY pet peeves. I thought I’d share a few of mine:

- Motorists who leave their indicator lights on. Forever. It makes me wonder a) why they don’t hear the annoying clicking noise and b) why don’t they EVER glance at their dashboard?  Even to check the speedometer or maybe the time? Don’t they see the light blinking on and off, on and off, on and off…

- Ball ‘ O Dish Cloth. Let me explain. I once had a roommate but I won’t name any names. As adorable as she was, she had a nasty little habit of wiping up the counters and table in the kitchen with a damp rag and then squeezing the ever-loving crap out of it and leaving the tight ball lying in the sink. It wasn’t rinsed out, OK? It was just wrapped up all nice, and tight, and damp….a perfect place for mold to grow and smells to start. *shudder*

- People stepping on bubble wrap makes me want to run out into traffic.

- Aimless Whistlers. They don’t have a tune in mind, they are just whistling to whistle and they usually can’t whistle that well. I understand it’s a form of expression and I just have to walk away…it’s no crime to whistle.

We all got ‘em and don’t you love ‘em? Pet peeves. We wouldn’t be who we are without them. What are yours?

Now give yourself a shake and let go of any negativity weighing you down…

 

 

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How I Spent My Summer Vacation Part 2

Oct 15

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living | No Comments

Atop the Wallace Monument

So along with having great food and trying new things, I also met a ton of fabulous people in the UK. The majority were people from My Guys childhood in Scotland and then from his years living as a musician in Nottingham, England. I finally got to meet his extended family and see his roots; the homes he grew up in and the places that helped shape the man he has become.

His group of friends live in the same city, some on the same street even! Our second night in the UK brought us to a house party in Long Eton. I was finally meeting S & E…the couple I’d heard endless tales about for the past year. My Guy was in a band with S & E and those days were some of the most memorable in his life. He warned me to be somewhat careful around S; saying his wit and sense of humour may be a little hard to take. He spoke fondly but was worried I may not understand…I thought to myself, “wait, I can take it as good as I can give it, dammit!” But the seed had been planted. I was feeling a little apprehensive as I let My Guy lead the way through their front door that night…

The things I had heard about E however were all glowing…in fact My Guy said I reminded him of her. I didn’t know what to expect but what I met was a radiantly beautiful woman both inside and out. She is the only woman I’ve met who can wear such vivid colours and wear them well…her clothes all flowed and her jewellery shone- I swore that night I could see her aura. I felt an instant connection and the fact My Guy said I reminded him of her was the highest compliment I could have been paid. E is a solid, good and realistic person. She puts on no airs, calls it like she sees it and has a pure heart. In these days, and in this city especially, those qualities can be hard to find in someone.

But back to S…as I stood behind My Guy at the door to the kitchen (where all good parties start and end) my entire frame of vision was filled with a what appeared to be a larger than life man in a hat, yielding a cane. He grinned and enveloped My Guy in a huge hug from his heart. I could tell these two meant something to each other- a bond that had not been broken by time. S then turned to me, grinned that same rakish grin and hugged me too. I thought to myself, “This guys a pussycat…pulleeeze”. Sure enough over the days that followed I learned more about S and saw why he was such a treasured friend to My Guy. I saw all that was good in this couple and I saw it reflected back in My Guys vision of life…and love.

At the wedding reception I met another amazing Soul named J. She was in her 50′s I think and had finally come to the conclusion that her body was hers to love just the way it was, and she alone was responsible for how she felt upon waking each day. She told me how she finally stopped living for others and grabbed the reins to take control of her own destiny. I was enthralled with her stories of love, laughter and pain and I rejoiced right along with her in her celebration of the woman she had become. She had me at hello…She also told me I had the best legs at the reception. Seriously. I looked down at what appeared to me, stumpy and somewhat lumpy legs peeking out of my dress. I was about to protest but J wouldn’t hear it. She told me to shut up, accept and believe. Yes ma’am. I believe.

This was only a small fraction of the amazing people I met…more stories to come…

It was with a heavy heart we boarded that plane at Gatwick, back to Vancouver…

Are you surrounded by people who inspire and teach you something new every day? Do you believe you are in the right place?

 

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“How I Spent my Summer Vacation Part 1″

Oct 11

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition, Vegetarian | No Comments

While most people take their summer vacation in the summer months, I just got back from mine. It was spent in Great Britain; with a large amount of time in Scotland (where My Guy is from). To say I fell in love with the land would be an understatement. It was everything I imagined it would be, everything my mind pictured over all the years of reading books about the area…it was all so much larger than life. I was enveloped in history and culture- something our nation, and continent for that matter, simply is too young to have. Just a simple drive in the country meant passing castle ruins, ancient stone walls and historical monuments such as the one dedicated to William Wallace.

Alongside the beautiful country were of course, the beautiful people. I was lucky enough to meet and hang out with several of My Guys treasured and dearest friends from when he was younger. I met some fantastic individuals that I’m looking forward to learning more about over the years to come. It was a time of self discovery, learning, acceptance and love. I had an amazing time and it was with a somewhat heavy heart we boarded the place at Gatwick to come “home.”

But now to answer the question on everyone’s mind: What is the food like? Is it true the Brits deep fry EVERYTHING? I don’t know about that personally because I didn’t have alot of deep fried things regularly, but did ingest a helluva lot of carbs and processed food. Much more than I would normally! I didn’t have as much fresh veggies as I do here at home, but that was probably just because there was a fair amount of ‘eating out’. Supermarkets however, don’t have the abundance or array of produce that North American chains offer; and display it in plastic crates. From what I saw and tasted though, the quality and freshness was not lacking! I think it comes down to differences in packaging and displaying…

We had a disastrous introduction to Quorn that some of my readers may already know about. I don’t care if I NEVER see this product again. It was nasty. Pure nasty. I feel a bit of sorrow for UK Newbie Vegetarians who may try this product thinking it’s their only choice and be totally and completely turned off. One of the local grocer chains, Morrisons, offered up their own version of some veggie delights such as “Chicken Kiev” that was incredibly delicious. My Guy and I tried several of their entrees for vegetarians and were quite impressed. Way to go Morrisons!

A major food highlight was a trip to Hendersons of Edinburgh- Vegetarian Restaurant and Arts Venue. My Guy had told me how he used to have lunches there and was always amazed with the selection and quality available to Vegetarians. I had read through the website before our trip so I was familiar with the history and how much the business had grown over the years. I was thrilled to see a thriving family business amongst so many chain-type eateries pumping out the same crap day after day. Hendersons did NOT disappoint in the slightest. We ate there 2 times and both were absolutely delicious and not overpriced! I found the counter help friendly and didn’t mind my endless questions about the items offered. All in all it was an experience and one I recommend highly to anyone, vegetarian or omni, travelling to Edinburgh to try out!

Now to end this post I want to mention a little something I fell in love with, called a Chip Buttie. It’s far from healthy, it’s loaded with calories and fat and it’s sinfully delectable. Since I don’t eat fish, there isn’t much I can have at the local fish ‘n chip shops…but My Guy introduced me to the almighty Chip Buttie and I haven’t been the same since. The magic though, is in the Scottish Morning Roll…I have to admit I didn’t enjoy the English ones so much…

The Almighty Chip Buttie (ok yes it's a glorified french-fry sandwich but really its so much more!)

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On the Island

Sep 25

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Vegetarian | No Comments

So we’re in the UK…and one of the 1st things I wanted to do was go to a supermarket over here. I know, I know…exciting right? But being a sorta-foodie and a Vegetarian as well, I’m always intrigued by what various grocery chains offer. I’d read about the Quorn products before online and once I spied them in the refrigerated section of the local Tesco I jumped at the chance to finally try it. First off, I ‘assumed’ Quorn was made from CORN. I don’t know why I thought this, perhaps the name implied that to me? Looking on the website I found out it’s made from something called Mycoprotein. What is that you ask? Damned if I know!

The site says the following:

Mycoprotein is the ingredient common to all Quorn products. Mycoprotein is a healthy meat-free form of high quality protein and is also a good source of dietary fibre. It is naturally low in fat and saturated fat.

 This doesn’t answer the question of what is Quorn made of. It’s not soy. It’s not gluten. So how did it taste? First impression wasn’t too favourable…we sampled the Sweet and Sour dinner and while it cooked up fast and was convenient, it wasn’t high on taste. The veggies (peppers, water chestnuts and some pineapple) were nicely cooked, not soggy…and the rice reheated well. The actual Quorn had a good consistency and was tender…but man oh man, it had NO TASTE. I couldn’t have been more disappointed to be honest. Even the sweet and sour sauce was flavourless! I think there is super potential for this product, and it’s highly possible this wasn’t the best product to try first. Tonight we’re using the Quorn Steak Strips in a stir fry and I have high hopes for this product!

 Stay tuned for more- and for more info about being in the UK- and not just EATING in the UK!

Something I’m Excited About #9

Sep 12

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Inner Happiness | No Comments

A few things I’m excited about…

I may (or may not) have mentioned my guy rides a bike;a Triumph for those of you who know your bikes. His good friend Steve has taken off recently on a Coast to Coast motorcycle trip with his girl and is blogging about the whole thing! I always want to support my fellow bloggers but because this is a person close to someone I love, I think it’s especially important to mention it. I’ve spent some time reading his posts and not only is he an excellent writer, but his words are accompanied with amazing photographs to complete the story. It really does seem like a trip of a lifetime; the idea of going on a journey with no real set agenda, across this great continent has always held a special appeal for me. I think it probably strikes a chord in alot of people actually…but we all have excuses for not setting out on our own trip, don’t we? Follow Steve’s ride here at Coast to Coast: A Motorcycle Odyssey and at least discover a little bit of North America via his blog!

 So about those kale chips…my girlfriend S made some last night and apparently they were “to die for delicious”. Sigh. Her success is all over Facebook and I’m thinking, ‘great, another person who loves them when the ones I made tasted bloody awful!’ Her secret? Not much of one but she used olive oil and seasoning salt. Yes, the blasted seasoning salt and it appears this *may* be the trick to making yummy kale chips. Rebecca mentions a little Braggs may be ticket to success…I’m pretty sure I have to try the Almighty Kale Chip again. How can so many people be wrong?

 This week I am embarking on a journey of a lifetime. My Guy, his son and I are headed to Great Britain to attend a wedding in Scotland. For those of you who don’t know, My  Guy hails from Scotland so this is essentially “going home” for him after quite a few years in Canada. I’m looking forward not only to meeting his family, but to seeing the places of his childhood and his heart, and of finally getting a glimpse into a land I have only read about. This is definitely something to be EXCITED about. One thing that makes it particularly exciting is the fact his son is coming, and he’s a) never been on a plane before, b) never been out of Canada before and the kicker, c) he turns 18 while we are overseas! How perfect will the birthday memory be? Remember your first flight? Remember when you turned 18 and the world was at your fingertips?

I will be updating via Facebook, Twitter and my blog a few times over the next 3 weeks so stay tuned!

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Kale Chip Chaos and More…

Sep 6

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Eating Right, Healthy Living, Vegetarian | 2 Comments

I finally did it. We had some kale in the fridge so I thought, ‘fine, I’ll see what all this fuss is about and make some kale chips.’ I followed the directions online, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F, lightly tossed the bite sized pieces of kale (minus the tough stems) in olive oil, added some salt….and threw in for 10 minutes or so. This site had over 600 reviews, sounds positive right?

First bite? NASTY. I got a very enthusiastic thumbs down from My Guy upon his first taste. He proclaimed they needed more seasoning salt. I countered with, ‘I didn’t use any seasoning salt! We don’t have any!’ But I highly doubt seasoning salt would have made that much of a difference. I had about 5 ‘chips’ in total before I gave up and near my last one, I did sort of see the possibility when I got a completely crunchy one…but with it I got a mouthful of disintegrated kale-dust coating my gums and a bitter flavour. What did I do wrong my faithful readers?? Does anyone know why kale chips get all these amazing reviews online? Are these reviews planted by fakes? Someone tell me! We want to eat more kale, we know we should eat more kale…but I don’t see it happening in the form of ‘chips’ again anytime soon.

Second thing I want to talk about is Holy Crap Cereal. For the umpteenth time I HAVE NOT TRIED THIS STUFF! I simply can’t justify paying over $10 for what looks like maybe 2 cups of product in an inflated bag. If I was to be sent some, I’d surely try it because I’m curious, just like the people writing to me asking me about the cereal! But folks it’s simply not in my budget at this time, and I’m not sure it ever will be. I’ve looked at the ingredient list and think I can maybe come up with something similar on my own…Alas, I’m proud of their story and proud they’re Canadian but unless it comes down about 50% in cost, it won’t be on my breakfast menu.

We’ve been partaking in a few cold brews this summer in the back yard. To shake things up a bit, I started buying mingler or sampler packs. Some have been great and others, well, have been forgettable. I want to give a shout to a local tried-and-true-never-disappointed brew made right here in my little ‘ol town. Granville Island Brewery is a treasured establishment here in Van City that continuously produces top-notch ales that make the craft brewing industry proud. My current fave is the Brockton IPA.

I also want to make sure I give a proper shout out as well to the other hometown brew of choice hailing from the Okanagan: Okanagan Spring Brewery. I’m currently digging the 1516 Lager. There are alot of choices when it comes to craft beers and sometimes it can be overwhelming. If you want something great, want something local…for a reasonable price, then don’t overlook these 2 breweries! Trust me. I’m thirsty just thinking about it…

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A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That…

Aug 25

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Eating Right, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Nutrition, Vegetarian | No Comments

So I have lots to talk about tonight! It’s been a fairly eventful week in the world of ideas and blogging and “stuff”. I can’t promise my thoughts and rambles will interest EVERYONE out there but one can hope I manage to snag a few new readers…

A little birdie (OK a co-worker…) told me the price of Genuine Health Greens + has gone up in price- significantly! We already pay $59.99 a tub here in Vancouver and if you’re lucky you can find it on sale somewhere for maybe $5 cheaper. My co-worker told me she paid up to $10 more recently! I haven’t had to purchase a new tub yet but I will have to soon, and can I afford to fork out almost $70 for my Greens? I honestly don’t know but it isn’t looking all that possible right now. I’ll be cutting the amount I use in half in hopes I can stretch the container and still have the benefits I’ve come to love from the product. I find it helps my tummy dramatically and if I lose this little bit of peace for my guts, I’m not sure what I’ll do.

The regular readers to this blog know I rave on and on about the PC Blue Label Worlds Best Meatless products…and other meat subs that use gardein. I’ve always been able to buy these products at Superstore here on the West Coast since they are Presidents Choice items…until recently. It started out innocently enough: we couldn’t find the Worlds Best Meatless Meatballs ANYWHERE. I thought, ‘OK they are popular, they’re just out of stock…’ and I held on to this belief for a month or so while I ran around the city checking out No Frills and Superstore for the balls. I could never find them and eventually the label disappeared from the freezer shelf where it had always been….it was replaced with Angus Beef Meatballs. Two rows of them! Why?? Why would Presidents Choice do this? These meatballs are a superior product. I know meat-eaters who love them! We have spaghetti and meatball night in our house that is now ruined and has become Taco Tuesday much to Moops chagrin…tacos sometimes just don’t cut it. I’m wondering if the Worlds Best Meatless Burger will be next? I love being a Vegetarian but too often we get these cool new products, they grab and hook us in…and then the product disappears…like the stuffed “chicken” breasts from Schneider’s. Remember those fellow Veggies?

I’ve got a bone to pick with the PC people and I’m looking for ways to get hold of Galen Weston Jr so I can REALLY vent how I feel! I could go on because there is ANOTHER product we can’t find….*sigh* It’s just simply gone from Superstore. The Meatless Beef Strips. But alas, I’ll leave this for now until I speak to Mr. Weston. Inquiring Veggie minds (and those who simply want to eat more healthy) want to know…stay tuned.

My dear friend M has been experimenting with spaghetti squash. To be specific, she is looking to use it as a traditional wheat spaghetti substitute due to gastrointestinal issues. She has tried the oven and microwave methods and says it always comes out crunchy. It seems like it’s a really sore spot with M, because she wants her dishes to turn out, but wants a spaghetti like texture. I personally have zero experience with this squash; it’s always freaked me out to be honest. I think I will expand my horizons however and experiment with this…I found some amazing recipes online today. I also found this informative article about how to best prepare the squash…it certainly looks appealing! And easy. I like that.

I’m still plagued by a stalker of YEARS ago. I know that person is reading this very post, because I can see all the various places they access my website from in the city they live in. As each new one appears, I flag it and block the access thinking surely they will get the hint. Sadly, their life must be so empty (and lonely) that to dwell on the past and re-live the hurt and anguish they put me through, is the only way to get some sort of satisfaction each day. I was really bothered at first because I’d been left alone for years and knew that once I did put a blog and website up, that I would become vulnerable in a sense…but now I feel sadness for this person. I haven’t forgiven and don’t know that I ever will…and I haven’t forgotten either because my life WAS hell during that time. I would appreciate it from the bottom of my heart if I could just be left alone by this person and nothing would bring me more peace than to know they had moved on…I certainly did and with thanks.

Always go with your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, someone seems too possessive…too weird…go with your gut. I wish I had.

I’m in a better place obviously now and LOVE the people in my life. With all my heart.

“Sing as if nobody can hear you…live like there is no tomorrow.”

 

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All Over the Place

Aug 14

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living | 4 Comments

My mission tonight was to blog. I tried to say “It’s too late…” but My Guy said “Bollocks! That’s just an excuse. Sit down at that computer and write. And it better be good ’cause I’m checking it out tomorrow.” Sigh. The pressure!

One thing I do want to talk about is this great article I stumbled upon entitled Meat Alternatives Explained. It compares tofu, tempeh and seitan from calories to nutrients and everything in between. This is great information for veteran Veggies like myself, but also pretty invaluable for newbies or those who are thinking about becoming a Vegetarian. Of the 3 mentioned, I have never tried tempeh- I can’t believe it myself but it’s true. I’ve seen it at the stores but thought, ‘another processed mock meat. Do I really need ANOTHER one?’ and I turned the other way. This article though really explains it and almost makes me want to try it…After all, it’s basically just like tofu but the soybeans are fermented.

I recently entered the 21st Century and traded in my cell phone for an iPhone. Yeah, seriously. I was one of those people without one. How did I survive you ask? I never thought I wanted one…never thought I needed one! Now that I have the damn thing, I can’t seem to stop playing with it. What I’m most curious (and excited) about is the world of ‘apps’ and all that we can now see and do with the touch on the screen. For those of us trying to live healthy and happy, the possibilities for apps to help with that are endless. I’m still wading through many available but welcome suggestions on iPhone apps you have tried and love- that help you in every day life. Now I don’t mean the games…I mean a seriously helpful or handy app you think has somehow improved your life or helped in a significant way. I’d love to know! So far I’ve found calorie counting apps, pedometers, blood type diets and yoga to name a few! How is a person to choose what are really the good apps vs the junk apps?

So while I play around with my iPhone I’m also thinking of a friend of mine, Rebecca and her recent Gratitude Challenge. Each day I’m reading her inspirational posts on Facebook about the simple things in life she gives thanks for. It reminds me I haven’t sat down and looked at what I’m grateful in a very, very long time. It’s a sad fact I have to stop and think about this; instead of rejoicing daily on the ‘little things’. I was reminded of this the other day at work; one of our long-time Clients was talking to me and she passed on some advice: “Don’t sleep too much because life passes you by!”. She is 73 years old and commented that sometimes she wakes up late in the day and is sad she lost time because she doesn’t have much left…I personally think she’s 73 years YOUNG and has so much damn energy and fire in her, she will outlive me!

But her comment reminds me to stop and savour each moment, each day. I’m thankful I have a home and clean water to drink…I’m thankful I have treasured friends who all may not live close to me but are with me in spirit each and every day…I’m thankful I have My Guy to give me a hug when I need one and thankful I in turn, can brighten someone else’s day too…I’m thankful I have a job that pays the bills and allows me freedom to keep my options open…I’m thankful my parents are healthy and the sun shone today.

It’s the little things that make up the whole picture. One day at a time is all we can do, and all we can expect others to do as well. Don’t look too far ahead that you lose sight of today.

Love the ones you’re with and love them like there is no tomorrow.

Be strong and healthy. Make good choices in everything you do.

And finally, sleep well Dream big.

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