I was asleep way too late, and I am awake way to early. I can't clean or pack because that would wake the house, so I will write about what is preventing me from sleep.
I am feeling what is probably, unnecessary stress about this trip back to B.C. I fear we are unwanted and unwelcome, that all the rooms at my parents house will be full and there will be no place for us to sleep. I worry that family and friends will be too busy and disinterested to see us. What if we hate the miserable weather and don't feel home there. What if we don't want to move back. I want my parents to be happy to have us. I don't want to burden them, or cause them stress at our being there. I feel I have few years left with them and I want to build positive memories for my children and myself. I don't want to be forgotten so soon.
If we move back then I can help care for them in the upcoming years. I can clean for them, and cook, and do the things that are becoming physically hard for them. I fear that they might not want my help though. What if positive memories are forgotten and the negative moments of my youth and early adulthood are hung on to? Isn't that often how it is? The really good times are not as clear in our memories as all the difficult or unpleasant memories. I'm really not trying to be a cynic. Isn't it ridiculous that at my age and this point in my life I should be concerned about how my parents feel for me. It must be middle child syndrome. I know they love me, I just don't know if they want me living near them. There is more on this subject I wish I could say, but I really shouldn't.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
The Good, The Bad and The Gluten
I've been trying to cut gluten out of my diet. I haven't been very successful with this, but I am getting better. It is definitely a gradual process. If only it didn't taste so good. I decided to look up some facts on gluten to encourage me in my quest for clean eating. Here are some things I have found:
Gluten comes from the Latin word glue, and it is these adhesive properties that allow for bread and cakes to hold together. It is also those same properties that cause gluten to interfere with the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Not just from the bread products we are eating with our meal, but from the whole meal.
Wheat, even whole wheat products contain starches that spike blood sugar rapidly, and can promote diabetes as well as causing people to age faster. Gluten proteins are extremely hard to digest, and because of this the immune system triggers an attack on the small intestine. There is a long list of symptoms associated with this sensitivity and you would be surprised at some of the things on this list:
- the obvious bloating, pain, gas, constipation, or diarrhea
- aching joints
- eczema
- headaches
- fatigue
- infertility, irregular menstrual cycle, and miscarriage
- cramps, tingling and numbness
- skin rash
- depression
- reflux
- endometriosis
- weight problems
I bet the majority of people experience at least some of these problems. It is hard to eliminate gluten completely as it is in so many of our foods, including soy sauce and salad dressing and beer.
I think we can assume that there were always these sensitivities to wheat. Our modern wheat has been genetically engineered and is not the same wheat used by people hundreds of years ago, and is a implication as a major cause in obesity. Not a huge surprise there.
Our wheat today has more proteins that cause celiac-associated problems for people, even those who don't have celiac disease. I read that up to 40% of the population has genes that pre-dispose them to gluten sensitivity. This is my whole family I am sure.
Another very interesting thing about wheat is that it breaks down into polypeptides that can cross the blood brain barrier and act like opiates in the brain, causing some people to have a wheat addiction. Crazy, I know but it makes sense. Even in normal people, wheat promotes an increase in gut permeability. Don't know exactly what that means, but it is bad.
Here's something else that may make a lot of sense to people, especially those who have issues with milk sensitivity. Also common in my family. There is a possible reactivity between gluten and proteins in milk. Meaning that many gluten sensitive people would also be better off avoiding dairy. This is true in my case and my Lilli's.
Gluten is in more then just wheat. It's in barley, rye, spelt, msg, maltodextrin, beer, hydrolyzed vegetable protein and a slew of other grains. I have read that it is a mistake to dive into the gluten free products that we find on the grocery store shelves. most contain tapioca, corn, white rice and potato starch. All of these things also spike blood sugar and contribute to obesity.
So you are thinking, what can I eat then. Eat less carbs, and use sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, turnips, quinoa, beans, and brown rice. There is also millet, amaranth, buckwheat and other grains I have never heard of.
I don't think a person needs to be completely strict with this unless they have celiac disease, but if you want to make some small, simple changes in your diet, cut back gradually and cut out the major culprits. Stop eating bread, and pasta. Chris and I have cut wheat flour out of our diets vastly. We do eat pasta once a month maybe, and on occasion eat homemade bread, but we always feel bloated and awful after. If you were to see me after a big bowl of pasta you would think I was five months pregnant. It is amazing how much better and less gassy you will feel if you cut wheat out even for just one week. There are many different types of quinoa you can eat, and I use the same recipes with quinoa I would for pasta and rice, even lasagna. There is a great variety of brown rice out there as well. I get an awesome wild rice mix from Costco, although it does contain barley so isn't completely gluten free.
I have a couple recipes I have adapted to make gluten free, and they are really good and used a lot in our home. The first is for a thin crust pizza:
1.5 cups warm water, divided
1 tbls active dry yeast, although i'm not sure how necessary this is in a gluten free version
1 tsp maple syrup
2 cups oat flour. I buy my own oats and grind them in a coffee grinder. Not quick oats
1 cup buckwheat flour. I also grind my own but you can get at a health food store.
3/4 tsp of coarse salt
2tsp olive oil
1. put 1/2 cup of warm water in a glass measuring cup, add yeast and maple syrup; sit until foamy
2. Mix flours and salt until combined. Pour in yeast mixture, rest of water and oil, and mix well
3. transfer dough to floured surface and let rise for 20 minutes. It will be more sticky then regular dough which has gluten to make it elastic.
4. divide in half and flatten out onto lightly floured pans. Should make two pizza crusts. i have to admit I've used a couple tbls of rye flour to help it stck together. It is definitely more of a challenge stretching it out then regular bread dough, but be patient, it will work.
Now you can add the toppings of your choice and bake at 450 for 20 minutes or less. maybe start with a lower oven temp first, and keep your eye on it. Since we're already being healthy might as well go easy on the cheese and not undo all your hard work.
I have to go to my Tabata class now so I will save the other recipe for later.
Gluten comes from the Latin word glue, and it is these adhesive properties that allow for bread and cakes to hold together. It is also those same properties that cause gluten to interfere with the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Not just from the bread products we are eating with our meal, but from the whole meal.
Wheat, even whole wheat products contain starches that spike blood sugar rapidly, and can promote diabetes as well as causing people to age faster. Gluten proteins are extremely hard to digest, and because of this the immune system triggers an attack on the small intestine. There is a long list of symptoms associated with this sensitivity and you would be surprised at some of the things on this list:
- the obvious bloating, pain, gas, constipation, or diarrhea
- aching joints
- eczema
- headaches
- fatigue
- infertility, irregular menstrual cycle, and miscarriage
- cramps, tingling and numbness
- skin rash
- depression
- reflux
- endometriosis
- weight problems
I bet the majority of people experience at least some of these problems. It is hard to eliminate gluten completely as it is in so many of our foods, including soy sauce and salad dressing and beer.
I think we can assume that there were always these sensitivities to wheat. Our modern wheat has been genetically engineered and is not the same wheat used by people hundreds of years ago, and is a implication as a major cause in obesity. Not a huge surprise there.
Our wheat today has more proteins that cause celiac-associated problems for people, even those who don't have celiac disease. I read that up to 40% of the population has genes that pre-dispose them to gluten sensitivity. This is my whole family I am sure.
Another very interesting thing about wheat is that it breaks down into polypeptides that can cross the blood brain barrier and act like opiates in the brain, causing some people to have a wheat addiction. Crazy, I know but it makes sense. Even in normal people, wheat promotes an increase in gut permeability. Don't know exactly what that means, but it is bad.
Here's something else that may make a lot of sense to people, especially those who have issues with milk sensitivity. Also common in my family. There is a possible reactivity between gluten and proteins in milk. Meaning that many gluten sensitive people would also be better off avoiding dairy. This is true in my case and my Lilli's.
Gluten is in more then just wheat. It's in barley, rye, spelt, msg, maltodextrin, beer, hydrolyzed vegetable protein and a slew of other grains. I have read that it is a mistake to dive into the gluten free products that we find on the grocery store shelves. most contain tapioca, corn, white rice and potato starch. All of these things also spike blood sugar and contribute to obesity.
So you are thinking, what can I eat then. Eat less carbs, and use sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, turnips, quinoa, beans, and brown rice. There is also millet, amaranth, buckwheat and other grains I have never heard of.
I don't think a person needs to be completely strict with this unless they have celiac disease, but if you want to make some small, simple changes in your diet, cut back gradually and cut out the major culprits. Stop eating bread, and pasta. Chris and I have cut wheat flour out of our diets vastly. We do eat pasta once a month maybe, and on occasion eat homemade bread, but we always feel bloated and awful after. If you were to see me after a big bowl of pasta you would think I was five months pregnant. It is amazing how much better and less gassy you will feel if you cut wheat out even for just one week. There are many different types of quinoa you can eat, and I use the same recipes with quinoa I would for pasta and rice, even lasagna. There is a great variety of brown rice out there as well. I get an awesome wild rice mix from Costco, although it does contain barley so isn't completely gluten free.
I have a couple recipes I have adapted to make gluten free, and they are really good and used a lot in our home. The first is for a thin crust pizza:
1.5 cups warm water, divided
1 tbls active dry yeast, although i'm not sure how necessary this is in a gluten free version
1 tsp maple syrup
2 cups oat flour. I buy my own oats and grind them in a coffee grinder. Not quick oats
1 cup buckwheat flour. I also grind my own but you can get at a health food store.
3/4 tsp of coarse salt
2tsp olive oil
1. put 1/2 cup of warm water in a glass measuring cup, add yeast and maple syrup; sit until foamy
2. Mix flours and salt until combined. Pour in yeast mixture, rest of water and oil, and mix well
3. transfer dough to floured surface and let rise for 20 minutes. It will be more sticky then regular dough which has gluten to make it elastic.
4. divide in half and flatten out onto lightly floured pans. Should make two pizza crusts. i have to admit I've used a couple tbls of rye flour to help it stck together. It is definitely more of a challenge stretching it out then regular bread dough, but be patient, it will work.
Now you can add the toppings of your choice and bake at 450 for 20 minutes or less. maybe start with a lower oven temp first, and keep your eye on it. Since we're already being healthy might as well go easy on the cheese and not undo all your hard work.
I have to go to my Tabata class now so I will save the other recipe for later.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Ever since we first moved here and I discovered the pathways that run along the river towards the city I have dreamed of running from my house to the city. I thought it was a 16km run and would obviously have to train up to it. I also had to wait for the weather to warm up. The weather has been mildish the last few months, and I've been running longer distances for awhile now, but I tend to get a pain in my left knee that starts around km 5 or 6, and just gets worse the longer the distance I run. When it gets really bad the pain shoots up and down my leg and I stop running for a few moments, try to stretch it out or rub around it, then continue on. I limp run a bit, and just keep going but obviously my pace is affected. I keep telling myself that I should take a couple of weeks off of running, but my knee never bothers me any other time. After a long, painful run it usually takes a day for it to feel normal again, but it does, and with each run I hope things will have improved. I bought new shoes, hoping that would make a difference, but it hasn't. I assume this minor injury was caused by all the long and steep up and down hills. It is impossible to run anywhere here without running hills. These hills are way longer then any hills I ever ran in B.C and they are everywhere. A typical hill could easily be between 1 and 2km, and going down them is so hard on my knee. So that's where I think this started from. I am stressed about this as I am in the process of training for a half marathon at the end of June which will hopefully lead to a full marathon in October. The last three years as I have trained for half marathons I have developed minor injuries that hinder my progress. I have no idea how people manage to run really long distances without sustaining training injuries. How will I ever train up to a full marathon.
The weather was perfect. Overcast, a slight breeze and a little muggy. I headed down from Bowmont park, with some new to me music, that helped set the perfect atmosphere. Andrew, my brother introduced me to this band called Of Monsters and Men I think, and they are amazing! Remind me a lot of Arcade Fire, so if you like the one you will the other. Anyhow, good music is always nice to have on a long run. The path was beautiful. New grass, wild flowers, Aspen trees that have finally grown leaves, and pretty little birds everywhere. I love birds. And of coarse there was the river I was following. It was perfect. Finally spring has come to Calgary.
My run would have been the perfect run to the city that I had fantasized about doing since I moved here if it hadn't been for my stinking knee. I had taken a tylenol, and rubbed Voltaren all over my knee and surrounding leg, before I headed out. It started to throb just before 6km as I thought it would and just continued on from there. I reached the 9th street bridge that leads into the city and to my train home and I was only at 11.5km. I know I could have headed up to the train and gone home at that point as my knee was throbbing and I was running like Terry Fox. No insult intended. I have a huge crush on the man, and I'm sure he ran in way more pain then I've ever been in. That's kind of what pushed me to keep going. I had planned to run at least 15km, so I turned the opposite direction from the train, and continued along the river path into the city. I had popped an ibuprofen several km back and was waiting for it to kick in, but it never did. I ran to 13km, then turned and headed back tup to the train, limping the whole way. I got there just barely short of 15km.
Now for some personalities in pictures:
 |
| Miete made a movie called Thom the Zombie and the Missing Foot. |
 |
| Imaginations at work. They are acting out a scene from a book |
 |
| My girls have a ridiculous and sometimes embarrassing sense of fashion Lilli is always layering miss matched patterns and colors, and Miete likes to look like pippi longstockings or punky brewster |
 |
| A winter swim in the living room. These are always Miete's idea |
 |
| I can't even remember what this game was |
 |
| Leif continues to love trains, clips, smoozing and his pink blankie. |
 |
| Clip trapped in a box |
 |
| Violet likes drawing on herself. Usually it's a tiger or a mustache |
 |
| drawing on furniture, and not wearing clothes are also favorite activities |
Thursday, May 17, 2012
I don't feel like blogging very much lately. I think about things I would like to write about constantly, but don't feel like putting forth the effort. I know that very few people read my blog. Sometimes none, so I think why put forth the effort. Well, I'll put forth the effort for myself and for my posterity. Mostly I want to blog about running, and fitness, but that probably bores most people. I also have a lot of pent up, negative emotions inside me that are trying to claw their way through. It is with great effort that I suppress them. If one chooses to write about negative feelings they are generally viewed as complainers, cynics, whiners, or feeling sorry for themselves. It is not very appealing, and often thought of as trying to get attention. Well since becoming more aware of how few people view my blog, I've decided to let a bit of those negative feelings leak out.
I am lonely, and I've always been lonely. Obviously more sometimes then others. I thought when I was younger that getting married and having children would change that. I adore Christopher and he treats me like gold. He listens, he comforts, and he tries hard to lift me up when I am down, but he doesn't always understand my insides.
I have very few real friends. Thoughts on this are- am I too boring, not attractive, not smart, funny, clever, rich, too shy, say the wrong thing, too sarcastic, not cool, too immature, too simple. Don't judge me. These thoughts don't come from no where. They come from a life time of experiences. I will write of a few. I am a middle child in a large family. It takes effort to get noticed.
I grew up very poor. Being poor does not get you a lot of friends. Your clothing is cheap, second hand and old. You can't afford to go on the outings with the other kids. No puffy ISPO jackets, no LA gear sneakers and certainly no cabbage patch dolls. At a young age I was told by my neighbor that her mother said I dressed like my clothes came out of a rag bag. People that are not poor tend to think people that are poor are that way because they are lazy, unless they live in a third world country. This idea is infuriating to me. As a child, and as an adult poverty will always be an embarrassment, simply because of the judgements that go with it.
Other then the few people I hung out with in high school, no body else remembers me. Not even teachers. I had a favorite English Lit teacher, a year later she couldn't remember my name, and no she did not have Alzheimer's. Last year at a homeschool outing I ran into a girl that I had gone to 5 years of high school with. I had been in many classes with her, and even sat near her. She was very popular and not very kind. When I mentioned to her at this outing that we had attended high school together she had no idea who I was.
My current friends and my childhood friends continue to keep me as a last resort. That means, we will visit you if we have nothing better to do, we will hang out with you in the summer only if we can fit it around all the other things we'd rather do, and people we'd rather see. Oh, you're moving, too bad we won't be around to spend time with you before you go. That is our vacation time. Oh, you're coming out in a month. I'm not sure I'll be able to spend time with you for whatever reason. Now this may sound dramatic and pathetic on my part but this is a life-time reoccurring event. I remember these things happening when I was a child, a teenager, and early adulthood. So of course my thoughts return to the above: is it because…
I'll admit that since moving out here and getting an iphone I spend more time on FB then I should. I feel it connects me to home and the rest of the world, however it doesn't connect the rest of the world to me. I get few responses, or comments on pictures. I know this is because my life is dull. There are no vacations, or weekends away. It's me at home or at the park with my children. It goes along with my blog as well. Even those I think to be my closest friends don't read it. I could go out painted purple and I wouldn't get noticed.
I promise I am kind. I make food for people when they are sick, I send little things in the mail to my friends, I watch other people's children, clean other people's houses, and I compliment everybody all the time, on their hair, their outfit, their yard, their cleverness, their words. I have fantastic manners as well, and I am not a slob. I am very hygienic, and I never smell bad, not even when I'm really sweaty. I smile on the outside all the time. I don't walk around complaining, like I am now. I pick up an out of my way, knocked over garbage can on a run, I clean up litter, I shovel other people's driveways, talk to elderly people everywhere I go, help an overwhelmed parent with a tantruming child in the grocery store. I do my best to put myself in other people's shoes and treat them the way that I would like to be treated.
And yet, I must be missing something.
I am lonely, and I've always been lonely. Obviously more sometimes then others. I thought when I was younger that getting married and having children would change that. I adore Christopher and he treats me like gold. He listens, he comforts, and he tries hard to lift me up when I am down, but he doesn't always understand my insides.
I have very few real friends. Thoughts on this are- am I too boring, not attractive, not smart, funny, clever, rich, too shy, say the wrong thing, too sarcastic, not cool, too immature, too simple. Don't judge me. These thoughts don't come from no where. They come from a life time of experiences. I will write of a few. I am a middle child in a large family. It takes effort to get noticed.
I grew up very poor. Being poor does not get you a lot of friends. Your clothing is cheap, second hand and old. You can't afford to go on the outings with the other kids. No puffy ISPO jackets, no LA gear sneakers and certainly no cabbage patch dolls. At a young age I was told by my neighbor that her mother said I dressed like my clothes came out of a rag bag. People that are not poor tend to think people that are poor are that way because they are lazy, unless they live in a third world country. This idea is infuriating to me. As a child, and as an adult poverty will always be an embarrassment, simply because of the judgements that go with it.
Other then the few people I hung out with in high school, no body else remembers me. Not even teachers. I had a favorite English Lit teacher, a year later she couldn't remember my name, and no she did not have Alzheimer's. Last year at a homeschool outing I ran into a girl that I had gone to 5 years of high school with. I had been in many classes with her, and even sat near her. She was very popular and not very kind. When I mentioned to her at this outing that we had attended high school together she had no idea who I was.
My current friends and my childhood friends continue to keep me as a last resort. That means, we will visit you if we have nothing better to do, we will hang out with you in the summer only if we can fit it around all the other things we'd rather do, and people we'd rather see. Oh, you're moving, too bad we won't be around to spend time with you before you go. That is our vacation time. Oh, you're coming out in a month. I'm not sure I'll be able to spend time with you for whatever reason. Now this may sound dramatic and pathetic on my part but this is a life-time reoccurring event. I remember these things happening when I was a child, a teenager, and early adulthood. So of course my thoughts return to the above: is it because…
I'll admit that since moving out here and getting an iphone I spend more time on FB then I should. I feel it connects me to home and the rest of the world, however it doesn't connect the rest of the world to me. I get few responses, or comments on pictures. I know this is because my life is dull. There are no vacations, or weekends away. It's me at home or at the park with my children. It goes along with my blog as well. Even those I think to be my closest friends don't read it. I could go out painted purple and I wouldn't get noticed.
I promise I am kind. I make food for people when they are sick, I send little things in the mail to my friends, I watch other people's children, clean other people's houses, and I compliment everybody all the time, on their hair, their outfit, their yard, their cleverness, their words. I have fantastic manners as well, and I am not a slob. I am very hygienic, and I never smell bad, not even when I'm really sweaty. I smile on the outside all the time. I don't walk around complaining, like I am now. I pick up an out of my way, knocked over garbage can on a run, I clean up litter, I shovel other people's driveways, talk to elderly people everywhere I go, help an overwhelmed parent with a tantruming child in the grocery store. I do my best to put myself in other people's shoes and treat them the way that I would like to be treated.
And yet, I must be missing something.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Strawberry Limeade cake recipe
I've had a few requests for the strawberry limeade cake recipe so I'll do my best to come up with one. Probably a good idea so I have it for future use .
I just used a box of white cake mix and added a cup of limeade instead of a cup of water. I also grated lime zest into the mix and added the called for eggs and oil. I then scooped a cup of the mix out, and added strawberry jello powder to it. Not a whole box, just enough to give it a pink color and give it a strawberry taste. I also melted some strawberry lime jelly I make and added a couple tbls of that to the pink mix, but you can leave that out. Pour your lime cake mix into a greased pan and then swirl your strawberry mix into it. Bake according to box directions.
I made a filling and then a meringue top, but you don't need to do both if you don't want to. If you are layering your cake and want a nice filling, make a cream cheese, icing sugar, butter icing. (I am assuming that anyone asking for this already can come up with a basic cream cheese icing. ) I then added some of my melted strawberry lime jelly, lime zest and several finely chopped strawberries. You can use regular strawberry jam as well. mix into filling until you have desired consistency and flavor. It is so yummy!
When your cake is out and cool, you can put a layer of this between your cake or use it as a nice icing. I made a simple meringue topping, of egg whites, sugar, and keylime flavor I picked up at Scoop n' Save last time I was in B.C.
Scoop n' Save is an amazing baking supplies store in Langley. They have every awesome flavor you could imagine. I haven't found a similar store in Calgary yet, but I'm sure there is one somewhere.
You could add a bit of fresh squeeze lime juice and lime zest to get a nice flavor as well. I am not including meringue directions, because I am assuming everyone knows how to make meringue. Google it of you don't. Also added a touch of green food coloring on kids request. When meringue is stiff, top it on your cooled cake and swirl with a knife to make nice peaks. I then put the whole thing back in the oven at 350 for maybe five minutes. Keep your eye on it! Only cook it long enough to brown the top slightly.
I just want to add that when you make a meringue topping don't do it until shortly before you serve it, because it won't look nice hours later, and don't put it in the fridge before you serve it. It will sweat and melt. Of coarse you will have to refrigerate your leftovers, to keep it from bacteria growth.
I was going to add a picture but it turns out I deleted it. Good luck with the recipe, it really is quite simple, although maybe not incredibly specific. If anyone has further questions you can message or email me.
I just used a box of white cake mix and added a cup of limeade instead of a cup of water. I also grated lime zest into the mix and added the called for eggs and oil. I then scooped a cup of the mix out, and added strawberry jello powder to it. Not a whole box, just enough to give it a pink color and give it a strawberry taste. I also melted some strawberry lime jelly I make and added a couple tbls of that to the pink mix, but you can leave that out. Pour your lime cake mix into a greased pan and then swirl your strawberry mix into it. Bake according to box directions.
I made a filling and then a meringue top, but you don't need to do both if you don't want to. If you are layering your cake and want a nice filling, make a cream cheese, icing sugar, butter icing. (I am assuming that anyone asking for this already can come up with a basic cream cheese icing. ) I then added some of my melted strawberry lime jelly, lime zest and several finely chopped strawberries. You can use regular strawberry jam as well. mix into filling until you have desired consistency and flavor. It is so yummy!
When your cake is out and cool, you can put a layer of this between your cake or use it as a nice icing. I made a simple meringue topping, of egg whites, sugar, and keylime flavor I picked up at Scoop n' Save last time I was in B.C.
Scoop n' Save is an amazing baking supplies store in Langley. They have every awesome flavor you could imagine. I haven't found a similar store in Calgary yet, but I'm sure there is one somewhere.
You could add a bit of fresh squeeze lime juice and lime zest to get a nice flavor as well. I am not including meringue directions, because I am assuming everyone knows how to make meringue. Google it of you don't. Also added a touch of green food coloring on kids request. When meringue is stiff, top it on your cooled cake and swirl with a knife to make nice peaks. I then put the whole thing back in the oven at 350 for maybe five minutes. Keep your eye on it! Only cook it long enough to brown the top slightly.
I just want to add that when you make a meringue topping don't do it until shortly before you serve it, because it won't look nice hours later, and don't put it in the fridge before you serve it. It will sweat and melt. Of coarse you will have to refrigerate your leftovers, to keep it from bacteria growth.
I was going to add a picture but it turns out I deleted it. Good luck with the recipe, it really is quite simple, although maybe not incredibly specific. If anyone has further questions you can message or email me.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Spring and Possibilities
It seems as if spring as finally arrived in Calgary. We have been teased a little over the past month with all the chinooks, but it is April now, so I am starting to feel safe. The weather is consistently warming up for longer periods of time, and I am starting to see small signs of growth: little pieces of green grass beneath all the brown, tiny buds on my lilac bushes, even the occasional lady bug or butterfly. The white jack rabbits that run rampant are starting to turn brown again, and the snow melts quickly after it falls. I can't help but feel hopeful after such a long winter.
I love all the sunshine we get here. The kids are outside every day now, and I also try to be. I am eager to explore and go on more hikes. We seem to find a new park or path every week now. The pathway system out here is so fantastic. We found a really great one today that ran along the river and under a train bridge and then over the river beside another train bridge. Leif was in pure heaven when two different trains crossed over opposite bridges. We were about 200 meters away from the first bridge when we heard the train start to cross. I have never seen Leif run so fast for such a distance, to get to that bridge. That boy is totally train obsessed.
I am looking forward to going for a run this week on some of these new found paths. It's supposed to be 14 degrees on Tuesday. How lovely is that?!
If I am feeling grumpy or irritable, getting outside in the sunshine just blows it all away, especially if I can run. Is there really anyone who doesn't enjoy getting outdoors on a beautiful day.
So there are a few different topics I want to write about, but I don't want to make this too long and boring, so maybe I'll have to be choosy. Firstly we are hoping to move back to B.C this summer. We don't know if it will happen or not as it is contingent on Christopher getting a job in B.C. We do love Calgary and find it much more pleasant than we anticipated when we first moved here, but most of my family is in B.C. Particularly, my parents who are getting older and having health issues. I would like to spend as much time near them as I can, and would like my children too as well, so they can maintain strong memories of them. I expect and hope to be near so I can care for them in the coming years as well. Christopher has applied for a job in the federal prison system as a counselor at several different prisons in B.C. We won't hear anything until the end of April, and hopefully no later. He applies for jobs here as well, because his current job is temporary and kind of sucks.
Another reason we hope to go back to B.C is for my education. I found the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and have fallen in love. There is a campus here, as well as in Vancouver and on the island. I went to a open house for the school a couple of months ago and it got me so excited. I feel as if this school as been created specifically for me. I love food and I love nutrition. It's perfect. It is a ten month very intensive course, and there is an evening option which is perfect for me because I can continue to homeschool my children and get my studying done in the day. They are holding a spot for me at the campus here until the end of April. I need to register then, and can transfer to whichever B.C campus if we move. Another reason I am hoping we move is because in B.C they offer full student loans for the program. Here they don't offer student loans and the grants are only for up to $1800. School with books and everything is just over $7000 and there are a multitude of different payment options. However, with our current income, none of those options are feasible. I need a miracle! If we stay here I will have to find another way, maybe a part time job.
Going back to school is so important to my mental well being. While I love being a stay at home mom, and spending everyday, all day with my children, and having very little life outside of my home, (sarcasm) I need to feel like I have something to offer and share with others that is my own. I want to work and earn an income. I want to make friends with like minded people and most of all I want to be useful. I think of all those people, many in just my family, with health problems that I could help. Also, I need this separation, and I know there are people that think this is selfish, that think I should feel completely full and satisfied with motherhood and wifedom, but it isn't the whole story. Of course my family comes first. One reason I love this career choice is if I am a nutrition consultant, I can schedule my own hours and continue to educate my children at home, and I will be happy. My self-confidence will improve and I will have more to offer to my family's well being as well as others.
In B.C I can put Violet into preschool, which would be very nice for everyone. I don't have that option here. The homeschooling system we worked with in B.C was preferable to the one we do here. This one is much more independent, and there are fewer opportunities for the girls to interact with other children. The program we worked with before was very community like. There were constant activities for the girls and opportunities for them to make friends and see the same kids on a regular basis. I don't even have the option here for homeschooling Leif, as there is no gov't funding for kindergarten.
Well that is a brief synopsis of what is going on with us right now.
 |
| Violet throwing rocks in the river |
I love all the sunshine we get here. The kids are outside every day now, and I also try to be. I am eager to explore and go on more hikes. We seem to find a new park or path every week now. The pathway system out here is so fantastic. We found a really great one today that ran along the river and under a train bridge and then over the river beside another train bridge. Leif was in pure heaven when two different trains crossed over opposite bridges. We were about 200 meters away from the first bridge when we heard the train start to cross. I have never seen Leif run so fast for such a distance, to get to that bridge. That boy is totally train obsessed.
 |
| muddy-footed children, after tromping down by the river |
If I am feeling grumpy or irritable, getting outside in the sunshine just blows it all away, especially if I can run. Is there really anyone who doesn't enjoy getting outdoors on a beautiful day.
So there are a few different topics I want to write about, but I don't want to make this too long and boring, so maybe I'll have to be choosy. Firstly we are hoping to move back to B.C this summer. We don't know if it will happen or not as it is contingent on Christopher getting a job in B.C. We do love Calgary and find it much more pleasant than we anticipated when we first moved here, but most of my family is in B.C. Particularly, my parents who are getting older and having health issues. I would like to spend as much time near them as I can, and would like my children too as well, so they can maintain strong memories of them. I expect and hope to be near so I can care for them in the coming years as well. Christopher has applied for a job in the federal prison system as a counselor at several different prisons in B.C. We won't hear anything until the end of April, and hopefully no later. He applies for jobs here as well, because his current job is temporary and kind of sucks.
 |
| today, down by the river |
Another reason we hope to go back to B.C is for my education. I found the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and have fallen in love. There is a campus here, as well as in Vancouver and on the island. I went to a open house for the school a couple of months ago and it got me so excited. I feel as if this school as been created specifically for me. I love food and I love nutrition. It's perfect. It is a ten month very intensive course, and there is an evening option which is perfect for me because I can continue to homeschool my children and get my studying done in the day. They are holding a spot for me at the campus here until the end of April. I need to register then, and can transfer to whichever B.C campus if we move. Another reason I am hoping we move is because in B.C they offer full student loans for the program. Here they don't offer student loans and the grants are only for up to $1800. School with books and everything is just over $7000 and there are a multitude of different payment options. However, with our current income, none of those options are feasible. I need a miracle! If we stay here I will have to find another way, maybe a part time job.
 |
| trying to get close to one of the many natural springs |
 |
| Violet is giving Leif a bite of her dirty candy that she's been holding in her grubby fingers for the past 20 minutes. |
 |
| muddy little feet |
Monday, March 12, 2012
So before I get into what I want to talk about, I just want to say that my intention is never to sound like a know it all. I am not. I also don't want to sound like a braggart. I am not a super athlete. I'm actually not athletic at all. I'm just a wanna be. Don't ever ask me to play a sport. I will duck when balls fly in my direction. I barely passed P.E. in high school. I enjoy fitness simply because it makes me feel good. It gives me energy, and makes me feel strong and I hope it keeps me young. I want to share what I love in hopes that others will try and love it also.
I am going to write about Tabata. I don't know how many people have heard of it. It is something I never heard of until November when I started doing classes at the gym. So, in Tabata you do 8 intervals of 20 second high intensity exercise, followed by 10 seconds of rest. Say you do jump squats for 20 seconds, get a 10 second rest, and repeat 8 times, then go on to the next exercise. The teachers at the gym I go to alternate between cardio, and strength training. You would think 20 seconds isn't too difficult, but by the 3rd or 4th round it gets very challenging. At the same time it is manageable to push yourself through 20 seconds. The first time I did it I was sore all over for 5 days. I walked like I had ridden a horse, and had to hold the railing coming up and down the stairs, and I was coming into this in okay shape as well. I loved the sore muscle pain. It isn't so bad now, but I frequently have sore body parts for several days after. Recently I had a teacher who talked about some movie called "The 300". I've never seen it, but she taught us some 7minute 300 routine. We did a warm up then did 25 squats, 15 push ups, 25 sit ups, 25 split lunges and 15 burpees. We had 20 seconds to complete each set, then went onto the next whether we had completed it or not. There was no 10 second brake until we finished all of it, then we continued on doing the routine for 7 minutes. At the end we should have completed 300, give or take a few. 7 minutes! That is it for such a high intensity workout. We actually did it for an hour, with several cardio breaks in between, so it was more like 900. So much fun though, and you feel so great and wobbly after. My legs shake a bit sometimes. Here is a link to the finer details of what Tabata is: http://www.tabataprotocol.com
I highly recommend it if you want to get in good shape fast, and you like to have fun and feel great.
Tonight I actually ran the 2.5km downhill to the gym, barely got into the class on time. It fills up really fast, so unfortunately I got stuck in the front. Then I ran the 2.5km uphill and home. I need to fit running in where I can since I am in training for a couple of half marathons coming up. One is in May and one the end of June. I don't want to give up the class for running time, so I have to squeeze it in where I can. I get a short, fast run there, and a much more tired, hill run home. So grateful for the extra hour of sunshine in the evening.
Again, if you are one of the few people who reads my blog, please don't think I am bragging. I am nothing special. My intent is to show that if a regular person like myself, who has spent most of her life an out of shape schlub can do this then anyone can. Get excited about fitness!
I would like to know if anyone has tried this workout before and what they think of it, and I would also like to encourage everyone to try it at least once. It only takes 7 or 8 minutes and you can work up from there.
I am going to write about Tabata. I don't know how many people have heard of it. It is something I never heard of until November when I started doing classes at the gym. So, in Tabata you do 8 intervals of 20 second high intensity exercise, followed by 10 seconds of rest. Say you do jump squats for 20 seconds, get a 10 second rest, and repeat 8 times, then go on to the next exercise. The teachers at the gym I go to alternate between cardio, and strength training. You would think 20 seconds isn't too difficult, but by the 3rd or 4th round it gets very challenging. At the same time it is manageable to push yourself through 20 seconds. The first time I did it I was sore all over for 5 days. I walked like I had ridden a horse, and had to hold the railing coming up and down the stairs, and I was coming into this in okay shape as well. I loved the sore muscle pain. It isn't so bad now, but I frequently have sore body parts for several days after. Recently I had a teacher who talked about some movie called "The 300". I've never seen it, but she taught us some 7minute 300 routine. We did a warm up then did 25 squats, 15 push ups, 25 sit ups, 25 split lunges and 15 burpees. We had 20 seconds to complete each set, then went onto the next whether we had completed it or not. There was no 10 second brake until we finished all of it, then we continued on doing the routine for 7 minutes. At the end we should have completed 300, give or take a few. 7 minutes! That is it for such a high intensity workout. We actually did it for an hour, with several cardio breaks in between, so it was more like 900. So much fun though, and you feel so great and wobbly after. My legs shake a bit sometimes. Here is a link to the finer details of what Tabata is: http://www.tabataprotocol.com
I highly recommend it if you want to get in good shape fast, and you like to have fun and feel great.
Tonight I actually ran the 2.5km downhill to the gym, barely got into the class on time. It fills up really fast, so unfortunately I got stuck in the front. Then I ran the 2.5km uphill and home. I need to fit running in where I can since I am in training for a couple of half marathons coming up. One is in May and one the end of June. I don't want to give up the class for running time, so I have to squeeze it in where I can. I get a short, fast run there, and a much more tired, hill run home. So grateful for the extra hour of sunshine in the evening.
Again, if you are one of the few people who reads my blog, please don't think I am bragging. I am nothing special. My intent is to show that if a regular person like myself, who has spent most of her life an out of shape schlub can do this then anyone can. Get excited about fitness!
I would like to know if anyone has tried this workout before and what they think of it, and I would also like to encourage everyone to try it at least once. It only takes 7 or 8 minutes and you can work up from there.
 |
| One of my favorite pictures from several years ago. |
 |
| I miss that sweet little baby girl. She is still sweet but I miss the baby. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)