Waiting For Hunger: W1D4: Ideal Day

Yesterday and the rest of this week will involve a lot of juggling. Nothing unmanageable, but my comment participation will be slow until Monday. Either way, your comments are brilliant and thoughtful. I'm still trying to answer yesterday's question for myself.

Today though, is another question. I'm in a new Intention Circle with a lot of my creative lady friends and the question we're trying to answer is "what does your ideal day look like?" This is more like a dream day, a fantasy. A life without barriers.

I realized in the past week as I try to answer this question: I am living my ideal life. That is not intended to be smug, but I'm realizing that the reason why this answer is so difficult is because my ideal life, IS my life. Sure, my dream day starts in Tuscany and ends at a dance party in NYC, but that's just one day. I don't want to live in Tuscany or NYC. I love where I live, because it was my design. Living in rural Virginia was a choice, a strange one to many, but a choice that excites me.

The thing is, the day I stepped foot in Brooklyn (or perhaps the day I left college) was the day that I understood that I am the captain of this ship. My life is not perfect, I want to be in a healthier body, I'd love to have a magazine-organized house, I'd love to travel more. But, oh my goodness. My life is a good life. I wake up and I have work to do, work that I love. Work that people pay me to do. In my pajamas most days. And others, if I want, I can get dressed to the nines.

My husband is a huge chunk of my life. Which probably makes some squeamishness and uncomfortable. Others may say, how dare you place so much importance on your husband. But, I do. He was a dream. And goodness, if I had one tidbit of advice, it is: marry a good man. Marry a man who calls you beautiful every day. Challenges you. Sees your potential and supports you. I challenged myself at a young age to marry someone who is present, who cares, who is thoughtful and creative. It helps that he is incredibly good looking. But, I didn't settle for comfort, or ideals.

I have health insurance.  A goal that was on my new years resolution for three years. I've done catering, jewelry, and now clothing design. All because I want to. Not because it's a task given to me. And sure, some things I realize I'm not suited for, but at least I did it. I have the freedom to try. And fail. And try again.

Everyday I feel at home in our house. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the house I'm supposed to live in at this stage of my life. It's small and humble. And people tell us "you can't do that in your house! it's too small". Well, I'm sorry, but three bedrooms and two baths is more than enough room for two people, 2 cats and a rabbit. And hell, if we want a baby, we'll make room. We didn't over extent ourselves with the best house on the block to be impressive. We don't have the nicest car, to make us look successful. Those things, while they may fit in a dream day. Are not my ideal.

My ideal day involves, a plush white bed, a morning run, a leisurely day where I cook in the kitchen, and create in my studio. And while I don't have a plush white bed, I could have it.  TJMaxx is only 25 minutes away. And while I don't exercise everyday...I could. But, I have a really nice bed. I cook often and I'm creative in my studio because those things make a happy life for me.

And so I asked my husband what his ideal day looks like. And after a few silent minutes. He replied "I'm already living it". And he is, and I knew that would be his answer. Sure, he doesn't have the best music studio in the world, or even Floyd for that matter. But he made one happen. And it's pretty amazing. Six years ago he said "I don't want an office job" and two months later he never looked back. He made that happen. He reads, and studies and works hard for this life.

And so I'm realizing that the things I want, are not things or perhaps even actions, but thoughts. I want to be nicer to myself. I want to feel my feelings. I want to forgive people a little easier. I want to dance and sing a little more freely. I want to forgive myself for not always doing the right thing. My ideal day is realizing how great I have it and not wasting it on petty thoughts and negativity. My ideal day is an easy smile, a guilt-free slice of chocolate cake, it's being passionate, seeing things through, and getting a little (or a lot) sweaty.

So I extent this question to you...what does your ideal day look like?

Waiting For Hunger: W1D4: Ideal Day

Waiting For Hunger: W1D4: Ideal Day

Posted by Lorrie in About Me on September 29, 2011 | 10 responses

Yesterday and the rest of this week will involve a lot of juggling. Nothing unmanageable, but my comment participation will be slow until Monday. Either way, your comments are brilliant and thoughtful. I'm still trying to answer yesterday's question for myself.

Today though, is another question. I'm in a new Intention Circle with a lot of my creative lady friends and the question we're trying to answer is "what does your ideal day look like?" This is more like a dream day, a fantasy. A life without barriers.

I realized in the past week as I try to answer this question: I am living my ideal life. That is not intended to be smug, but I'm realizing that the reason why this answer is so difficult is because my ideal life, IS my life. Sure, my dream day starts in Tuscany and ends at a dance party in NYC, but that's just one day. I don't want to live in Tuscany or NYC. I love where I live, because it was my design. Living in rural Virginia was a choice, a strange one to many, but a choice that excites me.

The thing is, the day I stepped foot in Brooklyn (or perhaps the day I left college) was the day that I understood that I am the captain of this ship. My life is not perfect, I want to be in a healthier body, I'd love to have a magazine-organized house, I'd love to travel more. But, oh my goodness. My life is a good life. I wake up and I have work to do, work that I love. Work that people pay me to do. In my pajamas most days. And others, if I want, I can get dressed to the nines.

My husband is a huge chunk of my life. Which probably makes some squeamishness and uncomfortable. Others may say, how dare you place so much importance on your husband. But, I do. He was a dream. And goodness, if I had one tidbit of advice, it is: marry a good man. Marry a man who calls you beautiful every day. Challenges you. Sees your potential and supports you. I challenged myself at a young age to marry someone who is present, who cares, who is thoughtful and creative. It helps that he is incredibly good looking. But, I didn't settle for comfort, or ideals.

I have health insurance.  A goal that was on my new years resolution for three years. I've done catering, jewelry, and now clothing design. All because I want to. Not because it's a task given to me. And sure, some things I realize I'm not suited for, but at least I did it. I have the freedom to try. And fail. And try again.

Everyday I feel at home in our house. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the house I'm supposed to live in at this stage of my life. It's small and humble. And people tell us "you can't do that in your house! it's too small". Well, I'm sorry, but three bedrooms and two baths is more than enough room for two people, 2 cats and a rabbit. And hell, if we want a baby, we'll make room. We didn't over extent ourselves with the best house on the block to be impressive. We don't have the nicest car, to make us look successful. Those things, while they may fit in a dream day. Are not my ideal.

My ideal day involves, a plush white bed, a morning run, a leisurely day where I cook in the kitchen, and create in my studio. And while I don't have a plush white bed, I could have it.  TJMaxx is only 25 minutes away. And while I don't exercise everyday...I could. But, I have a really nice bed. I cook often and I'm creative in my studio because those things make a happy life for me.

And so I asked my husband what his ideal day looks like. And after a few silent minutes. He replied "I'm already living it". And he is, and I knew that would be his answer. Sure, he doesn't have the best music studio in the world, or even Floyd for that matter. But he made one happen. And it's pretty amazing. Six years ago he said "I don't want an office job" and two months later he never looked back. He made that happen. He reads, and studies and works hard for this life.

And so I'm realizing that the things I want, are not things or perhaps even actions, but thoughts. I want to be nicer to myself. I want to feel my feelings. I want to forgive people a little easier. I want to dance and sing a little more freely. I want to forgive myself for not always doing the right thing. My ideal day is realizing how great I have it and not wasting it on petty thoughts and negativity. My ideal day is an easy smile, a guilt-free slice of chocolate cake, it's being passionate, seeing things through, and getting a little (or a lot) sweaty.

So I extent this question to you...what does your ideal day look like?

Waiting For Hunger: W1D4: Ideal Day

Yesterday and the rest of this week will involve a lot of juggling. Nothing unmanageable, but my comment participation will be slow until Monday. Either way, your comments are brilliant and thoughtful. I'm still trying to answer yesterday's question for myself.

Today though, is another question. I'm in a new Intention Circle with a lot of my creative lady friends and the question we're trying to answer is "what does your ideal day look like?" This is more like a dream day, a fantasy. A life without barriers.

I realized in the past week as I try to answer this question: I am living my ideal life. That is not intended to be smug, but I'm realizing that the reason why this answer is so difficult is because my ideal life, IS my life. Sure, my dream day starts in Tuscany and ends at a dance party in NYC, but that's just one day. I don't want to live in Tuscany or NYC. I love where I live, because it was my design. Living in rural Virginia was a choice, a strange one to many, but a choice that excites me.

The thing is, the day I stepped foot in Brooklyn (or perhaps the day I left college) was the day that I understood that I am the captain of this ship. My life is not perfect, I want to be in a healthier body, I'd love to have a magazine-organized house, I'd love to travel more. But, oh my goodness. My life is a good life. I wake up and I have work to do, work that I love. Work that people pay me to do. In my pajamas most days. And others, if I want, I can get dressed to the nines.

My husband is a huge chunk of my life. Which probably makes some squeamishness and uncomfortable. Others may say, how dare you place so much importance on your husband. But, I do. He was a dream. And goodness, if I had one tidbit of advice, it is: marry a good man. Marry a man who calls you beautiful every day. Challenges you. Sees your potential and supports you. I challenged myself at a young age to marry someone who is present, who cares, who is thoughtful and creative. It helps that he is incredibly good looking. But, I didn't settle for comfort, or ideals.

I have health insurance.  A goal that was on my new years resolution for three years. I've done catering, jewelry, and now clothing design. All because I want to. Not because it's a task given to me. And sure, some things I realize I'm not suited for, but at least I did it. I have the freedom to try. And fail. And try again.

Everyday I feel at home in our house. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the house I'm supposed to live in at this stage of my life. It's small and humble. And people tell us "you can't do that in your house! it's too small". Well, I'm sorry, but three bedrooms and two baths is more than enough room for two people, 2 cats and a rabbit. And hell, if we want a baby, we'll make room. We didn't over extent ourselves with the best house on the block to be impressive. We don't have the nicest car, to make us look successful. Those things, while they may fit in a dream day. Are not my ideal.

My ideal day involves, a plush white bed, a morning run, a leisurely day where I cook in the kitchen, and create in my studio. And while I don't have a plush white bed, I could have it.  TJMaxx is only 25 minutes away. And while I don't exercise everyday...I could. But, I have a really nice bed. I cook often and I'm creative in my studio because those things make a happy life for me.

And so I asked my husband what his ideal day looks like. And after a few silent minutes. He replied "I'm already living it". And he is, and I knew that would be his answer. Sure, he doesn't have the best music studio in the world, or even Floyd for that matter. But he made one happen. And it's pretty amazing. Six years ago he said "I don't want an office job" and two months later he never looked back. He made that happen. He reads, and studies and works hard for this life.

And so I'm realizing that the things I want, are not things or perhaps even actions, but thoughts. I want to be nicer to myself. I want to feel my feelings. I want to forgive people a little easier. I want to dance and sing a little more freely. I want to forgive myself for not always doing the right thing. My ideal day is realizing how great I have it and not wasting it on petty thoughts and negativity. My ideal day is an easy smile, a guilt-free slice of chocolate cake, it's being passionate, seeing things through, and getting a little (or a lot) sweaty.

So I extent this question to you...what does your ideal day look like?

Waiting For Hunger: W1D3: Fixing Yourself

I saw this comment on Facebook yesterday from Geneen Roth, it really hit home for me why I'm doing this challenge.

“The most radical part of my own story is not that I stopped dieting; it’s that I stopped trying to fix myself. I stopped fighting with myself, stopped blaming myself, my mother, my latest boyfriend for my weight. And since diets were my most flagrant attempt at fixing myself, I stopped them as well. What would your life be like if you stopped trying to fix yourself?”

 

I'm curious to know...

What would your life be like if you stopped trying to fix yourself?

 

Side note: I will be out of the comments until this evening.

 

Waiting For Hunger: W1D3: Fixing Yourself

I saw this comment on Facebook yesterday from Geneen Roth, it really hit home for me why I'm doing this challenge.

“The most radical part of my own story is not that I stopped dieting; it’s that I stopped trying to fix myself. I stopped fighting with myself, stopped blaming myself, my mother, my latest boyfriend for my weight. And since diets were my most flagrant attempt at fixing myself, I stopped them as well. What would your life be like if you stopped trying to fix yourself?”

 

I'm curious to know...

What would your life be like if you stopped trying to fix yourself?

 

Side note: I will be out of the comments until this evening.

 

Almost like normal...

I always hate it when I get so busy that I forget to update my blog. As much as I am on the computer for work, I seem to have ditched my home computer lately. I haven't checked Blogger or Facebook in almost a week, and last night was the first time I'd checked my personal email address in over a week. I have been busy, but things have been good!



First things first... I am still under 300! Yay for me. I am not as far down as I would like to be because I had a weekend of bad eating about 3 weeks ago. Then 2 weeks ago I went out of town with a friend for a funeral for the weekend. Both of those weekends combined had me up about 5 lbs, but I didn't freak out. I just went back to my "normal" eating, and as of this morning I am 296.



Funny how I say "normal". These days, "normal" eating for me is lower carb, higher protein. I don't eat after 6pm. I drink more water. I only eat when I am hungry. I don't eat candy and limit my intake of sweets and soda. I basically eat what I want, but my "wants" have changed. I still feel like I am in control.



The weekend 3 weeks ago when I ate out on both Friday and Saturday night, I still watched what I ate and still stuck to my plan for the rest of the weekend. I didn't throw in the towel and say, "Hey, I ate Prince's Hot Chicken last night, so I am going to start over Monday." I started over on the very next meal. No more "Monday" thinking for me right now. I am in this for the long haul.



I am finally comfortable with the fact that small changes is what is going to get me where I need to be. As long as I make an effort to do my best each day, I will reach my weight loss goals. It may take longer than restricting whole food groups, or drinking shakes for months at a time (which I have been more than willing to do in the past). I am changing, slowly but surely.



My big goal for this week is to exercise at least 4 times for 30 minutes each time. I have a friend that is also trying to meet this goal with me, so I am going to try my best. My oldest daughter got braces yesterday afternoon, and I had a baby shower to go to this afternoon. Tomorrow I have Spanish class after school, then church. So I guess I will have to really push for the rest of the week to make that goal. It's so hard to exercise when you've got a million things going on. But I have to try.



My personal life is less stressful, so that is good. I have had to eliminate some people from my life, but it's for the best. I have also formed new friendships and relationships that seem promising. I guess that changes in the people who surround you each day is just part of life. Some people are around for a season or a reason, some people will last for way longer than that. I am blessed to have people who genuinely care for me and my kiddos, and who can hold my hand through the tough times. I am also thankful for the people who have caused me pain and made my life hell, because those are the people who have made me the strongest.

Pasta Fagioli

Last night I made a vegetarian/vegan Pasta Fagioli. I had been traveling for a couple of weeks and was so happy to get back in the kitchen to make a real meal. As usual, I made a very large pot of soup so my boyfriend and I would have leftovers for the week. I used whole wheat elbow pasta to make it healthier with a good dose of fiber. Soups are perfect for using whole wheat or whole grain pastas because the noodles get super soft and you are less likely to notice that you didn’t use regular white pasta. Why not go healthy when you can “sneak” it in there? Try it out and see what you think.

Pasta Fagioli (Vegan)

(makes about 10 servings)

QVC and David Venable in NYC

Last week I attended QVC’s Cooking & Dining Media Event with Program Host David Venable in NYC. David is the host of QVC’s program In the Kitchen with David® (ITKWD). The event featured QVC’s latest and most successful products in the cooking and dining market, cocktails and appetizers for the guests, a technology corner featuring the ITKWD iPhone app, and a cooking demonstration of a few of David’s favorite recipes.

My Guest Post on The Embellished Life

I wrote a guest post on another blog and wanted to share it with you! I met Jessica from The Embellished Life at a party/fundraiser for the fashion site 24 Blogazine and we decided that I would write a guest post for her blog. Just as living in NY turned Jessica into a major foodie, NY gave me a whole new appreciation for fashion and design. In the guest post, I reviewed Tu-Lu’s Gluten-Free Bakery in NYC’s East Village. Head on over to Jessica’s blog to read my post. Oh, and definitely check out the rest of The Embellished Life blog to get a healthy scoop of New York fashion.

NYC Digs: Tasty Guest Blogger: Laurel on Health Food

Corn Chowder

Fall weather is here in New York and I am so ready to rock some sweaters and make tons of soup! Last night I made a corn chowder with potatoes, frozen corn, and coconut milk. It’s pretty similar in flavor to the Spicy Corn Soup I made during the Cold Weather Recipes blogathon, but this one’s got potatoes, cumin, turmeric, and extra corn. It makes a big pot of soup that will give you leftovers for a week. These days saving time is a must for me, so I’ll be making larger batches of soup, rice, and beans on the weekends.

Corn Chowder (Vegan)

(makes 10+ servings)

Goals, and focusing on what is important.

I finally made my first goal... I am under 300 lbs! I have been hovering at around 298 for a few days. I drank some on Thursday night, so I stayed off the scale yest and today so I wouldn't be discouraged by any fluctuation that the alcohol caused. But I am still in control. Even with the stress (which is still here), and even with the holiday weekend.



Yes, I have been a little tempted. I had some cravings yesterday that I had to fight. And today I was "thinking" about a fast-food lunch (which I haven't had in months). But I have been able to overcome. I am very focused on my next goal of 289 lbs.



I realized today that although I am eating less, I have slacked on making good choices. I am not drinking all the water I should be. And I am also not eating enough fruit or veggies. SO that is my goal for the upcoming week.



With all the madness taking place in my personal life, I have to make myself focus on what is important. My children are my first priority, so I am trying to pour myself into them. They deserve my time, effort, and energy. I am also re-focusing a lot on my classroom and making this a successful school year.



Sometimes I wish I could just get control of my mind. My mind is my worst enemy. I think way too much, and I allow my thoughts to defeat me even before I have a chance to succeed. Medication helps, but I am still struggling. I am praying for guidance and peace in my life. I want to be healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Goals, and focusing on what is important.

I finally made my first goal... I am under 300 lbs! I have been hovering at around 298 for a few days. I drank some on Thursday night, so I stayed off the scale yest and today so I wouldn't be discouraged by any fluctuation that the alcohol caused. But I am still in control. Even with the stress (which is still here), and even with the holiday weekend.



Yes, I have been a little tempted. I had some cravings yesterday that I had to fight. And today I was "thinking" about a fast-food lunch (which I haven't had in months). But I have been able to overcome. I am very focused on my next goal of 289 lbs.



I realized today that although I am eating less, I have slacked on making good choices. I am not drinking all the water I should be. And I am also not eating enough fruit or veggies. SO that is my goal for the upcoming week.



With all the madness taking place in my personal life, I have to make myself focus on what is important. My children are my first priority, so I am trying to pour myself into them. They deserve my time, effort, and energy. I am also re-focusing a lot on my classroom and making this a successful school year.



Sometimes I wish I could just get control of my mind. My mind is my worst enemy. I think way too much, and I allow my thoughts to defeat me even before I have a chance to succeed. Medication helps, but I am still struggling. I am praying for guidance and peace in my life. I want to be healthy in mind, body and spirit.

How I Stopped Menstrual Cramps

This is a post I’ve been meaning to write for awhile, but I wanted to fully test out my tips and tricks before I shared them with you. I’ve dealt with pretty severe menstrual cramps since my late teenage years and always felt like it was something I just had to accept. But over the past few years I trained to be a holistic health coach and have also done a ton of reading and research on superfoods, diets, holistic healing. My studies have led me to a breakthrough! This summer I finally managed to reduce my monthly cramps from horribly intense to mild or dare I say…non-existent. I wanted to share my tips in case they can help anyone else out. These are not a doctor’s prescription or a cure-all, they are just the things that have worked for me.

1. Chaste Tree Berry Extract – This extract is used in herbal medicine to treat and ease premenstrual symptoms and regulate the menstrual cycle. I take a full dropper of chaste tree berry extract with a glass of water three times a day (between meals) for a few days before and during my period.