Lessons from Whiskey II

To say my life has changed since Big Whiskey found me would be an understatement.  I've come to appreciate my morning routine with the pup - and the lessons she teaches me every morning.

• It's easier to wake up early when you're excited about life.
• It's never too early to wake up the one you love but it's best to wake them with a smile, kisses and snuggles...
• and if they still want to sleep, it's best to rest quietly and pretend you're still asleep.
• Fresh water in the morning is as necessary as a good breakfast.
• Smile at strangers and let them feel your joy.
• A quick run is the best way to start your day.
• Everyday is a new day and we have a choice to be happy - choose happiness each morning.  Repeat as necessary throughout the day.

Everyday I appreciate you and love you a little more - thanks for letting me be your human mom and pack leader, BW!

“Happy one year anniversary...”

Leading in to Saturday afternoon I started to have a strange feeling – a feeling as if something was going to happen.  The events of the day were a bit out of the normal and I think I was probably a bit more on edge.  I was in a protective state of mind – protective of those who I care about in my life.  As the day wore on to evening – the feeling was still there.  I took Big Whiskey out for a walk… the air some how felt heavier or unsettling.  Something was off – but I couldn’t figure out what it was.  Something so off, it made me think I should stay close to home. 

There was a full-moon.  Maybe that was it.  Who knows.  But this wasn’t the first time I’ve felt an energy so strong around me it couldn’t be ignored. 

I went to dinner with friends and called it a night as they ventured on to the next stop.  I called my mom to make sure my parents were ok.  I sent texts.  I just wanted security in knowing everyone was ok. I got home and sat down on the sofa and just opened my mind to what it could be. 

Him.  It was last year about this time. 

No.  It was exactly a year ago.  

Is it possible that those energies work in tandem with the calendar?  Is it possible that your sense of energies are heightened at certain times?  I went to sleep wondering how it was all connected – because something tells me it is. 

It was exactly one year ago that my world got completely flipped upside down.  Everything I had known to be true when it came to life and love was being challenged.  Everything I had known to be true about myself was shifting in ways I didn’t know was possible 

It was one year ago yesterday that I sat in a bar with my back to the door and felt an energy come in – I was present enough not only to feel it, but to be curious about it and spin to see what it was.  I was present enough not to let it pass and to pursue it. 

‘You’re beautiful” Is what I said to him from across the room.  He approached and asked me what I had said.  “I said, you’re beautiful. And I love you.” 

In the year that has passed since he walked into the wrong bar – rarely does a day go by that he doesn’t cross my mind.

I’m thankful for you, Devin.  The lessons I’ve carried with me since our chance encounter on 6^th Street have made my heart open to the possibilities and open to love.  I’m thankful that my friendships seem richer, more authentic and true.  And I’m thankful that I’m open to decisions and feelings not needing coming from a place a logic – I’m thankful for perfect timing.   I’m not sure that what I felt this weekend had anything to do with what I felt last year – but my heart is happy in replaying those days and those moments over in my head. 

I hope that wherever you’re at – your heart is happy, your smile is contagious and your life is full.

Eat 'Yo Veggies

It’s no secret that when you turn 30 everything changes.  Yes, I heard everyone say… “oh, your metabolism will slow down.”   I didn’t believe it.  I’m an active person.  I work out and run very regularly.  I’d say I eat fairly well… I by no means sit around eating potato chips all day.  But I grew up in the Midwest – my diet has always been meat, potato and bread heavy.   It wasn’t until I got to college that I started to eat vegetables other than carrots and iceberg lettuce. 

Last year, I had the opportunity to work with/for one of the most holistically minded people I’ve ever known.  I ate raw and vegan while I was at her house.  I learned about essential oils and supplements.  I left that job at the end of the year, and have spent the last 365 days feeling like my body has a mind of it’s own.  Yes, I still work out.  No, I’m still not eating bags of potato chips.  I’ve always thought it would be interesting to make a drastic diet change and see what happened.  Last week I had dinner with my resident all things healthy friend and was telling her I had thought about going vegetarian…but that I love meat so much. (As I took a bite some of the best damn beef curry my mouth has had the pleasure of knowing.)  She asked what my blood type was – A+ - and said my blood type thrives on a vegetarian diet.  She asked me when I’ve felt the best in my life.  Without hesitation I tell her it was when I did a 10-day juice cleanse in April.  Fine.  I’ll try being a vegetarian.  But only for 30 days.  Just to see what happens and how I feel. 

I came home that night and watched “Forks Over Knives”… and then “Vegucated.”  My thoughts shifted from the clear health benefits of a plant-based diet to animal welfare.  My heart ached for all of the animals that were being tortured so I could have some bomb ass beef curry, delicious cheese and a coffee with skim milk. 

The next day I went to Costco and to Whole Foods on Friday night – very suburban and 30-something of me, I know!  I left with things my cupboards have never known. 

And today… is my 5^th day of a vegan diet.  Yea, you heard right.  Vegan.  I’m trying it.  For 30 days.  So far, so good.  I had a monster headache for about 3 days… but I suspect that had something to do with no sugar, caffeine, gluten OR animal products.  Yea…go big, or?  Right. 

So here I am, craving cheese like it’s no bodies business.  Nutritional yeast on my rice and quinoa… you are my savior tonight.  Thank you for tasting cheesy and providing me those 6-amino acids my body won’t produce naturally.  I’m excited to see how my taste buds and cravings change in the next few weeks – and mostly I’m excited that I have friends that can point me in the right direction, give me recipes when I’m bored, and tell me just to go get some damn French fries.  So thank you Dalit, Cathy and Angie!! And thank you to all my veggie friends!

And as luck would have it… Angie is blogging 30 days of vegan recipes, starting today!  Boom! http://www.powered-by-produce.com/

Here we go!  Oh, and Happy New Year!