The Root

I recently (within the last month) joined a local gym. And I have reignited my love for working out. Particularly group exercise classes. I have made it a mini mission to try all the classes offered. This will help me mix it up and not get bored easily. It will also keep my body from getting use to the same activity over and over and again which could cause my weight loss progress to plateau. Right now I am committed to going to the gym a minimum of 3 days a week. Fortunately this goal has proven easy so far. I dropped an easy 6 pounds right away, and have been teetering back and forth with 2 of those pounds. My daily food intake hasn’t changed too much except I’ve practically cut out fast foods. As I make these small changes in my life to affect a greater change in how I love I realize this method works best for me. Tackle small goals and make them daily habits and I don’t see them as a challenge anymore. Just how I live.

I admit the last week I have slacked on preparing nutritious meals at home. So as I’m finding myself becoming a habitual gym-attendee, I need to focus again on planning and cooking meals at home. Inspiring Mama has some awesome 14 day meal plans on her blog. I plan to use them as a guide to planning my own meals at home. New recipes always jump start my cooking sprees so I will be researching some great soups and foods that incorporate yummy root veggies and fall foods. Sometimes there is nothing more comforting than a bowl of delicious soup! Well, besides a good yoga session.

Yoga is one of my new obsessions. Where has it been all my life? Really the question is, why have I been avoiding it. I’ve always been curious about yoga. Mostly because people who practice yoga seem to be a little too hype about it. I would think “it really can’t be THAT good.” Well I recently had to remind myself not to knock it until I’ve tried it. After my yoga classes I feel relaxed and invigorated all at the same time. I feel good about myself and my body. A surprise was FEELING the workout when I practice yoga. Last week’s class had me sweating. I didn’t know it was really possible. My flexibility has already increased after only a few weeks. I enjoy it so much and have incorporated it into my fitness routine. Once a week I commit to attending one of the yoga classes at the gym. I even bought my own yoga mat since the once at the gym smell like sweaty toes that marinated in the dark for 3 weeks unwashed. lol. I can just imagine the bacterial and fungal colonies populating those mats. No sir. I’ll bring my own thank you much.

On the love front it’s an interesting journey. He and I have really broken ground on some things we didn’t previously address. We have matured in a lot of ways and thankfully both realized we still have maturing to do. Our love has become stronger because of it. And more honest. This makes me very happy and gives me certain confidence that’s hard to explain. I just know that right now Love abides.

In reflecting on my live just over the last few months I see myself really working at building strong foundations in all areas of my life. Just putting in to action the things I’ve been saying I want to do. Doing them. And realizing the reluctance I previously felt was fear. And realizing the fear was of success. I’m learning not to fear the greatness within me.

Reflections

I give thanks for such beautiful and inspiring people who cross my path. The last few weeks I've felt so revived. And I've been just LIVING. Motivation is high, but I must remain focused as well.

I went to orientation for my doula training. The first official training class will be April 25th. Before then I hope to do a little more reading and research to keep my mind and thoughts on what I'm trying to accomplish.

I've decided on a studio to take belly dancing lessons. The spring sessions overlap with my doula training so I await the summer schedule and plan to start then.

I have three weddings I'm excited to attend this year. One of which I am the maid of honor. NICE.

The weather is warming, the sun is shining and I have been trying to get outside to enjoy it as much as possible. The lil One and I have been reaquaiting ourselves with the neighborhood. The trees, birds, bugs and plants. I'm shifting more toward the life I want for myself and living IN it presently. My spirit is in a happy place right now and I find it hard to stop smiling.

I've also noticed that things have just been "working out" for me. I receive each blessing with gratitude. And give thanks to God for everything.

Right now I'm toying with the idea of moving my blog. Once I actually decide I'll post an update and let the regular readers know where to contact me in the case they would like to follow me to the new space.

Until Next Time

Bless!

The Creators have been so good to me!

Though this post won't be solely dedicated to my fly sistah over at Flytieonline, I need to give her the respect, love and appreciation she deserves. I can't even recall when exactly I found myself drawn to her. Probably the first time I saw something she had created. No, a matter of fact I think I first saw something she created for another sister and I AND to find out who it was putting all that creativity in one garment. Whatever or whenever it was I just know that now I have so much admiration for her and her work. And I think the rest of the world (or whatever part of it that reads this blog) should take note. And if you're feeling really good, go ahead and buy something of hers. I promise you will never regret it!


So just before Thanksgiving I received THE BEST HOODIE ever in the mail. I was ecstatic! See, I had been drooling over her Steppin Razor hoodie for quite some time. And as the Universe would have it I finally have one of my own. Please people forgive me for not having better pictures f the hoodie right now. But as I said before it's about time I openly let her know how much I appreciated not only her generosity, but her thoughtfulness and talent. The hoodie fits perfectly, it's in the most perfect colors a person could make it in. IT'S REVERSIBLE. Yes you heard right! Please somebody pinch me. What I most appreciate about it is the intricate hand stitching details she put into it. I know how much that sucks. But she didn't half ass it. Everything looks so professional and perfect. I only wish she had put her tag on it somewhere. I wouldn't care WHERE, but I would want folks to know immediately it's hers. I *heart* my hoodie.



Once I got it in the mail I immediately put it on. Then I proceeded to wear it three days in a row. Once on the green side and twice on the purple side. Since then I think I wear it at least once a week. Probably more, I just don't want yall knowing how much I repeat clothes. lol

T, thank you so much! I can't tell you enough how much I love this hoodie and how much I appreciate you. You are an amazing designer. Keep doing what you do.

In other stylish deliciousness I bought some fly earring from another etsy shop call www.Lunaversoul.com. People please peep the Dragon Fly Remix!
Take note of the asymmetry. Oh.Em.Gee! I wear these earrings with everything. They are quite the conversation starter. What I appreciate about this seller is that she was more than accommodating to my pesky metal allow sensitivities. And she substituted the hooks with gold plated ones at no additional charge! Go head nah! Excuse me while I rock 'em real hard like:


Also take note of the new hair do. I finally put some braid extensions in my hair. It took me 4 days! It normally would have taken me maybe one full day including breaks for food and bathroom. lol. But I was extremely sick. I had to take a two day break because walking pneumonia would not allow me to move very much. Being ill is no fun at all. And it reminded me once again I need to take care of myself. I was M.I.A. from work and got a late start in my new position in the Training Department. I'm feeling like so much has transpired since my last post. I hardly know where to start! Tis late in the day and I wanted to get these thoughts and such out now before my busy week started up.

I give thanks to my Creator for good friends, good family, LIFE, LOVE and Joy.

Lucky 7

Last night I made tomato basil soup with garlic bread and a fresh baby greens salad. It looked delicious! And apparently tasted the same way according to the family. I passed on dinner because I had a hearty lunch (compliments of the boss) and wasn’t very hungry. I made dinner and headed upstairs for a great workout. It’s been a week and my body was feeling the difference of inactivity for so many days.

This morning I’m enjoying a juicy orange at my desk. I had tea at home and a homemade chocolate chip cookie my coworker’s mom made once I got in. lol. Ok, not the most nutritionally balanced breakfast, but it did the trick. Technically doesn’t the orange balance it out? I know I must be careful of telling myself “oh I worked out so I can just have this deliciously over sized piece of peach cobbler my Kingman made”. It’s not okay, especially if not eaten in moderations. Fortunately I have a great dinner meal plan for this week. Tonight I’m making bow tie pasta with alfredo sauce and shrimp. I plan to add some fresh broccoli, zucchini and bell peppers to the meal for added flavor. It will be delish!

My little one turned 7 this past Monday. We gave him a party on Saturday to celebrate. The kids had bbq hot dogs and chicken wings. My little one helped me back cupcakes and make fruit kabobs. He even picked out the fruit. I truly wish I had pictures of the kabobs, they looked so delicious! And the kids love them in the hot summer weather because the fruits are so juicy and cold. We used honey dew melons, cantaloupe, pineapple and strawberries. The kids decorated their own cupcakes with whipped cream and sprinkles. My little one felt so special to have family celebrating the day of his birth, and he SHOULD feel special. My mother bought him a plant as a present and he was elated. The last plant he had in his room died. It was a bromeliads and it may have been a bit overzealous to think he could take care of that plant. I have a hard time keeping MINE alive. I have 3 bromeliads left of 5. But this plant is pretty simple as far as care.

I’ve been having dreams lately that center on a lot of the things that I want in my life. In my waking hours I’ve started to just spend time visualizing exactly what it is I want in all aspects of my life. I will continue to consciously attract into my life the things that I so desire and I believe they will manifest. I've been noticing things happening in my life that are confirming I'm somewhere near the right path so I'm trusting my intuition more.

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YMIB is such and inspiring online site for women. If you are a woman, particularly of African Descent you should at least browse the site. So much information, love, creativity and LIGHT is there I have to visit the site daily.

Today I was browsing the posted blogs and came across some information about a program that helps young women gain access to better menstrual products. It's called Goods4Girls. I hope to make some cloth pads soon to donate to this wonderful cause.

THRIFTY GOODNESS! I keep meaning to post pictures of these great clothes I find while thrift shopping. Most of my wardrobe is thrifted stuff so I guess it would seem like a stretch for me to take pictures EVERYDAY since I love mixing up the pieces I find. Check out this snazzy knit vest I bought for just $2!!! The shirt, belt and skirt were also thrifted.

I've also been playing around with the sewing. I refashioned some old jeans into a long skirt. I used some stretchy fabric with pretty flower detailing for the panels. I am quite proud of this piece. It's perfect for the summer. The halter was a refashioned tshirt fro m last year. Stay tuned to see what I do with the skirt!

Tea and Toast

Last week I conjured up a single workout day. The rest of the time I was either too busy or unmotivated. Today is a new day starting a new work week and I’m focused. The key for me is to remain focused. Sometimes I get too dependent on the fact that I’m a pretty fly mama already. Lol. I forget I need to MAINTAIN this physical flyness. Especially as my body changes and reacts differently with age. Over the last few weeks I've seen improvement in the middle area. I want to keep that up as well as get my arms leaner. The middle area is usually the first to go. No complaints there!

I started this morning with some deep breaths and appreciated the fact that I had no neck or back pain. For me that means no stress. For the last few years I’ve noticed my stress shows up in neck and back in the form of pain and muscle tension. Today I’m free of that and its confirmation that my mind is at ease.

I’m committing myself to focus on my breathing again. And I may as well add some stretching in with that. I’m now afforded the time each morning to have at least 30 minutes to myself. That is assuming I’m to bed at a decent hour. But when I awake it will be MY time to BREATH.

These summer mornings have reduced my appetite. In the winter I look forward to turning on the stove and making a wholesome breakfast. Now it’s so hot that my hunger does cry out for wheat pancakes, eggs and morning star sausage. Tea and toast are enough to waken my digestive system. However by the time I get to work my stomach is literally calling out for food. I think it just said “feed me Seymour!”

My hair is certainly growing. Now I’m beginning to wonder how much longer I can take it. I tend to fantasize about cutting my hair around the time my hair gets past 4 or 5 inches. I’m past that mark and still enjoying growing my hair but feeling a bit stifled creatively when it comes to how I style my hair from day to day. While at work I don’t want to draw TOO MUCH attention to my crown with large afros. And I tend to keep it pretty tame (based on my own tastes) since I

despise going into conversations about how my hair does that “cool” thing without hair spray with my coworkers. Also I’ve chosen not to wear my head wrap since being promoted because it does not fit into the professional image I wish to display at this time. So I’ve limited myself to mostly shrunken fros, stretched puffs and the occasional twist styles. Twist styles take more time and effort than I’d like to exert right now. What I’d really like is a fly cornrow style. Something that can easily translate to the professional setting but still gives me the creative outlet with my hair. Now, if I could just find someone I trust to style my hair for me...

This summer I want to continue to get out of the apartment as much as possible. My little one loves it. He’s always asking “mama what are we going to do today?” During the week he’s occupied by his summer program. So I know he gets plenty of activity then. So most of those evenings we come home, have dinner and maybe hang out in the yard a little bit. But on the weekends I have no excuse. Out of the 24 hours in a day I know I can spend some of it out in that sunshine. Besides, I love the chocolate glow my skin gets with a lil UV radiation. Lol. Which reminds me, we need to pick up some sun block. This shea butter only provides so much UV protection, and I’m no fan of melanoma.

Creatively I've been sew busy. I finished the shirts for my sis, mom and another young lady at the church. My older sis and the other young lady have actually performed with the blouses on. The following is a picture of my sis after her praise dance. She did SOOO good! Had me in tears.

In the next photo you'll see my younger sis, myself and older sis again. The dress I'm wearing looked a little different when I bought it (yet another thrifty find). The neckline is LOWer than I'm comfy with so I sewed a panel across the front with a stretchy cream fabric. Now I can wear the dress as is and not have to layer another tank underneath. Cool huh?












I had this idea for a shirt and just went with it. The following is the result. I still have some work to do in order to make it look more "professional". So far it's looking much how I envisioned it. And I just adore the color purple!


Finally I refashioned an already cute (at least I think so) vest into a more trendy one. I figured if it didn't turn out quite right at least I only paid a couple of dollars for it at the thrift store. But it turned out super cute. I only have the before picture right now. The after will follow soon.

Sew Inspirational

Last night I managed at least 45 minutes of workout in the attic. The majority of that time was spent on the punching bag. What got me through was my playlist of “workout songs” which had some high, medium and low tempo tunes to keep me motivated. A must for my workout music is the ability for me to sing along. I don’t know exactly what it is about being able to keep up with the song. I know that I have a good time when I know the words. The music gives me a rhythm to move and swing punches to. Having music also helps the time pass very quickly. My Kingman says he thinks I was going at it for at least an hour. I didn’t pay much attention to my start time, so I’m not sure.

The entire workout was so fun that I’m looking forward to squeezing in at least 30 minutes tonight. I plan to do my workout as soon as I get home. maybe while the lil one is doing his homework and my Kingman is preparing dinner. Then I’ll take a shower and wash my hair because today my scalp stinks. I have this thing about rubbing or scratching my scalp and smelling my fingers. I know I’m not the only one! But it’s a way to keep scalp stink in check. lol.

Since I’m planning to make the workouts a daily thing, I need to get a better hair washing schedule in place. I’ve been shampooing once a week for the last few months and holding off on rinsing. Now I’m anticipating more sweating (and my head gets its sweat on) and I think I need to up my mid-weekly rinse game. Shampooing daily is out of the question. And wetting my hair daily is too much of a hassle as it gets longer. I don’t do the soaking wet hair while i’m sleeping thing. I figure a mid-weekly rinse or conditioner wash, followed by some fat twists or bantus should do the trick. It should keep my scalp relatively clear of sweat buildup and my hair smelling fresh until my weekend shampoo.

The sewing momentum has slowed. I first jumped in ready to sew up a storm just because I have two machines and knew the basics of how to USE the machine. However as I searched my mind and heart for a first project I realized that I wanted to create quality, wearable, and sellable items. So I started researching more into all the different stitch options and why they would be used. I started reading the owners manual for the Kenmore machine I was gifted. Then I started researching patterns and how to read them because I want to verse myself in garment construction and pattern making in hopes that I would be creating my own patterns some day soon. Well of course being the instant gratification loving craftster that I am, I was feeling as if I haven’t accomplished much since I had nothing to show for my efforts over the last few weeks. However today I feel encouraged because I’m confident that once I start finishing some sewing projects they will be up to my standards as far as quality. So right now there is less focus on quantity. Especially since there IS no quantity. Lol

I’ve been devouring information and wisdom from various carft sites and sewing blogs. I’ve added a few new sewing blogs to my “Places I Like to Go” link list. I’ve always been inspired by the Sewl Sista #1 and flytie, and now I’m hooked on the Neo Sew Mama. I have a preference for Sistah blogs or in other words, blogs by black women. That’s not to say I don’t like sewing or craft blogs written and updated by white women. On the contrary I have several of them listed and hyperlinked. However I am most inspired by black crafters.

The time has come for me to make myself an alter. It will be my meditation space. I’m not quite sure where to start besides finding a space at home that will go undisturbed. I talked with my Kingman about this and I’m thinking I’ll take over a corner in our room and set up my alter. This weekend I hope to go thrifting, Saturday morning perhaps. I want to search for a scale for home use, a night stand or small table for my alter, a few skirts or dresses for work and fabric.

*update*

I ended up coming home a little later than planned, watching netflix and THEN working out for almost an hour. I concentrated on my lower body and lower back. I'm so proud of me! Still no washing or rinsing of the hair. I'll have to let my Ginger Juice & Berries hair dress mask any funk for another day. You MUST get up on that La'Vida Given by Nature.

Today I was blessed to run into a Goddess I attended college with. I stopped by the grocery store on my way home to grab some juice. Somehow between going down the wrong aisle and making sure my lil one didn't run anyone over I glanced up and saw a familiar face. Instantly her name came to me. I surprised myself with that one. I'm use to people remembering MY name, not the other way around. She had her handsome little prince and told me he had an identical twin. A double blessing! My spirit was very happy to have seen her. I remember admiring her creativity with words and her proud, confident spirit back then. We exchanged contact info and I plan to link up with her soon. I hope she brings the babies!

Stirred, not Shaken

The other day I made the most delicious stir fry ever . The aroma drifting through the house was enough to make my Kingman grab the camera and snap some (really unflattering) pictures of me.

The stir fry was comprised of noodles, lots of veggies, onions, cilantro, red and yellow bell peppers, other seasonings and teriyaki sauce. Good stuff! My lil one gobbled up all his broccoli first. I had to make him eat some of the chicken breast pieces. He's never been big on eating meat, which isn't really a bad thing, in my opinion. In an effort to get the family back on track with eating I've been preparing vegetarian meals for breakfast and lunch. And reserving meat for the dinner meal. No one has complained just yet. And this week, we've eaten primarily vegetarian because we had pinto beans for dinner two of the nights.

*note to self: buy a wok asap*

I started off this week still in a slump. I called in sick to work Monday. Wait, did I already blog that?? Well Tuesday I came to work still not feeling great emotionally. My motivation was non-existent. So much so that my nearby co-worker (Katie) was absorbing some of the negative energy. She convinced me to go ahead and treat myself to a pedicure for lunch. I love Katie. That was such a great idea. I came back to work on cloud 9. I must start pampering myself on a regular basis. I did the foot spa and pedicure. I think my toes look pretty.

I've been feeling fly the rest of the week. Check out how black and fluffy my fro is below! An elder woman approached me today and complimented my hair and went on to say how she has never been able to achieve the style. I explained to her the simple process to achieve a chunky twist out and she was a bit in awe. She also told how she recently cut her afro down to a TWA (teeny weeny afro) because she just couldn't figure out how to style it. She had an endearing vibe about her and I was moved to offer some assistance. Beautiful woman, she was.

Oh ya like that yoda speak?

I gave her my card and jotted down my cell number and 2 different website addresses. I gave her the addy for www.nappturality.com and www.LavidaGivenByNature.com

Nappturality has a wealth of information on how to care for, style and enjoy your natural hair. And Lavida Given by Nature has some of the best natural bath and beauty products I've ever tried.

Speaking of hair, I was pleasantly surprised when I realized my hair had grown a healthy length from last summer when I cut my locs off. I've been rocking puffs and chunky fros for the past month almost exclusively. On the weekends I usually have my hair wrapped in a scarf. I'm looking forward to rocking some fly fro styles this summer with my pretty toes.

Breathing some Light

I was so excited that a little bit of snow had melted and it was warmer than it has been the last few weeks. So excited that I took my lil Prince's bike over to the gas station and put air in the tires. We were outside for only about 30 minutes, but it was 30 minutes fully enjoyed by us both. I had the chance to breath some fresh air in the little bit of daylight left. He got a chance to learn to ride the bike. Win-win situation.

This logging of the food is sorta fun. It's quite eye opening. I totally messed up and drank about 400 calories this morning in the form of a Panera Bread Pumpkin Spice Late with soy milk. The only nutrition info I could find on it was for low fat milk. And I'm sure the soy option had less fat and calories, but I don't know for sure. At any rate, I need to stop drinking calories.

I'm finishing off the night with a bowl of collard greens. No meat, or salt added. And it's super delicious!

At the speed of Light

There are times I observe the people around me and I find myself feeling left behind. As if the things someone else has accomplished or is moving toward in this life are things I should go after. It is in these times I must remind myself that everyones path is their own. Meaning I cannot make myself too concerned with the life path of other because I have one of my own. I have goals, gifts and a destiny of my own. And it is no more or no less divine than anyone elses.

I must continue to move at my own pace toward my own purpose. I guess I get more concerned when it seems someone has found their purpose and are living it fearlessly. I question myself, "Are you living your purpose fearlessly?" And if in that moment I feel the answer is now, I feel a bit down. My spirit starts to get anxious. I want to drop everything and just live, create, give forth all positive energy, be fully in the Light.

Oh, my heart gets so heavy in times like that. In times like these. What ifs start to cloud my mind. What if I would have? Maybe I should have... I can only pray and ask the Universe to guide me. To continue to guide me toward what is truth and Light for me.

God I give myself fully to you and I pray for courage to go forth in your Light. I pray for patience to move forward at the speed of your Light and not out of anxiousness or envy.


Moving On

So I've been trying to visualize my health goals. A few years ago I was much more diligent about what I ate and keeping physically active. With lots of hard work and the elimination of animal flesh from my diet, I was able to achieve the arms I've always dreamed of, and a stomach that I very much envy now. I WILL achieve this again. However, I'm not sure how long it will take or how difficult it may be. There are a few things I must consider. I am eating animal flesh again and realistically it will be very difficult to discontinue that when the rest of my house hold still eats meat. And to be quite honest I'm not sure how much of an affect a vegetarian diet had on my ability to get in that type of shape. I can say that during that time I kept a food log and worked out 3 to 4 days a week for at least an hour each day. I need to look into buying a reasonably priced scale for home so I can better track my weight loss. I will continue to keep my food log. I will gradually increase my daily physical activity. And I will start taking my measurements and keeping track.

I'm going to print out a copy of an inspirational photo such as the following and pin it up at my desk at work. And maybe somewhere in my bedroom. It will serve as a reminder of why I'm making the changes that I am, and reassurance that I CAN do this.

Check my out with the short hair and mid drift showing. lol.

Check it

Updated TO DO List:

• purchase a blank journal to jot down ideas, designs and "to do" lists (DONE)


• compile inspirational pieces and patterns for Spring/ Summer inventory (Started)


• Buy rubber stamps and card stock for tags (DONE)
  


• research digital cameras (Started)
  


• create email account exclusively for BreathofLight (DONE)


• research sewing machines (Started)

• create flickr account for BreathofLight (DONE)

In other news I've been slacking in the active lifestyle change department. It's a shame really. I could be down at least 5 elle bees by now.
le sigh...
But it's not too late. The weather is warmer and now there is not as much a frostbite threat if I workout in the attic. That punching bag is calling me. Methinks I need to make a house announcement that for a certain block of time (about an hour) each night I am not to be bothered. Twill be my ME time and I shall use it for my betterment.

Cold Feet

I've been feeling particularly tired and cold lately despite my emotional excitement about everything. The last few nights I've had trouble sleeping. And the worry over lack of sleep is making it even harder to get rest.

*le sigh*

I'm not sure what to do. It's already way past a reasonable bedtime for me tonite. I need to figure out a game plan for tomorrow night. This is especially wack since I'm so tired! I just can't seem to get comfy or warm enough to doze off. Perhaps my iron is very low. Perhaps I should drink some calming tea before bed. All holistic suggestions are welcome. In the meantime I think I'll eat some sort of spinach or collard greens tomorrow(today).

Mission accomplished!

Friday we purchased the heavy bag and stand. We also bought our training gloves. They had the most adorable training gloves for kids so we picked up a pair for my lil Prince as well. He's very excited. Today, during the waking hours we plan to set the bag and stand up in the attic. I'm very excited to get started. Since I we still haven't bought a rug and stretching mat, I'll be doing my stretching downstairs in the apartment. Did I mention how excited I am??

I had a good chat with my Kingman about balancing all these things in my life. I'm trying to be better at letting him know the things that weigh heavy on my heart. Perhaps he can share the burden with me so it's not so hard.

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Friday I used my lunch break to drop off two boxes of art supplies for my lil Prince's school. A month or so ago the school sent out a notice informing parents the kids were starting their art unit and there was a need for supplies. Various things like cardboard tubing, planting supplies, shoe boxes, old sweaters... It was actually quite overwhelming seeing all the things that were needed. So I enlisted the help of my generous coworkers. I typed up a letter as if it was written by my son, taped his adorable picture on it and taped it on a box. The letter basically stated that my lil Prince and his classmates needs supplies and anything people could donate would be appreciated. I attached the list of supplies needed. Well these people certainly are coming through! I've gotten all kinds of stuff.

Well, while there I had a chat with the family liaison and mentioned something I noticed the last time I volunteered at the school. I was working one on one with some students and they were very behind in their reading skills. So I inquired if they practiced at home. The prevailing theme was that many of the kids did not have books at home to practice reading. I guess I took for granted all parents gave their kids a little library of books. Well the liason and I threw some ideas back and forth and agreed to start a book drive for the school. The goal is to get at least 150 books by Valentine's/ Friendship day so that each student will be able to take a book home. Naturally she sort of gave me the leadership role in all of this since I opened my big mouth. But I'm happy to do this! I've already researched a potentially large book donor.

It's a local book store. I know someone who works there and the word is they have more children's books than they know what to do with. I'll post the name of the bookstore once I've confirmed I can get a donation. I also plan to have a chat with the marketing department at my job to see if they can donate some bags for the kids to carry their books home in. I'm pushing for each child to have more than one book in their bag.

I'm putting all this out int he universe for a little accountability so I don't procrastinate and also so that I can increase the chances of these things coming into fruitation. I will start making calls and contacts Monday because February 14th will be here soon.

I give thanks to my Creator for a spirit of giving.

Balance'

I've decided that a big part of this year will be about finding balance. This has been on my heart for a long time now. Finding balance in every aspect of my life has been a task I haven't really tackled. I'd concentrate on one or two things but leave other things suffering and tilted in favor of one extreme. I don't want to live a life so full of imbalance.




Ive been working (and completing) quite a few crochet projects. I've been working to strengthen relationships that have been neglected. I've been eating poorly but that shall change effective immediately!

I'm happy tomorrow is a Friday. I want to spend my weekend doing what I want to do. Find some ME time somewhere in there. Gotta balance work with play.

Something is Fishy

I've started crocheting wrist warmers to go with my fly pea coat. A few weeks back I scored a trench style pea coat from the thrift store in a royal purple. I love the fit of it. It is thick enough to warm me up during the Minnesota winters, and sophisticated enough for me to wear to work regularly. I love that it's long since I like to wear skirts and boots in the winter to work. The greatest part was that the coat only cost me $7!!! So the catch is that the sleeves are a few inches too short. BOOOO HISSSSS! Not defeated, I decided that I would just buy the coat and crochet myself some lovely wrist warmers to wear under the coat. It took me a couple of weeks to figure out what type of stitch pattern I wanted. But I have that down and I've started. Sorry, no sneak peeks just yet. Hopefully I can snap a couple with my cam phone tomorrow.

Earlier this week I went ahead and made my version of the Tilapia with Spicy Mango Salsa. I improvised a LOT. So I will just say my dish was inspired by the recipe. A few of the modification I made were as follows:
*I used plantains instead of bananas
*I used organic tomato basil broth and veggie broth in the black beans for a different flavor spin. I also would like to point out that adding tomatoes or tomato soups to bean dishes is the biz! I learned that trick a few years ago. And whenever I make my pinto beans in the slow cooker I try to add that ingredient.
*Organic brown rice was used, instead of yellow rice.
*I used a pineapple blend juice (100% juice not from concentrate) instead of lime juice in the mango salsa. I was so sure I had bought some a few days ago but was wrong. And I didn't want to go ALL the way back for lime juice I hardly use.
*I seasoned my tilapia almost totally different. But I stuck with rubbing paprika into the fish. This is something I will incorporate into fish dishes in the future since it added a flavor we haven't tasted before.


My interpretation of the dish was very delish. Um.. jeepers, that rhymed. lol. My lil Prince and my Kingman enjoyed the meal. And I'm not just saying that. Take a look for yourself! I will definitely make this dish again. Maybe one day the same as the recipe. lol.

Eaterie

I took a couple (literally) of pictures of food I prepared in the last week. They are camera phone pictures, so if they aren't very clear you can buy me a digital camera. *wink*

The first is a picture of salmon croquets with salad and fettuccine afredo. This was a hit for the whole family. I tell my lil Prince that the salmon is Crabby Patties a la Spongebob Squarepants. The funny thing is, he knows there isn't any crab meat in it. He knows the difference in taste between salmon and crab meat. But he goes based off of the appearance. He still insists it's not a REAL crabby patty because there isn't a bun, tomato, lettuce and pickle. The salad has sunflower seeds and a poppyseed dressing that's really tastey! It's a combo of prepackaged mixed baby greens and some baby spinach.

Next is a photo of baked tilapia, jasmine rice, sweet corn and broccoli. This was also a hit. I'm so glad my lil Prince loves his veggies. He won't eat a lot of meat, but he knows that eating his veggies makes him strong and healthy.

For the next week, I've bought ingredients for this Fresh Corn Soup recipe, and this Tilapia with Spicey Mango Salsa. Yes, my family loves tilapia. You can do so much with it. And this is a fish that absorbs the flavor of herbs and spices so well.

I've gotten so much cleaning and organizing done this weekend. Yet there is so much more to do! Our new couch is set to arrive on Tuesday and we committed ourselves to clearing and unpacking ALL the boxes. My Kingman has done ALL of that work so far. What's left is clothes that either need to be donated, trashed, or put away in the closets. I will make sure that gets done by tomorrow night! I will, I will. For now I must figure out what to do with my hair.

I initially planned on wearing protective styles like twists for the winter. Well I love my fro so much I was like "forget that man, i'm froing it out!" Well, not so much anymore. After exposing my crown to the cold, harsh air of Minnesota it's crying out. As I sit here my hair is soaking up olive oil, honey and a little water as a pre shampoo treatment. I have it covered with a plastic bag (hey, I like to recycle) and then a head wrap. I may just sleep with it like this. But what I SHOULD do is wash it, and then twist it up. Hmmmmm, it's getting pretty late. I fear I'll start twisting and never finish. And I don't want to show up at work half twisted up. lol. We'll see what happens.

Gluten and Maximus

Yes, the blog title has something to do with the post.

I’ve had an apple sitting at my desk all week. And there isn’t a good enough reason why I haven’t eaten it. I’ve been hungry sitting here at my desk. I’ve needed more fruit intake. It’s been right there in plain sight. Yet, I’ve snacked on chocolates to get my sweet tooth fix. When this perfectly formed and nutritious Fuji apple would have done the trick. My discipline is off once again. And I intend on getting it back in gear. For real, for real. I brought an apple for my lunch today even though I have the apple from earlier this week. I’ve already eaten one apple with my peanut butter and jam sandwich. This (old) apple will be my afternoon snack tomorrow. I will eat it and enjoy every sweet bite. It’s really all I need to curb my sweets craving. If that’s not enough I have a small bag of microwave kettle corn popcorn. MMMM! It’s better than a Twix! I suppose my concern right now is not calories. I already know I tend to get too few calories when I eliminate animal flesh. But I want the calories I get to be worth something. And I know the best way to maximize nutrients is to eat more than plenty fresh fruits and vegetables.

Still on the subject of food (I can go on for days about it), I’ve been reading about seitan (SAY-tahn). It’s a popular meat substitute that I’ve actually tasted before and enjoyed. I’m hoping my Kingman likes it as well and decides to stop cheating and eating meat here and there. Also I’m hoping my lil Prince will enjoy it in some meals. I haven’t figured out what will be fore dinner tonight. Something easy to prepare since I’m getting a bit tired. I’m sure the excess cheese I’ve been eating has something to do with that.

I’m looking forward to hosting dinner for a couple of the DIVAS. I plan to prepare my signature coconut ginger curry with shrimp. MMMM! I’m getting hungry just thinking of it. Already one of them has asked for a substitution with just veggies or chicken. I will likely just prepare chicken separate since my lil Prince is not a fan of the shrimp in that dish. OR maybe I’ll use seitan! That’s an idea. I wouldn’t even tell her I substituted. Mmmwaahahahaaha!!!

God, I know I have the discipline within me to make better choices. I want to show my gratitude to you by taking care of this body I’ve been blessed with.

Down on my knees

Yesterday, I went home and made some boca burgers for the family. Then the rest of the night I either crocheted or watched tv. Heroes was on and I love that show. After that I IM'd a little bit then went to bed.

I had a bad dream last night and I woke up all sweaty and icky. It's a little bit difficult at night sometimes since my Kingman works the 3rd shift. I love sleeping next to him and having someone there to wake up to when I have an unpleasant dream.

I think it's time to burn some sage in the new apartment.

Before bed I accomplished 5 solid push ups. But I had to do the modified push ups on my knees. Tonite I'll do more push ups. Maybe I can work my way up to 10. Then I'll do some stretching and breathing exercises to relax my body and mind. And meditate for a little bit. After my Kingman leaves from work the apartment is quiet and still. It's sort of my moment to myself. I will utilize this time for relaxation and centering myself before I sleep. Hopefully that will ward off that negative energy seeping into my slumber.