Posts Tagged lose weight

Just another day in Paradise

Sometimes I feel like a utter and complete wreck. If it’s not my bowels bothering me, it’s my head…which pounded for 3 days and I went to the doctor at My Guy’s insistence. I grumbled, “I’m not a SICKIE!” but my doc said I’ve got an ear infection…in both ears. I wish at times I could rip these hunks of flesh off my head and chuck them in the ocean for all the grief my ears have caused me over the years. This was one more little thing to add on to make me feel just a little bit crappy…I’m on different antibiotic drops (with a steroid in it) and it’s only day 2 but I have high hopes. So to those who know me and work with me, just speak a little louder because I swear, I’m not ignoring you!

The new digs are great but there are some problems in the name of Aslan, the cat. He’s keeping us up at night, every night, with his meowing, batting at the pulls on the blinds, beating up his brother, swatting My Guy’s alarm clock off his bed-side table at 4 am….the list goes on. I thought maybe it’s just because we’re in a new place and surely he’ll calm down…but no, not so far and we’re both getting grumpy. Shutting the bedroom door does no good because Aslan just throws his big body against the door and howls in rage…then the other cat gets all agitated…and the madness never stops…See this vicious cycle?

On the bright side, everything I need is within walking distance now. Technically it was before but I had to wade through Suburbia-Hell to get to it, so I always hopped in my car to get where I needed to go that much faster. Now it’s different. I WANT to walk along Main…I want to walk to my doctors and take Cambie back or explore a new little street and discover a tucked away little family grocer I never knew existed.

I’m standing here on this invisible line; one step in front of me is this new life and I’m so eager to jump head first into it. It’s one step at a time, one day at a time and all these little obstacles (like my ears and Aslans night-time antics) are just little bumps along the way. Life is a collection of these little things and we should be in tune to them.

Before I leave, let me leave you with one little story…it happened this morning at 7 am. I decided to walk out with My Guy as he left for work, a little kiss on the back porch, you know how it is. As I’m standing there watching him walk off in the pouring rain, I see some of the items we haven’t really found a home for yet, getting wet so I think “I should go move those out of the rain.” I reach behind me and pull the door closed so the crazy cats don’t escape…little do I know My Guy has locked the door (the bottom twisty-type lock). I go about my business and move some stuff and decide it was a dumb idea, too cold and want to go back inside…BAM! I walk into the door as I attempt to turn the handle. It’s locked! It’s 7 am, and I’m in a robe and slippers…the more I hesitate the farther down the street towards the bus stop, is My Guy. I hitch up my robe, kick off my slippers and run down the side of house bellowing his name…he can’t hear me! It’s raining and he’s probably running for the bus…I bellow more for good measure though.

I had to admit defeat and thought long and hard about the possibilities of crawling through the barred windows (albeit the bars are quite decorative and all) while the 2 cats stared at me. No doubt they were wondering what the hell I was doing on the wrong side of the window when there was breakfast to be dished out…

Hundreds of thoughts flew through my head: ‘Yay I can take the day off, but wait how will I call in? And wait, what kind of day off will it be in the rain?’ Sigh. The landlords live 2 streets up the road so again, I hike up my robe, clutch my slippers to my chest and head out into the rain. It’s pouring- hard, typical Vancouver rain. Unrelenting. (Turns out the radio announced it was the wettest day today…but I digress) I run up the street in my bare feet, the cool water feels kind of nice actually and it’s liberating to fly by morning commuters in your robe; a flash of my fuchsia nightie lending me a touch of mystery (or so I like to think…).

I rounded the hedge to landlords house, and there He was. On the porch, face to face with a drenched mad-woman, no doubt homeless in a robe with wet slippers in her hand…I had nothing to say but ‘Um hi. I locked myself out…’ and he laughed. I laughed too.

…I ran home with the spare keys clutched in my fingers, the cool wetness no longer feeling that great because my feet felt raw….but I got in to the warmth and to my hungry cats!

That my friends, was a helluva way to wake up…and all before my coffee!

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Mario Does Veg

I have to admit I was a little surprised to read celeb chef Mario Batali was in the process of writing a vegetarian cookbook. I absolutely love watching the Food Network but often had to change the channel if too much meat was being flung around. Now while Mario did introduce me to a side of Italian eating I hadn’t seen before, I just couldn’t handle the odd cuts of meat (cheek, tail etc). I realize they are delicacies and all that, and I’m not one to push my beliefs on anyone….HOWEVER…I chose to not watch. An article in the New York Daily News reads he has confirmed he is writing it and also that he has cut down his meat consumption to five days a week. I don’t care what a person cuts their meat intake to, just the fact they are cutting it makes all the difference. It tells me they are aware, they are willing to make a change…and who knows, five days may go to three and so on and so on….

Little steps…

So yay I say to Mario for penning a vegetarian book! Stay tuned for the info.

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Back to Reality…almost.

When I say almost I mean, I’m not due back until Monday August 16th at the clinic. Phew. I need time to rest after my vacation ‘home’ to the Island. As you can see from my previous post it was alot of hard work shuttling between swimming holes and cold beers, sun-tanning and late nights. We got back last night, had some settling in to do and needed to lavish a weeks worth of attention to My Boys who actually didn’t seem to notice someone else had been looking after them and I was now HOME. Sigh.

One thing I did when I was back home, that I’ve missed in my life here…is get outside and appreciate what nature has to offer. I think I forgot to stop and appreciate where I do live, and it took a trip for me to stop and take in all the smells and sights of just being outside. I may be biased, but the air sure feels a helluva lot cleaner back home, the water just that much clearer and pure…the mountains that surrounded my parents house literally took my breath away.

We vowed to get off our butts once we got back and get out and GET MOVING more…to feel as alive as we felt there….here. I may live in the city, and probably always will, but my heart will always be in the small town I grew up in, and I value that way of life. My goals this fall are simple: get more active, continue to eat well and conquer what ails me- NATURALLY. I have an amazing support system in My Guy and I have treasured friends who constantly motivate me to embrace each day. I’m lucky. I’m truly lucky to have my entire life before me and to be in control of how I approach it. I’m happy I’m not alone in facing it and thankful for the little things.

I wanted to end this post by acknowledging a few things I’m thankful for:

- I’m thankful I had a good friend who watched over My Boys while I got to go home. Knowing that they were taken care of and happy, made all the difference.

- I’m thankful I had this time to visit with my parents. I miss them very much.

- I’m thankful My Guy got to experience my home-town memories and see the place (and people) that made me who I am…

- I’m thankful I have a car that could take me home without any worries!

A few snapshots of my vacation, to sum it up for you…

Here's the slug we named The Great Canadian Leopard Slug...

The best shoes to wear in a river...can walk with ease!

Our version of that Corona Commercial, but with Stella.

The Deep Hole. One of the swimming holes of my youth.

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Home Sweet Home

I’m home. I arrived last week, and My Guy followed a few days later. It’s great to be home and in the place I grew up in, on the Island, but it’s also tinged with sadness at the place it’s become. It’s quiet. Like a ghost town actually…and that’s not how I remember it. Big Industry moved out of the town some years ago, and with that went a good deal of the population- in came retirees from all over North America to replace them…

This is still the sweet village I remember, just a little frayed around the edges and a little less people out and about. What hasn’t changed is the natural splendor of this small hamlet nestled in a valley surrounded by tall mountains, some still capped with snow. The pristine rivers still flow and the swimming holes remain as idyllic as I remember. What amazed me yesterday as we were out hiking and taking in the sights, how few people were out in the sun. I realized it’s not because they don’t want to- it’s because there is HARDLY ANYBODY to be out! We had the river to ourselves, took the Peppercorn trail through the still glistening wet forest, stopping at every rocky beach to behold the perfectly clear green water. You could all the way to bottom and count the rocks there…it was that pure and clean.

My Guy couldn’t believe the stunning beauty or the fact we had it all to ourselves. We didn’t talk much as we sat on the rocks and looked out over the river; there weren’t words to describe the colors and the tranquility we were experiencing.

There truly is no place like home. This is West Coat living at it’s finest- did I mention cell phones don’t even work here? (of course there is the Internet though, phew!) I’m so happy right now, and so content but with each moment I can’t wait to get back to The City and get on with The Move…new changes are a-comin’!

I hope this post finds everyone happy where they are in life, and if not, that you have the means to start making the changes to being where YOU want to be. Where you NEED to be. Now I’m going to go out t0 my parents back yard, sit on the swing in the sun and watch the blue jays play in the garden. And the best part? Zucchini from the garden for dinner.

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Is Gluten-Free the way to go?

Maybe it’s because I’m going through some digestive health issues, but it seems to me that ALOT of women I know are experiencing varying degrees of medical problems involving digestion and intestinal upset. Right now, I know of 6 women personally who are going through *something* that is equally frustrating and disheartening. They’ve all struggled through their doctors testing and re-testing…of living with some kind of pain…and of experimenting what they can and cannot eat successfully. I don’t know if it’s my little world, or is this a sign of something bigger?

Personally speaking, I don’t do alot of dairy. This isn’t because I’m a vegetarian (if I was a Vegan I would abstain from eating dairy) but rather because I feel my body can’t handle it properly and it just causes me too much discomfort in the end. I love my cereal but have found a soy milk I love (Silk) and eat cheese in moderation…

My next avenue to explore is a gluten-free diet. Gluten seems to be a major player in abdominal pain and in the 6 women I know of with issues, 3 are in some stage of attempting to go gluten free. It’s like a last ditch attempt at a pain free and uplifting day…

So what’s a person to do? Go gluten free? Go Veg? I firmly believe everything we put into our bodies must be something we are ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE is the right thing for us. We need to make conscious decisions and eat right….eat for LIFE.

In my research I’ve found some really great gluten free blogs and sites I wanted to share for those of you who may be looking down this avenue…

I’m really impressed with this site, Gluten Free Girl because it’s colorful, fun and the recipes are REAL. By that, I mean not frou-frou recipes that you have to hunt all over the city for a few weird ingredients that NOBODY in their right mind keeps in the kitchen. I’ve told a few people already about this blog and they love it….

A Gluten Free Day is another great blog mainly because the variety is really amazing….(plus the desserts!).

Stop over at I Am Gluten Free for one bloggers take on living gluten free and check out the yummy looking recipes!

All you have to do is Google “gluten free” for a wealth of information. This is definitely a road I’m considering taking, I’m just not 100% sure yet…I’m taking one day at a time and making sure I give my body the absolute best…

I’d love to hear YOUR story.

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A Jumbled Mess of Thoughts

I’ve had trouble sleeping the past few nights. I don’t know if it’s the warmer weather (OK those of you in Vancouver, know I’m probably grabbing at strings here….) or the fact My Guy has been away all week. It’s something. I’m on the brink of some new changes in my life, and it’s as if I’m balancing on the edge of a cliff- knowing the slightest move could upset the delicate balance I’ve achieved; but yet knowing I must embrace the fall with open arms.

There is a move in my future. Soon I will have the green space I once had and again, I can flourish in a garden as I did many years ago in the Heights. I can let The Boys out to roam in the grass, and enjoy drinks on the patio…it’s been a long time coming. I’m not worried about that move. I feel in my heart it’s a great thing to do- I’ve missed being a part of a lively and active community so the fact I’m heading to an extremely funky neighborhood has me tickled pink. While it’s not my West End, it’s damn sweet…I feel there are only positive things to come from this move.

I do worry about age…I worry about never getting the opportunity to be the wonderful Mother I know I could be. I worry about not sharing my creativity and watching another human being blossom into their own person…but I can’t worry. Do I not tell people, life happens this way for a reason? We’re where we are FOR A REASON…and everything we did to get to this point, was what we NEEDED to do? Taking a dose of my own medicine is sometimes akin to getting a kick in the head. I don’t know what tomorrow has in store for me, let alone a couple of years down the road. I need to take my own advice to heart and just enjoy…

Acupuncture is helping alot with allowing my mind to slow down, and my body to heal. I have had 4 sessions now, and I truly feel refreshed once the session is over. I don’t fall asleep during the session (I can’t sleep well at the best of times) but I do feel my mind drifting and my thoughts are not the jumbled mess they usually are. I don’t know if the sessions are helping my bowels at all YET, but I do feel an overwhelming sense of calm and peace- and positivity. That’s gotta count for something right?

A trip home to the Island is in my cards as well next month. I still say “home” when referring to where I grew up. I didn’t appreciate it as a teenager- I just wanted to get to the CITY- but I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I think of the journey back…

You are always welcome at home.

This post has been all over the place; but to try and sum up my thoughts I’d have to go with: It’s a season of change for me, and I must let go of my fears and worries and let life simply, run it’s course.

Love Chere Michelle

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Antioxi-what?

Antioxidants. What are they really? Sure we hear ALOT about them and how great they are for us, but do you really know why? Wikepedia describes antioxidants as ” a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation can produce free radicals….in turn these free radicals can start chain reactions that damage cells…”

Phew. OK so the main thing here in this scientific gibberish is “damage cells”. That can’t be good. Antioxidants are ‘free radical scavengers’ and could prevent damage from heart disease or cancer.

Research is ongoing in this field but it can’t be denied that antioxidants are something we should try to get enough of because simply put, it can’t hurt. Right? Vitamin E, C and A are all rich sources of antioxidants…as are dried beans…

Of course fruits and veggies are loaded with these hero scavengers (do you really need another reason to eat MORE healthy?). Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries lead the Berries in antioxidants and since it’s summer now, what better time to dig in?

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Are you eating right?

I know you’ve all been there….come home from work and open the fridge and stare blankly inside. Then you shuffle over to the cupboards, open those too and stand there, unblinking and gazing at the contents. But those contents never look appetizing do they? Meal time can be a seriously stressful affair that if you’re not prepared for; it can lead you down a scary path of cereal for dinner…night after night. (OK I am a a cereal addict but I do feel like I have it under control. Really.)

I already blogged about the wonder of the Burrito. How you can make up an assembly line of wraps one weekend day and add some spicy beans, cheese and grilled veggies, roll up and pop in the freezer. Take these out the night before and chuck in your lunch bag, or the fridge for a fast snack. I’m also a fan of a pot of rice and beans in the fridge to make up wraps with. Now I vary my combinations to keep it lively; Spanish rice and black beans or Greek rice and pinto beans…it’s your choice!

Use a lazy Sunday to whip up a huge batch of homemade pasta sauce and freeze it in portions- this way you ALWAYS have a filling and nutritious pasta sauce waiting and you didn’t just crack open the lid on a jar of Ragu; you actually MADE IT! While you’re cooking that up, make up a pan of lasagna or a big pot ‘o chili and again, portion it out and freeze. Meal times are so much easier when you know you’ve got it covered and let’s face it, don’t you feel great when your tummy is satisfied?

GO NUTS. Keep nuts on hand for a quick handful as a snack or to throw on top of salads and a stir-fry!

Choose yogurt for a sweet treat after dinner, rather than fat-laden ice cream. Have you checked out all the amazing fruit flavor combo’s in the yogurt section of your supermarket lately?

Thirsty? Have water first…I had an acupuncture appointment last Thursday and what did the Acupuncturist tell me? Water is life. She seemed so shocked when I told her I didn’t drink enough water as I suspected I should…she asked me why. I replied, “Well, because I don’t really like the taste…” To which she looked at me sadly and said “Learn to love it. Water is life.” So true. I’m wondering how many times I need to be hit over the head with this snippet of valuable information before I learn to follow it.

It’s summer time (finally) and personally for me, it’s time to embrace the local fruit and veggies this amazing province I live in produces. Last week I feasted on fresh cherries and blueberries…this week it will be strawberries from the Island and new potatoes. Support the local farmers markets that are in abundance this time of year and relish in the feeling of spending next to nothing for several bags bursting full of FRESH and locally grown jewels.

Until next time, eat well and live happy.

Namaste.

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I believe in fate…

Life is a struggle. Sometimes. Well no, actually MOST of the time. I was reading a great post titled, Growing Through Adversity over at Wyndsong Writes and the author brings up some great points. I’m a firm believer in the fact that fate works in mysterious ways and all the struggles and turmoil I’ve had to wade through so far…is all part of a master plan. I believe that had I not gone through an abusive relationship, struggles with my weight and depression- I wouldn’t be the woman I am now, with a wonderful man and committed friends.

I remember all my struggles so vividly. Each choice or decision I had to make honestly seemed like the end of the world. I felt I’d never get past whatever the obstacle was at each time; that I simply would NOT make it. Sometimes I look back in a sort of panic and think, “Oh no, if I’d never gone through that…I’d not have taken that job, and met so-and-so…” I wonder, what would my life have been like if I DID make different decisions? If I had of just given up?

I know for a fact I wouldn’t be writing this now or reading the inspiration emails and stories people send me. I try not to dwell on WHERE I would be and what my mental clarity would be like. I try to see myself and my life through other people’s eyes. I realize there are people out there who just can’t make that crucial decision that could alter their path in life…it just seems too hard. That’s OK. Nobody can force anyone to do something they aren’t ready for and when the time is right, I truly believe we all make the best decisions for ourselves.

The struggle can be hard, but the rewards are often staggering.  As Wyndsong writes:

“I’ve always been taught the old adage:  “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger”.  It has been proven to me, over and over again to be true.  I am grateful for the adversity that I’ve gone through and even more grateful for my life as it is now.”

I couldn’t have said it better. Namaste everyone.

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Inner Peace and all that jazz

Welcome to my new site! I hope as many people who stopped by my other blog will find me here and drop by…your comments and emails mean so much to me :-)

I wanted to touch base regarding my yoga class the other night. It’s a basic class to practice Hatha and after Zumba taking a beating out on my hips and legs, this was a much needed ‘break’. I absolutely loved it and forgot how wonderful yoga truly makes me feel. Doing it at home is somehow not quite the same as being in a room filled with other people, all breathing in sync and the sound of silence. I totally and completely re-connected with myself….and it was amazing.

Some people think yoga is all “weird” and for “hippies” but if you haven’t tried it, you may find you really like it. I admit it can be challenging at first in the sense that you REALLY have to pay attention to your breathing because this is what yoga is centered around. It’s about bringing yourself, your mind to a different level of consciousness….one where you are simply at peace. Once you focus on your breathing and learn to enjoy the quiet and intensity, yoga feels amazing. None of the moves are extremely strenuous nor do they require super-strength but they do require focus and patience. You can only do what feel comfortable doing. Yoga isn’t about the end…you will never ‘finish’ so to speak.

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