my mommy is just the best...

For Christmas...my parents were going to get an automatic car starter installed in my car...but because of my car sometimes having that starter problem...it is more complicated than we would have liked. So....I happened to mention that I would like one of those Magic Bullet things...because I could use it to ground flax seeds or to make some yummy sorbet, etc...

So...my mommy called me yesterday morning and left a message on my voicemail that she saw the commercial for it and ordered me a Magic Bullet...and the commercial advertised a Buy One Get One Free deal...so my mom ordered herself a Magic Bullet too.



So now I have a juicer and a Magic Bullet! whoo hoo!

Thursday Thirteen #14

I almost forgot about TT this week...I didn't go back to work until Wednesday, so today definitely does not feel like Thursday!

Thirteen Goals Shelley Has for 2007! 1. Quit the video store. I have worked there for 2 years and at this point...I don't need the money and the free video perks just aren't worth it anymore. I loved working there and made some really great friends there, but well...it's time to pack it up and go! 2. Continue to go to church regularly. I have really enjoyed getting back to Church in the last year. 3. I would like to get more involved in church activities. I would like to do things like maybe babysit during church, teach Sunday school, help with activities, join the church, etc....something...I know that going to church is good, but I want to increase my involvement so I become more a part of the community. 4. Join the YMCA. I miss going there and I think it will help my fitness goals. 5. Register for the Saturday Step Class again at the YMCA. I loved that class and had to stop going because I was working Saturdays at the video store...but now...I can go back. 6. Plan to work out at least 10-15 hours a week at the Y. If I get those hours in...my goal is to put money away for a fun/vacation fund...so I can actually reward myself for fitness! 7. Create a new fitness/food/workout plan. Spend time researching the raw food diet and start implementing the raw way of life into my diet. 8. Complete the Couch to 5K Program. I have started it twice...and never made it past week three...I have always moved on to another type of exercise. 9. During the summer...sign up for at least one 5K charity event...if not more. 10. Have more nights out or in with the girls. I have really enjoyed those in the last year...and want to continue that. 11. Smile more. I am usually a pretty happy person, but smiling should always be a goal in life. 12. Make a trip to Florida to see my brother, his wife and my nephew. He is two years old and because of scheduling...I have not been able to see him. That is so sad to me. 13. Make trips to Vermont, Mass and maybe even Indiana...to see old friends who I have not seen in a while. There ya go...those are 13 of my goals for the coming year...a lot are fitness related, but well..read my blog...that should not be a surprise!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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what a pain in the neck!

A couple days before Christmas....December 23rd to be exact...I slept on my neck wrong or something....and I woke up with a stiff and sore neck. That happens every once in a while. I tried to be careful with it...and didn't do anything incredibly difficult, etc.

Well...it doesn't hurt as much, but it still hurts. Usually the pain in the neck goes away in a day or two...but it is holding on...getting a little less painful everyday, but still...when I am driving and need to look over my shoulder into my blind spot...OUCH!

I think I might need to buy new pillows...or get morphine injected into my neck...one or the other!

Holiday Recap

Hey y'all....I survived the holidays! I finished the 12 Days of Health challenge and I am so glad I did it. It didn't make the holidays as bad for the diet as they usually are.

I have written before that I am usually quite bah humbug about the holidays...and I often just want to get through them. In all honesty...I have no idea where this comes from. I woke up on Christmas Eve...and it didn't feel like Xmas Eve at all...didn't feel special in the least. I went to church in the morning with my mom...since it was Sunday and all...and then went home, had lunch with the folks and went to my apartment to get ready to go to work. Yep...I was scheduled to work at the video store until it closed at 11pm. Our video store is open every single day of the year...Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc...we want to make sure that when you have had enough of your family that you can run to the video store and get some mindless entertainment. Anyways...I got a message from another girl at the store who wanted to pick up my shift! Sweet...I definitely took her up on that deal.

Suddenly....the Christmas spirit really hit. I brought some little presents over to a couple friends of mine who were stuck working on Xmas eve. I went and bought candy and snacks for those stuck working at video store land. And...I called my mom and told her the good news that we could go to Christmas Eve service. I love the Christmas eve service...is it just so loving and connected...and usually involves a lot of singing Christmas music...which I love.

I came home...fell asleep...and woke up about 9am...so different from when I was a kid and was awake by 6am at the latest. I cleaned the kitchen in my apartment and headed over to my parents. We chatted...opened presents...had brunch (my mom made some yummy mac 'n cheese) and then watched a movie. It was a nice day. My favorite gift was a juicer...and I adore it. I can't wait to juice everything in my sight!!! I think the juicer is really going to help me with my health goals...and my ideas about going to the raw food way of eating. So far...I have only juiced a lemon and it made the apartment smell so great!!

As far as fitness....I am going to spend this week thinking about my fitness goals. I know that I need to get myself back in gear. I got a few raw food books which I have been reading....and it looks like something that is doable. So...be waiting for January 1st...when I will share with the world what my 2007 fitness goals are!!! *drum roll*

Hope everyone had a wonderful and peaceful holiday!

12 Days of Health: Day 11

It's Day 11...and who knew that these 12 days would fly...fly by! Today is a half a day at work and then I am having lunch with a bunch of co-workers. It should be a good time had by all. Yesterday...I did well...I didn't have pizza even though I really wanted it...and I did my ab routine even though I talked myself into skipping it at least twice...but then got down on the floor and got it done.

On the Eleventh day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health....not drinking the alcohol, no eating pizza, doing an ab routine, no candy in my tummy, not a drop of soda, eating breakfast every morning, NO ICE CREAM, taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

And we're off to the races....one more day after this one!

Thursday Thirteen #13

Rock on! This TT is my 13th!!!

Thirteen Things Shelley Did In 2006 That She is Proud/Happy About! 1. I got my own apartment and moved out of my parents' house. I love my parents, but I also LOVE my independence. 2. I went from being an Americorps member at my job to a paid staff member. (That steady income sure helped me accomplish #1!) 3. I started losing weight again in 2006...I didn't lose everything that I wanted to and I struggled more than I would have liked, but at the end of 2006...I am still healthier, smaller and more motivated than I was a year ago. 4. I bought an elliptical machine for my apartment. You have no idea how much I love this machine. 5. I participated in a Juvenile Diabetes 5K event...and because I am competitive even when it comes to a charity event...I finished the walk/run in the top 10. And...I raised about 150 bucks too. 6. I started going back to church on a consistent basis. I have always considered myself a spiritual person, but had a hard time going back to church after my pastor moved to a new church a few years back...and in all honesty, I was afraid church was going to get in the way of my "life." I am glad I can see how it adds to my life instead of subtracts. 7. I took the exam for my job (civil service) and 3 months later got the result in the mail that I passed and therefore was officially placed in the position! phew! 8. I moved from my own apartment into a new apartment with a great friend. It's a great way to save money and it also is nice to have someone around...and not be so lonely and isolated sometimes. 9. I have been a neater, cleaner person since moving in with my roommate. You have no idea how huge that is...since I tend to clutter and turn my home into a complete and disgusting hole. I have become the "neat" one in the apartment and that just kicks ass. 10. I created a spread sheet and filing system for all of my bills and monthly payments. I have always been pretty good with money and paying bills...but I love the new system. I am actually enough of a geek that I love payday because it means I get to use my little spreadsheet and pay all the upcoming bills. I know..but hey, I would rather be an uber geek than someone who's credit is shot because she can't seem to pay her bills on time. 11. I have made some really nice friendships at home and with some of the video store girls. I have really looked to increase my social circle...and I am looking to even expand it in the coming year. I make acquaintance well, but real friendships sometimes scare the bejesus out of me. I feel great that I have a small circle of just amazing friends in my life. 12. I gave blood in 2006. I am truly proud of this...yes, because I saved a life and all, but also because they let me. The last two times I have attempted to give blood I have been turned away because my iron count was not high enough...I increased my iron intake and happuly was able to give blood. 13. Have really been there through 2006 for my family. I am so glad I moved home to NY from IN a few years back. My mom has been in the hospital a couple of times this year...one was an incredible scare...go back to march and read if you want...and I am really happy and proud that I could be there for my family. It would have broken my heart to have been stuck out in the midwest when all of that was going on. Many times I was just sitting there or visiting, but I really have learned that doing that is often the most important thing you can do. P.S. My mom is doing so WELL right now...and I am eternally grateful for that.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

12 Days of Health: Day 10

That's right folks...I got my Day 9 accomplished yesterday! I didn't do my ab routine as soon as I got home...instead I made dinner and lounged in front of the tv for a little bit. Yesterday was the staff Christmas party...so it was all tuckered out from a lot of fun and eating way too much. I started to fall asleep while watching tv...so instead...I got up and did an ab routine. And this morning...I can feel my abs just a smidge which is a good thing. I am hoping to get my abs in today before I have to go work at the video store...it takes about 5 minutes, so I know I CAN fit it in!

On the Tenth day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...no eating out (especially at the pizza joint), doing an ab routine, no candy in my tummy, not a drop of soda, eating breakfast every morning, NO ICE CREAM, taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

Tonight I am working at the video store, so my goal is to not eat out at all...especially at the yummy place next door...which makes the best pizza and often gives it to me for free. I need to bring my dinner with me...and eat what I brought instead of getting hungry and lazy and getting some pizza or something from next door.

Wow...only 2 more days of this challenge...and then after Christmas...I am going to have a bunch of new things to lay out. I am committed to being successful in 2007!!!

12 Days of Health: Day 9 Redux

That's right....I was not very good with the Day 9 yesterday, so since I have a few extra days until Christmas...I thought I would re-do Da 9. Let's see...how was I not so good...well...I ate some candy...it wasn't even the candy at home...it was candy at work and then I bought some candy at the grocery store. Bad Shelley! And the second thing...I didn't get around to my ab routine. I went to the grocery store and to return movies after work...and by the time I got home...my roommate was home and therefore the living room was not available to me. It kinda sucked...not having the ability to do the ab routine within my control. Today...I plan on doing the ab routine as soon as I get home...to make sure I get it done before my roommate gets home.

On the Ninth day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...doing an ab routine, no candy in my tummy, not a drop of soda, eating breakfast every morning, NO ICE CREAM, taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

wish me luck!!!

Bless Me!

I went into work a smidge late today...cause I have a little bit of a sore throat and just feel run down...so I got up a little late and just lounged in bed for a bit and watched some morning tv. It was nice.

Anyways....you know what....if I am by myself and I sneeze...I very cutely say, "Bless Me." *giggles* I figure...if no one else is going to...I will!

12 Days of Health: Day 9

Hey everyone...it's Day 9....so far these 12 days have just flown by! I don't think these 12 days are helping me lose weight, but I think they might be helping not gain right before the holidays....and if that is the case, I am grateful!

On the Ninth day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...doing an ab routine, no candy in my tummy, not a drop of soda, eating breakfast every morning, NO ICE CREAM, taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

I have been needing to make sure I get the abs in for a long time....so today and until Day 12...it will be my goal to do an ab routine every single day. And of course...the ab routine doesn't count as my 15 minutes of exercise...I need to get a walk in too!

12 Days of Health: Day 8

Day 8 already? wow...these 12 days are flying by. I woke up this morning with a little scratchy and sore throat...which really is not making me a happy camper. Grrr....grrr!!! Hopefully this will not turn into full blow sick...because I just don't have time for full blown sick...but then again, who says to themselves...Wow, I really have time for being sick!!

Recap on how I did on the challenge yesterday...pretty well actually. I didn't drink any soda...got all my water in before noon (but it was cutting it close), didn't eat ice cream (oooh...ice cream would feel so splendid on my throat right now!), I took my vitamins and my iron pill, had breakfast before going to church (which is quite an accomplishment because I usually don't...I usually just get a sugary, warm coffee on the way)...and I almost forgot to get the 15 minutes of exercise in. I forgot...but then when I went grocery shopping, I remembered...so I made the point to walk around with my cart with purpose for 15 minutes. Hey...it counts, eh?

On the Eighth day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...no candy in my tummy, not a drop of soda, eating breakfast every morning, NO ICE CREAM, taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

The candy thing is SO necessary...I have candy in my house right now that I need to get rid of. I have been eating it a lot more than I should be...and continuing to buy it. So...for the last 5 days...no more candy! And...I am going to be smart...I am just going to throw the candy in the house away. I know myself well enough that if I just hide it or put it away...I will end up eating it.

12 Days of Health: Day 7

For this 12 day challenge....I am officially closer to being done than I am to have started...which is awesome....such a nice feeling. whoo hoo! This morning I had church and making sure I got my water in before noon was a chore, but I got it done! And...when I went grocery shopping I wanted to buy ice cream, but it is on my list...so I didn't.

And here goes Day 7!

On the Seventh day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...not a drop of soda, eating breakfast every morning, NO ICE CREAM, taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!


So far...so good!

12 Days of Health: Day 6

I had a really good day yesterday. I left work a smidge early...we went to go give blood. My iron count was okay, so I was able to give blood...which made me really happy. The last two times I tried to give blood I have been denied, so when they needed to check the iron level this time...I got worried and honestly, a little sad. But it was right on the level...so I could give blood. And then I had dinner at the Olive Garden with two friends and had a blast...and then went to a party at a couple that was being thrown by a couple of friends. It was a good time...I got some much needed laughing in.

It is Saturday...and it's Day 6 of the challenge! Rock on! So far...I think I am doing pretty well...

On the Sixth day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...eating breakfast every morning, NO ICE CREAM, taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

Today is officially no ice cream....even though I moved it into the Day 5 spot. Why? Because if you try to sing the song...it fits better. I know...yes...I am a dork! I have been buying a lot of ice cream and sorbet, etc...and it just isn't helpful or healthy....so I am removing that temptation from my diet.

12 Days of Health: Day 5

Look at this....we are on Day 5! I need to make a list of healthy things because I am starting to run out of things...or to be honest...things I want to continue everyday for another week. I will get a list though...cause I love challenges!


On the Fifth day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...eating breakfast every morning, taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!


I usually...always have breakfast, but I made that the special one this morning because I sometimes don't get up early enough to eat breakfast after I work at the video store. I got up in time though...and ate my grapefruit...yummy!

Beta Blogger

I have been seeing all these bloggers ads for Beta Blogging, but I hadn't signed up. I like my blog and since I wasn't able to see a tutorial or anything about what the changes would be...I kept putting it off. Like almost every else...I don't like change. I was imaging changing to Beta Blogger and then having all these new rules or things and not being able to go back to the rusty trusty Blogger that I have neen using for years.

Well..this morning...I decided to bite the bullet and move over to Beta. I clicked on the link and voila...I am now a Beta Blogger. There aren't a lot of changes and the ones that have changed...I like them. Basically...it is a lot the same, except for a few add ons.

One of the add ons I really like...is that you can label your posts. I can put down a tag and place my blog into categories. I like this..A LOT. I like that someone can click on the label "fitness" and read all of my fitness related posts. I think that is uber user friendly and just pretty cool. I have gone back and labeled all of posts since November 1st...and who knows, I might even do more of the previous posts.

And yes...this post will be labeled and put into the blogging category.

12 Days of Health: Day 4

Today I woke up...and felt icky...it's that icky girlie time of the month for me. I just wanted to stay in bed and sleep the day away. But I didn't...I got up...and took my vitmamins and started drinking my water...and got my lazy self to work! And yesterday...I almost didn't get my 15 minutes of exercise in. I forgot...and then I took a 10 minute walk at work...and then went grocery shopping and made a deliberate effort to walk around the store for an extra 5 minutes.

And here goes Day 4!

On the Fourth day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...taking my iron supplement, at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

I just started taking iron as a new supplement....because I know that my iron level tends to be low because of being a veggie girl and all. I am planning on giving blood on Friday, so I went out and bought high iron foods and also got some iron supplements. I often just take them before I am going to give blood...but upon thinking about it...I should be taking it everyday....I know I need it. So...it is my official Day 4 gift to myself!

I have already taken my vitamins and my iron....and I plan on getting the exercise in this afternoon. So far...I am a little behind on my water so I have to get to drinking...and then drinking some more. The thing about water is interesting...the first day or so that you increase your water intake...you feel like you are floating, but soon...your body adjusts...and now...if I don't get the water in..I get very thirsty.

Update- 10:45am: I have achieved the 4 things on my list...took my iron supplement (check), got my 100 oz of water in just now (check), took my vitamins this morning when I got up (check) and went for a 15 minute walk with a co-worker this morning (check). It's a nice feeling to know that before lunch....I met my goals for the day. Rock on!

12 Days of Health: Day 3

Here goes Day 3! I am really liking the 12 Days of Health idea...and I like adding everything all together, so by the end of the challenge...I will be doing all 12 things.

On the Third day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...at least 15 minutes of exercise, drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

I already took my vitamins....I am on the way with my water....and I will workout for at least 15 minutes either with a walk during my break at work or with the lovely elliptical machine when I get home!

Fatkins Diet

Fatkins Diet


This cartoon is pretty funny...one of my friends loves this cartoon series and I kept trying to remember what my favorite one was...cause I saw it years ago, but I couldn't find it listed on their site, but then I remembered it was all about carbs...and found it on youtube. Thank god for youtube!!! *winks*

12 Days of Health: Day 2

Here goes Day 2! I am really liking this 12 Days of Health idea....and I think it will be just what I need to make sure that my mindset is health related through the holidays. Rock on!


On the Second day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...drinking 100 oz. of water by noon and taking all of my vitamins!

That doesn't really fit with the song, but well...it's about the health, not the song, eh? I got up took my vitamins this morning...bright and early...and now I am on the way to getting my water in before noon! So far...I have 24 ounces in and I am refilling my water bottle as soon as I finish typing this message....

Update: As of 9:52am...I have 71.1 oz of water in...and still chugging away!

Update (2): And now...as of 11am...I have officially gotten the 100 oz. of water in! Go me!

12 Days of Health: Day 1

I said last week that I am joining Michelle on her 12 Days of Health for Christmas Mini-Challenge....except I was waiting to start until today. So, here goes.....

On the First day of Health for Christmas, I gave to my health...taking all of my vitamins!

I woke up this morning...counted out all my vitamins and chugged them down before getting to my healthy breakfast. It's a small thing, but I plan on adding on to all of my things for the whole 12 days...so tomorrow I will do something else...and take all of my vitamins.

This challenge might just get me out of my Bah Humbug attitude and get me into the Christmas spirit. Let's hope!

brrr....it's cold....I mean COLD people!

It is freezing in this neck of the woods. I left work this morning at 7:35am...and I didn't decide to wait the 5 minutes to start my car and warm it up...I just turned on the engine and drove off. I only live about 5 minutes from work...and in the amount of time it took me to get there...the 5 minutes of having my hands on the freezin' cold steering wheel...I thought my hands were going to freeze, die and fall off.

Brr...cold!

And then on the way home from work...it was just as cold, so I decided to drive through Dunkin' Donuts and get a Gingerbread Latte. It sounded good...and something that might make the cold feel just a little more bearable. So, I drive up and this is how the conversation goes:

Dunkin Donuts Girl: Hi, Welcome to DD...would you like to try a Gingerbread Latte.

Me: Actually yes...I would like to a medium Gingerbread Latte.

DDG: Would you like whipped cream and sugar on that?

Me: Umm...sure.

DDG: Ok...and would you like that regular or iced?

Me: *Audible laugh* Regular please. *giggles again*

DDG: Ok, pull around.

So...the Dunkin' Donuts girl offered me the option of an iced latte when it is flippin' 19 degrees outside. I guess I am glad she gave me all my options, but lord....I almost wasn't able to roll down my window to order the gosh darn drink because it was so cold outside it almost froze the window shut. So...no maam, I do not want an iced latte!

*giggles*

P.S....in case you are wondering...the warm Gingerbread lattes are scrumpdiddlyumptious!!!

Thursday Thirteen #12

Thirteen Things About Shelley And Dieting 1. I have been overweight or pudgy for most of my life. The goal of being healthy and fit and at a healthy weight are so important to me. 2. The have done all those fad/crash diets...I even bought some thing that I will supposed to sniff before each meal and it would change the smell of my foods and therefore not make me crave food anymore. I can't believe I spent money on that crap, but then again...I can. 3. The first time I seriously attempted weight loss (and not just hoped some magic pill would work while I was continuing to eat pizza and not workout)...was in 2000. I started walking to work and counting all my calories. 4. Bewteen 2000 and 2001...I lost about 50 pounds. 5. I lost it with diet and exercise. I am a big believer in the move more and eat less concept of dieting. I worked out about 5 times a week...worked a job which consisted of walking and doing street outreach and kept pretty good tabs on my eating everyday. 6. By 2003...unforunately, I gained all of that weight back. I was...at that time...living by the concept of eating more and moving a heck of a lot less. 7. In 2003-2004..I started a weight loss program again. I ordered some...wait...that's wrong...I started using some workout tapes that I had ordered years ago and never used. I was counting calories again and working out 6 times a week. I was diligent about the working out...knowing that was the key. 8. I lost a little over 50 pounds during the year....and was feeling the best in my life. 9. The weight lost was important, but the physical shape and endurance were most important. I could workout and not feel horrible...I could run on my treadmill for miles at a time...I welcomed hiking on a mountain. That is something I am so proud of. 10. Get ready for it...I moved back to NY in 2004 and ended up moving in with my parents for about a year and a half. Living with my parents brought back a lot of bad eating habits...and it also messed with my workout schedule. I wasn't able to get in 6 workouts a week anymore. 11. And yep...I gained back about 30 pounds or so. I felt so depressed about it all...since I had lost all weight. The positive thing...that I kept working out a few days a week, so I had the extra weight, but still had a pretty good endurance when it came to cardio. 12. In January of 2006, I started again...I started working out again and watching what I ate. I set a goal of 50 pounds and to date I have lost 31 pounds to date. 13. I can feel myself slipping back into my old patterns and starting to regain weight...but that it why I refuse to lose focus and talk about weight and fitness so much. I refuse to spend the rest of my life losing and gaining these same 50 pounds.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

The Raw Food Diet

I have often been intrigued by the concept of the Raw Food Diet...since I am a vegetarian and have been one for about 6 years now. So, I think after the 1st of the year...I am going to make a move over to the Raw Food way of looking at things. I ordered the Raw Food Detox Diet and requested the Complete Book of Raw Food from the Library. So...I am going into research mode...about the diet, what it consists of, if it is realistic, etc.

The Raw Food Diet intrigues me for a couple of reasons:

1. I LOVE fruits and vegetables...I can't get enough of them. So, I don't really think this would be all that hard for me. I think I would really enjoy eating all those crisp fruits and veggies all the time. People say eating raw is pretty hard...and some things will be...eating out, etc...but since I am already a vegetarian...I don't think it will be as hard as it would be otherwise.

2. One of my major problems when it comes to dieting is processed food...when I go through periods of buying crap things like candy and bags of chips, etc. If I was committed to Raw Food...that would be something that I wouldn't be able to eat.

3. Another problem that I tend to have with dieting is eating out...I go through periods of eating dinners from take out or fast food places. And...that would really limit that if I was doing the whole Raw Food thing.

4. I wish I was starting this in the spring or summer...since I would have so much more options for fruits and veggies...at the farmer's market and such..if it wasn't winter time. But I know that oranges and grapefruit and apples and broccoli and cauliflower and cukes and carrots, etc...etc...etc....will be available. I am excited to think about this diet and spring and summer though...it almost makes my mouth water now!

I do have some concerns about the diet...and I hope to read the books and get some insight.

Concerns:
1- I want to make sure I am not protein deficient. I might need to break from the Raw Food...and drink a protein shake a day or so...to make sure I am getting what I need.
2- I know this diet will end up being expensive...buying fresh fruits and veggies will hit my pocketbook...kind of. If I made myself figure out how much I spent last year on fast food, take out, pizza and crap food from the grocery store....I can easily afford to eat Raw Food.
3- I need to know the specifics of it...what foods to eat when...when is something considered raw or not. Is baby corn raw or is that cooked??? And...I also am looking forward to the Detox book because it gives you a way to slowly inch into eating Raw Food...instead of just jumping in 100% because I know that would be too much of a shock on my body and my system.

So...my new health, fitness plan....is Raw Food. It's out there, but it might be the perfect thing that I need.

12 Days of Health....

Michelle posted something over on her blog about having a 12 Days of Christmas- Good Health for Me thing...and it sounds like a pretty idea. I think it is a brilliant idea and something that I need since I can't seem to keep my focus right now. She is going to start it tomorrow...I am going to join her, but I am going to start it on Monday December 11, 2006. I figure that will bring almost right up to Christmas...

As Michelle said...I am going to do one healthy thing a day and my hope is that I can build upon it. On Day 1...I gave to my health...at least 15 minutes of exercise. On Day 2...I gave to my health...an ab routine and at least 15 minutes of exercise. On Day 3...I gave to my health...no pizza...an ab routine and at least 15 minutes of exercise. I think you get the idea.

Oooh...this is kind of exciting for me...I'm going to brainstorm what some of the things might be in my 12 Days of Health.

Christmas is a commercial holiday, not a religious one!

I went to a training this morning with three co-workers and we ended up discussing on the way up...how ready we were for the holidays and how much we decorate. I come to this realization every single year...and this year is no different.

I am really quite Bah Humbug when it comes to Christmas time and just how showy and commercial it is. I have no need for Christmas lights and even a Christmas Tree. I don't like the stress of getting the tree out, putting it together, putting lights on it, fighting with the family, putting ornaments on it...only to take it down less then a month later. It just seems so pointless to me.

So you can guess...I feel no need to decorate my whole yard, apartment and car in hopes of really celebrating Christmas. Ugh...with a side of ugh.

I drove by someone house on the way to the grocery store yesterday...and they have literally a bajillion lights and decorations on their house. If I remember...I will grab a picture of it with my cell phone and upload it. I mean...is that necessary...seriously???

I just have such a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit....I don't the mass amount of buying gifts...and how sometimes you have to buy outof obligation. I don't the decorating and people thinking you need to be a constant state of cheer. I like Christmas...I like spending the time with my family...I like having a little extra time off, but all the santa and glitter and racking up the credit card debt...not so much into that.