To all the coffee lovers out there, especially Classic With a Pop and
Spot of Jo, happy national coffee day. It's a good thing I'm not a
coffee lover because this would be one heck of a day to start my detox.
Could you imagine? So have a cup of caffeine for me, my friends, I really need it today.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Grocery Cart Judgment
Have you ever stood in line and judged someone based on what's in their grocery cart? I was in line at Publix for what felt like nine hours yesterday and I caught myself scrutinizing the woman in front of me based on what she pulled out of her cart. First, was the giant package of chicken breasts--guess her family is having chicken tonight. Next, there were cans of green beans, which I love, so I thought about going and getting some for myself. I saw a few Publix brand things, meaning she's probably at least a little bit of a saver, and based on that rock on her hand, it's working out pretty well for her. And then the real judging started.
I saw the Gatorade in her cart and at first, thought it was for her. She was in running shorts, so maybe it was for her. Next, a six pack of small Doritos bags. She's feeding her children that? The chips, along with the tiny packages of goldfish, must be for her children's lunches. Apparently, it's not chicken and green beans, or other healthy items for those kids all the time. Then she pulled out the Gatorade and I realized it was small bottles, so those probably go with her children to practice or school. Really? With all of those artificial colors? Excuse me while I judge some more.
In the span of 15 minutes, I had decided all kinds of things about a woman based on a few purchases at the grocery store, during what was clearly a supplemental trip for her, not a big full on trip to the store to stock up. Funny how a little less than a week of starting to cut things out of my diet suddenly gave me the right to feel superior because of the chickpeas, lettuce, and other healthy selections in my shopping cart. Nothing artificial for me, thankyouverymuch. Never-mind what a stranger would have thought about my cart two weeks ago, what with all the frozen meals, diet soda, and less than 100% healthy snack selections, I am now a healthy shopper and I won't be giving my children all that artificial stuff. Shame on me. I mentally apologized to this stranger in front of me and vowed to think nicer things about people. Okay, fine, I'm not turning into a saint overnight, but at least I'm trying to be a better person. Besides, surely I'm not the only person that has been caught being the grocery store judge?
I saw the Gatorade in her cart and at first, thought it was for her. She was in running shorts, so maybe it was for her. Next, a six pack of small Doritos bags. She's feeding her children that? The chips, along with the tiny packages of goldfish, must be for her children's lunches. Apparently, it's not chicken and green beans, or other healthy items for those kids all the time. Then she pulled out the Gatorade and I realized it was small bottles, so those probably go with her children to practice or school. Really? With all of those artificial colors? Excuse me while I judge some more.
In the span of 15 minutes, I had decided all kinds of things about a woman based on a few purchases at the grocery store, during what was clearly a supplemental trip for her, not a big full on trip to the store to stock up. Funny how a little less than a week of starting to cut things out of my diet suddenly gave me the right to feel superior because of the chickpeas, lettuce, and other healthy selections in my shopping cart. Nothing artificial for me, thankyouverymuch. Never-mind what a stranger would have thought about my cart two weeks ago, what with all the frozen meals, diet soda, and less than 100% healthy snack selections, I am now a healthy shopper and I won't be giving my children all that artificial stuff. Shame on me. I mentally apologized to this stranger in front of me and vowed to think nicer things about people. Okay, fine, I'm not turning into a saint overnight, but at least I'm trying to be a better person. Besides, surely I'm not the only person that has been caught being the grocery store judge?
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Detoxing My Life
Earlier this month, I signed up with my co-worker's trainer, Kara. Two days my new workout buddy Jess and I pay to have Kara torture us. Along with kicking my booty, Kara gives me looks when I bring in my ever so slightly tinted water, and judges. She's not judging from a bad place, she is wondering what I have in my water, why it's in there, and why I can't just drink plain old water, or at least water without any artificial sweeteners in it. That slight tint to my water is the single packet of lemonade flavoring I use, but it's made with real sugar and I only use one packet in my 1.5 L bottle (each packet says it's for 16 oz.) and I normally fill it back to the top when I get halfway so I don't feel so bad about it. Unfortunately, this was the beginning of the end for almost all of my favorite foods.
Kara and I began talking about all things I'm supposed to eat (or, perhaps more accurately, not eat) and why I'm supposed to eat them. Eventually, she sent me a packet. Not just any packet, the packet of evil. It encourages me to eat whole foods and eliminate almost every food that brings joy to my life, including caffeine, cheese, and artificial sweeteners--not that artificial sweeteners actually bring me joy but avoiding the feeling of sugar on me teeth does For 30 days I am supposed to completely avoid all of these things I love. 30 days of no bread, alcohol, or gluten. Then, for 60 days, I am allowed to add in each of theforbidden fruits foods I have eliminated one at a time, and see how my body reacts. The idea is I will break myself of the habit of eating all those things I'm not supposed to eat and other foods I will choose not to eat because of the way I feel when I re-introduce them to my diet. Doesn't that sound like super fun?
It may not be fun but I'm going to do it, or at least a modified version of it, anyway. Time to remove the toxins from my diet and see how it affects me. People who have done it swear I will have more energy, I will feel better, and my body will change rapidly as I rid it of the processed foods it has been clinging to. I like that this "detox" isn't one of those crazy juice fasts that pretends I'll be full and won't want to actually put food in my mouth and chew it. This involves me eating real food and doesn't necessarily limit the amount I can eat (even though I'm really only supposed to eat 3-4 oz. of protein per meal, one serving of carb, one serving of fruit/vegetable, and if I want more, I can go back for more vegetables). The hardest part, aside from not having any caffeine or dairy, is going to be eating whole foods, which means I won't be pulling something out of the freezer and tossing it in the microwave. I'm going to have to go to the grocery store, buy fresh foods, prepare meals, and take them with me to work and school.
This new motivation to alter my eating habits has also caused me to want to remove some of the other toxins in my life. In particular, I'm trying to let go of some of the stress, the things I cannot control, and the mess in my house. I've already started throwing out the clothing I will never fit into again (my torso isn't getting any shorter and shirts don't get longer), or haven't worn in year, pitching junk I keep thinking I might use one day or I seem to have some inexplicable sentimental attachment to, and Ryan has been helping me get rid of old textbooks and study aids. I feel better about it already.
The best part about posting I'm going to at least work on eliminating some of those foods from my diet, is now there's some accountability. I'll be able to post delicious new recipes I've tried (at least I'm hoping they're delicious) and tips and tricks I discover about eating whole food, without going broke, when I have no time. Anyone else want to join me? Come on, you know you don't really want to eat any of the foods you love the most.
Kara and I began talking about all things I'm supposed to eat (or, perhaps more accurately, not eat) and why I'm supposed to eat them. Eventually, she sent me a packet. Not just any packet, the packet of evil. It encourages me to eat whole foods and eliminate almost every food that brings joy to my life, including caffeine, cheese, and artificial sweeteners--not that artificial sweeteners actually bring me joy but avoiding the feeling of sugar on me teeth does For 30 days I am supposed to completely avoid all of these things I love. 30 days of no bread, alcohol, or gluten. Then, for 60 days, I am allowed to add in each of the
It may not be fun but I'm going to do it, or at least a modified version of it, anyway. Time to remove the toxins from my diet and see how it affects me. People who have done it swear I will have more energy, I will feel better, and my body will change rapidly as I rid it of the processed foods it has been clinging to. I like that this "detox" isn't one of those crazy juice fasts that pretends I'll be full and won't want to actually put food in my mouth and chew it. This involves me eating real food and doesn't necessarily limit the amount I can eat (even though I'm really only supposed to eat 3-4 oz. of protein per meal, one serving of carb, one serving of fruit/vegetable, and if I want more, I can go back for more vegetables). The hardest part, aside from not having any caffeine or dairy, is going to be eating whole foods, which means I won't be pulling something out of the freezer and tossing it in the microwave. I'm going to have to go to the grocery store, buy fresh foods, prepare meals, and take them with me to work and school.
This new motivation to alter my eating habits has also caused me to want to remove some of the other toxins in my life. In particular, I'm trying to let go of some of the stress, the things I cannot control, and the mess in my house. I've already started throwing out the clothing I will never fit into again (my torso isn't getting any shorter and shirts don't get longer), or haven't worn in year, pitching junk I keep thinking I might use one day or I seem to have some inexplicable sentimental attachment to, and Ryan has been helping me get rid of old textbooks and study aids. I feel better about it already.
The best part about posting I'm going to at least work on eliminating some of those foods from my diet, is now there's some accountability. I'll be able to post delicious new recipes I've tried (at least I'm hoping they're delicious) and tips and tricks I discover about eating whole food, without going broke, when I have no time. Anyone else want to join me? Come on, you know you don't really want to eat any of the foods you love the most.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Shopping I Shall Go
Two of my MIL's very sweet friends are throwing us an engagement party in December. Yes, December is jam packed, but I just couldn't turn them down. Crazy as we are, the party is going to be exactly one week before Christmas Eve. I'm sure I won't be running around looking for Christmas presents, trying to finish moving, or swamped at work. Considering finals are over the 14th, my lease is up the 20th, and I'm having surgery the 22nd, there really won't be much time for shopping between now and then. In order to save myself a panic attack, I've decided to do my Christmas shopping early this year. Humorous, I know, considering I almost never do anything early, but maybe it will actually happen this time.
Seriously, who doesn't love an excuse to go shopping? I've been trying not to shop too much, but this won't be for me, it's for others, so it's totally allowed. Of course, I'll need a new dress for the party, so I can buy something for me. Oh, and with the new dress, I'll probably need new shoes and maybe a piece of new jewelry...or two. Since I'll be in recovery from surgery for about a week, maybe I should get some new PJs too. Naturally, I'll need new slippers to match my PJs. Since I don't know what to get for anyone yet, I'll have to do some serious window shopping, which will most likely lead to me spotting more things for myself. But again, my intentions are pure so it doesn't really count as shopping for me. How could I get my Dad tea that I haven't tried before to make sure it's good?
I promise, this really did start with me thinking about doing my shopping for presents for other people, but it's probably going to end with Ryan having a heart attack, despite the fact I will be bargain hunting, when he stumbles upon receipts.
Seriously, who doesn't love an excuse to go shopping? I've been trying not to shop too much, but this won't be for me, it's for others, so it's totally allowed. Of course, I'll need a new dress for the party, so I can buy something for me. Oh, and with the new dress, I'll probably need new shoes and maybe a piece of new jewelry...or two. Since I'll be in recovery from surgery for about a week, maybe I should get some new PJs too. Naturally, I'll need new slippers to match my PJs. Since I don't know what to get for anyone yet, I'll have to do some serious window shopping, which will most likely lead to me spotting more things for myself. But again, my intentions are pure so it doesn't really count as shopping for me. How could I get my Dad tea that I haven't tried before to make sure it's good?
I promise, this really did start with me thinking about doing my shopping for presents for other people, but it's probably going to end with Ryan having a heart attack, despite the fact I will be bargain hunting, when he stumbles upon receipts.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Most Productive Morning Ever
This morning, my first class of the day was cancelled. Being the studious person I am, I jumped up early and went to the library and worked until my second class began. (It was fun to pretend that was true for a minute.) Instead of getting up early, I waited until about 7:30 to pull myself out of bed, started doing school work, and decided I wasn't going to waste my time driving all the way to Gulfport for just one class. I would spend about as much time traveling as I did in class and it didn't seem so productive to me at 8:30. Determined to really be productive, I finished watching my lectures for my online class, printed out about half of the reading, and went downstairs to the gym so I could exercise and read at the same time. Super productive, right? There's nothing quite like an hour in the gym and finishing most of a week's worth of work for a class all before 11. Before heading into the office, I also managed to paint my toenails, get all dolled up for work (I did my hair AND my make-up and even put on heels), and do a load of laundry. The best part is, it still feels like morning to me so I think I've been even more productive than I actually have. You can get so much accomplished when you don't have to work until 1:30 in the afternoon and you get to leave at 6:30. I think this should be the new workday - 1:30-6:30. Sounds fabulous, doesn't it?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
91 degrees
In case you're wondering how hot it is in Tampa today, the answer is 91. Yes, it is late September, and it is 91 degrees outside. This is impressive considering when I looked up the weather, it said the hi for today is 89. It's also sunny and gorgeous out, but I'm stuck in my office and far from able to really enjoy the day. I did get to take Isabella out to play fetch but the beautiful weather is even less enjoyable when you're in close toed shoes, black pants, a cardigan, and a tank top. With all those layers on, I only lasted about 10 minutes and then rushed inside before my face melted off. You're probably thinking that's a lot of clothing to be wearing in what must be the middle of summer, but I don't have much of a choice unless I want to wear a parka in my office, which is kept at a ridiculously chilly 72. No joke, my engagement right is about two sizes too big when I'm at my desk and I routinely put my heater on my desk, pointed in the direction of my very chilly fingers.
At times like these, I like to remember the Blizzard of '96. We were in Virginia and the news was a constant loop of weather reports, discussions of cabin fever, and warnings that traffic was either non-existent because the roads had not yet been cleared or backed up for days because of the weather related accidents. Right then and there I swore I would never move so far north as long as I could help it. I was 12 and miserable.
In about 3-4 months, when all my friends that don't live down here are miserable, I will relish the fact I can run outside in jeans and maybe a light sweater. Then I will remember why I live in Florida. But right now, J.Crew is just adding insult to injury with its emails about big discounts on sweaters. Justifying the purchase of a big, soft, and absolutely delightful sweater is a little hard right now. Maybe I'll be able to talk myself into it when it starts snowing in my office.
At times like these, I like to remember the Blizzard of '96. We were in Virginia and the news was a constant loop of weather reports, discussions of cabin fever, and warnings that traffic was either non-existent because the roads had not yet been cleared or backed up for days because of the weather related accidents. Right then and there I swore I would never move so far north as long as I could help it. I was 12 and miserable.
In about 3-4 months, when all my friends that don't live down here are miserable, I will relish the fact I can run outside in jeans and maybe a light sweater. Then I will remember why I live in Florida. But right now, J.Crew is just adding insult to injury with its emails about big discounts on sweaters. Justifying the purchase of a big, soft, and absolutely delightful sweater is a little hard right now. Maybe I'll be able to talk myself into it when it starts snowing in my office.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Baby Fever
I think there's something in the water. Several of my friends (who shall remain nameless and are probably not who you think they are anyway) have recently been discussing having babies. Within a matter of weeks, three of them told me they had already begun trying, were probably going to be trying within a couple of months, or as soon as they get back from that really fabulous vacation they want to go on before they have a baby, they'll be working on having a baby.
I may have missed the wedding spree that so many people go through shortly after college, but there's a very good chance my friends will be having babies around the same time. This is a good news/bad news situation. Good news - I'm so unbelievably happy for my friends, especially the couple referenced above that just told me they're expecting. More good news - I will be able to buy lots of cute baby things, which I love to buy anyway. Best news - at some point in time, each of those babies will be stolen, by me, even if only for a short period of time so I can hold them and play with them and get my baby fix. Bad news - with all of these babies around, it makes me want one of my very own even more than I already do. It doesn't really matter that I'm not even married yet, work full time, am in law school, and between the two of us Ryan and I will have oodles of student loans, does it? How hard could it be to bring the baby to work and school, get all of my work done, and play with the baby all the time? I don't sleep anyway so it would be perfect!
Who's with me? All aboard the crazy train!
Okay, fine, I'm not really going to run out and set-up a nursery (even though we will have an extra bedroom in our new place, which doesn't really need to be used as our office), but that won't stop me from dreaming of the day when I'm able to hold my very own bundle of joy in my arms for the first time. Until that day, which is a long way away, comes, I'm going to continue to be happy for my friends and buy and make them LOTS of baby things.
I may have missed the wedding spree that so many people go through shortly after college, but there's a very good chance my friends will be having babies around the same time. This is a good news/bad news situation. Good news - I'm so unbelievably happy for my friends, especially the couple referenced above that just told me they're expecting. More good news - I will be able to buy lots of cute baby things, which I love to buy anyway. Best news - at some point in time, each of those babies will be stolen, by me, even if only for a short period of time so I can hold them and play with them and get my baby fix. Bad news - with all of these babies around, it makes me want one of my very own even more than I already do. It doesn't really matter that I'm not even married yet, work full time, am in law school, and between the two of us Ryan and I will have oodles of student loans, does it? How hard could it be to bring the baby to work and school, get all of my work done, and play with the baby all the time? I don't sleep anyway so it would be perfect!
Who's with me? All aboard the crazy train!
Okay, fine, I'm not really going to run out and set-up a nursery (even though we will have an extra bedroom in our new place, which doesn't really need to be used as our office), but that won't stop me from dreaming of the day when I'm able to hold my very own bundle of joy in my arms for the first time. Until that day, which is a long way away, comes, I'm going to continue to be happy for my friends and buy and make them LOTS of baby things.
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