I loved school. I've always valued education and believe that it can have a great impact on peoples' lives. As I've grown older I still value education only my perspective on what education is has shifted a bit. I believe education is the pursuit of knowledge both spiritual and temporal, whether in a formal setting or not. I also believe that there is power in knowledge, which is why I continually try to educate myself. Knowledge can bring enlightenment to a hope-less situation. Knowledge can bring guidance to the lost. Knowledge can empower someone to change and make a difference in the world around them. I have experienced the power of knowledge and have found that it really has made all the difference in my life. Because of knowledge I can understand and have peace about challenges in my life. Knowledge has given me a foundation on which to build myself.
I have been amazed recently with some people I've met how they don't take advantage of the knowledge around, but rather sit confused and in a stupor, figuring that it'll all just work out magically somehow. And they are right, it will. But where I see the difference is in the quality of life they have in the interim. My life is much happier and much more peaceful when I have an understanding about what is going on. For me that means I am going to research and use the resources I have been given. Knowledge may not always fix my life but it makes the quality of my life better.
We live in a world now where knowledge is all around us. We are blessed to have more knowledge at our fingertips than most scholars had access to 'back in the day'. That's not to say that acquiring knowledge these days is easy. In fact I think it is just as difficult as it used to be. Because there is so much information available to us, through the internet and all the research that is currently being done, it is difficult to sift through it all and decide what is really true and what just sounds good. It's easy to go to someone's blog and read about, oh I don't know.... the oats controversy in a gluten free diet, but just because it's there doesn't mean it's true.
** On a side note, I do try to only write about information that I have researched and believe for myself. It's up to my readers to do their research too and decide for themselves if what I say is true.
Just because it's difficult though doesn't mean it isn't worth it. For me taking the easy way out and just letting life work itself out isn't an option. I want the power that knowledge brings with it. I want the peace and understanding. I want to use the knowledge I obtain to make my life better than it could have been. So I'll keep researching and sifting through information. I may make mistakes, I may get frustrated, but to me it's worth it.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
How do you make a video go viral?
Because I'm pretty sure this one needs to...
Oh, and bonus points to anyone who can tell me what movie scene this reminds me of. :)
Oh, and bonus points to anyone who can tell me what movie scene this reminds me of. :)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Curly Hair
I figured since I eluded to the fact that I would explain my new curly hair I should probably live up to it.
I mentioned a while ago, as in when I first started this blog, that I lost a lot of hair when I was really sick. This was pretty traumatic (that might be a bit of an exaggeration) for me. I loved me hair. It was thick, shiny, rich colored, silky soft, and I didn't need to do anything to it. I would just wash it, let it dry, and it would be movie start straight with just the right amount of volume (that might be a bit of an exaggeration too, it wasn't always perfect). I always got compliments on my hair, and I liked that.Well I guess we all need a bit of humbling. When I got sick I lost over half of my hair. It turned a funny rusty-dull color, was dry and brittle, and flat as a board.
Since I've gotten better my hair has come back to me, only different. It's not quite as thick anymore, or as soft, but my rich color has come back and on most days it's shiny and healthy looking. Oh and it's curly now... which isn't too much of a surprise because my mom and brother have curly hair and when I was really little my hair was curly too.
By request of Em T here's a picture:
My hair is so curly in fact that it's a pain to straighten it anymore (although I'll admit straight hair is more flattering to my face. Hmmm.... I'm sensing some more humbling needed). Since I'm not really the kind of person who enjoys spending loads of time getting ready I have been trying to figure out what to do. While I do straighten it once a week (which lasts about 3 days) I don't like to do it too often because of the damaging heat.
Here are some things that I have been using lately.
Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo and Knot Today Conditioner
On days I know I am going to keep my hair curly I use these. They are all natural products, they smell great, and they are great for naturally curly hair.
Kinky Curly Curling Custard
During the winter months this is a great styling product to use. It only takes a little bit, but it does a good job keeping the frizz down. It also leaves your hair feeling soft and natural, not like you have a stiff gel or other product in it like most other curly hair products. During the summer however, it doesn't do so good because it will actually draw water to your hair making it frizzier.
Herbal Essence Tousle Me Softly Mousse
I use this in the summer months. It controls frizz and holds the curl, but without any stiffness or crunch. It just leaves natural, soft feeling hair. This is what I used the day I took the picture.
I've enjoyed playing with my 'new' hair. I don't know if it will last or what I'll think of it years down the road. Right now I'm just glad it grew back at all.
I mentioned a while ago, as in when I first started this blog, that I lost a lot of hair when I was really sick. This was pretty traumatic (that might be a bit of an exaggeration) for me. I loved me hair. It was thick, shiny, rich colored, silky soft, and I didn't need to do anything to it. I would just wash it, let it dry, and it would be movie start straight with just the right amount of volume (that might be a bit of an exaggeration too, it wasn't always perfect). I always got compliments on my hair, and I liked that.Well I guess we all need a bit of humbling. When I got sick I lost over half of my hair. It turned a funny rusty-dull color, was dry and brittle, and flat as a board.
Since I've gotten better my hair has come back to me, only different. It's not quite as thick anymore, or as soft, but my rich color has come back and on most days it's shiny and healthy looking. Oh and it's curly now... which isn't too much of a surprise because my mom and brother have curly hair and when I was really little my hair was curly too.
By request of Em T here's a picture:
My hair is so curly in fact that it's a pain to straighten it anymore (although I'll admit straight hair is more flattering to my face. Hmmm.... I'm sensing some more humbling needed). Since I'm not really the kind of person who enjoys spending loads of time getting ready I have been trying to figure out what to do. While I do straighten it once a week (which lasts about 3 days) I don't like to do it too often because of the damaging heat.
Here are some things that I have been using lately.
Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo and Knot Today Conditioner
On days I know I am going to keep my hair curly I use these. They are all natural products, they smell great, and they are great for naturally curly hair.
Kinky Curly Curling Custard
During the winter months this is a great styling product to use. It only takes a little bit, but it does a good job keeping the frizz down. It also leaves your hair feeling soft and natural, not like you have a stiff gel or other product in it like most other curly hair products. During the summer however, it doesn't do so good because it will actually draw water to your hair making it frizzier.
Herbal Essence Tousle Me Softly Mousse
I use this in the summer months. It controls frizz and holds the curl, but without any stiffness or crunch. It just leaves natural, soft feeling hair. This is what I used the day I took the picture.
I've enjoyed playing with my 'new' hair. I don't know if it will last or what I'll think of it years down the road. Right now I'm just glad it grew back at all.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Apparently I'm just really sensitive.
I don't mean emotionally, although a few my contest that point.
I mean my sensitivity to gluten. I try my hardest to live my life 100% gluten-free. I take measures that most would say are extreme. And yet I am healthier and happier for it so I am not going to change. However, because I have been so strict from the very beginning it has not allowed me to see how sensitive I really am. Recently however I have had a couple experiences that have made me realize how sensitive to gluten I truly am.
The first one really blew my mind. For Christmas my younger brother got me some salon-grade shampoo and conditioner I like. I had already been using the conditioner for a while, but hadn't splurged on the shampoo yet. I started using them right away, and loved them! After the Christmas holidays I started to noticed that my bowels were off. I would have minor cramps and bowel inconsistency. After several weeks of this I went over everything I was eating trying to figure out what was contaminating me. But I couldn't find anything, so I just let it go. A couple weeks later I was out at the store looking for hair products, trying to find something to tame my newly curly hair (more on that later). As I was looking at products I noticed that a lot of them had gluten in them. I decided not to get them, just in case. (At the time I remember questioning myself about whether that was just too extreme.) But then I had a thought. Had I checked the shampoo and conditioner I got for Christmas for gluten? I went home and checked. The conditioner was clean, but lo and behold the shampoo had gluten. So I stopped using them and within a few days my symptoms stopped.
Now let me first say that just using something with gluten in it topically does not induce a gluten reaction. The gluten has to be ingested. I was somehow ingesting enough of it through cross-contamination that it was giving me grief. I don't know how, but it did. That was my first clue that I was WAY sensitive to gluten.
The second one didn't surprise me as much, but it still gave me a clue to my sensitivity level and how I need to live me life going forward. While I was visiting my brothers at college I attended the schools Celiac Club dinner. A group of people with Celiac Disease meet once a week and share dinner. This was the first time in two years that I went to an event and ate freely. Bad move on my part. I still got sick from it. My guess is (and I am pretty confident in this) that the food got contaminated in preparation. Students made the dinner. They all live with roommates who eat gluten and who don't have any clue about cross-contamination issues. This made me realize that my resolve to have my home gluten-free is a good one. It would be so easy to get contaminated with sticky, crumby kids running around. I want to be a healthy, symptom-free mom when that time comes.
As I am becoming more aware of my sensitivity to gluten I am also becoming more aware that many other people with Celiac Disease aren't as sensitive. And actually science is beginning to back this up. It was first thought that anyone with Celiac disease would have the same reaction to the same amount of gluten. It was also believed that Gluten Intolerance, Gluten Sensitivity, and Celiac Disease were completely different things. While it's true that the reactions and severity differ, science is beginning to think that maybe they are not so different after all. The thought is slowly coming out that maybe all of these things fit together on a continuum with Gluten Intolerance being the least sensitive and Celiac Disease being the most sensitive, with different levels of sensitivity in each defined group.
There is still a lot of research to be done to fully connect all of them and there is actually a lot of controversy in the matter. Some people believe that it's unfair to those who have Celiac Disease to link Gluten Intolerance and Gluten Sensitivity into the same category because those who have Celiac Disease have certain genes, whereas those who are intolerant or sensitive don't necessarily need to have those genes. Also, the reaction in Celiac Disease has been proven to be an autoimmune response resulting in villus atrophy, whereas in intolerance and sensitivity that's not the case.
I don't know the answer to this, but I think the information is interesting. I do believe that there is varying sensitivity levels in those with Celiac Disease and I think that science is beginning to realize this as well. It's good for me to know how sensitive I truly I am so that I can live my life in the way I need to, even though some people may think me a bit extreme....
I mean my sensitivity to gluten. I try my hardest to live my life 100% gluten-free. I take measures that most would say are extreme. And yet I am healthier and happier for it so I am not going to change. However, because I have been so strict from the very beginning it has not allowed me to see how sensitive I really am. Recently however I have had a couple experiences that have made me realize how sensitive to gluten I truly am.
The first one really blew my mind. For Christmas my younger brother got me some salon-grade shampoo and conditioner I like. I had already been using the conditioner for a while, but hadn't splurged on the shampoo yet. I started using them right away, and loved them! After the Christmas holidays I started to noticed that my bowels were off. I would have minor cramps and bowel inconsistency. After several weeks of this I went over everything I was eating trying to figure out what was contaminating me. But I couldn't find anything, so I just let it go. A couple weeks later I was out at the store looking for hair products, trying to find something to tame my newly curly hair (more on that later). As I was looking at products I noticed that a lot of them had gluten in them. I decided not to get them, just in case. (At the time I remember questioning myself about whether that was just too extreme.) But then I had a thought. Had I checked the shampoo and conditioner I got for Christmas for gluten? I went home and checked. The conditioner was clean, but lo and behold the shampoo had gluten. So I stopped using them and within a few days my symptoms stopped.
Now let me first say that just using something with gluten in it topically does not induce a gluten reaction. The gluten has to be ingested. I was somehow ingesting enough of it through cross-contamination that it was giving me grief. I don't know how, but it did. That was my first clue that I was WAY sensitive to gluten.
The second one didn't surprise me as much, but it still gave me a clue to my sensitivity level and how I need to live me life going forward. While I was visiting my brothers at college I attended the schools Celiac Club dinner. A group of people with Celiac Disease meet once a week and share dinner. This was the first time in two years that I went to an event and ate freely. Bad move on my part. I still got sick from it. My guess is (and I am pretty confident in this) that the food got contaminated in preparation. Students made the dinner. They all live with roommates who eat gluten and who don't have any clue about cross-contamination issues. This made me realize that my resolve to have my home gluten-free is a good one. It would be so easy to get contaminated with sticky, crumby kids running around. I want to be a healthy, symptom-free mom when that time comes.
As I am becoming more aware of my sensitivity to gluten I am also becoming more aware that many other people with Celiac Disease aren't as sensitive. And actually science is beginning to back this up. It was first thought that anyone with Celiac disease would have the same reaction to the same amount of gluten. It was also believed that Gluten Intolerance, Gluten Sensitivity, and Celiac Disease were completely different things. While it's true that the reactions and severity differ, science is beginning to think that maybe they are not so different after all. The thought is slowly coming out that maybe all of these things fit together on a continuum with Gluten Intolerance being the least sensitive and Celiac Disease being the most sensitive, with different levels of sensitivity in each defined group.
There is still a lot of research to be done to fully connect all of them and there is actually a lot of controversy in the matter. Some people believe that it's unfair to those who have Celiac Disease to link Gluten Intolerance and Gluten Sensitivity into the same category because those who have Celiac Disease have certain genes, whereas those who are intolerant or sensitive don't necessarily need to have those genes. Also, the reaction in Celiac Disease has been proven to be an autoimmune response resulting in villus atrophy, whereas in intolerance and sensitivity that's not the case.
I don't know the answer to this, but I think the information is interesting. I do believe that there is varying sensitivity levels in those with Celiac Disease and I think that science is beginning to realize this as well. It's good for me to know how sensitive I truly I am so that I can live my life in the way I need to, even though some people may think me a bit extreme....
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Me + Technology = Not so much....
Is it just me or is this blog getting a bit too serious? Time to lighten things up....
I am going to confess something (I do that a lot on here). But it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. The fact is I'm not so good at technology type things. You know computers, gadgets, etc. Using them doesn't come naturally, I don't have the patience to learn it, and I'm not all that interested in it. It's usually not that big of a deal for me. I know the basics of things like using common software, research on the internet, and how to keep my stuff working... some what.
One moment that I was really proud of was when I figured out how to implement the tags on this blog! I wanted to do it since the moment I started this thing about a year and a half ago. I finally figured it out about a month ago. Of course it turns out you just had to find the right button to push, so I realize I shouldn't celebrate too much.
I've also had some not-so-proud moments. For example my last computer's hard drive crashed last year. I lost everything. Granted my computer had been through a lot. All of college, and a pretty vicious virus. But in the end I still believe I caused the crash. You see, a week or so before it crashed I had been cleaning the files on my computer, deleting the ones I didn't need anymore. Well, there was this odd looking file in one of my folders. I didn't know what it was, I thought it was some software thing I never used or something, so I deleted it. I'm pretty sure that was a bad thing to do. But who knows maybe that was just a coincidence. Either way, I don't delete random files from my computer anymore.
All that speaks to my actual ability. But what about my interest? I think this will give you a good picture...
Around Thanksgiving I got an iTouch (my iPod's battery was dead). I didn't get any apps for it until February. As in 3 full months. Even then I only got 3 in a two week period (all of which were free and to this day are the only 3 I have). The second one I got was Solitaire. The third one I got was the LDS Gospel Library. So what was the first one you ask? Despicable Me iMoo. If you don't have it, get it! Only the hardest of hearts won't get a smile out of this. For those of you who don't have an app type device check out the video below. The iMoo app is basically just a video of the first half of this trailer.
Like I said, just trying to lighten things up. I play my iMoo when I need a happy moment in my day. :)
In the end I don't think it's a problem that I'm not a techy or a computer wiz. Inevitably someone around me can always help me and I can get around pretty well myself. I just have to watch which buttons I push. But at least this might explain to my few readers why this blog is so plain and basic. Even if I wanted a fun background or gadget or something (which I don't) I wouldn't know how to find/get/implement it.
Of course I don't mind, if you don't mind.
I am going to confess something (I do that a lot on here). But it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. The fact is I'm not so good at technology type things. You know computers, gadgets, etc. Using them doesn't come naturally, I don't have the patience to learn it, and I'm not all that interested in it. It's usually not that big of a deal for me. I know the basics of things like using common software, research on the internet, and how to keep my stuff working... some what.
One moment that I was really proud of was when I figured out how to implement the tags on this blog! I wanted to do it since the moment I started this thing about a year and a half ago. I finally figured it out about a month ago. Of course it turns out you just had to find the right button to push, so I realize I shouldn't celebrate too much.
I've also had some not-so-proud moments. For example my last computer's hard drive crashed last year. I lost everything. Granted my computer had been through a lot. All of college, and a pretty vicious virus. But in the end I still believe I caused the crash. You see, a week or so before it crashed I had been cleaning the files on my computer, deleting the ones I didn't need anymore. Well, there was this odd looking file in one of my folders. I didn't know what it was, I thought it was some software thing I never used or something, so I deleted it. I'm pretty sure that was a bad thing to do. But who knows maybe that was just a coincidence. Either way, I don't delete random files from my computer anymore.
All that speaks to my actual ability. But what about my interest? I think this will give you a good picture...
Around Thanksgiving I got an iTouch (my iPod's battery was dead). I didn't get any apps for it until February. As in 3 full months. Even then I only got 3 in a two week period (all of which were free and to this day are the only 3 I have). The second one I got was Solitaire. The third one I got was the LDS Gospel Library. So what was the first one you ask? Despicable Me iMoo. If you don't have it, get it! Only the hardest of hearts won't get a smile out of this. For those of you who don't have an app type device check out the video below. The iMoo app is basically just a video of the first half of this trailer.
Like I said, just trying to lighten things up. I play my iMoo when I need a happy moment in my day. :)
In the end I don't think it's a problem that I'm not a techy or a computer wiz. Inevitably someone around me can always help me and I can get around pretty well myself. I just have to watch which buttons I push. But at least this might explain to my few readers why this blog is so plain and basic. Even if I wanted a fun background or gadget or something (which I don't) I wouldn't know how to find/get/implement it.
Of course I don't mind, if you don't mind.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Redo
How many times in your life have you said something like this... "If only I could go back and do it again knowing what I know now." I've said it, you've said it, but how many times do any of us actually get to do it. From my knowledge not many.
However I like to think I'm an exception to that. Let me explain... I was able to move off and make my own life during my college years. I was young, naive, and I made a lot of mistakes, as we all do. Looking back I don't have many regrets. I was able to learn from all my mistakes, even though they were painful. I grew from the experiences I had and they shaped me as a person. I learned a lot about myself, mostly about what I don't want to do, or be.
There are two points which I regret though. First, I was so busy pushing through school and getting it done that I feel I missed it. While I did do some exploration and I did overall enjoy my college years I feel like I didn't take the time to truly live them. You know, explore, have fun, take random classes just because you can. By the time I graduated I was left feeling like I missed it all. It just kind of passed me by without me realizing it. In the end I didn't really feel like I accomplished anything great.
The second point is more of a life lesson. There were many times during my college years that I allowed the influence and peer-pressure of other people to change me. I found myself giving up things that meant a lot to me. I let my high standards slack a bit. I didn't stand up for myself. No one around me would have noticed the changes, they were so small. But those small changes had a great impact on me personally. It wasn't other people's fault. They had no idea the kind of influence they were having on me. I wasn't strong enough or confident enough in myself to stand firm. I wanted to be liked and accepted. I wanted to have friends and fit in. And so I conformed. This caused me a lot of pain and sorrow in my life because I wasn't being true to who I was. In the middle of college I realized this and made a few changes. I wasn't perfect but I was better. I still struggled with it though all the way until the end though.
So that brings me back to me redo. After college I came home, was really sick, blah, blah, blah, you know the story. Now that I am looking to venture out into the world again it's almost like I am doing it again, only now I know better. The question is what do I do with my redo? How do I use it so that I don't waste this gift?
I have been applying for jobs and graduate programs in the field that I have been working towards for years. A few weeks ago I even interviewed for a few jobs. While I have been given opportunities to move forward in this area I haven't taken them. They haven't seemed right. To be honest it seems like every time I get close to doing something in this area a wall comes up. It's frustrating. It makes me question if I am headed in the right direction. After my job interviews a few weeks ago didn't turn out the way I expected I found myself at another turning point. What do I do now? Do I just get a random job, because that seems like the productive thing to do? Do I push forward with the graduate program even though it doesn't feel like the right thing to do right now? I'll admit, I got a bit down. I was confused, frustrated, and felt trapped.
And then I realized I was doing it again. I was doing exactly what I had done in college. I was trying to push through with what seemed like the most logical plan and in doing so I was missing my opportunity to fully use my redo. Instead of being frustrated about my circumstances, maybe I should look at it as a blessing. I have the opportunity to explore. To decide if I still really want to do what I have been planning on doing this whole time, or it I want to do something completely different. Something that is true to who I am and who I want to become. Who says I need to get a job right now or start graduate school? Maybe I just need to take an exploration vacation! I know some people will say, "she's been home for two years doing nothing, and she wants to take time for herself?" But let's be honest being home sick for two years isn't exactly what I wanted to be doing, so yes, maybe I do need to take time for myself to do things I enjoy doing and to learn more about myself and what I want my life to be.
I don't know exactly what my redo will look like, or where I'll end up. I do know that I am going to be true to myself. I am not going to let others change me or push me into anything. I am going to be confident in who I am and love myself. I am going to find people to be friends with who accept that. I am going to find a path (job, school) that fits me, that makes me happy, and that I enjoy doing. I might end up right where I started, but at least this time I won't regret missing the opportunity.
This week I am going to learn about Organic Farming. Saturday I am taking an all-day class at a local farm to learn about organic farming and gardening practices. Next week I am going to volunteer at an Organic Farm and see what the work is actually like. I am excited about it! I am excited to learn more about something I have been interested in.
Welcome to my redo. Welcome to the new, empowered me!!
However I like to think I'm an exception to that. Let me explain... I was able to move off and make my own life during my college years. I was young, naive, and I made a lot of mistakes, as we all do. Looking back I don't have many regrets. I was able to learn from all my mistakes, even though they were painful. I grew from the experiences I had and they shaped me as a person. I learned a lot about myself, mostly about what I don't want to do, or be.
There are two points which I regret though. First, I was so busy pushing through school and getting it done that I feel I missed it. While I did do some exploration and I did overall enjoy my college years I feel like I didn't take the time to truly live them. You know, explore, have fun, take random classes just because you can. By the time I graduated I was left feeling like I missed it all. It just kind of passed me by without me realizing it. In the end I didn't really feel like I accomplished anything great.
The second point is more of a life lesson. There were many times during my college years that I allowed the influence and peer-pressure of other people to change me. I found myself giving up things that meant a lot to me. I let my high standards slack a bit. I didn't stand up for myself. No one around me would have noticed the changes, they were so small. But those small changes had a great impact on me personally. It wasn't other people's fault. They had no idea the kind of influence they were having on me. I wasn't strong enough or confident enough in myself to stand firm. I wanted to be liked and accepted. I wanted to have friends and fit in. And so I conformed. This caused me a lot of pain and sorrow in my life because I wasn't being true to who I was. In the middle of college I realized this and made a few changes. I wasn't perfect but I was better. I still struggled with it though all the way until the end though.
So that brings me back to me redo. After college I came home, was really sick, blah, blah, blah, you know the story. Now that I am looking to venture out into the world again it's almost like I am doing it again, only now I know better. The question is what do I do with my redo? How do I use it so that I don't waste this gift?
I have been applying for jobs and graduate programs in the field that I have been working towards for years. A few weeks ago I even interviewed for a few jobs. While I have been given opportunities to move forward in this area I haven't taken them. They haven't seemed right. To be honest it seems like every time I get close to doing something in this area a wall comes up. It's frustrating. It makes me question if I am headed in the right direction. After my job interviews a few weeks ago didn't turn out the way I expected I found myself at another turning point. What do I do now? Do I just get a random job, because that seems like the productive thing to do? Do I push forward with the graduate program even though it doesn't feel like the right thing to do right now? I'll admit, I got a bit down. I was confused, frustrated, and felt trapped.
And then I realized I was doing it again. I was doing exactly what I had done in college. I was trying to push through with what seemed like the most logical plan and in doing so I was missing my opportunity to fully use my redo. Instead of being frustrated about my circumstances, maybe I should look at it as a blessing. I have the opportunity to explore. To decide if I still really want to do what I have been planning on doing this whole time, or it I want to do something completely different. Something that is true to who I am and who I want to become. Who says I need to get a job right now or start graduate school? Maybe I just need to take an exploration vacation! I know some people will say, "she's been home for two years doing nothing, and she wants to take time for herself?" But let's be honest being home sick for two years isn't exactly what I wanted to be doing, so yes, maybe I do need to take time for myself to do things I enjoy doing and to learn more about myself and what I want my life to be.
I don't know exactly what my redo will look like, or where I'll end up. I do know that I am going to be true to myself. I am not going to let others change me or push me into anything. I am going to be confident in who I am and love myself. I am going to find people to be friends with who accept that. I am going to find a path (job, school) that fits me, that makes me happy, and that I enjoy doing. I might end up right where I started, but at least this time I won't regret missing the opportunity.
This week I am going to learn about Organic Farming. Saturday I am taking an all-day class at a local farm to learn about organic farming and gardening practices. Next week I am going to volunteer at an Organic Farm and see what the work is actually like. I am excited about it! I am excited to learn more about something I have been interested in.
Welcome to my redo. Welcome to the new, empowered me!!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Blogosphere Etiquette
Since there's not a rule book out there on this topic I am asking for your feedback. I guess I should set up the situation before I ask my question....
First let me say that I know that some people mean for their blogs to be read by the whole world. Mine is one of those, which is why I try to keep the personal information on my blog limited. I also know some people who have truly personal blogs that they mean for everyone to read (why they invite the world to have a seat in their living room I'll never know. I try to be a little more judicious with what I put out there than some people.) I also know that some people just have personal blogs that they keep public so that their friends and families can come and go as they please, but they don't necessarily intend for the world to be viewing.
I sometimes "blog hop". You know, I look at one friend's blog then off to the side, or in the comments I see the name of another friend so I check out their blog, and so on and so on. Well, here's where things get sticky. I always end up finding someone's blog whom I know of, but I know they probably don't know, or care about, or remember me. And yet sometimes I occasionally go back and check their blogs again. (Come on, I know some of you out there do this too. I can't be the only one!)
Now I know I do this innocently, but it does beg the question, is this appropriate? I mean well. I'm interested in their lives and happy to see their accomplishments and blessings in their lives. But in the end is this really just voyeurism?
I decided for me that I needed to make my judgments based on whether I would be happy to hear they are reading my blog and if I thought they would mind if I was reading their blog. Making my decision based on that, some blogs I look at regularly and some I don't go back to.
But what are your opinions? What do you think about blogosphere voyeurism?
(I know many people read this blog. Don't feel shy about giving your opinion. Remember, I'm okay with anyone and everyone reading my blog and I would love the variety of opinions.)
First let me say that I know that some people mean for their blogs to be read by the whole world. Mine is one of those, which is why I try to keep the personal information on my blog limited. I also know some people who have truly personal blogs that they mean for everyone to read (why they invite the world to have a seat in their living room I'll never know. I try to be a little more judicious with what I put out there than some people.) I also know that some people just have personal blogs that they keep public so that their friends and families can come and go as they please, but they don't necessarily intend for the world to be viewing.
I sometimes "blog hop". You know, I look at one friend's blog then off to the side, or in the comments I see the name of another friend so I check out their blog, and so on and so on. Well, here's where things get sticky. I always end up finding someone's blog whom I know of, but I know they probably don't know, or care about, or remember me. And yet sometimes I occasionally go back and check their blogs again. (Come on, I know some of you out there do this too. I can't be the only one!)
Now I know I do this innocently, but it does beg the question, is this appropriate? I mean well. I'm interested in their lives and happy to see their accomplishments and blessings in their lives. But in the end is this really just voyeurism?
I decided for me that I needed to make my judgments based on whether I would be happy to hear they are reading my blog and if I thought they would mind if I was reading their blog. Making my decision based on that, some blogs I look at regularly and some I don't go back to.
But what are your opinions? What do you think about blogosphere voyeurism?
(I know many people read this blog. Don't feel shy about giving your opinion. Remember, I'm okay with anyone and everyone reading my blog and I would love the variety of opinions.)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Eat Your Greens
I think it's pretty safe to say that we all know we need to eat greens. Greens like spinach, romaine, chard, cabbage, and the list could go on. If you do a bit of nutrition research you will find that most greens have list of nutrients that could rival a multivitamin. It seems like the darker the green the more nutritious they are. They are full of iron, calcium, fiber, vitamins A, B, C, E, K, etc. So the question now is, if greens as so good for you why in the world are they so hard to eat?
I'll admit that greens are not the easiest thing for me to put in my diet. Don't get me wrong, I love salads with romaine and spinach, however, while they are good for you they aren't the most nutrient dense of the bunch. Greens (the darker ones like kale, collard, and chard) can be quite tough and bitter. Definitely not something I would be excited to go eat. That said I realize the benefit they are to my health so I have been trying to wean myself into eating more variety of greens.
I have found that I really like greens cooked in soups, stews, and casseroles. Granted I like them more cooked than they recommend for optimum nutrition, but it's a step. One of my favorites is savoy cabbage. When cooked in soups it can lend a sweet delicate flavor. I have even eaten, and liked, lentil soup with collard greens cooked in it.
Many people swear that the way to "get your greens" is to drink green smoothies. They say that it provides you with a boost of energy and nutrients, which I can see to be true. One lady whose blog I check occasionally said it like this, "I love green smoothies because I feel the living energy pulsing through my veins!" I have tried to make a couple of green smoothies over the past year and all I've felt is a rock in my stomach, no "pulsing energy". I found them to be watery and bitter. I got a few mouthfuls down, but never the full thing. So I gave up. I figured I'd just get my greens from salads and soups.
But then again it's not like me to give up completely. I decided this morning that I'd try again. It had been several months since I've tried. Maybe my tastes have changed. Plus I decided that maybe I needed to slowly move into green smoothies. So this morning I made something in between a fruit smoothie and a green smoothie. You know what? It was pretty good! (For a green smoothie)
Here's what I did...
Fill the blender 3/4 full with mixed baby greens
(I use Organic Girl Baby Spring Mix. It provides a variety of greens. Being 'baby greens' they tend to be sweeter and more tender, thus easier on the palate and digestive system. Perfect for acquiring your taste for greens.)
Fill the blender 1/2 full with cold filtered water.
Blend greens and water until completely blended
Add
1 small banana
1 ripe pear
1/4 of an avocado
1 Dole fruit cup of Mandarin Oranges (juice and all)
Blend until smooth. Enjoy! (makes about 3 glasses worth)
The avocado and banana yield a creamy smooth flavor that makes it easier to get down. Even though there's a lot of fruit in here it's not really sweet, so be prepared.
Even though I didn't use some of the heartier greens I think this is a pretty good start. I'll just try to keep making baby steps to eating more variety of greens, including the 'yucky' ones. :)
I'll admit that greens are not the easiest thing for me to put in my diet. Don't get me wrong, I love salads with romaine and spinach, however, while they are good for you they aren't the most nutrient dense of the bunch. Greens (the darker ones like kale, collard, and chard) can be quite tough and bitter. Definitely not something I would be excited to go eat. That said I realize the benefit they are to my health so I have been trying to wean myself into eating more variety of greens.
I have found that I really like greens cooked in soups, stews, and casseroles. Granted I like them more cooked than they recommend for optimum nutrition, but it's a step. One of my favorites is savoy cabbage. When cooked in soups it can lend a sweet delicate flavor. I have even eaten, and liked, lentil soup with collard greens cooked in it.
Many people swear that the way to "get your greens" is to drink green smoothies. They say that it provides you with a boost of energy and nutrients, which I can see to be true. One lady whose blog I check occasionally said it like this, "I love green smoothies because I feel the living energy pulsing through my veins!" I have tried to make a couple of green smoothies over the past year and all I've felt is a rock in my stomach, no "pulsing energy". I found them to be watery and bitter. I got a few mouthfuls down, but never the full thing. So I gave up. I figured I'd just get my greens from salads and soups.
But then again it's not like me to give up completely. I decided this morning that I'd try again. It had been several months since I've tried. Maybe my tastes have changed. Plus I decided that maybe I needed to slowly move into green smoothies. So this morning I made something in between a fruit smoothie and a green smoothie. You know what? It was pretty good! (For a green smoothie)
Here's what I did...
Fill the blender 3/4 full with mixed baby greens
(I use Organic Girl Baby Spring Mix. It provides a variety of greens. Being 'baby greens' they tend to be sweeter and more tender, thus easier on the palate and digestive system. Perfect for acquiring your taste for greens.)
Fill the blender 1/2 full with cold filtered water.
Blend greens and water until completely blended
Add
1 small banana
1 ripe pear
1/4 of an avocado
1 Dole fruit cup of Mandarin Oranges (juice and all)
Blend until smooth. Enjoy! (makes about 3 glasses worth)
The avocado and banana yield a creamy smooth flavor that makes it easier to get down. Even though there's a lot of fruit in here it's not really sweet, so be prepared.
Even though I didn't use some of the heartier greens I think this is a pretty good start. I'll just try to keep making baby steps to eating more variety of greens, including the 'yucky' ones. :)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Oats Controversy
Remember in school when you learned the vowels. A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y. I never got that. Does anyone even know when Y counts as vowel and when it doesn't?
I have found similar things with the gluten-free diet. If you hear anything about the gluten-free diet you will hear that you can't have wheat, barely, rye, and sometimes oats. This is a little bit of a different principle than the whole vowel thing though. I actually have knowledge about when and why the 'sometimes' exists. And for those who care, I am going to share it with you.
All grains have a protein. However it is the protein (gluten) in wheat, barely, and rye that are an issue. Wheat, barely, and rye are related on the same ancestry line, which is why they all contain the same genetic protein gluten. Oats were an early branch off that line, thus being closely related. The protein in oats is called avenin. Research has found that in some people with Celiac Disease this protein can cause a reaction similar to gluten, including the intestinal enteropathy (damage).
Some people believe that all people with Celiac Disease should not eat oats. Some people think that it's fine for those who can tolerate oats. I have personally taken the position of no oats. There is still a lot of research to be done on this particular issue and on Celiac Disease in general. I take the position of 'if there is any question, I'm just not going to eat it'. So no oats for me.
However, if you choose to eat oats there are a few things you should know. First off most oats are grown in a rotation crop with wheat, or in a field next to wheat. Shockingly enough this is actually sufficient to cross-contaminate the oats with gluten. Even if it weren't most farms process oats on the same equipment they process their wheat, thus cross-contaminating it further. So, if you eat oats make sure that you get Certified Gluten-Free Oats!!! This means that they were grow in a dedicated gluten-free field and processed on gluten-free equipment. I have seen that Bob's Red Mill have some Gluten-Free Oats you can try if you wish.
The other point to be aware of if you decide to eat oats is that you shouldn't eat more than about 1/2 a cup (50-70g) a day. This is a studied and know fact. People have found that if they eat more than that they have negative effects. Also, make sure to be retested about six months after you start eating oats to make sure you aren't having any negative effects from the avenin.
I have found similar things with the gluten-free diet. If you hear anything about the gluten-free diet you will hear that you can't have wheat, barely, rye, and sometimes oats. This is a little bit of a different principle than the whole vowel thing though. I actually have knowledge about when and why the 'sometimes' exists. And for those who care, I am going to share it with you.
All grains have a protein. However it is the protein (gluten) in wheat, barely, and rye that are an issue. Wheat, barely, and rye are related on the same ancestry line, which is why they all contain the same genetic protein gluten. Oats were an early branch off that line, thus being closely related. The protein in oats is called avenin. Research has found that in some people with Celiac Disease this protein can cause a reaction similar to gluten, including the intestinal enteropathy (damage).
Some people believe that all people with Celiac Disease should not eat oats. Some people think that it's fine for those who can tolerate oats. I have personally taken the position of no oats. There is still a lot of research to be done on this particular issue and on Celiac Disease in general. I take the position of 'if there is any question, I'm just not going to eat it'. So no oats for me.
However, if you choose to eat oats there are a few things you should know. First off most oats are grown in a rotation crop with wheat, or in a field next to wheat. Shockingly enough this is actually sufficient to cross-contaminate the oats with gluten. Even if it weren't most farms process oats on the same equipment they process their wheat, thus cross-contaminating it further. So, if you eat oats make sure that you get Certified Gluten-Free Oats!!! This means that they were grow in a dedicated gluten-free field and processed on gluten-free equipment. I have seen that Bob's Red Mill have some Gluten-Free Oats you can try if you wish.
The other point to be aware of if you decide to eat oats is that you shouldn't eat more than about 1/2 a cup (50-70g) a day. This is a studied and know fact. People have found that if they eat more than that they have negative effects. Also, make sure to be retested about six months after you start eating oats to make sure you aren't having any negative effects from the avenin.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Relativity of Classiness
My friend once told me I was a classy person. I've really appreciated that compliment in my life. She also told me I had great legs. While I am grateful for that compliment as well I might appreciate it more if it had come from a guy. :)
But I digress..... To the point
I was reading an article recently about new reality TV shows coming out (why I don't know, I was bored most likely) and one of them caught my eye. Not for the actual show, but for certain things about the people in the show. Here, read for yourself...
But I digress..... To the point
I was reading an article recently about new reality TV shows coming out (why I don't know, I was bored most likely) and one of them caught my eye. Not for the actual show, but for certain things about the people in the show. Here, read for yourself...
"It's "The Biggest Loser," only with brides and grooms. On the new show "Shedding for the Wedding," nine engaged couples compete to lose weight and win the wedding of their dreams. Each couple's wedding has a theme, from gaming to football to Greek life (frat, not Athens). The Greek life couple plan to have a beer pong table at their nuptials, but monogrammed 'cause that's "classier." (Premieres after 'Top Model," Feb. 23, 9 p.m., The CW.)"
Gaming? Football? Greek life? Hmmmmm...... not exactly my opinion of classy.
Want to know something else that caught my attention? I went bowling for my birthday this past summer. When we arrived we noticed a wedding party there. Each person in the wedding party had a shirt with the date of the wedding (it was the next day) on the front and their name on the back. The bride had a white one, the groom a black one, and everyone else had a bright green one. Don't believe me? Check it out....
It didn't end up being the family friendly affair I thought it would, especially once the beer and pizza came out. (Hmmm.... beer and pizza, now that's class.)
The next time I happened to be at this same bowling alley someone proposed over the intercom system. Half of the place was in cheers (the half of the place that was surrounding the couple), and the other half were in disbelief and groans of "Seriously!?! Really!?!? On the intercom!?!?"
At first I thought about writing this and making some sarcastic jokes about the seemingly class-less wedding affairs of others. I even had some great one liners ready to go. But the more I thought about it the more I realized that I have no right to judge what is meaningful or "classy" to other people. In the end I have to have a great deal of respect for all these people. They had the courage to do what was meaningful and important to them in celebration of their relationship together no matter what others might think about it. While I may not be interested in having a Greek life themed reception, or having my significant other propose his love for me on a bowling alley intercom, I do want to feel free to celebrate in the way I choose. (I might could get on board for a bowling party the night before.) So whenever the time comes for me to plan a wedding of my own I am going to remember these people. I am going to make sure that whatever we do it is fun and classy for us. Who cares what other people think or say, it's not about them anyway.
I will just say if and when I get to plan a wedding it will be TRULY classy!!! ;)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Walk With The Lord Daily
Elder Christofferson gave a talk entitled "Give us this day our daily bread" at a CES fireside a couple of months ago. Check it out HERE.
I loved this talk! I think it is applicable to everyone no matter what is going on in their lives. I felt touched by several aspects, but one thing that really stuck with me was the point that our trials are opportunities to draw closer to the Lord, to learn to rely on the Lord in all things, to walk with the Lord daily. When our trials span over years it allows us to create the habit of always relying of the Lord. Hopefully we will be able to keep this habit when the trial ends and maintain the relationship we have created with the Lord.
I hope and pray that I have created a sufficient enough habit to not loose the relationship with the Lord I have gained over the past several years. If I am able to continue to walk with the Lord daily, I know that this habit will be one of the greatest blessings I could have received through the trials of the past few years.
I loved this talk! I think it is applicable to everyone no matter what is going on in their lives. I felt touched by several aspects, but one thing that really stuck with me was the point that our trials are opportunities to draw closer to the Lord, to learn to rely on the Lord in all things, to walk with the Lord daily. When our trials span over years it allows us to create the habit of always relying of the Lord. Hopefully we will be able to keep this habit when the trial ends and maintain the relationship we have created with the Lord.
I hope and pray that I have created a sufficient enough habit to not loose the relationship with the Lord I have gained over the past several years. If I am able to continue to walk with the Lord daily, I know that this habit will be one of the greatest blessings I could have received through the trials of the past few years.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Habits
Those of you who know me know I love sugar. However, over the past two years I have come to the realization that sugar does not love me. So I have given it up. It took me two years of baby steps to do it, but I am proud to say that with Divine help I have recently been able to fully kick my sugar habit. I do still eat fruit, and will allow myself treats made with natural sugar (ie. fruit, honey, maple syrup, etc) on special occasions (translating to 2-3 times a year).
Unfortunately I will admit that I am not the kind of person that can just give up a bad habit. I am the kind of person that replaces one habit for another. In place of my sugar habit I now have a peanut butter habit. I've always loved peanut butter, and have always eaten it. But now it is a bit to the extreme. I have been averaging a jar of peanut butter every 3-4 days for the past couple of months. I know, it's sick to think about.... but delicious in reality. :)
To my credit I only eat all natural peanut butter. Only peanuts and salt. That's good, right? I have tried many kinds and brands over the past couple of months and have found a favorite.
I've decided that this habit is not beneficial to my health for many reasons, and I realize that I need to do something about it. This past Sunday I finished a jar of peanut butter and decided that I was going to try and not eat peanut butter this week. I realized that I probably wasn't going to be successful. I made it a day and a half. See, what happened was is I was at the store that had the peanut butter (you can't find it everywhere) so I decided to get a jar just in case. You know, in case I decided to cave at some point. Well, I caved the moment I got home. I actually did well on portion control that day. Today however, I have not done so well. Right before I wrote this I ate my fourth peanut butter on rice cake for the day. In my defense I didn't really have lunch today.
So, maybe tomorrow I'll be a bit better at portion control. And maybe after this jar is finished I'll last a bit longer than a day and a half before I get another jar. Right now I'm not too worried about it. I have a really good diet besides the overkill of peanut butter. I don't eat junk food, or eat out. Eventually I'll quit the habit. Hopefully it won't take me two years, like the sugar habit. I think if I kept eating as much peanut butter as I am now for two years I'd be as big as a house, and NO ONE wants that.
Unfortunately I will admit that I am not the kind of person that can just give up a bad habit. I am the kind of person that replaces one habit for another. In place of my sugar habit I now have a peanut butter habit. I've always loved peanut butter, and have always eaten it. But now it is a bit to the extreme. I have been averaging a jar of peanut butter every 3-4 days for the past couple of months. I know, it's sick to think about.... but delicious in reality. :)
To my credit I only eat all natural peanut butter. Only peanuts and salt. That's good, right? I have tried many kinds and brands over the past couple of months and have found a favorite.
I've decided that this habit is not beneficial to my health for many reasons, and I realize that I need to do something about it. This past Sunday I finished a jar of peanut butter and decided that I was going to try and not eat peanut butter this week. I realized that I probably wasn't going to be successful. I made it a day and a half. See, what happened was is I was at the store that had the peanut butter (you can't find it everywhere) so I decided to get a jar just in case. You know, in case I decided to cave at some point. Well, I caved the moment I got home. I actually did well on portion control that day. Today however, I have not done so well. Right before I wrote this I ate my fourth peanut butter on rice cake for the day. In my defense I didn't really have lunch today.
So, maybe tomorrow I'll be a bit better at portion control. And maybe after this jar is finished I'll last a bit longer than a day and a half before I get another jar. Right now I'm not too worried about it. I have a really good diet besides the overkill of peanut butter. I don't eat junk food, or eat out. Eventually I'll quit the habit. Hopefully it won't take me two years, like the sugar habit. I think if I kept eating as much peanut butter as I am now for two years I'd be as big as a house, and NO ONE wants that.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
I'm Back!!
Let's face it, I couldn't stay away from the blog forever. So I'm back. However, I am going to do things a bit differently now. This blog isn't just going to be about Celiac Disease. It's going to be my personal, here's what's going on with me blog. There will still be information on Celiac Disease (and thyroid disease), because that's a big part of who I am and why I do what I do, but there will also be updates on my life, my thoughts, and any other random thing I can think of.
I decided to blog again for a few reasons. I am no longer on Facebook and so reading my friends blogs is how I keep informed on what they are doing. It's only fair that I allow them that opportunity to know about me too. Plus, it helps that I had a little push from one of those friends. :) Another reason is that I need an outlet for creative writing and humorous thoughts. It won't all be that, but I occasionally have my moments of glory, and I would like to share them and hopefully bring a smile to someone's day.
Now, I won't promise that I'll post regularly, or that I'll have something interesting to say when I do post. But at least I'm making a small step for friends to stay connected.
I guess now is as good as time as any for an update on my life. I'll give you the short and sweet version, minus all the boring details. Beginning of last year (January 2010) I finally was starting to feel really better from the whole being sick with Celiac Disease thing. I went on several trips for graduate school interviews and was looking forward to starting "real" life again. I got a really good offer and had accepted admission to a program. Only problem was that at that point (April 2010) I has started to feel bad again. But in a different way. I assumed I was getting gluten or something. I went back to the doctor and has some tests run. It actually had nothing to do with Celiac Disease. Instead I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease that targets the thryoid gland, destroying it and leading to Hypothyroidism. At that time the doctor also thought something more serious was wrong, so I decided to withdraw from the graduate program before I even started. Turns out it was just the thyroid thing.
So, I've spent the last many months just chillin' again. I have been trying to get regulated on thyroid medication, which takes a while. I am actually very glad that I had this extra year. I have been able to let my body recover more fully. I have been able to spend more time with my parents and actually do more with them. I wouldn't change the way things have happened for anything.
I am doing very well right now and am moving towards "real" life again, almost 2 years after I checked out. I am currently applying for jobs and am even considering doing an online graduate program. I don't know when an opportunity will open up for me, but I have full faith in the timing of the Lord. I am not in any hurry, but I'm ready whenever the chance comes.
I decided to blog again for a few reasons. I am no longer on Facebook and so reading my friends blogs is how I keep informed on what they are doing. It's only fair that I allow them that opportunity to know about me too. Plus, it helps that I had a little push from one of those friends. :) Another reason is that I need an outlet for creative writing and humorous thoughts. It won't all be that, but I occasionally have my moments of glory, and I would like to share them and hopefully bring a smile to someone's day.
Now, I won't promise that I'll post regularly, or that I'll have something interesting to say when I do post. But at least I'm making a small step for friends to stay connected.
I guess now is as good as time as any for an update on my life. I'll give you the short and sweet version, minus all the boring details. Beginning of last year (January 2010) I finally was starting to feel really better from the whole being sick with Celiac Disease thing. I went on several trips for graduate school interviews and was looking forward to starting "real" life again. I got a really good offer and had accepted admission to a program. Only problem was that at that point (April 2010) I has started to feel bad again. But in a different way. I assumed I was getting gluten or something. I went back to the doctor and has some tests run. It actually had nothing to do with Celiac Disease. Instead I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease that targets the thryoid gland, destroying it and leading to Hypothyroidism. At that time the doctor also thought something more serious was wrong, so I decided to withdraw from the graduate program before I even started. Turns out it was just the thyroid thing.
So, I've spent the last many months just chillin' again. I have been trying to get regulated on thyroid medication, which takes a while. I am actually very glad that I had this extra year. I have been able to let my body recover more fully. I have been able to spend more time with my parents and actually do more with them. I wouldn't change the way things have happened for anything.
I am doing very well right now and am moving towards "real" life again, almost 2 years after I checked out. I am currently applying for jobs and am even considering doing an online graduate program. I don't know when an opportunity will open up for me, but I have full faith in the timing of the Lord. I am not in any hurry, but I'm ready whenever the chance comes.
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