who's got their head in the sand?!

sunday was so weird, weather-wise: sun, snow, hail, sleet, rain, wind... everything in the course of one day. one minute it was sunny, five minutes later it's snowing. still, dd enjoyed her bday party and we managed to pick dh up from the airport (much) later that night.

i'm going to get some bloodwork done soon; nothing concerning, just that having been vegan for 5, almost 6 years now, i haven't had any done routinely and am rather curious if my B12 levels are low, iron stores, that kind of thing. So we'll see. I asked for a urinary MMA test but was given a requisition for a serum B12 instead. I guess I need to better educate myself on *why* I want a certain test over another, and I also need to put my foot down a little more heavily if it's something I feel strongly about. As it is, I feel a little trampled that I was dismissed on the urinary MMA. I'd be willing to pay for it out of pocket, if need be.

struggling with food issues lately. i know it's not about the food, or the weight I've gained, or the not-exercising right now. it's a deeper issue that keeps resurfacing and food/not-exercising/weight gain is a coping mechanism (albeit a non-helpful one), an avoidance of that-which-is-really-bothering-me-deeply. it's been suggested from several directions that i seek counselling to assist in resolving this issue, and yes, i'm warming up to the idea. sometimes it's a mental hurdle to open one's mind to actually dealing with something head-on. i guess sweeping things under the carpet is delusional, right? and yet so many of us do it. ;)

so i'm trying to sit with the idea of actually taking action to resolve this issue that, for me, looms heavily like a dark cloud throughout my days... a dark cloud that, because it's always there, i often forget is there and think it's sunny and things are great when in fact i'm a little oblivious...

i think i'm just feeling a little "off my game" these days. i know i feel so much better when i exercise (hard) each day and yet actually buckling down and doing it is just not a priority (and it needs to be). self-care is just a little low on the priority list lately, and that's definitely not a good thing.

i'm feeling really grateful for many things in my life right now, not the least of which is the support of my loving family and close friends. *feeling loved*

Namaste'

hidden opportunities...

It has been an interesting week. I've been under the weather with (yet another) sinus infection... seriously, what is going on on the psychic level that my sinuses and ear tubes get plugged with every bug that goes around?! My third eye is blocked. LMAO There must be *some* connection. My neighbour who works with essential oils says it is just the cold damp climate we live in that leaves people prone to these types of infections here. I believe that to be true, to an extent. But I also think there's something going on for me, too... hard to know what the lesson is for me behind the recurring head colds... two last winter, two this winter...

So I took it easy teaching tai chi this week; didn't push myself too hard. It was hard teaching, because my brain was so foggy and just not thinking straight. This weekend there's a national workshop going on which I'm not attending, partly because of my cold, partly because I am solo-parenting this month, and partly because I do not have the money saved up to go. I am missing not being there, but I am hoping to attend the next one.

I pulled Scotch broom in the 'farm field' for a couple hours one day (some of the plants were about 7' high! massive overgrown things!!); the fresh air felt sooooo good. And the sunshine. The next day I walked about 45 minutes at dusk, and again, the fresh air did me lots of good. And then I cleaned the weir down at the pumphouse the following day. I think maybe I just spend too much time indoors and perhaps (just perhaps) our indoor air quality isn't awesome, because when I'm outside I just feel so much better! (at least when it's nice out; I'm not terribly keen on hanging outside when it's pouring)

dd is having her bday party tomorrow, so there's lots to be done (in terms of cleaning and preparations) tonight... dh was meant to be home, but his flight was cancelled due to poor weather, so now he's not flying in until after the party, which he & dd are both mighty upset about. It's too bad; it's the first time he's missed one of her bday parties. At least he'll be home late tomorrow (fingers crossed).

In the meantime, I have a cake to bake! Hope I remember to take a pic of it before they devour it all! ;)

Namaste'

the slow life

it has been a quiet weekend around here... yesterday dd had a friend over for the afternoon. it was overcast, but not rainy, so the kids played outside for a while and also inside. today dd went over to her friend's house, so ds & i took down the christmas tree (yes, it was a cut tree that we put up around dec 6th and you know what, it was still in good shape. i could've left it up another couple weeks probably, as it had very few needles falling off. i think this must be a record.) and i cleaned the house a little - under the microwave, the kitchen floors, vacuuming, dusting, laundry, dishes, etc. there's always too much housework to do, in my opinion. no one ever laments not keeping their house tidier when their children are growing up, but many lament not "having enough time" to spend with their kids, but their houses are spic-and-span clean. me, i'd rather have a little dust but contented children. that being said, ds and i played the board game Careers. i felt bad for him b/c he had to declare bankruptcy *twice* in the game, while i sailed through without any difficulties at all to take the win. lol i told him he should go on 'Til Debt Do Us Part and get some financial advice from Gail Vaz-Oxlade. We watch the show regularly and I have to say my kids have certainly picked up some good financial acumen from watching it. more than what i knew going out on my own as a young adult, anyways! it's taken many many years to finally learn some financial basics!

This week I'll be making two batches of homemade (dairy) ice cream for dd's upcoming bday party. I think we've opted for chocolate chip mint and skor-caramel. I haven't tried dairy ice creams yet; I always make non-dairy (raw vegan) ice creams instead. i'm sure the dairy ice creams will be a big hit.

Last night there was a horrific sound around 10:30 pm in the neighbour's yard. Keep in mind we live very rurally, but it was really quite scary. The dog didn't even go running towards it to chase whatever it was away. Tonight I youtube'd it and turns out it was a raccoon fight, which is much less frightening than the cougar I *thought* it might be. Let the raccoons fight it out amongst themselves!!

I suppose that's all. LOL, my dd is writing out a dinner menu for her wedding!!! Keep in mind her age is still a single digit, and you'll see why it's so funny! If you're lucky enough to be one of the "80 or so" people she's planning on inviting, you'll enjoy your choice of four appetizers (apple scorch tart, pitas, triangle sandwiches, and phyllo pastry with vegetables inside), two entrees (penne with cheese on top, or lighthearted fettuccine alfredo) and four desserts (including cheesecake, royal cupcakes, chocolate dipped fruit, and cotton candy dessert). Yes, she's keen on being a chef when she grows up. LOL

bday horoscope

there's another birthday in the family tomorrow! here's what georgia nicols had to say about it:

Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt (1981) shares your birthday today. You want to make a name for yourself. Because of your ambition to succeed, nothing will stop you. You know what it takes and you're prepared to work for what you want. Because you're ambition is internal as well as external, you strive to become a better person. A lovely, social year ahead awaits you. In particular, all relationships are blessed.

Raw Food order going in Tuesday

Bulk Raw Food Order going in over at RawFoodSooke On Tuesday Feb 21st @ Noon.

Check out the dried bee pollen, delicious organic dried pineapple, new sprouting mix, seaweeds, supergreens like chlorella and spirulina, and herbs and spices, among other items.

Enjoy vibrant radiant health with living raw food!

month 2, day 7 - 2012 fast

Glad this week is over. Not that it's been stressful or anything, I just want to eat again! LOL Every so often I have a fleeting thought that I might want to fast longer - 14 or even 21 days - but I don't want to push it too much. 7 days a month is plenty over the course of the year. I still haven't been able to get my head around juicing so much as having smoothies. Maybe when it's further into spring/summer. Winter is a hard time to fast; even smoothies leave me sooooooo cold (I usually end up going to bed with a hot water bottle, or having a hot shower or bath each day, or wearing extra layers of clothes, lol). Warm liquids are needed when fasting in winter on the 'wet' coast.

I *am* enjoying how clear I feel by the end of the week; heck, by mid-week I feel great. I'm enjoying the clarity of mind, the lightness physically, and really, I'm not preoccupied with food all week. It's a nice break. LOL jk

My smoothie today was:
2 tbsps wheatgrass powder
4 bananas
3c frozen berry blend
1 tbsp maca powder
sprinkling of kelp flakes
chia seeds
sesame seeds
pumpkin seeds (about 1 tbsp of each)
a couple tbsps of agave nectar
a bit of camu camu berry powder
water

Yep, they're packed. It made 2.5L, which was enough for the entire day, along with a few glasses of water.

One thing this week-of-fasting-every-month is showing me is a lesson in portion control. By the end of the week I'm aware that I don't actually need a whole lot of food each day, but that I usually end up making myself a *big* salad (because it's raw, after all!)... and just because it's raw doesn't mean I need a bowl full. Of course, a week or two after coming off the fast I've nearly forgotten this lesson, which is why I'm wondering how many months it's going to take me to figure it out every day of the month, not just while I'm fasting. I am grateful for the week of fasting every month, though; the repetition is helpful. :)

Signing off,
Slow Learner :)

I *love* my Maui Jim sunglasses!

13, maybe 14 years ago, I bought a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses. They were expensive (~$250) but well worth it. When ds was very small, I broke the arm off, so I took them back to the place where I bought them, and they sent them back to the company (they were still under warranty). The company repaired them (I swear they were new glasses entirely, but I can't be sure) and couriered them back to me. About a year and half ago I broke the arm off again... I took them back to the place I bought them and was told they were no longer making that model and I'd have to buy a new pair. Not having the money to buy a new pair just then, I bought a couple pairs of dollar store sunglasses to get me through the summer. As I was cleaning off the desk recently I found the old pair of Maui Jim'sand thought, what the heck, I'll mail them back and see what happens. So I looked up the company's contact info online and sent them back - total cost about $12. Today in the mail I received my sunglasses back, good as new - totally repaired ("new frame and new lenses" said the repair sheet), with a new hardcover case and cleaning cloth! I am ASTOUNDED at the customer service from Maui Jim. These things had a 2 yr warranty, not a 13+ year warranty. They weren't under any obligation to fix them this time, but they did!

I'm SOOOOOOOOO happy to have my Maui Jim's fixed! YAYYYYYYYYYY!!!

I'm reading a book called The New Frugality (can't recall the author off-hand) which is really great. One thing that resonated with me was the idea of buying quality items (not necessarily expensive, but high-QUALITY)... things like my Vitamix blender, which yes, cost several hundred dollars (for a blender! you're thinking) but it is sooooooo worth it. I know a family who has had theirs for over 3 DECADES with only minor repairs. My Maui Jim sunglasses are another "investment" in my mind. With customer service like this, who needs dollar store sunglasses. Buy Quality. Buy from a company that cares. Being frugal doesn't mean being cheap; no, frugality reflects an economy on the use of resources. One pair of Maui Jim sunglasses has replaced many many pairs of cheaper sunglasses throughout the years. *THAT* is what I mean by frugal.

month 2, day 5 - 2012 fast

Wow, I've been pretty productive already today, and the day's only half-done! I gathered up all the recycling (6 blue bags and one bin!) and put it out - it was more than usual because I also broke down all the cardboard boxes that were piling up in the laundry room (funny how that kinda thing creeps up on you and next thing you know your laundry room looks like something off of Hoarders: Buried Alive, LMAO).

I fixed the outer chicken pen fence, which has had a couple holes in it for about 4 months now. The hens (& rooster) were sooooooo happy to get back into that pen! So funny how an animal that some people insist has a tiny brain really does communicate happiness. Makes me happy to be a vegan. ;)

Went up to the neighbour's (while she was out taking dd to dance class along with her own dd), took the chainsaw and bucked up a tree that had fallen across her driveway in the wind a couple weeks ago. Took less than half an hour and ds & I cleared away all the branches. I'm always nervous using the chainsaw (especially alone which is why I dragged ds along) but took along the first aid kit (just in case, LOL, b/c you know if you have it you won't need it, but if you DON'T have it handy, you'll inevitably need it)... So got that done...

Did some computer errands and also some light housework (more to do, of course). Got a parcel all packed up and ready to mail, so will send that off shortly.

Very productive. Not sure if it's because the sun is shining (feels very spring-like outside!) or because I'm fasting. Who cares; I'm getting things done! LOL

Enjoy your day!!

month 2, day 4 - 2012 fast

Wow, what a week. Yesterday was the peak of it all, emotionally, with the funeral service. It was a nice service, lots of friends and family - the church was full - and lots of socializing afterwards. So nice to see all the family & friends (especially those who travelled *long* distances to be there), despite the circumstances. It was a gorgeous sunny day, too. Beautiful.

I *so* needed a good night's sleep after a week of emotionally holding it together. Finally home at 10:40 last night, a hot bath and a super-comfy bed were calling my name.

Today is day 4 already of fasting. Hump day. Doing well so far; it's a pretty intense experience fasting during a time of emotional upheaval as well. Good grief. My husband's aunt went vegan 3 wks ago and said I was her inspiration. I'm honoured that she would say that and wish her well as she gains a higher level of health.

Today the house smells of (vegan) baked beans that are cooking in a low oven all day, and later the kids and I are making a batch (~3 dz) cinnamon buns. Most will go in the freezer for another day; it's been a VERY long time since we've baked cinnamon buns, so it's definitely not an 'all the time' thing around here. The chicks are doing very well outside under the heat lamp, but I haven't yet let them out into their adjoining pen; I figure another 2 weeks before that happens! We'll see. Still too cold (& damp), February on the 'wet' coast.

Life is really, super awesomely good. Happy kids, happy pets, good solid intimate relationship, supportive family and friends, roof over our heads, clothes on our bodies and food in our bellies. Life is grand!

month 2, day 2 - 2012 fast

I started this month's juice/smoothie fast a day late because of my birthday. I had hoped to go downtown to the raw food cafe and have a meal down there (on my birthday), but there was a death in the family (the day before) so unfortunately the whole week has been subdued with grieving (and sleeplessness for some).

but we soldier on, as it were... So yesterday I started this month's fast. I didn't have any bananas at home, so no smoothies (boo!) but instead made do with kombucha, herbal (nettle) tea, and a couple glasses of fresh orange and grapefruit juice (soooooooo good!). Today, once again having bananas around, I had 2.5L of green smoothie, another 1c of spirulina/sprout smoothie and a glass of orange juice as well.

Today I moved the baby chicks outside (well, they're more than 3 wks old now and nearly fully-feathered). They're still under their heat lamp but are out in the chicken pen now, in their makeshift coop. I will be checking on them often overnight to make sure they're warm enough; I'm sure they'll be fine. :) I guess you can say we're truly empty-nesters now that we don't have chicks in the kitchen anymore! LOL

second bday horoscope

from georgianicols.com:

Princess Stephanie of Monaco (1965) shares your birthday today. People are attracted to you. You exude confidence and determination because you are extremely goal oriented. You go after what you want. You have a youthful flair and a way of appearing in control of things (whether you are or not). In the year ahead, your primary focus will be on partnerships and close friendships. Give these relationships your attention.

Again, pretty accurate in that I do feel really goal-oriented at this time, and certainly, my stubbornness and strong-will means I am pretty focused. Youthful = immature?!? LOL jk I certainly do enjoy hanging out with my kids, though. ;)

Should be a great year or two ahead. Yahoo!

it's my birthday!

from cafeastrology.com:

You are strong-minded and often quite stubborn when it comes to sticking to your point of view. You are a highly original person who can be impulsive and self-willed. You are also very magnetic and easy to look up to. You love to start new things, but don't always have the follow through to complete them! However, you are very strong at coming up with new ideas and having the courage to act upon them. You are artistic and creative, and you remain youthful throughout life. Famous people born today: Lisa Marie Presley, Rick James, Brandon Lee, Langston Hughes, Clark Gable.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

When a Quarter Moon occurs in your Return chart, as it does this year, you are at some sort of a turning point in your life, in terms of personal growth. Events that occur this year act as catalysts that get you in touch with some important issues in your emotional life. Your emotions run high, and mood swings or identity crises are possible. There may be some kind of conflict in your life arising from a great urge to do something different. The year ahead promises to be a busy, dynamic, and significant period in your life.

You have a lot to do this year. At times, you may feel like the pace of your life is running ahead of you. You can be especially productive, however, in all types of communications--writing, speaking, learning, teaching, and so forth.

You are likely to form new relationships or connections that further your spiritual growth this year, or to enhance existing relationships with a spirit of camaraderie. People in authority tend to regard you favorably. Events take place in which you feel like you are moving forward and growing into a new phase of your life.

You are also likely to make connections with people through similar interests and learning endeavors this year.

Genuineness and sincerity are most important to you when it comes to love relationships this year. You are extremely dedicated to your partner, friends, and loved ones. Your affections are strongly stimulated, and you are more acutely aware of your powers of attraction. Romance, love, and sexuality occupy your mind more than usual. You can enjoy an increase in personal magnetism (as well as libido!), but be wary of competitiveness or tension in existing love relationships, as a Venus-Mars aspect ignites your passions in general, whether they're feelings of love or anger! Your open heart is likely to attract friendships and love opportunities into your life.

Making new contacts and/or improving existing connections figures strongly this year. You feel that you are moving forward with your life. You more readily commit yourself to relationships this year, although you may need to tame impulsiveness. Try to avoid overly emotional decision making.


2012 is a Number Eight year for you. Ruled by Saturn. This is a year of power and accomplishment. Actively seeking to expand, taking educated risks, and moving forward are highlighted. This is a year of opportunity, particularly in the material and business world, and opportunities need to be seized. It's generally not a year to find a new love partner, simply because the focus is on the material world and your place in the world. This is a problem-solving year in which you can expect real, tangible results. Advice - take action, plan ahead, seize opportunities.

2013 will be a Number Nine year for you. Ruled by Mars. This is a year of completion and transition. It is a time when we need to let go of things that no longer serve their purpose, and hold on to things that have a future. It is a time of cleaning out dead wood, not necessarily for new beginnings. It can be a time when a burden has been taken off your shoulders, and it can be a year of giving of yourself. Advice - let go of things that are holding you back, give of yourself and express your sympathetic, compassionate side.