2 Weeks Binge-Free, "Eating for Your Soul" Class and Quick Story

The larger beads represent two weeks without a binge.

I've been zig-zagging between several interests and priorities. Recently, I've been enjoying trying out new veggie recipes and posting about that on my other blog, "What Am I Supposed To Do With That?" I think my kids like being the panel of judges as they taste-test new things.

Last night I was invited by a friend and neighbor to a new class, "Eating for Your Soul," presented by Jarah Christensen. I really enjoyed it. Here's a little story with a deep message that Jarah shared with us last night:

One night a young idealist had a dream. He dreamed there was a new store in a nearby shopping mall. He went in and saw an angel behind a counter. Nervously, he asked what the shop sold.

"Everything your heart desires," replied the angel.

"Then I want peace on earth," exclaimed the idealist. "I want an end to famine, sorrow, and disease (and addictions*)."

"Just a moment," replied the angel. "You haven't understood. We don't sell the fruit here - only seeds."

*I added

Binge-Free Beads, Family Wake-Up Walk, and Recipe

Seven days without binge-eating.

I've been waking my family up a half-hour earlier each day to do a wake-up walk.  We quickly throw on clothes, do a walk around the block (small one), come home, do 10 jumping jacks, 10 crunches, 10 push ups, and stretching.  It's been a nice way to get the day started.  We are more on-time.  The kids get some of their daily chores done earlier (usually done in afternoon after school).  I feel more patient and energetic.  It's not a huge workout, but it's something beneficial to all of us (ages 5 - 41).  I'm just hoping to instill good habits.


Here's a new recipe on "What Am I Supposed To Do With That?"

What Am I Supposed To Do With That?

I'd like to introduce my new blog: What Am I Supposed To Do With That? at 42veggiequest.blogspot.com

I am searching, trying, and posting about veggie recipes that my family and I like.


I'm learning how to feed my family healthier meals. We seriously lacked in the vegetable department.

A few weeks ago, my friend gave me some veggies from her garden. I held the cabbage and thought, "What am I supposed to do with that?" I also thought, enough is enough, I want to learn how to prepare fresh vegetables.


I'll continue this blog, but the new one will focus on my quest for veggies.


Oh, the "42" is just a spin-off from this blog. "Veggie quest dot blogspot dot com" was taken.


Hope to see you there!

No-Binge Beads and Our 15-Year Anniversary

September 15, 1995, Danny (21) and I (26) married in Danforth Chapel on the Arizona State University campus. It was very simple and very casual. And a little crazy.


Here we are then (a few weeks after the wedding) in '95 (1995, although it looks like 1895):

And now, '10:

(sigh)

There's been a lot of changes. Sure, I miss the smoother skin and younger body, but I really miss the free spirit I had.

Binge-Free Beads

Confessions of a (Recovering) Compulsive Eater used beads on a bracelet to mark how many days/weeks/months/years she has been binge-free. You can read more about the beads here. I liked the idea of having a constant reminder around my wrist while I prepare meals and make different food-decisions. Here are my beads and empty string:

I need to define for myself what a binge-free day is -- binge-free and compulsive-free. This definition may have to build on itself. For starters, it's having a plan and sticking to it. The plan at first may be simple (i.e. I'm not ready to count calories and measure every morsel of food. I just want to make sure I don't buy that package of cookies and snarf them or take extra servings when I'm not hungry). If I feel I sincerely kept to my plan, I'll get a bead. If I binge, all beads are removed and I start over.

It's obvious I don't have it all figured out, yet. If I wait until I do, then it won't get done. It's just one of those things to jump into and make adjustments as I go. (I think that's the approach I had when I married 15 years ago).

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Today is my mom's birthday. We are in the process of having her and my dad move out here near us. (So e'sited! -- as my then 4 year old said). So, calling all snowbird want-to-be's: my parents are selling their gorgeous home in Sun City, Arizona -- a retirement/golf community. The sooner they sell, the sooner they can be with us. Yes, this is a shameless plug to sell their home. Any takers? (Next year, Mom, we'll be celebrating your birthday together! I love you!)

Award II - The Lie About Me Revealed

My last post listed 8 things about me, one being a lie:

1. I used to drive a pink 1965 convertible Mustang.

2. I married my childhood sweetheart.

3. I was an atheist and ended up joining a church that had been on the top of my dislike list.

4. Someone smashed into my car's left door and front fender. I spray-painted "Sh*t Happens" (without the *) across the left side and drove it around like that until I got it fixed.

5. I married someone I only knew for three weeks.

6. I can do 18 push ups in one set.

7. I took myself to Kauai, Hawaii and spent most of the week alone: me, the beach, and a VW van.

8. I'm a horrible liar.

I did drive a '65 convertible Mustang.  My father bought it when I was a baby.  I grew up in that car.  It was passed on to me when I graduated.  It was a bronze color at the time.  Someone turned into me and wiped out my left side, but it was still drivable.  Do you remember those bumper stickers that said, "Sh*t Happens?"  I spray painted that across the left side of the car.  My boss didn't think it was funny and made me park in the back until I had it fixed a couple of weeks later.  THAT'S when it was painted pink with black vinyl.  I had to sell it after 9-11-01 to pay the bills.  (1,4)

I did marry my childhood sweetheart.  Met him at 16, married him at 18, divorced him by 20.  (2)

And...

I married someone I only knew for 3 weeks at age 26.  Danny and I will celebrate 15 years together next week, Sept. 15.  (5)

I was an atheist and the Mormons (LDS) were at the top of my dislike list.  Danny invited the Missionaries into our home almost 12 years ago.  My perceptions of them were wrong.  We converted 11 years ago, giving up alcohol, tobacco and coffee (almost -- that's a hard one).  If you want to read about my conversion story, it's on my other blog here.  (3)

Two weeks after I had my car repaired and painted pink, someone else clipped my front fender.  It was minor.  I put off repairing it and took myself to Hawaii, instead with the money.  I had a friend that lived in Kauai.  She lent me her VW van and let me sleep on the couch.  I had just gone through the divorce and had been doing a lot of rebounding.  I just needed to be alone to think.  I loved it so much that I gave away most of my stuff and planned on moving there.  Then I met a Tom Petty look-alike and stayed on the main land with him a couple of years.  (7)

I AM a horrible liar.  I can't even put on a poker face to hide a joke or prank.  I dread it when my kids ask if there is a tooth fairy, etc.  I just say, "I've never seen one."  (8)

That leaves #6 - I CAN'T do 18 push-ups.  I can maybe do 10 from the knees.  (Sorry, Jody).

The Versatile Blogger Award

Thank you Joy of Nuggets of Truth ~ My Weight Loss Journey and Skye of Skye's the Limit - The Possibilities are Endless for presenting me with the Versatile Blogger award. I was very happy to receive them and thank you for thinking of me. I'm sorry it has taken me a month to begin blogging and show it off.

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award.

2. Share seven things about yourself.
3. Nominate fifteen newly discovered blogs.
4. Let your nominees know about the award.

Being the versatile blogger, I am going to make the rules versatile, too. Rule #2 - I've shared 8 things, but one of them is a lie. Can you guess which one?

1. I used to drive a pink 1965 convertible Mustang.

2. I married my childhood sweetheart.

3. I was an atheist and ended up joining a church that had been on the top of my dislike list.

4. Someone smashed into my car's left door and front fender. I spray-painted "Sh*t Happens" (without the *) across the left side and drove it around like that until I got it fixed.

5. I married someone I only knew for three weeks.

6. I can do 18 push ups in one set.

7. I took myself to Kauai, Hawaii and spent most of the week alone: me, the beach, and a VW van.

8. I'm a horrible liar.

I need to change Rule #3, also. I haven't ventured out into blogland in a while to find 15 newly discovered blogs, but there are some great ones on the right side.

Thanks for stopping by!

He's Only Just Begun

My youngest began kindergarten yesterday. I have a mix of emotions. Among them is the realization that this is the first time in almost 11 years that I will have kid-free mornings. It's been a crazy 11 years.


And it's been a busy month. (Good grief, only one post for August). We made tremendous progress on my parents' "new" old home, I finally have my computer back, the yellow jacket sting has cleared up as well as the cellulitis (but not the cellulite) and the colitis -- recap here.


I was happy to finally venture away from the safety zone of my bathroom. I even signed up (and paid) for WasatchWoman's 5th Annual Love Your Body 6K Run/Walk -- my first running event!!! It will be October 9th. Within the first week of training, plantar fasciitis made itself clearly known, again. I first developed PF last January. It improved, but I must have become complacent because it's back. It doesn't look good for the 6K. I can't even do exercise walking until I've had a full week of no pain. Shoes must be worn all the time including night trips to the restroom. I have really good shoes complete with orthotics. They are lovely with my Sunday church dress.

: p


I have to admit, this PF thing had really gotten me down. Walking boosts my mood and energizes me. Without it, I had slipped into a depression. I felt defeated. (Or, is it de-feeted?)


Being the strong, resilient woman I am, I shifted my focus to foot friendly exercises like resistance training, pilates and yoga binged. (So much for being aware of what is good for my colon -- last post). I sort of wished I could turn on the colitis again to keep me from binge-eating.


Now what? I'm going to clean my house. During my pity-party, I pretty much ignored my chores and myself. I didn't want to deal with anything. I didn't want to cook anything. Fitness had left the building -- physical, mental, and most of all, spiritual.


Tomorrow, I'm going to work on becoming clutter-free, clean the kitchen and bathrooms and get rid of dead clothes. I'll have to baby the PF, but it has to get done.l I'd also like to clear the family room floor so I have room for my resistance training, pilates and yoga. With the little one now in kindergarten, I have those couple of hours in the morning.


Do you remember when you were in kindergarten? For most of us, falling down was fun, jumping and running in bare feet were good for us, we ate when we were hungry and stopped when full -- even if only half the ice-cream cone or cookie was eaten. New tasks were adventures not burdens. We knew how to play. Happy was easy.


It's back to basics for me. Tomorrow, I will begin drinking water about every 1 1/2 hours, again. I've totally neglected hydration. Water should help my mood a bit.


(I also want to thank Joy and Skye for the Versatile Blogger Award; I haven't forgotten about that and am very grateful you thought of me. That will be my next post).