I spent my morning in bed and could not have been happier. Reading people! Clean minds everyone, clean minds. Reading? Maybe not quite strong enough wording. Devouring words; that's better. It's been a while since I've found a book that takes me away, completely cocoons me in its story. It's rare these days for me to find a good book that holds my attention. So, when I find one that I can't get enough of I am overjoyed. I've needed that reconnection, that re-balancing of life a good book can bring.
I'll admit, it's a little embarrassing that my current love of words comes from a teen fiction novel, but it's just so good! A little romance and little laughter and little thriller/drama and a little lose myself in the story. It's OK; I'm allowed to read it even though I'm an adult.
My adventures began about two weeks ago when I happened upon the first in the trilogy at a used bookstore. I am always looking on those discount carts at used bookstores never knowing what I'll find. The covers and titles are the things that usually catch my attention because it's rare an author's name will. For $1 I find a striking black cover with a purple tinged pillow and with a graphically striking title. I had no idea that it was a Young Adult novel until I brought it home.
All I was looking for was a "bedside reader"; something light that wouldn't drag me down, that wasn't something I had to read and that I could meander through a few pages or a chapter at a time before bed. It totally started that way until last Wednesday night when I went to bed way too early and was wide awake at 2:30am. I was about a quarter into the book by that time and figured a few pages might help me to relax enough to slip back into dreamland. I was wrong. Unannounced to me, I had just arrived at a part in the book that, within a page or two, had me hooked! I powered through all but 10 pages of the book before looking at the clock to see a blurry 4am staring back at me. Reluctantly, I put the book down and fell back to sleep for the few hours I had before my alarm went off for work.
10 pages. that was all this delicious book had left to give me. It gave me all 10 pages the next night.
At the end of the book is where I found out it was the first of three. Delight! They were even nice enough (teasing bastards) to preview a few pages of the next book in the trilogy. If I wasn't completely hooked before, now there was no turning back.
Used bookstore, library then full priced purchase. That was my mantra as I left work on Friday. Used bookstore, library then full priced purchase.
Used bookstore came up empty. No system to keep track of what's on their shelves made it more challenging. After coming up empty on the warm inside shelves, I dipped back outside to the street carts and flipped through tons of titles until my fingers were frozen numb. Desperate? Yup.
Used bookstore, library then full priced purchase. As mantras go it was a good one, until I set foot into Full Priced Book Kingdom and computer searched their stock for my title. *bing* One book left in stock of the second in the trilogy. Curious. *bing* One book left in stock of the third in the trilogy.
"Excuse me? Where is the Teen section?" The words escaped before I could stop them. "Upstairs and turn left, on the far side." Coordinates locked in.
You're only going to buy one. You're only going to buy one. Another good mantra that lasted about as long as it took to catch a glimpse - of both - on the shelf. "I'll take this one AND this one." I said aloud to no one in particular. Crazy? Probably.
Let's not talk about the Full Priced Book Kingdom price, shall we? My reasoning for the purchase, it cost only $1 for the first book. Hey, it's a good reason! How about current joy and pleasure of words? Another good reason.
Arriving home Friday night, even with the late hour, I sure gave it the ol' college try and got a few pages in before my eye got blurry and the book fell out of hands. Sleep, which brings us to this morning.
Sleeping in is delicious in itself, but knowing that when you finally wake up there is a book waiting to be devoured just makes it even better. A couple hours of reading started my Saturday off perfectly and has hopefully put me in a good frame of mind for the rest of the day. Yes, I would rather stay in and continue following the girl, now working undercover for the local police - along with her secret boyfriend who was part of an undercover drug bust in the first book, as she is pulled into people's dreams to find out if there is a sexual predator posing as one of her high school teachers and to find out if this girl is actually going to become blind like the old woman from the nursing home that died in the first book, but now visits the girl in her dreams to help her learn to be a better dream catcher.
You're hooked too, aren't you?
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Taking More Risks -- Take A Class!
In my continuing effort to check something else off my list and take more risks in 2011, I have signed up for an 11-week Tai Chi course.
Starting tomorrow evening, I will be Tai Chi'ing it Yang style once a week for 11 weeks.
I signed up for this class because I wanted something that could help decrease the increasing stress I am feeling at my day job, which would in turn, hopefully, help improve my health (IE: weight loss, strengthen, self-preservation, etc.). Although, in the past two weeks I think kickboxing might have been a better choice. "I wanna beat the shit outta something!!"
I am not too sure what to expect, but I know people who swear by Tai Chi and both my parents have gone through many levels of Yang style and enjoyed it. I just keep picturing those groups of people who, early Sunday mornings at Christie Pits Park, gather to Tai Chi together in what seems like rhythmic and spiritually centered flocks. Just that image relaxes me...maybe Tai Chi is what I need.
Now where are those track pants...
Starting tomorrow evening, I will be Tai Chi'ing it Yang style once a week for 11 weeks.
I signed up for this class because I wanted something that could help decrease the increasing stress I am feeling at my day job, which would in turn, hopefully, help improve my health (IE: weight loss, strengthen, self-preservation, etc.). Although, in the past two weeks I think kickboxing might have been a better choice. "I wanna beat the shit outta something!!"
I am not too sure what to expect, but I know people who swear by Tai Chi and both my parents have gone through many levels of Yang style and enjoyed it. I just keep picturing those groups of people who, early Sunday mornings at Christie Pits Park, gather to Tai Chi together in what seems like rhythmic and spiritually centered flocks. Just that image relaxes me...maybe Tai Chi is what I need.
Now where are those track pants...
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Winnipeg Vacation Round Up
Due to my lack of posting early in my vacation, I now present a brief, and probably not as detailed, "Vacation Round Up" post of what happened for the remainder of my vacation in Winnipeg.
Wed May 4/11
A visit to Whitehorse Gift Emporium and Tea Room. They boast 10,000 unique items in the store (ranging from items you could find in a dollar store, beautiful wooden furniture, Christmas items, food products, beauty products, gag gifts, jewelery and more) and 30 different kinds of loose leaf to choose from in the Tea Room. This was the day where my cold was kicking my ass and during my wander around the "10,000 unique items" I had a dizzy spell and almost fell into some China. That probably would have cost a lot more than the $4 I spent on craft items.
After a relaxing lunch at the Tea Room (and a longing gaze at the good looking gardeners) our next stop was The Forks.
For those that have visited St Lawrence Market in Toronto, The Forks is similar, but less food market, more upscale and more tourist trap. There are many shops catering to many wants and there is a large outdoor area, with entertainment pavilions and such. However, on this day we didn't see too much of the outside except when running from one building to the next trying to stay dry.
Thurs May 5/11
This was a big day for us. No daycare for the girls and instead we took them to the Assiniboine Park Zoo ($5 for adults...hello, awesome!), then a brief romp at Assiniboine Park and across the big bridge to get some ice cream cones at Sargent Sundaes. This was also the day I received my first sunburn of the season. (Mature responsible Sara didn't even think that a week that started with snow could turn into a week that fries skin.) And what a sun burn it was...Aloe-Vera-slathering-Ibuprofen-popping joy. Ouchies! However, after all that and a quick dinner at home, Angela and I still had the energy for $3 movies at the theatre. Yay, movie popcorn!
Fri May 6/11
With the girls back at daycare, Angela and I visited The Winnipeg Mint - a branch of the Royal Canadian Mint. We had booked spots on the tour, but arrived late ("How did I think the Tax Centre was The Mint...?"), which actually worked out well because we were able to do a self-guided tour and NOT pay the $5.
Incoming joke:
Woman: So, you work at The Mint?
Man: Yup.
Woman: What do you do there?
Man: I make money.
After a quick McLunch we treated ourselves to the oh-so-good, but oh-so-expensive Marble Slab Creamery ice cream. If you're wondering, yes, it's the same idea as Cold Stone Creamery. Marble Slab vs. Cold Stone.
After dinner that night, we enjoyed a fire in the backyard and I got to roast marshmallows for the girls...OK, and for me too. Once the kids were in bed, the grownups feasted on nachos and watched a movie before passing out themselves.
Sat May 7/11
Today I did not rise from slumber until 10am. Even though I was yet again awaken by the loving chirps of young balls of energy before 7am, I decided, with my cold and wicked sunburn, to sleep as much as I could -- 10am was the best I could do. No matter though because today was a relaxing day of PJ's and doing nothing, except packing, before heading back to Toronto.
Side note about my flight back: Our attempt to depart early was foiled by an over emotional woman at the front of the plane who, I thought was laughing at first, cried hysterically promising to calm down because she "need[ed] to get back home to [her] husband." Reason for hysterics? Unknown. I looked down to get a magazine, looked up and she was gone -- along with the security officer. Ah, the entertaining joys of travel.
Also, one travel tip: If you have a cold, particularly in the sinus region, don't fly. Descent and landing are a bitch.
Well, that was my vacation; first one in many years. Here's hoping there aren't that many years between now and my next vacation...or my next trip to Winnipeg!
Wed May 4/11
A visit to Whitehorse Gift Emporium and Tea Room. They boast 10,000 unique items in the store (ranging from items you could find in a dollar store, beautiful wooden furniture, Christmas items, food products, beauty products, gag gifts, jewelery and more) and 30 different kinds of loose leaf to choose from in the Tea Room. This was the day where my cold was kicking my ass and during my wander around the "10,000 unique items" I had a dizzy spell and almost fell into some China. That probably would have cost a lot more than the $4 I spent on craft items.
After a relaxing lunch at the Tea Room (and a longing gaze at the good looking gardeners) our next stop was The Forks.
For those that have visited St Lawrence Market in Toronto, The Forks is similar, but less food market, more upscale and more tourist trap. There are many shops catering to many wants and there is a large outdoor area, with entertainment pavilions and such. However, on this day we didn't see too much of the outside except when running from one building to the next trying to stay dry.
Thurs May 5/11
This was a big day for us. No daycare for the girls and instead we took them to the Assiniboine Park Zoo ($5 for adults...hello, awesome!), then a brief romp at Assiniboine Park and across the big bridge to get some ice cream cones at Sargent Sundaes. This was also the day I received my first sunburn of the season. (Mature responsible Sara didn't even think that a week that started with snow could turn into a week that fries skin.) And what a sun burn it was...Aloe-Vera-slathering-Ibuprofen-popping joy. Ouchies! However, after all that and a quick dinner at home, Angela and I still had the energy for $3 movies at the theatre. Yay, movie popcorn!
Fri May 6/11
With the girls back at daycare, Angela and I visited The Winnipeg Mint - a branch of the Royal Canadian Mint. We had booked spots on the tour, but arrived late ("How did I think the Tax Centre was The Mint...?"), which actually worked out well because we were able to do a self-guided tour and NOT pay the $5.
Incoming joke:
Woman: So, you work at The Mint?
Man: Yup.
Woman: What do you do there?
Man: I make money.
After a quick McLunch we treated ourselves to the oh-so-good, but oh-so-expensive Marble Slab Creamery ice cream. If you're wondering, yes, it's the same idea as Cold Stone Creamery. Marble Slab vs. Cold Stone.
After dinner that night, we enjoyed a fire in the backyard and I got to roast marshmallows for the girls...OK, and for me too. Once the kids were in bed, the grownups feasted on nachos and watched a movie before passing out themselves.
Sat May 7/11
Today I did not rise from slumber until 10am. Even though I was yet again awaken by the loving chirps of young balls of energy before 7am, I decided, with my cold and wicked sunburn, to sleep as much as I could -- 10am was the best I could do. No matter though because today was a relaxing day of PJ's and doing nothing, except packing, before heading back to Toronto.
Side note about my flight back: Our attempt to depart early was foiled by an over emotional woman at the front of the plane who, I thought was laughing at first, cried hysterically promising to calm down because she "need[ed] to get back home to [her] husband." Reason for hysterics? Unknown. I looked down to get a magazine, looked up and she was gone -- along with the security officer. Ah, the entertaining joys of travel.
Also, one travel tip: If you have a cold, particularly in the sinus region, don't fly. Descent and landing are a bitch.
Well, that was my vacation; first one in many years. Here's hoping there aren't that many years between now and my next vacation...or my next trip to Winnipeg!
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
The Soup Kitchen
Today was another relaxing day and the last day before my friend, Angela, gets three days off work. Quality friend time!!
I made a large pot of homemade veggie soup in the morning and both Angela and her husband, Dennis, came home from work to enjoy lunch with me. There was enough soup left so that the girls had some for dinner with the sitter and I put some in the freezer for everyone to enjoy later.
The afternoon consisted of some web surfing and a delicious nap before prepping for a dinner out. We decided on sushi and had a pleasant meal at Tokyo Sushi located conveniently close to the house. For dessert, although so not needed, we headed to Bellbottoms, the restaurant at the Holiday Inn. Angela and Dennis recommended it from past visits. Brownie. Ice cream. Cookie. Whip cream. Many calories. So yum.
This required a walk. After getting home, sending the sitter on her way and putting the girls to bed, Angela joined me and Jake, aka the snoring dog, for a walk around the block and to the park.
This brings us to now: sitting on the couch, watching "Sixteen Candles" on Netflix, and dealing with my runny nose. Yup; hoping for allergies and not a cold, but the sore throat is leaning me towards a cold. We'll see.
Plans for tomorrow: lunch at Whitehorse Tea Room (30 different loose leaf teas) which also happens to have the largest gift emporium on the planet. Well, maybe not the planet, but 10,000 items...
I made a large pot of homemade veggie soup in the morning and both Angela and her husband, Dennis, came home from work to enjoy lunch with me. There was enough soup left so that the girls had some for dinner with the sitter and I put some in the freezer for everyone to enjoy later.
The afternoon consisted of some web surfing and a delicious nap before prepping for a dinner out. We decided on sushi and had a pleasant meal at Tokyo Sushi located conveniently close to the house. For dessert, although so not needed, we headed to Bellbottoms, the restaurant at the Holiday Inn. Angela and Dennis recommended it from past visits. Brownie. Ice cream. Cookie. Whip cream. Many calories. So yum.
This required a walk. After getting home, sending the sitter on her way and putting the girls to bed, Angela joined me and Jake, aka the snoring dog, for a walk around the block and to the park.
This brings us to now: sitting on the couch, watching "Sixteen Candles" on Netflix, and dealing with my runny nose. Yup; hoping for allergies and not a cold, but the sore throat is leaning me towards a cold. We'll see.
Plans for tomorrow: lunch at Whitehorse Tea Room (30 different loose leaf teas) which also happens to have the largest gift emporium on the planet. Well, maybe not the planet, but 10,000 items...
Monday, May 02, 2011
Epic energy in the form of two little girls
Here I sit, at the dining room table, basking in the glow of warm morning sunlight. It's just before 10am. It's silent.
Why would I mention silence? Due to the fact it's a change, a BIG change, from yesterday. Lily (4) and Ruby (3), my friend's two little girls, who are the cutest and sweetest little girls, are also the most epic balls of energy EVER!
Although I went to bed well after 1am on the night of my arrival (April 30/11), I was up before 8am. Why? Two very active little girls. My first duty as guest in the house was an 8am colouring session that lasted at least two hours for all of us and pretty much the entire morning for the girls. I have a stack of about 20 colouring book pages, gifted to me by the two little cuties, to prove it.
They never stop. The running. The jumping. The talking. The colouring. The playing. It's fantastical. I am in awe of their unstoppable energy level. If we could harness the energy of these two we could totally power a small country. I was awake this morning (Mon May 2/11) at 6:30am, but forced myself to sleep a little more. My alarm clock NEVER works this well...
This morning the girls are back in daycare and the house is silent, except for the ticking clock and the snoring dog. My friend Angela has to work today and tomorrow so I need to find stuff to keep me busy. I am glad the warm sun is melting away the snow that fell, but am pretty sure today will be an relaxing inside kinda day.
Yesterday I picked up some brushes, acrylic paint and little canvases at the local Dollarama and have already sketched out two images which I shall start painting after breakfast.
Why would I mention silence? Due to the fact it's a change, a BIG change, from yesterday. Lily (4) and Ruby (3), my friend's two little girls, who are the cutest and sweetest little girls, are also the most epic balls of energy EVER!
Although I went to bed well after 1am on the night of my arrival (April 30/11), I was up before 8am. Why? Two very active little girls. My first duty as guest in the house was an 8am colouring session that lasted at least two hours for all of us and pretty much the entire morning for the girls. I have a stack of about 20 colouring book pages, gifted to me by the two little cuties, to prove it.
They never stop. The running. The jumping. The talking. The colouring. The playing. It's fantastical. I am in awe of their unstoppable energy level. If we could harness the energy of these two we could totally power a small country. I was awake this morning (Mon May 2/11) at 6:30am, but forced myself to sleep a little more. My alarm clock NEVER works this well...
This morning the girls are back in daycare and the house is silent, except for the ticking clock and the snoring dog. My friend Angela has to work today and tomorrow so I need to find stuff to keep me busy. I am glad the warm sun is melting away the snow that fell, but am pretty sure today will be an relaxing inside kinda day.
Yesterday I picked up some brushes, acrylic paint and little canvases at the local Dollarama and have already sketched out two images which I shall start painting after breakfast.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
YYZ to YWG (April30/11)
I’ve done it. I got on a plane and flew away from the city and the province. I am in Winnipeg.
I took TTC (Toronto public transit) to get to the airport, but it wasn’t until I saw a banking plane that had just taken off that it really hit me. I mean sure, I had a suitcase with me and every other person on the 192 Airport Rocket Express also had suitcases or bags. However, it wasn’t until seeing that plane in the air that the realization of what I was about to do hit me. I was excited!
For all the research and reading I did to pack for my trip it was sure over quick. I breezed through self-check in, baggage check in and security all in less than 10 minutes. So me and my carefully prepared Ziplock bag were now safely on the other side…with two and a half hours before boarding. Yup, early…real early. Yet, this gave me time to chill and let it all just soak in.
My first stop was to wander by the expansive windows in the waiting area around my departure gate. For someone who doesn’t travel by plane that much this was glorious. I really need to travel more.
After speaking with my parents, grabbing some dinner and just people watching I still had over an hour. What to do…hello free Wi-Fi. Yet, checking email and Facebook seemed a little less awesome while sitting in an airport. I did some research in the “what to do” section of one of the City of Winnipeg tourist websites to get some ideas for my stay. Finally, after wandering, sitting and more wandering, we were called to board.
OMG, I’m on a plane! This thought crossed my mind many times during my flight. The first time was when I was walking the gang plank to the entrance of the plane. I was able to take a brief gander into the cockpit while waiting for others to take their seats. So cool! I am a geek; deal. Our flight was full, as were many of the flights taking off that night. There was enough space to make us all buddy-buddy for our just over two hour flight. The personal TVs at each seat helped too. Thank you to City TV for playing Twilight, you made the flight seem very quick.
The last time I flew to Winnipeg was the last time I flew period. That was in 2003. At that time I flew with the now cancelled airline, JetsGo. At that time I required the belt extender to be able to fasten the belt safely. I am very proud to say that this time around, eight years later, I conquered the airplane seat belt like a champ, sans extender. I amaze even myself sometimes. Go Team Me!
Take-off and landing were such a rush; just the amazing fact that this large piece of metal with all these people is able to get up into the sky and stay there while moving at hundreds of miles an hour…awesome. Our pilot must have sped a little too as we landed a good 10 minutes early.
I took TTC (Toronto public transit) to get to the airport, but it wasn’t until I saw a banking plane that had just taken off that it really hit me. I mean sure, I had a suitcase with me and every other person on the 192 Airport Rocket Express also had suitcases or bags. However, it wasn’t until seeing that plane in the air that the realization of what I was about to do hit me. I was excited!
For all the research and reading I did to pack for my trip it was sure over quick. I breezed through self-check in, baggage check in and security all in less than 10 minutes. So me and my carefully prepared Ziplock bag were now safely on the other side…with two and a half hours before boarding. Yup, early…real early. Yet, this gave me time to chill and let it all just soak in.
My first stop was to wander by the expansive windows in the waiting area around my departure gate. For someone who doesn’t travel by plane that much this was glorious. I really need to travel more.
After speaking with my parents, grabbing some dinner and just people watching I still had over an hour. What to do…hello free Wi-Fi. Yet, checking email and Facebook seemed a little less awesome while sitting in an airport. I did some research in the “what to do” section of one of the City of Winnipeg tourist websites to get some ideas for my stay. Finally, after wandering, sitting and more wandering, we were called to board.
OMG, I’m on a plane! This thought crossed my mind many times during my flight. The first time was when I was walking the gang plank to the entrance of the plane. I was able to take a brief gander into the cockpit while waiting for others to take their seats. So cool! I am a geek; deal. Our flight was full, as were many of the flights taking off that night. There was enough space to make us all buddy-buddy for our just over two hour flight. The personal TVs at each seat helped too. Thank you to City TV for playing Twilight, you made the flight seem very quick.
The last time I flew to Winnipeg was the last time I flew period. That was in 2003. At that time I flew with the now cancelled airline, JetsGo. At that time I required the belt extender to be able to fasten the belt safely. I am very proud to say that this time around, eight years later, I conquered the airplane seat belt like a champ, sans extender. I amaze even myself sometimes. Go Team Me!
Take-off and landing were such a rush; just the amazing fact that this large piece of metal with all these people is able to get up into the sky and stay there while moving at hundreds of miles an hour…awesome. Our pilot must have sped a little too as we landed a good 10 minutes early.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Flight Risk -- Vacation!
In less than 24 hours I'll be striking another risk off my 2011 Take More Risks Bucket List! Although Winnipeg isn't considered a risky vacation to go on, the last minute booking and lack of planning is what I consider a risk in this case. Strap yourself in cause we're flying by the seat of our pants!
Friday, April 01, 2011
Popping My Cherry-Oke
On the night of March 31, 2011, I sang karaoke for the first time ever. I am no longer a virgin of this crazy world of singing another's song in a room with drunken strangers. And thus, I am awesome.
Never before have I experienced such an overwhelmingly positive response to the phrase: "Excuse me, virgin coming through." Yet, I used this line tonight as I made my way to the mic.
There is nothing more that can impress a gal, other than applause and flowers, than having a stranger tap you on the back to let you know you are awesome. Or to have a random person say, "Hey it's the girl with the voice!" as you pass by them. What a rush; an epic injection of confidence. Possibly not as true in the sobering light of day, but I shall take awesome - thank you!
Karaoke, I might just see you again my friend.
And with that, I officially check another item on my 2011 Take More Risks Bucket List.
Never before have I experienced such an overwhelmingly positive response to the phrase: "Excuse me, virgin coming through." Yet, I used this line tonight as I made my way to the mic.
There is nothing more that can impress a gal, other than applause and flowers, than having a stranger tap you on the back to let you know you are awesome. Or to have a random person say, "Hey it's the girl with the voice!" as you pass by them. What a rush; an epic injection of confidence. Possibly not as true in the sobering light of day, but I shall take awesome - thank you!
Karaoke, I might just see you again my friend.
And with that, I officially check another item on my 2011 Take More Risks Bucket List.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Short and Sweet...and Nuts
Brief update on my 2011 Bucket List Year:
Completed my Unsweetened February Challenge and by 8:50am the next day had already had my first piece of chocolate. I guess the reprogramming of my brain failed. Oh well, that first piece of chocolate after a month was the best chocolate ever!
Another bucket list item, being on stage in a live theatrical production, is coming to a close. "Nuts", at The Village Playhouse, has been running since March 11 and will end its run on April 2. It's been a epic adventure and I might just undertake another role in the future; especially if it means applause and flowers! And, of course, a sense of accomplishment.
If two bucket list items ain't enough for the first 3 months of 2011, let's check off one more: Karaoke. On Thursday (March 31) some of us "Nuts" plan to head downtown after the show to partake in some karaoke fun. We'll see if I have the balls to get up there and belt out a tune or two. It can't be any worse than being on stage for the first time, right? Right?! *faint*
Completed my Unsweetened February Challenge and by 8:50am the next day had already had my first piece of chocolate. I guess the reprogramming of my brain failed. Oh well, that first piece of chocolate after a month was the best chocolate ever!
Another bucket list item, being on stage in a live theatrical production, is coming to a close. "Nuts", at The Village Playhouse, has been running since March 11 and will end its run on April 2. It's been a epic adventure and I might just undertake another role in the future; especially if it means applause and flowers! And, of course, a sense of accomplishment.
If two bucket list items ain't enough for the first 3 months of 2011, let's check off one more: Karaoke. On Thursday (March 31) some of us "Nuts" plan to head downtown after the show to partake in some karaoke fun. We'll see if I have the balls to get up there and belt out a tune or two. It can't be any worse than being on stage for the first time, right? Right?! *faint*
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Unsweetened Challenge - 8 Days To Go
Well, I've lasted almost a whole month of my Unsweetened 30 Day Challenge and only have 8 more days before the month is up.
My only failings thus far:
1) Ketchup - used twice.
2) Whiskey Sours & Lychee Martinis - used more than twice.
This food challenge didn't go quite as I had planned. I probably ate just as much sugar as I normally would have, but my sugar intake came from "naturally occurring sugars" instead of the processed kind.
Things I've learned thus far:
1) Maltitol, in excess, will kick your ass - literally.
2) Just because you've decreased your sugar intake does mean you should increase your fat intake. (Possible upcoming Food Challenge: No Junk In My Trunk.)
3) Cravings will never dissipate, no matter how much you will them to.
4) Distraction and keeping busy are the answer because idle hands and mind will always get you into trouble.
5) I can survive without all that extra sugar. Others; however, may experience impending doom from my "lack of sweets" bitchiness.
6) Unsweetened Soy Milk is not as bad I as I thought.
I am already planning future food challenges for 2011. This one has kept me on my toes and made me that much more aware of what I put in my mouth.
My only failings thus far:
1) Ketchup - used twice.
2) Whiskey Sours & Lychee Martinis - used more than twice.
This food challenge didn't go quite as I had planned. I probably ate just as much sugar as I normally would have, but my sugar intake came from "naturally occurring sugars" instead of the processed kind.
Things I've learned thus far:
1) Maltitol, in excess, will kick your ass - literally.
2) Just because you've decreased your sugar intake does mean you should increase your fat intake. (Possible upcoming Food Challenge: No Junk In My Trunk.)
3) Cravings will never dissipate, no matter how much you will them to.
4) Distraction and keeping busy are the answer because idle hands and mind will always get you into trouble.
5) I can survive without all that extra sugar. Others; however, may experience impending doom from my "lack of sweets" bitchiness.
6) Unsweetened Soy Milk is not as bad I as I thought.
I am already planning future food challenges for 2011. This one has kept me on my toes and made me that much more aware of what I put in my mouth.
Public Displays of Animosity
Any conversation that involves the words/phrases: "You're not being fucking fair!" or "You're an asshole." should not be had on a cell phone on a very busy street corner. No matter how pretty you are, it's just not something that should happen. Private conversation as just that -- private -- and no one really wants to hear that sort of language on a lovely Sunday afternoon.
Along the same lines, no matter how drunk and belligerent you are continually holding up your middle finger at someone and then spitting on the floor in front of that person and cursing them just before getting off the bus it not a "human" thing to do. Oh, you're not human? Well then, my bad.
I rode the bus this evening, sitting beside the drunk and in front of the Portuguese/Spanish/Italian gentleman on his cell phone who was the mysterious source of the drunk's aggravation. I've seen this spitting/cursing action done before on film or TV, but never in real life and up close; it was surreal. The only words I could understand from the Portuguese/Spanish/Italian gentleman were "behave" and "policia" so I assume he meant business. Just before the drunk got off the bus I overheard, "That was not nice." What I can't tell (because I would not dare look in his direction) was if it came from his potentially drunken friend or if the bus driver was attempting to respond to the situation in some way.
The two things that passed through my mind during the mild altercation were: 1) "I bite my thumb at you!" and 2) How can you take the reaction/shock you just had and use it in your on-stage performance?
Yes, I might need therapy.
Ah, life in the city, and on public transit, is always entertaining!
Along the same lines, no matter how drunk and belligerent you are continually holding up your middle finger at someone and then spitting on the floor in front of that person and cursing them just before getting off the bus it not a "human" thing to do. Oh, you're not human? Well then, my bad.
I rode the bus this evening, sitting beside the drunk and in front of the Portuguese/Spanish/Italian gentleman on his cell phone who was the mysterious source of the drunk's aggravation. I've seen this spitting/cursing action done before on film or TV, but never in real life and up close; it was surreal. The only words I could understand from the Portuguese/Spanish/Italian gentleman were "behave" and "policia" so I assume he meant business. Just before the drunk got off the bus I overheard, "That was not nice." What I can't tell (because I would not dare look in his direction) was if it came from his potentially drunken friend or if the bus driver was attempting to respond to the situation in some way.
The two things that passed through my mind during the mild altercation were: 1) "I bite my thumb at you!" and 2) How can you take the reaction/shock you just had and use it in your on-stage performance?
Yes, I might need therapy.
Ah, life in the city, and on public transit, is always entertaining!
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Happy Heart Day Half Way Point
Today marks the half way point between the beginning of this food challenge and the end of the month. Today also marks one of the toughest days of the challenge thus far.
It's a Monday. (evil)
It's Valentine's Day. (single)
It was a challenge. (Go Team Sara!)
I resisted the urge to tear into the gifted Hershey's Chocolate Kisses, which now sit all wrapped up snug at the back of my freezer. I didn't allow my epic grumpiness and my tired, frustrated Monday self to ruin this challenge for me.
I did, however, purchase Chapman's No Sugar Added Ice Cream and thoroughly enjoyed it. Enjoyed it more so than I have ever enjoyed any ice cream before. It truly was a treat...and there's still more left for my next almost mental breakdown.
I am looking forward to the next three days: back to being Nuts on Tues and Thurs and adventures in The Secret Garden on Wed. Now there's one challenge I would most definitely fail: cold turkey on all things theatre. Thank goodness theatre is good for the soul.
My heart is happy and I hope yours is too!
It's a Monday. (evil)
It's Valentine's Day. (single)
It was a challenge. (Go Team Sara!)
I resisted the urge to tear into the gifted Hershey's Chocolate Kisses, which now sit all wrapped up snug at the back of my freezer. I didn't allow my epic grumpiness and my tired, frustrated Monday self to ruin this challenge for me.
I did, however, purchase Chapman's No Sugar Added Ice Cream and thoroughly enjoyed it. Enjoyed it more so than I have ever enjoyed any ice cream before. It truly was a treat...and there's still more left for my next almost mental breakdown.
I am looking forward to the next three days: back to being Nuts on Tues and Thurs and adventures in The Secret Garden on Wed. Now there's one challenge I would most definitely fail: cold turkey on all things theatre. Thank goodness theatre is good for the soul.
My heart is happy and I hope yours is too!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sweets & Treats
Another "unsweetened" week down and so far so good -- among many challenges. In the past week I've baked twice for a theatre fundraiser, I've stood in a favourite bakery of mine waiting for my soup-and-sandwich dinner, I have resisted the urge to dive into sugary gifts, I turned down Green Tea Ice Cream and I operated lights in a small booth that contained a very enticing container of jujubes.
My only "fail" this week (and since the beginning of this experiment/challenge) was the three whiskey sours I had. Oops! It's another one of those things you forget about, that are an automatic part of a bar trip for some, and contain sugar -- mixed drinks.
I have somehow convinced myself that since I have decreased my consumption of the extra "candy/chocolate/Starbucks coffees" processed sugars that I can increase my consumption of carbs (bread, pasta, etc.) -- something I had under control prior to this month. I believe this to be the reason I am not feeling or seeing results as expected. (Read: No significant dip in scale numbers and still feel bloated at times. Hello! Carbs!) So, to that end, I vow to seriously decrease my consumption of carbs from now until the end of the month. I want to be able to see and feel some sort of a difference from this challenge, gosh darn-it! To assist in the "weening" process, I did purchase a gluten-free, no sugar tea biscuit dry mix from the health food store that I am going to try out.
Another thing I've noticed is my increase in regular black tea with Splenda. I hardly ever used Splenda, or drank black tea prior to this Unsweetened February. I am not as concerned with this, although, too much artificial sweetener is not a good thing. (Read: Sara really needs to cut down/out diet cola.)
After talking with a friend today, I am going to look more into Stevia. It's always been on my radar, but I've never tried it.
This challenge is not only a physical one, but a mental one too. I am educating myself on better ways of living and better health practices surrounding my food intake. I do hope I get something meaningful and useful out of this challenge.
My only "fail" this week (and since the beginning of this experiment/challenge) was the three whiskey sours I had. Oops! It's another one of those things you forget about, that are an automatic part of a bar trip for some, and contain sugar -- mixed drinks.
I have somehow convinced myself that since I have decreased my consumption of the extra "candy/chocolate/Starbucks coffees" processed sugars that I can increase my consumption of carbs (bread, pasta, etc.) -- something I had under control prior to this month. I believe this to be the reason I am not feeling or seeing results as expected. (Read: No significant dip in scale numbers and still feel bloated at times. Hello! Carbs!) So, to that end, I vow to seriously decrease my consumption of carbs from now until the end of the month. I want to be able to see and feel some sort of a difference from this challenge, gosh darn-it! To assist in the "weening" process, I did purchase a gluten-free, no sugar tea biscuit dry mix from the health food store that I am going to try out.
Another thing I've noticed is my increase in regular black tea with Splenda. I hardly ever used Splenda, or drank black tea prior to this Unsweetened February. I am not as concerned with this, although, too much artificial sweetener is not a good thing. (Read: Sara really needs to cut down/out diet cola.)
After talking with a friend today, I am going to look more into Stevia. It's always been on my radar, but I've never tried it.
This challenge is not only a physical one, but a mental one too. I am educating myself on better ways of living and better health practices surrounding my food intake. I do hope I get something meaningful and useful out of this challenge.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Adventures in Snacking
Today marks Day 6 of my Unsweetened February food challenge, a risk which is part of my 2011 Take More Risks Bucket List.
My goal today, was to source out different kinds of snacks that would provide that sugary kick I wanted without all the sugar I didn't need. Up until now grapes, bananas, raisins and no sugar added cookies, along with diet cola, had been my snacking tools. I want to increase those choices and give myself more variety.
Cereal and Soy Milk:
Even before this self-imposed challenge, I had always purchased lower sugar and high fibre cereals. This is one area I am not being to hard on myself about. Although the cereals currently in my cupboard (Life Multigrains, Kashi Go Lean, Shreddies) do have sugar in the list of ingredients, the amount of it is low and the fibre content balances it all out...somewhat. Technicalities. My soy milk selection however needed a review. Just prior to February 1st I had purchase chocolate soy milk. As of today, that is now gone (having been consumed) and for the rest of the month I will be consuming unsweetened soy milk. We'll see how this goes. *shutter*
Nature's Candy:
Increasing the intake of fruits (proportionally, within reason) and veggies is all part of the reprogramming process. That's a given. Today was about finding fun stuff that I can keep in my desk at work or in my bag as snacks. I have hidden away my granola bars at least until the end of the month, so I needed some other non-sugar/natural sugar snacks.
Shoppers Drug Mart's Life Brand products, and most recently Simply Food line of products, provided me with some great variety. I already have Life Brand dried apricots in my desk at work. The apricots were the only bags dried fruit at Shoppers that did not have added sugar. For shame Shoppers. I like cranberries too you know! I also invested in those cute little boxes of raisins that most of us got for Halloween as kids. I know I could have just purchased raisins in bulk, but it's the presentation that makes it. A cute little box of raisins is more pleasing to the eye than a Ziploc bag of them. I also scored some dried prunes (no sugar added -- yay Shoppers), no sugar added fruit juice drinking boxes, no sugar added chewy fruit snacks and more cute little boxes of raisins.
Health Food Store:
More expensive, yes, but more variety...even with no sugar chocolate! "Fruit to Go" fruit leather, unsweetened granola and yes, chocolate. I purchased the chocolate as an I-can't-take-it-anymore last resort because, from what I have read and past experience of candy and chocolate made with Maltitol, it can cause...loose poop. Like I said, last resort.
Let the adventures in snacking begin!
My goal today, was to source out different kinds of snacks that would provide that sugary kick I wanted without all the sugar I didn't need. Up until now grapes, bananas, raisins and no sugar added cookies, along with diet cola, had been my snacking tools. I want to increase those choices and give myself more variety.
Cereal and Soy Milk:
Even before this self-imposed challenge, I had always purchased lower sugar and high fibre cereals. This is one area I am not being to hard on myself about. Although the cereals currently in my cupboard (Life Multigrains, Kashi Go Lean, Shreddies) do have sugar in the list of ingredients, the amount of it is low and the fibre content balances it all out...somewhat. Technicalities. My soy milk selection however needed a review. Just prior to February 1st I had purchase chocolate soy milk. As of today, that is now gone (having been consumed) and for the rest of the month I will be consuming unsweetened soy milk. We'll see how this goes. *shutter*
Nature's Candy:
Increasing the intake of fruits (proportionally, within reason) and veggies is all part of the reprogramming process. That's a given. Today was about finding fun stuff that I can keep in my desk at work or in my bag as snacks. I have hidden away my granola bars at least until the end of the month, so I needed some other non-sugar/natural sugar snacks.
Shoppers Drug Mart's Life Brand products, and most recently Simply Food line of products, provided me with some great variety. I already have Life Brand dried apricots in my desk at work. The apricots were the only bags dried fruit at Shoppers that did not have added sugar. For shame Shoppers. I like cranberries too you know! I also invested in those cute little boxes of raisins that most of us got for Halloween as kids. I know I could have just purchased raisins in bulk, but it's the presentation that makes it. A cute little box of raisins is more pleasing to the eye than a Ziploc bag of them. I also scored some dried prunes (no sugar added -- yay Shoppers), no sugar added fruit juice drinking boxes, no sugar added chewy fruit snacks and more cute little boxes of raisins.
Health Food Store:
More expensive, yes, but more variety...even with no sugar chocolate! "Fruit to Go" fruit leather, unsweetened granola and yes, chocolate. I purchased the chocolate as an I-can't-take-it-anymore last resort because, from what I have read and past experience of candy and chocolate made with Maltitol, it can cause...loose poop. Like I said, last resort.
Let the adventures in snacking begin!
The Unsweetened February - Day 6
Six days so far. Some have been easier than others. Thursday and Friday were pretty smooth as I kept myself busier at work, which took my mind from thinking about it to thinking about something else.
This was the first weekend of my Unsweetened Challenge. It was tough, just as I thought it would be. The sweetness of fruit helped, but my saving grace was black tea with Splenda. I drank three large mugs of it on Saturday...and then peed like a race horse. Although during this challenge I have allowed myself diet soda, at the same time, I don't want to rely on that for my "sugar" fix. Adventures into different kinds of tea and making my own homemade iced tea will help.
It occurred to me on Day 2 that the Raspberry Sauce I had just consumed with my chicken had more than its fair share of sugar. No more Raspberry Sauce. Similarly, on Day 5 after plating my hot and delicious looking grilled cheese, it hit me that the Ketchup I had just retrieved from the fridge had an epic amount of sugar. No Ketchup on the grilled cheese; hot sauce instead. Not as good without the Ketchup, but doable.
After Day 5's sugary sauce revelation, I have decided to "up my game" in this challenge. Throughout the remainder of this month I will increase the challenge by adding more "sugar" items to the list of no-nos. One of the biggest will be white flour and negative carbs in general. If I can get to February 28th (sanity in tact) with a serious reduction of negative carbs maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to retrain my brain to accept this as the norm.
This was the first weekend of my Unsweetened Challenge. It was tough, just as I thought it would be. The sweetness of fruit helped, but my saving grace was black tea with Splenda. I drank three large mugs of it on Saturday...and then peed like a race horse. Although during this challenge I have allowed myself diet soda, at the same time, I don't want to rely on that for my "sugar" fix. Adventures into different kinds of tea and making my own homemade iced tea will help.
It occurred to me on Day 2 that the Raspberry Sauce I had just consumed with my chicken had more than its fair share of sugar. No more Raspberry Sauce. Similarly, on Day 5 after plating my hot and delicious looking grilled cheese, it hit me that the Ketchup I had just retrieved from the fridge had an epic amount of sugar. No Ketchup on the grilled cheese; hot sauce instead. Not as good without the Ketchup, but doable.
After Day 5's sugary sauce revelation, I have decided to "up my game" in this challenge. Throughout the remainder of this month I will increase the challenge by adding more "sugar" items to the list of no-nos. One of the biggest will be white flour and negative carbs in general. If I can get to February 28th (sanity in tact) with a serious reduction of negative carbs maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to retrain my brain to accept this as the norm.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
The Unsweetened 30 Day Challenge
I am now well into rehearsals for my role as The Recorder for the production of "Nuts" at The Village Playhouse. This will take care of one of the risks on my current 2011 bucket list.
So now what? Well, let's scratch another risk off the list. Today, February 1st, marked Day One of my first 30 Day Challenge. I know, I know, February only has 28 days. Technicalities. My first 30 Day Challenge is a food challenge...or lack of a certain food - sugar.
For the next month I am going to decrease considerably the amount of sugar I intake on a daily basis. No candy or chocolate, no hot chocolate or special Starbucks coffees, no baked goods. I am allowing myself diet sodas, Crystal Light type drinks and Splenda for sweetening any regular coffee or tea that needs it, but NO SUGAR! Naturally occurring sugar, yes. Any other kind of sugar, no.
Now, you're probably saying, "Sara, this doesn't seem like a risk." To that I say, "Oh yes it is, for me." In only my first day, I had to stop myself no less than 4 times from going for that sugar item that I didn't think twice about before. If I can do this for a whole month think about the health benefits and maybe even the good habits I will be introducing to my life.
"But still Sara, where's the risk in it all?" Well maybe put aside the word "risk" and let's use "temptation".
February is a chocolate month due to Valentine's Day. Also, this month I am involved in a fundraiser called "Sweets & Treats". People will come to see staged productions and then enjoy fresh baked desserts with their coffee and tea. I am one of the volunteered bakers. I volunteered before coming up with this challenge. I think I might be crazy.
I am not doing this for anyone else but me so if I sneak a sugar item I am not failing anyone else but myself. We'll see how long I can fight against temptation. GO TEAM ME!
So now what? Well, let's scratch another risk off the list. Today, February 1st, marked Day One of my first 30 Day Challenge. I know, I know, February only has 28 days. Technicalities. My first 30 Day Challenge is a food challenge...or lack of a certain food - sugar.
For the next month I am going to decrease considerably the amount of sugar I intake on a daily basis. No candy or chocolate, no hot chocolate or special Starbucks coffees, no baked goods. I am allowing myself diet sodas, Crystal Light type drinks and Splenda for sweetening any regular coffee or tea that needs it, but NO SUGAR! Naturally occurring sugar, yes. Any other kind of sugar, no.
Now, you're probably saying, "Sara, this doesn't seem like a risk." To that I say, "Oh yes it is, for me." In only my first day, I had to stop myself no less than 4 times from going for that sugar item that I didn't think twice about before. If I can do this for a whole month think about the health benefits and maybe even the good habits I will be introducing to my life.
"But still Sara, where's the risk in it all?" Well maybe put aside the word "risk" and let's use "temptation".
February is a chocolate month due to Valentine's Day. Also, this month I am involved in a fundraiser called "Sweets & Treats". People will come to see staged productions and then enjoy fresh baked desserts with their coffee and tea. I am one of the volunteered bakers. I volunteered before coming up with this challenge. I think I might be crazy.
I am not doing this for anyone else but me so if I sneak a sugar item I am not failing anyone else but myself. We'll see how long I can fight against temptation. GO TEAM ME!
Taking More Risks in 2011
I don't do the New Years Resolution thing anymore. What do I do? I follow a motto for the year. Yup, that's right, a motto. Last year's motto was: Do More Stuff. Pretty generalized motto, but it worked...I had an epic and busy 2010!
This year's motto is: Take More Risks.
What I've decided to do is create a list; a "2011 Take More Risks Bucket List" to be exact. This list will be on going, growing in "risks" as I think of them (or as they are recommended to me). No risk will be removed from the list, but not all risks may be completed -- they are simply a guideline or supply from which to dip.
The list thus far is:
- Perform karaoke.
- Take part in a live theatre production...ON STAGE.
- Travel, away from the city/province/country, at least once, maybe twice.
- Join a club.
- Take a class.
- Say "yes" more often than "no".
- Do at least 2 "30 Day" challenges.
- Get a tattoo.
Other than the tattoo these all might seem like "safe" risks, but I think I can shake things up. It's still early in the year. Plus, the list is ever growing...
This year's motto is: Take More Risks.
What I've decided to do is create a list; a "2011 Take More Risks Bucket List" to be exact. This list will be on going, growing in "risks" as I think of them (or as they are recommended to me). No risk will be removed from the list, but not all risks may be completed -- they are simply a guideline or supply from which to dip.
The list thus far is:
- Perform karaoke.
- Take part in a live theatre production...ON STAGE.
- Travel, away from the city/province/country, at least once, maybe twice.
- Join a club.
- Take a class.
- Say "yes" more often than "no".
- Do at least 2 "30 Day" challenges.
- Get a tattoo.
Other than the tattoo these all might seem like "safe" risks, but I think I can shake things up. It's still early in the year. Plus, the list is ever growing...
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