We've hit that spot in the relationship - the one where you realize you really do have to get back to exercise and eating healthy.  It has been a fun vacation from it all.  But gym memberships have been purchased and new recipes are being sought.  Of course the struggle between a night owl and a morning bird is, when to work out.  Lately, we've been heading over after work (usually with roomie Megs), but this means we get back and all start making dinner around 8:30pm.  And for those of you who know my tendency to take a really long time to make a meal.... you realize how late we eat.

Yesterday, I came across this great site - Organized Living Solutions -  and a quick trip from one link to another lead me to a tasty looking (simple) meal!  We had plenty of leftover chicken in John's fridge that we needed to make use of soon.  Perfect!

It was delicious! Though, I was a bit disappointed when I discovered that Couscous really isn't that healthy.  I mean, it's no quinoa.

We were eating within about 20 minutes.  We used craisins instead of the dates.  We did toss in some feta, but we opted out of the sour cream.  This meal is so flavorful, it really doesn't need it.  In fact, a little of the dressing, tossed well throughout, goes a long ways.

Here's to a new season of meal planning, and quicker, healthier dinners.  Any suggestions - or favorite healthy (quick) meals?

When Hurt Heals

I was pulling into my parking space this morning at Evergreen and I started crying.  Not ideal when you need to be inside in minutes checking in.  I wasn't even that worried about the appointment, but it was pulling on so much more.  I began reflecting on the last 6 months.  Last November I found something that concerned me, and scheduled an appointment with my doctor.  I was sure they'd tell me not to worry, but I needed to hear that.  Instead, after an exam, I was encouraged to make an appointment at the Breast Cancer Center, assured they'd probably just need to do an ultrasound.  The ultrasound turned into a biopsy, which happened to be two biopsies.  I didn't really care to tell people, and I don't really care to now either, except that I don't know how to share what I was feeling in the car this morning without giving an example. That process was scary, and hard, but a hundred times more because it mirrored a very similar process I went through in High School that I felt changed my life drastically.  There was a lot of hurt that I don't know that I even understand or can explain... and eventually, when all of this second round was finished, I broke.  I literally fell apart on Christmas Eve.  And I didn't understand why then, once I knew I had nothing to be afraid of, once I'd finally told my family, why was I now a mess? Because of the process that was going on still, and had been, everything had been pulled out front and center inside me.  Things I could easily ignore, and had. 

So this morning, as I was pulling into my space and once again facing those fears, in this parking garage I've sat in at many hard times in my life... I couldn't help but think of all the people who love to ask "Why is there pain?"  If God is good, why is there pain?  I've always believed pain had nothing to do with God's intentions, it was our actions, our mess, our sin that has made pain a part of this world.  There is pain because there is the potential to feel and the potential to create - two things I don't think any of us would choose to go without could we tell God how we would like mankind to be made.  When we can feel, and we can create, and we can be selfish, of course there will be pain.  But for the first time I had another thought today too, only with a good God could hurt heal.  Only God could use hurt, to heal us. 

It's hard to explain - really hard actually.  But, I feel like a lot of pain I have felt in the past 6 months, and even in the past 24 hours, has been healing me.  And I really can't figure out how to break it down or make it make sense, but in the midst of a dozen powerful emotions, I also became in awe of a God who can heal me of my hurts, through hurt.  I feel like that is mercy.

Getting a cold, and this cannot happen.  After a week off between jobs, and then being snowed in most of last week, I truly cannot afford to get sick right now.  I've only had two days at my new job so far - that's not even enough time to acquire any sick leave.   When it donned on me last night that I wasn't just sneezing over and over because of something in my room I downed more Vitamin C than might be healthy and stirred up a little Airborne brew.  The only disadvantage is that for two days I allowed myself a serious sugar coping mechanism.  I drowned my sadness in Dove dark chocolate and strawberry twizzlers and watched chick flicks and read books.   I'm not sure I even have anything left to fight this cold off with.  Here's to health and wellness folks!  Don't let these crazy temperature changes get to you!

Probably not the first thing you want to see in the morning (or think about), but this article caught my eye. One of the things I learned working at Starbucks is just how many calories we drink! You get customers coming in ordering 8 pump white mochas with whole milk and extra whip and you want to pull out your sharpie and write a little "Caution: this many calories and sugar may cause your heart to stop, and is guaranteed to enlarge your derriere." Because you care. Plus, you're afraid someone might sue you. While I was working there, I went on a Daniel fast for a few months. And granted, I know there were many changes to my diet, but the biggest one was that I had suddenly stopped drinking so much coffee. I had no syrups, and no milk. I could do an americano, or something with soy. I allowed myself honey, and eventually chai (and yes, I know that is a cheat). I already don't drink soda. I saw first hand what a big difference this made. Thankfully, working there, my sweet tooth started to disappear. I went from liking regular white mochas to preferring half the pumps, or less eventually. And the final touch, Starbucks put the calories on the board - thank you Washington state mandate (really). They also put out little pamphlets with the calories of drinks and food (not that I did a good job of memorizing them).

So, my point? Watch what you drink. I already know most of my calories are in my beverages... and all the worse in the summer, when all we want is a good cold drink: sweet tea, lemonade, soda, beer(!), etc. Here's a little article from the Guardian that gives you a bit of an extreme version, but if you haven't before, track what you drink for a couple days and add up the calories. :/ If you're looking to lose some weight, obviously change your diet, but my biggest recommendation: buy a water bottle, and keep it with you. Drinking enough water will prevent you from drinking other beverages, it will keep you hydrated and feeling up to exercise, your mind will feel less groggy, it will keep you from thinking your hungry when you're not, and furthermore, it will actually help you lose weight in and of itself. You probably already all know this, but if you haven't yet done it - do it.
My favorites are these, which you can find at REI. You really WILL drink more water, without even realizing it. And you wont get that semi-sick feeling from downing too much at once (maybe that's just me...). You've probably seen people walking around with them and thought "Do they know they look ridiculous?" Let me tell you a secret, they did know, but they've forgotten. And they don't mind. These babies are amazing, and will make you a waterholic.

I'm a strong believer in enjoying what you enjoy... I don't drink light beer, I make cookies that taste good, and I looove bread. Summer time, there is sweet tea in my fridge. And I still drink coffee (and not black). Enjoy life, but be aware. I just consider when I'm choosing my beverages and food: how much am I willing to do later to work this off? (Thankfully, I actually like to the taste of a lot of healthy food.)

But now that I'm getting a bit older, and also beginning to recognize the health issues me and my sisters are at risk of, I'm realizing that sometimes even exercise isn't enough to protect your body from what you're putting in it. :/ Ignorance may be bliss, but you can only stay ignorant until it all catches up with you.

If any of you have made changes to your eating/ drink habit that have had major affects on your health, or know of some good resources, comment. ;)

Confession: I am a terrible flosser. I admit it straight up every time I go in to get my teeth cleaned. I vow to myself to be better, but just am not. (Linda- Don't tell Peter!!) In every other way I take excellent care of my teeth (intentionally too!). I brush my teeth a minimum of 2 times a day- even keep a tooth brush in my car for when an opportunity might arrise for a mid-day brush. I drink lots of water, don't drink soda (except on a rare occassion at work). I don't eat much sugary candies. I go in every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning. I even fight the good fight against gum diseases with mouth wash.

But, none of that replaces the need to floss. So, February, I am going to floos every day. My dental hygenist told me last time, it only takes 30 days to build a habit. I figure, by March 2nd, I'll be in the habit of flossing every day.