My First Mile

Today I ran a mile. No stopping, no walking. For most of you this would be not a very big deal at all. Most people have (or can currently) been able to run at least one mile, but not me. I have never ran a mile. For me this is a huge accomphishment, a distant dream of the past. In order to really understand why this is such a big deal, I need to take you back in time.

It was fourth grade. Mr. Finny, the elementary school P.E teacher announces that it is "mile week". The idea is that on Monday, everyone ran a mile. If you didn't run it in under 10 minutes, you ran it also on Tuesday, same on Wednesday... ect.. I was one of the only kids who was still running a mile on Friday. I remember trying so hard, running as fast as I could, but I could never do it without walking. I wasn't good enough. This was my first experience running.

It didn't get better from there. Middle school was full of P.E failures and discouragement. By the time I got to high school I had convinced myself that I suck at anything physical. Especially running. Mrs. Fry, my well intentioned P.E. teacher, had us run every Friday. Her thing was that all we had to do was "stay in front of her" in order to receive credit. We would start the run, and I started falling behind, until I could hear her right behind me saying "dont let me pass you!" Of course, she always would. Again, I fell behind, and eventually just refused to even try.

My whole life I have watched those athletic people in awe. Do they know how lucky they are? But, I moved on and got comfortable with the idea that I really do suck at anything physical.

Fast forward to this past September. I decided to make another attempt. This time, focusing on fitness. I got my butt to the gym and have tried running everyday. Every run, so many thoughts of doubt and failure  race through my mind, but I kept going. I try everyday to stay positive and convince myself that maybe I can.

Today, I got on the treadmill and faced my doubt and failure in the face. I ran. I ran, and I didnt die. I ran, and it hurt, but I could breath. The muscles I have been growing, carried me. My heart didn't pound out of my chest. I ran a whole mile. 14 minutes straight no stopping. While I ran I imagined that little 4th grade girl trying so hard. I imagined that 16 year old Mimi kicking the dirt on the track and watching those "athletic kids" effortlessly glide across the track. I said in my head. "I can do this. I can do this...". Why not me?

No joke, when the mile was over I literally cried right there on the treadmill. Today I proved to myself that maybe running is hard for me, but maybe I dont suck so bad. Maybe... I can do this. 
Since I started running in September I have said I can do this, but today was the first day I really believed it.

Special thanks to my friend Leslie- who was right beside me pushing me on!!!!

Gluten Free Advice

Hello Blog world! I havent updated this blog in a while becasue I've been a LITTLE busy taking care of baby Olive, and writing in my other blog Olivemygirl.blogspot.com

I've had several people in my life decide to try going gluten free, and have asked me for advice. I want to state first, I am NO expert, and I could be totally wrong on something here. This is intented to be advice, and all is my opionion.

I've been gluten free (GF) now for three years, and it was a HUGE shock and adjustment to my way of life. Before going GF I would eat gluten at almost every meal. I had NO idea. I felt like death most of the time. I had a hard time concentrating, maintaining energy, and digesting my food. These days I pretty much am used to it now, know what I can and can't have, and it is just become my way of life. Here are some tips and product suggestions. I tried SO many different brands, so I think my opinion is a good one.

What I eat for:

Breakfast: 
This is the easiest meal of the day. Eggs, bacon, fruit, ect are all GF. Easy.
When I want a carby meal, Bisquick makes the BEST mix. Even Adam likes it. Other brands are OK... but, less like the "real thing".
If you want something frozen Vans makes the best ones.
Chex also makes a bunch of GF cereals, but I dont eat cereal anymore. I need more substance.
Hot cereal? Bobs Red Mill makes this "Mighty Tasty Cereal", which is AWESOME with butter and salt (kinda like grits), and also good with brown sugar and rasins. If your watching your wasteline though, be warned. This stuff is very carb heavy.

Eating out? Easy. Get an omelet  meat, fruit. Ask for corn tortillas instead of toast. I'm amazed at how good this is, and how many places will actually do this.

Lunch:
Also, Easy to do.
If your looking for frozen foods Amy's makes some good GF ones. Gluten Free Cafe is ok, but... not super good for you, and not very filling.

I usually will have a sandwich or a wrap. I prefer Udis frozen bread. The slices are small, and the cost is high, BUT... It tastes real good. If you want a lower carb option, Rudi's makes a REALLY good tortilla. This tortilla is great because it doesnt break and crumble like corn tortillas do. I squirt it with a little water, and stick it in the microwave first.

Several brands of chips are "safe" to eat. Any potato chip is safe unless it has some weird powder on it. Cheetos are also good. I eat Lays.

Eating out? It gets tricky sometimes... Fast food is hard if your celiacs or really sensitive because the french fries are fried in the same oil as the chicken nuggets, and have gluten. (Im OK with them though) Wendy's and In and Out apparently are ok. I usually will order a sandwich, and bring my own bun, and swap it out, but again, if your really sensitive, you might not be able to do this. Also, there are always salads... (keep away from the croutons) You want croutons  Save the ends of your frozen Udis bread, chop into small squares, cover in olive oil, salt, garlic, sage, thyme, ect.. and bake. I do this and keep them on hand. 

Restaurants-
Most American-style restaurants will have a burger. Order without a bun and extra lettuce. Easy. You can order any sandwich this way. You can also bring your own bun (Udi's brand).
Again, salads are usually safe but watch out for the small crunch stuff they put on them. You might need to ask. Most of the time dressings are safe, but you might wanna ask just to be safe.

Mexican- Easy. Just stay away from Flour tortillas.

Italian- Good luck. You can do meats and cheeses.... otherwise, you might wanna check ahead of time to see if they offer a GF pizza or pasta. Places like dominos and macaroni grill have these options, but there are some great small, local places that do too. You just need to call or check out their website.

Thai- Apparently, real soy sauce from Thailand is made with soy, and not wheat. You can ask to be safe. I always order the spring rolls (made with rice paper) and pad thai. Thai has a lot of rice based items, but beware of the soy sauce, and any wheaty wrappered appetizers.

Chinese: This one is tough because they put soy sauce in everything. I have learned though if you bring your own like this one, they will actually use it to make your dishes. Stay away from dumplings and potstickers... so sad.

What else?....

Dinner:

I eat pretty traditional for dinner. Usually some protein, like chicken, some carb, like potatoes or quinoa (pronounced KEEN-WAH), and some veggie. These are all safe. If you WANT some chicken with a crust or make nuggets or something I find that I use a couple things.
To make chicken strips or nuggets:
coat chicken in egg, then roll in rice flour with seasonings, then fry. EASY
Rice flour can be a little... chalky though, so you can try the bisquick or these
super good.

Its easy to just cook your own food, but the products are easy and really good. I prefer Udi's, Rudi's, and Glutino.

Snacks:
Crackers? Glutino
Pretzels: Glutino
Muffins: Udi's
English muffins: Glutino

OK, one last thing. There are so many local bakeries that do a fabulous job! Around here, I can't say enough good things about Mariposa Bakery. They are AMAZING! Seriously. Amazing. They also ship.

Let me know anything else specific you want help with, and good luck!!!

Dining in

If you keep up on my blog, you already know how obsessed with good food I am. Since I went gluten free almost 2 years ago, finding and making some of my favorite foods has been a challenge, but has not held me back. Today was a nice day, and I didn't have much planned after my acupuncture appointment. I spent some time down on 4th street having lunch, looking in shops, and resisting the clip board people. (people with clipboards, want you to donate money or petition.... HATE.) I ended up in one of my favorite Italian specialty food/deli/bakery shops: The Pasta Shop I ended up buying some beautiful prosciutto. I was looking at the pasta and felt sad that I couldnt just buy fresh pasta. Then I saw it.... WHAT!!!??? Yes, my friends, they actually make fresh gluten free pasta. I also bought some almond cookies that are also gluten free. So, I knew dinner was going to be fabulous.

I picked up some heirloom tomatoes, sweet onions, Parmesan cheese, and cantaloupe on the way home. So excited to cook.

I ended up roasting the tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil until oh so tender. Then, I made an alfredo sauce with butter, olive oil, half and half, and cheese (shhh.... this part isnt low cal..). I put the veggies in the food processor with chopped basil. (smells so good) Then, I pour the red veggie mix into the alfredo sauce and cooked with a splash of white wine. I also crisped some prosciutto to put on top. Also, our favorite tuscon melon with prosciutto.




I told you, I refuse to let gluten get in the way of eating like this every now and then. ahhhh!

Family reunion time

Hey friends and family! I get on my blog the other day and saw I have finally hit 5000 views!!!! I thought, "ok, I need to post again", so here we are.

Here we are in July and in some ways time is in slow motion, and in other ways, it seems to be going so fast. One exciting thing that happened this month is this big family reunion we had for my dad's 60th bday. It has been a while since we have all been together, and it was so wonderful to have all the siblings all together. All grown up.

We all went to Tilden park and had a BBQ/picnic for my dad. It was wonderful. Here are some pictures!

This is my dad RIGHT before he realized Matt was standing next to him. It was a WONDERFUL surprise!"WHAT!!!?"Adam playing "patty cake" with Mia. Priceless....

Then, all week I got to see my brother and his adorable family, Vanessa, Mattie, Jacob, and Mia. We went to Roaring camp and rode the train through the redwoods.


We went to the boardwalk and rode roller coasters!Matt's family on the ride together!!


Overall, it was a week full of fun, laughs, and family. We need to do this more often.

Now, my house is so quiet...filled with sounds of pugs snoring and people's court and price is right.... But thats ok with me too. I am thankful for my family. They are each so special and amazing in their own way. I am thankful for my husband, who continues to fill my life with laughter and happiness.

Happy 5000 views to me! Keep reading! (and commenting!)

Spring

Hello friends and family!

Lately I have really become obsessed with plants. I am proud that I have somehow managed to keep someplants alive for a year and a half. (record!) My thumb is as far away from the color green as humanly possible. Lately though, my thumb is telling me it wants to change. As you guys know, I started my veggies from seeds during my 30 day challenge. Well, yesterday was "graduation day", where I took them and put them in bigger pots, and took them on a field trip to the outside. I have 4 beautiful pea plants, 2 gorgeous zucchini plants, and some onions, lettuce, and tomatoes (still have some growing to do.) These are the peas.

Adorable?

Its funny how attached i feel to them. I am so proud I grew these all myself from seed. Im sad to send them outside now where there are scary things like bugs! But, I know they need room to grow, and more sun than I can provide inside. Sniff sniff. Its like my child moving away to college... hahahaha (pathetic?)



So, in effort to try and make a happy permanent home for these babies, I have been cleaning out the mess that is the back yard. Oh man, how the plants took over out there, and its like my nightmare. I got an estimate from a company to clean it up, and NO THANKS 1,400 dollars to weed my back yard. BS. SO, I am trying to do it and I am becoming so overwhelmed. I work and work till my hands hurt and I cant bend over, and it STILL is a mess! This is the "pile" AFTER 7 yard waste bags full.....

Im trying to take it one thing at a time, but gee wiz. I think this season my veggies will be planted in pots back there. I wont give up, I filled 10 LARGE yard waste bags, and 2 trashcans- today. By myself ... (pride sniff...) I know tomorrow I will be hurting, but what can you do?

Part of my job today was to take this huge pile of weeds that my KIND brother pulled for me, and bag them. The problem is I HATE BUGS. So, here I am, raking these weeds from this huge pile and all these bugs are jumping out. I SWEAR I saw a worm (thought it was a snake) that was 9 INCHES long. (Scream) I also hate spiders, weird beetles, and anything creepy looking. I have to pump myself up (I am strong, I am strong..) just to bend over to pick up this stuff. I swear if there was someone hiding in the bushes video taping me, they would post a viral video named: "crazy lady afraid of weeds".

Anyways, I enjoyed the sunshine, and just cant wait till it is cleaned up back there so I can plant things and enjoy it out there. Meanwhile... where is the Tylenol? Enjoy the picts of the pretty parts of the yard.

Time with family

Hello friends and blog followers. I have been really missing blogging daily, so I thought I would write a new entry today. What have I been up to? Well, pretty much the same thing, but last week was wonderful because I got to spend so much time with my family!! My parents came over from Utah with my younger brother, John. I grandparents came up from New Mexico (?), my aunt and uncle from Colorado, and other members who live in Ca, came from here there and everywhere to the bay area to celebrate my grandpa's 80th birthday!This is a pict of all the "ladies" at the party. I dont have one with everyone.....

I had such a wonderful time visiting with my parents while they stayed here for a few nights. They brought their pugs, Nick and Jack too. We mostly just hung out and visited, but we also went out to eat and went on walks. We took all FOUR pugs to the big dog park, and I was so proud of Mango for not killing anyone. ;) She proved to be a happy dog park lover (Also, salami helps.) This is an old picture of all four pugs!



My mom and I got our toes done, went shopping, and lunch! I wish I had more days like that! I love her so much, and just love spending time with her. Adam also loves her- hes always teasing and joking with her! My dad and I got to go out and walk around 4th street. I took him to the stained glass shop, which he LOVED!

My brother I spent the most time with, and I just really miss him. Hes so interesting and different, which I like. He also did some work in the yard, took the trash out, and cleaned my kitchen after dinner. I called him my "man servant". I paid him in burritos. hahaha


Now that they are gone, my house is so quiet. I can only hear 2 pugs snoring. I look forward to their next visit!

The birthday party went well. I was in charge of decorating, (my mom helped too!) which went really well! I think my grandpa really enjoyed seeing us all. We sat around telling jokes and memories involving him. Funny! I decorated tables with blown up pictures of him and his kids! I also made a picture poster for everyone to sign.



Today- Im off to the dentist, dinner with Rachel, and the last meditation class. Im down 6.2 pounds, (total of 29 since i went gluten free) and feeling pretty good.

Day 30!!!

Holy cow, I made it! 30 days ago I was in a pretty bad place. Emotionally and mentally I was really struggling. I started this challenge as a way for me to try and focus on the good stuff in life, and I really feel like in the past 30 days I have really grown and changed. In forcing myself to do something interesting everyday, or at least think about something interesting everyday, I actually feel happier. Now, I know my life problems aren't "fixed", and I am still going to have good and bad days, but I know I can get through it.

I have so many wonderful things in my life. Sometimes its hard to look on the good side when the "bad" stuff seems to take over in my heart. I think everyone will agree with me on this one. I have really enjoyed exploring what I already have, and new things that I can be grateful for. My family, my amazing husband, my friends, my pugs, my life, music, nature, knitting, crafts, walking, peace, and food are just things I can always look to for happiness.

Thank you all for reading my blog for the past 30 days. I promise I wont disappear, but blogging everyday is actually pretty hard!!! Spring is here and I have this wonderful life to live!!!!

My seeds have grown (some of them!), and so have I. Hugs to you all!

Day 29

Keeping it short and light tonight.

Today was just an average day, and since I have pretty much used most of the obvious things to write about the past 28 days, I had to dig deep. I looked for something, any small little thing that made me smile today.....

I get home and look out the windows and see the amazing lights of the city. At night the lights twinkle, kind of like they are moving, or like they are a giant Christmas tree. I absolutely LOVE where I live. We are so blessed to live here, where everyday I can look out my window and see the ocean, and the amazing city of San Francisco, and the golden gate. I am in awe of the beauty, and at night these twinkling lights are calming. Also, the house next door still has its Christmas tree up, and still turns on their lights EVERY NIGHT. Adam and I chuckle, and make little bets when we think this tree is coming down, but, here we are, almost APRIL, and I can look outside and see this.....





Goodnight.

Day 27-28

Ok, I am behind a day here, so I am going to say two things that make me happy!

One: I briefly explained on facebook about this, but left some details out. I went to Home Depot to get some dirt. I had 4 huge bags in my cart, and the stupid wheel broke. I was struggling to push this broken cart to my car when an employee saw me and ran over to help. He was so nice. He told me "You cant always be superwoman, sometimes you need help". What wise and wonderful words from this young man. I was brought almost to tears thinking about him on the way home- How NICE he was, and he didnt need to be. How many people do I come in contact with that I am that nice? I was so happy about it, i called his supervisor and told him.

My friend Tabitha is right. She said today : People are so quick to share when something pissed them off, even something minor, but few share when something pleases them.. especially when it is minor. Very true. I spread the kindness, and in turn, i felt GOOD inside. So, go spread some kindness! I would love to hear what you did!



OK, number 2: I am thankful for.... SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow! Spring is here and I feel GREAT about it! The sun is out, the air is warm, and I spend every chance I could out in it today. I planted plants, I pulled weeds, I transplanted plants. How wonderful it feels! This past Winter was so dark for me, and now I feel a new breeze of fresh life, and feel so alive! There is still more to do in the yard, but- here are some picts of some happy plants that made my home their home today. Enjoy- and Go outside!! (except for my special friends who still live in the cold... im so sorry..)

Day 26

Ill post day 26 (yesterday) now, and today's later tonight.Almost done!!! And, Mango is a little upset that her post only got TWO comments..... So, keep the comments coming! For Mango's sake. ;)

Day 26: The seahorse

Yesterday started out rough. ROUGH. By noon I had already gotten myself so upset and thrown a tantrum or two. "Why cant I be this way" "Why cant I be that way" "Why isnt anything going the way I WANT". Well. I think we all have days like this, no? I was just so worked up about things in life I can not control. It gets so frustrating sometimes to want something so bad, and have no control whatsoever over it being that way.

I decided to stop throwing a pity party for one, and do something that will soothe me. So, I turned to knitting. No only knitting, but knitting a special gift for someone.


Theres something healing about giving isnt there? I can not post pictures because her surprise will be ruined ( I know your all wanting it to be you....) But, its very special, and I cant wait for her to get it. Amazing how that helped me. Then, Monday night is meditation night! I was getting dressed and saw a necklace in my drawer that my mom made for me. I beautiful seahorse. I put it on. Again, a gift given, happiness.

So, at meditation night the leader was talking about various Buddhist beliefs, which are found in many religions, which I found to be very true. (lets not turn this into a religious debate ya'll)
Point 1: Life is constantly changing.
Point 2: There is suffering in life. Well, duh. I have suffering in my life too.
Point 3: The cause of this suffering is our "attachment". Which, in listening to his talk, basically I got that we grasp so hard to the way we think our life SHOULD be, and suffer because... we cant control it. Thats life.

Thats exactly what I have been struggling with lately. I struggle because I see parts of my life "not fitting" with how I think things should be. I "suffer" (throw tantrums) because I cant just accept life for what it is, constantly changing and unpredictable.

Interestingly enough, I remembered being in a native American gift shop the other day, and I was reminded that many ancient cultures attributed special meanings to animals. I remember that I saw a seahorse in there. I got home last night and looked up the special meaning of the seahorse. This is what I found: They are known to be a symbol of patience and contentment. "Being content to be who they are". They are also known to be stubborn. In turbulent water they are known to wrap their tails on something to hold on. This is said to be a reminder to: be persistent in our goals, but be mindful that we are not too inflexible or stubborn in our achieving them.

May I be like this seahorse. Content with my life now, but persistent and mindful in reaching my goals....

Day 25

Day 25

Adam has been nervous that I would get through all 30 days and not have a Mango day... SO here it is.

Mango was born August 15, 2002, two days before we got married. She was born in Placerville Ca. It was a few months after we got married that I felt the itch to have our family grow again- We knew we eventually wanted 2 pugs, but I think Adam thought that we should wait... BUT... I was looking around online and found a breeder. I knew we wanted a black girl this time so I had to call around. It wasnt as easy as it sounds. Black pugs are harder to find.

Adam came home from work and I said that we should "just go see this pug"... We took Lucy, and drove up. We were told that she had 2 black girls. One was 6 weeks, and the other was 10. We showed up and she had both pugs out for us. When Lucy walked in, the older pug ran up and started smelling and jumping on her! I was more into the 6 week one at first, just because it was so small. Once I held Mango though (she was the 10 week one) I fell in love. I had to have her! Eventually I convinced Adam, and we took her home.


We met her mom, who was black, and super crazy looking. Her dad was VERY friendly, and now we see she got a little from both parents! She was a calm puppy. She was never really into playing with toys or chewing on things like lucy was, BUT she was very into Lucy. Lucy on the other hand, was very... put out. Now, they love each other of course, but Lucy enjoyed being an only child too.

We discovered after about a year that she has a thyroid disorder, and some anxiety issues. We treat them with medication, and just like people, all dogs are just different. I couldnt imagine loving another pug as much as Lucy, but I do, we do. She has such a strong, sweet, sensitive, personality. Sometimes she can be difficult, and crazy, but that is just one part of her amazing personality. She is SO full of love!

Every morning we wake up to what we call the "mango show". This is when she decides its time to wake up and really turns up the cute for us. She rolls around, climbs on our chest, licks our ears and snuggles in our necks. Its the cutest thing ever! We cant help but to wake up with a smile. She loves going on walks, eating, and laying on our laps! She is going to be 9 this year, and shes still our little black baby pug who has stole our hearts forever.

Day 24

Day 24- New Craft Day!

I have always seen these pictures of needle felted animals, and loved them. I thought they would be crazy hard, so I never tried. SO I watched some youtube videos, made some purchases, borrowed some items... and BAM. I have little birds. These made me so happy today. I need to figure out how to make little wire feet for them, but that will be another day. Also, in these pictures they look very "hairy" so I think I will give them a trim. In person you dont notice.
Enjoy! I made these out of pre-spun wool named "roving". I used little tiny needles to poke at it until I sculpted these shapes.

Cute huh!?

Day 23

One more week to go!

Today's post will be short because I am very tired. Tonight I am thankful for date nights! Ive had the same companion on these dates for the past almost 13 years now, and they never get old. I look forward to every single one of them! Our first date was so long ago, that neither of us really remember what we did. I know the first place we went together was Denny's. The first movie we saw together was The Truman Show. We first held hands on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Our first kiss was on my parents couch (I'm sure you love hearing that mom and dad!) But every date since then has been wonderful because we just have so much fun together. We always find something to laugh at. Our first time at Dennys we laughed at the weird drunk people making fools of themselves. We also both commented about how a certain parking garage was... likely to be the setting for multiple sexual assaults.

Tonight we laughed at the crazy ladies sitting next to us in the theatre were like "drunk secretaries". We also laughed when a teen thought Adam was his dad (who was CLEARLY not... when we saw what his dad really looked like...) We are always laughing and enjoying each other.
Whether its a weekend in Vegas, a ride on the SF cable cars, a movie, dinner, trips to shows, museums, the beach, a walk in the park, or a night watching the Daily Show with the pugs, I love every date with my husband, because I just love my husband!!! I look forward to thousands and thousands more with him!

Day 22

Day 22

Today I woke up to a super rainy day. Rain was everywhere, and flooding was happening all over the bay area. It was cold, dreary, and unpleasant. I went to acupuncture. I stepped in a puddle on the way. I came home, lit a fire, brewed some hot tea, and enjoyed my peace. Oh how I love my peace. The rain hitting the windows, a pug on my lap, a hot fire. I also did some meditation, and 40 minutes of Yoga. I truly enjoyed my peace today.

Heres a picture of Lucy, also enjoying her peace.

What gives you peace?