Enjoying the little things

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters.” ― Audrey Hepburn

It's been over a week since I last posted, and what a whirlwind of a week it has been. 

I had my three week checkup with the foot doctor and was told that I was cleared for activity again.  I made a point to get to Team Adrenaline that night, I couldn't wait to work out with everyone again.  I don't know which I missed more, the work outs or the people.

We had planned a run around Findley Lake and then a stop for ice cream.  I originally planned on riding my bike, but was thrilled to be able to run it.  I ran the entire 5+ miles and felt great.  That is when I made up my mind to still run the half marathon on the 16th.

I finally got into my classroom Wednesday and Thursday and started to sort through the mess of unpacking.  In a way, having to move my classroom for a year has been a blessing.  I've been able to clean out and go through things, a task I never would have gotten to otherwise.  Even though it is work, I don't really mind it. 

I participated in a Zumbathon Thursday, two hours of Zumba with some great friends.  And Saturday we worked out at the beach to get ready for the Beast.

To say I looked forward to getting back into things would be putting it mildly.

With Tim enjoying a little time off, we've also been spending a lot of time as a family.  We made good use of his birthday gift and roasted marshmallows.

The biggest event in our house this week was M's birthday.  I still can't believe that my baby is 4!  I never believed people when they talked about how fast kids grow until I had one of my own. 

We got M the bike she had been begging for.  Her tricycle was getting a little too small for her to really enjoy it.

She is still getting used to riding her big girl bike.  So far we've only had one major crash, straight into the pine tree.  We've even made it around the block once! 

We had M's birthday party at Claytopia this year.  As much as I loved planning the big parties in the past, this party was probably one of my favorites.  It was easy, which is always nice, but still a lot of fun. 

 

 We actually had more trouble with the adult table than the kids.  Leave it to my mom and my aunt: dumping water, spilling paint

 

After, we had one tired birthday girl.

The week was capped off with a picnic with some of my Team Adrenaline friends.  There were turkeys:

 

And minion cupcakes....

 

 

And of course, there were shenanigans.

 

 

Overall this week helped me to appreciate the little things in life.  Good friends, a happy family, the ability to move without a boot again. With the beginning of school creeping closer and closer, it is my plan to enjoy these little things as much as possible before my time is again devoted to lesson planning and IEP writing.  





It's like spring cleaning, for your body

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”  ― Hippocrates

After a week of indulging during my vacation in North Carolina, I returned feeling less than healthy.  I was sluggish, bloated, and overall just feeling icky. I had gone back to my old ways of eating on vacation, and enjoyed my fair share of BBQ and I could tell.  MMMM....crabcake sandwich.

I decided I needed a jumpstart in order to get me back on track and feeling like myself again.

Upon doing some research, I decided to try a 3 day cleanse developed by Dr. Oz. Now, I am not a huge fan of Dr. Oz for reasons on my own; but the cleanse looked like the type of thing that I needed to get back on track.  It included a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and didn't involve any of those gimmicky things you often find in these types of cleanses.  It was basically just getting back to healthy eating again by way of pureed produce.

So, making up my mind and using the provided grocery list (huge plus!), I headed off to the grocery store to get my food for the next three days.  I was pretty proud as I headed up to the cash register.  My cart was filled with a plethora of colors including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.  I was excited, as there were many new (for me) fruits and veggies to be included in my smoothies.  What I wasn't excited about was the price, I guess I didn't think about how much all those items would cost.  But I figured it was for a good cause, and I knew that any left overs would be fine for Tim or M as well.

A couple things before I go into the details of my cleanse:

• I was not in this for weight loss.  Instead I was looking to cleanse my system and get back on track.

• I have already been eating rather clean (other than vacation) since May.  This has definitely changed my taste buds, and I've found that I'm more in tune to the subtle sweetness of many things.  Things that I find flavorful and delicious, I've found that others see as bland. Also, many people who had done the cleanse before complained of feeling irritable and moody.  I attributed that effect to the lack of processed sugar.  How do I know this?  I went through a week of it when I cut out processed sugar back in May.  It sucks, I know; but when you get past that, you'll never want to go back to eating crap again (unless you are on a Southern vacation).

• I tried very hard to buy organic.  The only things that were non-organic were the avocados, bananas, and mangoes.  This added to the cost, but I believe it is worth it.

• I didn't exercise during the cleanse.  I planned on it the first day, however, decided not to after looking at my calorie intake.  I track my food; not because I'm counting calories, but because I like to see where I'm strong (like Vitamin A), and where I am deficient (protein).  Seeing the total calories for the day, I decided not to go burn any as I wanted to stay true to the cleanse and wouldn't be able to replenish when I got home.

Day 1

Starting the day off with a cup of green tea was no change for me.  I have always been a tea drinker, although I tend to lean more towards chai than green.  I did not include the stevia in my tea, as I normally do not sweeten my tea.  The lemon was more than sufficient to sweeten. 

The breakfast smoothie was a raspberry banana smoothie with some other "stuff" thrown in there.  This was by far my favorite smoothie, sweet but with a slight tang provided by some lemon juice.  I was optimistic.  If breakfast went that well, the rest of the day should too, right?

I made it to lunch no problem.  The breakfast smoothie kept me full and satisfied.  I kept up with my water intake like normal (about a half gallon by lunch). 

The lunch smoothie was, interesting, and very...green.  Celery, green apple, pineapple and cucumber were just some of the green ingredients.  It smelled good and I was still optimistic.  It had a surprisingly sweet flavor, although the celery provided a unique and unexpected undertone.  It wasn't bad, but it wasn't something I would choose to make on a regular basis.  Along with the different flavor, it had a very different type of consistency.  The best way to describe it was pulpy.  I decided just to drink it as fast as I could and get it over with.

The lunch smoothie did fill me up (it filled almost two glasses!).  I made it to dinner and didn't feel like I was hungry.  At this point, however, I was definitely missing solid food.  There is something about chewing that helps to satisfy.  Still, I made my dinner smoothie.  This one included many fruits and veggies I rarely (if ever) eat.  Mango, avocado, and coconut water all made their appearance.  The recipe also called for cayenne pepper, which I thought was an interesting addition.  I don't mind spicy food but I was worried about how the cayenne would effect the flavor of the smoothie, so I only included half the called for amount.  Overall the flavor wasn't too bad, and I finished it without any issue.  Still there was a weird heat to the smoothie (thank you cayenne) that I couldn't decide if I liked or not.

By the end of Day 1 I was looking forward to the detox bath.  I love my baths, and any excuse to take one is good for me.  It was a nice way to end the day, and helped me to forget all the stress of grad school that I was dealing with that day.  Going to bed I was surprised I was feeling like I had only drank my meals all day.  I did, however, dream of eating solid food.

Day 2

I slept great, but couldn't determine if that was an effect of the detox or running after a 3 year old all day. 

I woke up early, looking forward to my cup of tea.  I got to enjoy it by myself, in silence, as Tim and M were still in bed.  That makes for a great start to the morning.

I went through the smoothie regiment once again.  This time I knew what to expect so I threw a couple extra raspberries in my morning smoothie, blended the lunch smoothie extra long (still didn't help), and still put in only half the amount of cayenne into my dinner smoothie.

I was feeling a lot better.  I wasn't as sluggish, and I was surprised at the amount of energy I had.  Another surprise was how much I was peeing.  I drink upwards of a gallon of water a day so I'm used to frequent trips to the bathroom.  Still, this was way more than normal. I attributed it to my body flushing out toxins.  Tim thought is was comical when I even took a potty break at Toys 'R' Us; I am not a fan of public toilets.

Knowing I would end the day with another bath was exciting.  I loved the me time, and felt like if anything it allowed me to unwind a bit before bed.  M was jealous, so she got her own bath after I was done.

By the end of Day 2, I felt pretty good.  However, I was looking forward to finishing so that I could once again chew my food.

Day 3

I again got the morning to myself.  This time, I got to drink my tea and watch a rainstorm pass.  It's the little things in life...

I again slept well, and I was excited for the last day of the cleanse (I know, I'm weird).  I was starting to feel like myself again and noticed that the sluggishness and bloating from before were gone.  At this point, however, I was ready to be done only drinking my meals. 

I was itching to get some exercise in. I've gotten used to being active, and really get bored sitting around. Since I didn't want to venture to the gym, I took Tim and M on a trek to the gorge instead.  It was nice to get moving and get outside.  Plus, M really loved throwing stones in the creek and exploring the trails.  As expected, I did feel a little out of gas after the hike.  I knew this would happen, knowing that I was not taking in any extra calories.

By the end of day 3 I was pretty excited.  I felt better, and felt like the cleanse was just what I needed to get back to me.

Results

All in all, I'm really happy I did the cleanse.  I feel like myself again and feel like I can get back to my sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free way of eating that keeps me feeling good. Would I do it again?  Possibly.  If I get back in the situation I started in, it is something to use that I know helps quite a bit.

Even though I wasn't in this for the weight loss, I did lose 3 pounds in three days. 

This isn't a miracle cleanse by any means, nor did I expect it to be.  It did just what I wanted it to, reset my system so I could get back to feeling great.  True, I could've turned to over the counter medicines to combat the fatigue or bloat that I was dealing with; but I think using my food to help get back to normal was a much better choice.

Hello my old friend.

"Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." - Will Rogers

So I've finally recovered from vacation.  Funny how the thing that is meant to be relaxing, requires a period of "getting back to normal."  Being such a creature of habit, it feels good to get back into my routine.  Although, being summer the term "routine" is used quite loosely.

One that I've been struggling with is finding ways to still keep in shape while Bertha and I become best friends.  Sitting around waiting to heal just wasn't an option.  I decided to get back to the gym, knowing that once I got there I would make myself workout.  So for the past few mornings I've gotten up early and done something for an hour.

It isn't replacing my previous activities by any means. It's lonely and quite boring, but it is a whole lot better than doing nothing.

I've spent the time on the bike or elliptical finding ways to entertain myself.  Here is what I've come up with so far:

-A good, entertaining running app.  A good friend of mine got me into Zombies, Run!.  As silly as it sounds, I've gotten quite involved in the story line and look forward to my new mission each morning.  The story cuts into my music, cutting apart the monotony of staying in one place.  Plus, it will work regardless of whether I am running outside or staying stationary. 

-Intervals. I've tried to spice up my sessions by using my music as a pacer for different intervals.  One song I'll try to go as fast as possible while during another song I'll slow it down and maybe focus on my core. It keeps the activity a little different and helps and hour go by a little faster.

-The TV.  I hate that I now work out in front of the TV, but at least I'm not just sitting there.  I've learned that my choice of program can be pretty influential on how my workout goes.  First, I put the TV on mute and put on the closed captioning.  Between my music and the Zombies, I don't need another noise to add to all that is going on. Plus, I see it as me improving my reading skills while keeping up with the closed captioning (there is the teacher in me).  I've also learned to keep away from any show I'm extremely involved in.  For instance, I'm a huge Big Brother fan (guilty pleasure).  I get too into the show to get a workout in, so I've learned to save that for another time.  The best shows have been either reruns I've seen before or the news. Nothing I'm entirely vested in, but enough to help pass the time.

Do you have any other ways of entertaining yourself when you're stuck exercising indoors?

What the South taught me

“Every person needs to take one day away.  A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future.  Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence.  Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.  Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”  ― Maya Angelou, Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now

When I last wrote I will admit I wasn't in a very good place.  My foot injury came at quite possibly the worst time.  Between grad school, the impending school year, and many other stressors, I had begun to rely on running and exercise to help manage my stress (it did a pretty awesome job).  Take that away, and I was just a ball of nerves.

Call it perfect timing (or not), but all of this happened just in time for vacation.  Earlier in the year M and I had agreed to join my parents in a trek down to Durham to visit my sister, followed by several days in Asheville for a music festival.  Overall I was looking forward to the time away.  Still, I tend see vacations (especially those with my family) as more of a stressor than anything else. 

Our first few days in Durham provided a mish-mash of miscellaneous activities.  Shopping with the family (always an interesting venture) helped to highlight some of the vast differences the South provided.  Everyone was so much nicer.  Store clerks said hello, not just because they had to, and inquired about the boot (now lovingly known as Bertha).  We were in one store that provided free balloon animals and face painting for M (she still says it is one of the highlights of her trip).

We were planning on attending a Durham Bulls baseball game, however soon realized that with a 3-month-old and a 3 year old that may not be the best idea.  Instead, my sister directed us toward the restaurant that was located on the far wall of the stadium.  Here we were able to pay attention to the game, and eat some wonderful food all at the same time.  Plus, when the kiddos were ready to go, we could easily leave without feeling guilty for spending money on tickets.  This was especially nice, since we ended up seeing only an inning and a half of baseball.  Through this experience I got to try both fried green tomatoes and hoppin' john, two southern staples I had never tried before.

Monday and Tuesday of our vacation were pretty laid back.  Both my sister and her husband had to work, so we were staying home with their daughter.  My mom had that job taken care of, so M and I decided to use those afternoons for some quality bonding time.  Our first afternoon consisted of a lunch date to Red Robin, another first for both of us.  It was nothing spectacular, although M is still raving about the delicious milkshakes.  Our second afternoon had me venturing to Chapel Hill to the KidzU Children's Museum.  Although small, M had a blast!  For me, just the drive into Chapel Hill was an adventure.  I don't do well with directions, and have been known to get lost even with a GPS.  So I was pretty proud of my self for navigating the 5 lane highways of Durham.

Wednesday we left for Asheville.  A three car caravan, led by my dad, seemed like a good idea at the time.  Still I soon realized that I much rather driving on my own that following others.  As we approached Hendersonville (where our cabin was located), we were quickly reminded of the mountains surrounding us.  We left the highway only to be greeted with winding mountain roads with steep cliffs to one side.  Definitely not ideal if you are afraid of heights.  As we approached the road for our cabin, we first were greeted with a sign indicating that only four-wheel drive vehicles were recommended.  Seeing as my parents were in their mini-van, this was going to be interesting.

Turns out, the road up to our cabin was a mile and a half of winding dirt road going up the side of the mountain.  I think my sister said that our cabin was at 2800 feet. The driveway to the cabin itself was even more daunting at just about 45 degrees!  Luckily, we all made it and were greeted with a gorgeous cabin.  We spent the rest of the afternoon just enjoying the accommodations.  Although I'm not "into nature" I definitely enjoyed spending time out on the deck, just me and the trees (and M singing another one of her made-up songs).

Thursday we decided to venture out to get some BBQ.  My brother-in-law had gotten a recommendation from a buddy of his, so we ventured down the mountain and into Hendersonville to 12 Bones Smokehouse.  Talk about some of the best bar-b-que ever!  I enjoyed the pulled pork sandwich (yes I know it isn't sugar free but it was TOTALLY worth it!) while others in the group tried the ribs and the brisket.  No one had anything negative to say.  Even M loved the mac and cheese.  I loved it so much that I had to get the T-Shirt. 

Friday was the first day of the Bele Chere music festival.  My dad is a music fanatic, and is always looking for new bands and places to hear good music.  Finding this festival helped to solidify the Asheville portion of the trip for us.  I will admit I was a little worried about taking M.  It was a lot of walking, in the sun, with some pretty sketchy characters.  But, we had a good time.  Once again, I was amazed by the food selection.  You could get everything from fried candy bars to fried rice, BBQ to seafood to vegan fare.  Just choosing what to get for lunch was a daunting task.  I chose the crab cake sandwich from a local restaurant (Yes, I am aware this is again not sugar-free.  I was on vacation, give me a break!).  It was delectable.  M had some freshly made chips with some ice cream.  I learned that I was quite fond of the food in the South.

Just the people watching was entertainment.  You had all walks of life including hippies, the street corner preachers, and the occasional girl walking around topless (apparently you can do that in Asheville).  We spent a lot of time looking at all the different vendors selling just about anything imaginable.  The festival had a children's center that took up the entire floor of the civic arena.  M got to enjoy several bounce houses and slides, a tea-cup-like ride, and even bumper cars.  This was all on top of enjoying the live music.

Our original plan was to stay through Sunday.  However, over a week without daddy was proving to be difficult for both M and I (and I think daddy was a little lonely too).  Friday we found out he would be going back to work the following week, so the decision was made to leave a day early.

Waking up to rain Saturday morning, I was happy that I made that decision.  The rain would make it pretty hard to enjoy anything outside, and that is what most of our plans consisted of.  So I packed up the car and M and I were on our way.  Back down the treacherous hill and through four states.  I will say, the low clouds laced through the mountains made for some spectacular sights along the way home.

Going into the vacation I was in a rut.  Partially depressed because my "stress reliever" had been taken away, I needed a change of pace.  The South provided just that.  I learned a lot from the South.  It taught me to slow down a bit, enjoy the moment and enjoy some good food.  Be kind to one another and have confidence in yourself.  I learned that riding in the middle seat in the back of my parents van is a recipe for nausea.  Sometimes it is the simple things in life that are most valued, like sharing a milkshake with your daughter on a random afternoon.

Challenges

"Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict." - William Ellery Channing

I had that feeling in the pit of my stomach walking into the doctor's office.  That feeling of impending doom that something bad was about to happen.  The pain in my foot had gotten progressively in the last three weeks; so bad, that after a short 3 mile run Monday morning I could put no pressure on it at all.  I had known something was wrong, and I ignored the problem until I no longer could.

The X-rays confirmed what I was already sensing was wrong.  A stress fracture.

As relieved as I was to learn this was not all in my head, it was a huge blow.  Six to eight weeks in an air cast.  No running.  As the doctor sat and explained everything to me I went numb.  Thank goodness he gave me a packet with all the information, because I honestly heard nothing for the last portion of my appointment.

I held it together in the office, just shook my head and promised to come back for a follow up in three weeks.  Then, with my brand new fashionable footwear, I hobbled out the door.

It wasn't until I got home that I fell apart.  Thank goodness for Tim.  He kept calm and reassured me I was going to be fine.  Still, all I could think was that all my hard work of the past several months was about to be reversed. 

The first place I wanted to go was the TA workout I would be missing.  I felt the need to tell them in person.  Then it was on to my parents (they had air conditioning and this stupid boot is hot!).

As a couple hours went by I calmed down.  This isn't as bad as it could be, and I'm not down for the count.  I'm just going to have to change what I'm doing.  I was really bummed that I won't be able to run in the 5k while on vacation next week (love running in new places) or the Half Marathon in August (what I've been training for).  Still, if all goes well I should be able to get back to training before the Beast on the Bay, and although I won't be at my best, I can still participate.  After going through two months of change for Challenge Erie I should be a pro by now, but the thought is scary. 

So now it's time to change things up a bit.  Instead of running, I'm going to try some other forms of exercise.  I found a great deep-water running plan written for runners with injuries.  Plus, I've been saying I want to get back into swimming.  I can still bike and a friend even suggested trying rowing.  I can still work on my abs and arms.  Luckily I have some amazing support through my friends.