Good Gracious!!!!

I have finally done it. I am hosting my own website. It is http://www.eveyschaos.com I was originally going to host it through blogger, but I really wanted a bit more freedom to play with the layout. As time goes on the site will become more advanced and have more options. I am still learning quite a bit about website hosting. So if you follow my blog simply change the address, and if you cant (JustMARI), now you should be able to.

So simply click HERE to see my new site. I am very proud of my work so far.

Enjoy,
Evey

Pina Coladas for breakfast???

Yesterday and today are all one big blur. One thing I can say is that todays breakfast shake was by far the absolute BEST shake I have ever made!!!

Banana, Young Thai Coconut, Almond Milk, and Plant Fusion Vegan Protein Powder (not pictured)



This was my first time ever working with a coconut. When I bought it, it was wrapped in saran wrap, and I didn't exactly know if the outside was the edible part. I tried a small piece, so NO it's not edible. The good stuff is in the middle.



I also captured the coconut water, so I was able to save it for after my workout today.

Majority of people don't know this, but Coconut water is natures' Gatorade. It has more electrolytes than sports drinks, more potassium than a banana, and is way lower in sugar.

FUN FACT: Coconut water is used as an intravenous fluid in some developing countries where medical saline is unavailable. It is also the only natural substance that can be injected to the body without harm. How cool is that.

* Coconut Water is More Nutritious than whole milk - Less fat and NO cholesterol!
* Coconut Water is More Healthy than Orange Juice - Much lower calories
* Coconut Water is Better than processed baby milk- It contains lauric acid, which is present in human mother's milk
* Coconut water is naturally sterile -- Water permeates though the filtering husk!
* Coconut water is a universal donor-- Its identical to human blood plasma
* Coconut Water is a Natural Isotonic Beverage - The same level we have in our blood.



After I drank my smoothie (in about a minute, SO DELICIOUS!!!!) I went to work. I only worked job #1 today. Came home, laundry mat, worked out, drank my yummy coconut water



Now after this I will work on the new site coming soon. So for a few more days I will be posting on here. I will give the sites name when it is complete. Thank you to all my friends who are excited for my website, and the ongoing support.

Purple Monster

Work was a bore last night, and this morning. This is going to be a rushed post, I have to be at work again in 40 minutes. I got out of work last night super early,at 8:30. I realized I had ample time to hit the gym since it doesn't close till 11. I know I said I was going to wait till tomorrow to run, but it had already been about a week. I can honestly say that my body was itching for a run. So I did run 1.25 miles, with 1/4 warm up, 1/4 cool down. Since that took less than 20 minutes, I went on the elliptical for 45 minutes. I was panting, and sweaty, but damn did I feel good. I left that gym feeling victorious last night.

I actually turned on my TV last night for the first time in about a month, went to watch something on HBO, then realized, that in an effort to cut costs I actually canceled it yesterday as well. Haha, go figure.

I've been going to bed pretty early lately, 12 o'clock on average. That is super early for me. Last night it was closer to 1:30. I have also been getting up earlier than I have been in the past year, around 8 is the norm. Slept till 9:30, and did not want to get outta bed.

I started my day out right with 10 minutes of stretching, and used all of these awesome ingredients:


To make one of these bad boys:


It was super yummy. I really need to get the juicer attachment for my Magic Bullet, then I'd be able to use some more veggies without my shakes taste like sludge.

Lunch was just a Black-bean burger with no bun from job #1.

I just realized that when my comp crashed the people who fixed it for me didn't reinstall my Keynote, or Pages application. Although I did just find iWeb which helps you make dummy-proof websites. So I'm going to play around with it, and just might host my own site, that way I can have a lot more control and make things more user-friendly. We shall see.

Recently a few people have told me that they are trying to eat healthier, and/or go veg. So I really want to make weekly newsletter than I can email them. I just want to include a few tips, maybe a story, and recipes, a product review, simple stuff. Again, we shall see. Finding time to write this is hard enough. Speaking of that, I have to go to job #2.

I'm back BABY

I'm about to give you the oldest excuse in the world. "I've been busy" Its not a lie though, I've been working two jobs. I'm coming back, and going to be stronger than before. I like blogging, and sharing my stories with those of you who actually read this.

Lately I've just had this urge to get even healthier than I have been lately. I've just recently quit smoking in the past two weeks, and I have no desire to go back. I hope that my will power will stay this strong. I am going to need encouragement so please help out with this.

I have recently started running again. I'm taking a very slow pace though. I'm still so scared that my legs are going to break open again and re-fracture. I've been about 1 mile 2-3 times a week. I upped the distance this past time 1.25 miles but I could feel my bones being strained for the next 4 days. So there has been no running this past week, and lots of Calcium pills. I will do my next run again on Wednesday.

I realized that I have actually completed all of my New Years resolutions for 2009:
1. Quit Smoking
2. Lose 50 Lbs
3. Go Vegetarian

I have also compiled a list for next year:
1. Run 10K
2. Lose the last 10 Lbs
3. Go Vegan
4. Save $4,000
5. DON'T DROP OUT OF SCHOOL
6. Cook 9 out of 10 meals

I went to Whole Foods today, and got tons of good food




Then cooked some lunch



Long grain mixed rice, grilled squash, zucchini, and green peppers. I also sliced 2 pieces off of my Field Roast, Stuffed Celebration Roast.

I made the last part to help me decide which way I want to make it for Thanksgiving. PETA is giving away coupons for them, you can print them off HERE. I have to go to work now....as always.

Tomatoes, Tomatos

The past couple of days have been very hectic. Most peoples weekends are my busiest days at work. I hate being a server. I was at the gym Saturday and most days I don't may much attention to how much time I have left. I'm normally in my zone/ own little world rocking out to my iPod. Nope not this time, I looked down after what I thought had been forever. Wrong, I had only been on my cross-trainer for 15 minutes, and still had 45 to go..It was agony, but I finished. Afterwards I had to go to work, I brought all my clothes and shower stuff. I had an extra 45 minutes to spare since I didnt have to drive home, and go all the way back to that side of town. I stopped at Whole Foods and decided to treat myself to some delicious Hot Bar.


Oh it was all so yummy. Vegan sweet and sour Chicken, pineapple Basmati rice, Bok Choy, and a Veggie Eggroll. It was 3/4 Lb of food.


I also picked up a couple of Bars. I tried this new one I saw for the first time. Raw Revolution-Chocolate Cashew flavor. It was pretty good, I did like that it didn't have the sticky consistency that the Raw Organic Food Bars have. I still love them though.









For a snack/ dinner Saturday night I had some Edemame and 3 dried Apricots. Not the best thing. It was 11 at night, I wasn't very hungry, and my cabinets are getting a little bare.


Last night I played poker with some of my boys at Mi Casa. I did a rush cleaning last night, just dishes and tidying up the place. I normally come in 1st or 2nd, but I was second out last night, only had one good hand the whole time. So I'm out $20, but I had a good time with my boys.

I have today off of work, and I'm taking full advantage. I've gotten a jump start on my cleaning. I'm about to go to Hubers, its a family owned Farm and Restaurant. You can pick your own fruits and veggies. I've been told they are all organic, so I'm hoping that's correct. I also want to get a pumpkin. One to make pumpkin soup with, and the other I'll carve. I'll probably use the insides for pumpkin soup as well. I'm super excited, I've never been there before. It is time for me to get going.

Good morning all

I had plans to wake up around 9 today, but then I couldnt sleep last night, and I finally clocked out around 2:30, James decided to call me back at 4. He was a bit drunk and even though I'm not a fan of dealing with drunk people I stayed up and talked with him to make sure he was okay. Passed out again around 5:30. I need to tidy up the apartment some, then head to the gym. With not having as much free time like I had planned on, I will just bring all my stuff for work with me, shower and change at the gym.

The food wasn't nearly as healthy as I had envisioned yesterday. I honestly can't even remember what I had except for a Coconut Larabar. I must get going now. Have a great day!

Evey

Oh and I got that job. Its another serving job, for day shifts. So for the time being, I'm gonna work my ass off at both jobs, and save some cash. I really need a safety cushion. I've definitely got some things on my wish-list that I'm going to try to obtain.

Are there specific things that you are saving for? If so, what are they?

Work it out now

Just got back from the gym. Only had time to do an hour of cardio. I will do my abs later on today with my mat and stability ball. I did the cross trainer on intervals alternating between ramp 10, resistance 6, and 6/8. Tomorrow I have a bit more free time to play with and will be doing my cardio along chest and arms. Fun fun fun.

Now its time for a shower and to get ready for the interview, make some yummy food (will take pics). Then out and about on the town.

Erghhhh.....Morning

Morning all, I feel lethargic. I got a little less than 6 hours of sleep. I've got a lot to do today. Starting with, giving some lady a whole bunch of my money so I have a place to sleep....rent. I'm then going to force my lazy butt into the gym. I made a new playlist, so I'm hoping that it keeps me motivated. I really need to get in awesome shape for Larissas' wedding. I already have my dress, and it fits well, but I could definitely lose a few more pounds and tone the arms and legs. This dress will be showing them off. I have an interview for a second job at 3 for the daytime, chiropractor appt. I also picked up a shift at my restaurant tonight. I need money, it cost a little over $500 to get my car fixed the other day.

In spite of all the madness that today ensues I will attempt to make some healthy homemade meals. I've really been trying to use up all the food I have in my cabinets before I go grocery shopping again, except for things like Almond milk. My breakfast was cereal, not even the good-for-you kind. I do actually need to buy some egg substitutes. I must get going now.

Have a great day,
Evey

Ramblings of a Restless Mind

I've been contemplating the importance and significance of my life lately. Since getting out of the Army, I've done this quite a few times, and every time, this one included I keep coming up short. I miss putting on that uniform everyday, and have my life mean something. There is a pride and sense of honor that nobody else can even fathom. You're apart of something bigger than yourself, your community, state, but you're country. There hasn't been a single day since being discharged last October that I don't think about it. On October 10th, it will have been a year exactly.

This is generally where somebody might want to interject and say something along the lines of, "you are important". Too damn bad, none of what any of you say will make me change my mind. I want my life to mean something, be important, and to help others. Not in some bullshit kind of way. Right now, the only way I help people is getting them refills and appease their appetite.

The only job that I have seriously thought about and actually liked the idea of is being a teacher. High school math. I was good at it, and some of my high school math teachers were my most influential. It just seems that picking teaching as a career right now is pretty much signing up to be broke. They have so many finance careers, and things in that nature where after a few years you can clear $200,000 easy. I honestly just feel like I would be happier doing something where I am actually helping kids in the 1st degree.

I'm starting college in January to make the first step toward this goal.

I'm done ranting about all that. I need to get some sleep, I need to get my ass in the gym in the morning. I've really been slacking a lot lately. It's not like I haven't been yearning for the gym. I've just been letting my back chill out. It's just now starting to feel better AGAIN. I've been eating very healthy, except that I have had an incredible sweet tooth the past couple of days.

I've really been missing my ex for a while now. Then every time I go home and see him it just makes it worse. I am completely in love with him, and I actually said those 3 little words to him this past time I was home. Throughout my visit I said it a few times. He said it back to me. It's just that when I first told him he was completely shocked, and although he did say it back to me after a few minutes of rambling (in which I felt embarrassed and ashamed for actually saying how I felt. Every other time he would say it he seemed pained or forced to do so. I know he loves me, but I think that he thinks saying it out loud just cements it. Also, he dated somebody for a really long time before we originally got together, and again after we broke up the first time. I know this girl really broke his heart, and maybe he is scared to put himself out there. Maybe I'm all wrong about all of this, and am just being over analytical. I just know that I miss him.



Let me give a brief background of me and him. We met and started dating December 2007. Broke up in April 08 when I left for the Army. We saw each other for a few weeks when I got injured and had to come home. He was still with his gf, but we never did anything but kiss. We got in a fight one night about us, his gf, and it boiled down to he chose her. When I got out of the Army, I moved away from home within a month of being discharged. Mostly just to start a new life, but stuck in there with reasons a,b, and c was him, and being so close to him, and not actually being with him was just going to be too hard for me. While living here in KY I wrote him a letter, and he called me in response. I found out that the other woman cheated on him, and he made some references to us breaking up being a huge mistake. My thought was "KARMA". I know we've had a very tumultuous past, but I am speaking for the both of us on this that we are just crazy about each other, and when we were together I can honestly say that he made me ridiculously happy, and I miss that. So once we started talking again I've gone down to NC every month or so since May. This past time was mostly to see him. Its crazy that no matter how many times I see him, or however long I've known him. Every single time I see him walk into a room my heart starts racing, and my stomach does tiny little flips, and I can feel this huge grin just spread across my face, i know it lights up like a Christmas tree.

I'm not exactly sure whats going on with us. He knows how I feel about him, and vice-versa. I am willing to wait to be with him again, and am completely willing to do the long distance thing. I just don't know if he would want that. I'm just so scared that he's going to find somebody else. I can't even begin to explain how that day last June was honestly the worst day of my life, and I never want to have to go through anything remotely similar to that.


I love Louisville, so much. I really don't wanna go back to my hometown. I do miss my family, friends, and obviously the ex. My parents are absolutely in love with Louisville and have mentioned that they would like to move here, because they definitely don't want to retire in Ft. Bragg/ Fayetteville. If I could just transport all the people I care about here then I think everybody would like that better. Due to certain obligation he has in back home he cant move here anytime soon. I'm trying to get him to visit, I know that he will honestly fall in love with the place. Everybody else I know has.

Wow, I can't believe I've rambled about this guy, and job I no longer have for this long. For anybody actually reading this (I doubt there are actually people who read this) sorry for the rant, but I've really been needing to clear my head for some time now, and nobody ever wants to listen to this kind of stuff.

While I was home, my friend Larissa who is an amateur photographer took some really cool photos of me at the abandoned Rockafeller mansion. I will post them tomorrow, not sure if to do it Gallery or Slideshow style. I shall decide tomorrow. Goodnight all

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce and Margaritas on my roof

Last night after work, I waited on a friend to get off, and we came back to my place to hang. Since everybody at work knows I'm a vegetarian, most have avoided my cooking since it lacks Misery & Death. I've made food for some of them a few times. So I was in the mood to cook at 11 PM, I have an evening job. It gets kinda lonely always cooking for just yourself.

I decide to make some Gluten free Spelt Spaghetti, and I wanted to prove my prowess in the kitchen so my sauce is from scratch. 2 cans tomato sauce, 1 can tomato paste, and one large can peeled and stewed tomatoes. I added in a tube of the Gimme Lean sausage, and some minced garlic. Then a whole bunch of spices, oh yeah I also put in one of my favorite things of all time hot sauce. I would of loved to add in mushrooms, olives, and onions, but I literally created this in about 15 minutes start to finish. It was delicious. It almost reminded me of my mommas.

Martha and me ate, made a couple of margaritas. Popped the screen outta my living room window and climbed onto the first story roof of my building. Hung out, drunk the tequila thats been in my fridge for like 3 months now, and talked till about 4 in the morning. It was a blast.

My friend Martha and I work at a nice Italian restaurant, and my Spaghetti with "meat" sauce was way better, and way better for you. Sorry, no pics. It made for delicious leftovers today too, and tomorrow.

I've been pinching every dime I can lately. I am SOOO broke, its just not even funny. So I haven't gone out to get drinks with friends lately, no shopping. I'm gonna apply for a second job tomorrow. I have a few places in mind. I know the cheapest places to get all the stuff I buy. The only stuff I'm willing to pay high prices for are my organic veggies, and healthy foods. I've actually found some good-for-ya foods at Big Lots, and they are crazy CHEAP too. I know that sounds odd, but check it out. Then TJ Maxx has a lot of sauces, dressings, and things of nature from Trader Joes. I wish there was a Trader Joes close to Louisville.

I'm hoping to make a trip up to Cincinatti to the Ikea store in the next couple of weeks. I bought what I thought were these glass paneled lights that mount to the wall. I actually only bought the the glass panels, I didnt get the mounting wall brackets or the invisi-cords. I know I won't be able to make the trip to Cinci for at least a month or so.

I've been writing this blog for about 2 1/2 hours now. I was watching TrueBlood, and now I'm finishing up The Express. Not Pineapple Express. This movie is SOOOOOOO GOOD. I recommend it to everyone. It's just about over, so goodnight all.

Cutie

My days lately seem to blend all together lately. I worked out, did laundry, bank, chiropractor, work, dinner, dishes, TV.

For dinner I made some Morningstar Veggie Ribs, and then I had a Tofutti Cutie for dessert.

Nothing special going on in my life. I was talking to a guy but that fizzled out as fast as it started. It upsets me, I did and still do like him. He apparently doesn't feel the same way. So, what can ya do.

I'm pretty pissed about one thing though. One of my two best friends is getting married. But she didn't tell me, or answer any of my phone calls today. I found out from Facebook. What happened to actual human communication. I understand letting somebody that you're not all that close with know via FB, but she is my best friend, don't you think that letting me know is somewhat important?

I sometimes think back on the way my life used to be. When I was wild and crazy, life was a blast, and there was always a good story to be told. Now I feel boring, and more often than not I just wanna go home to my apartment, and chill, no drinking. I just miss it sometimes, you know. Most of the time I'm content, but I think all this goes back to me just missing NC, and the life I had there.

HBO

I gotta start getting ready for work now, but I love procrastination. This vegan thing is going to be a lot harder than I originally thought, but I'm still going forward with my decision. I'm just going to wait until I've used up all the items previously bought, like my eggs and some of the tuna I have left, and my little bit of cottage cheese. I will miss goat cheese though, they went awesome on my eggplant paninis. I figured since I already paid for them I should finish them, and not be wasteful.

Found this on Mari'sblog.



I'm really hoping to see a guy after work tonight, probably not gonna happen though. He is still outta town, I'm just hoping he comes back tonight. If not I'll watch my Trueblood and Entourage by myself, and quite possibly do a pedicure and face mask. Either way it sounds like a goodnight. Now I must get ready for work

Huge life decision

It is just today that I have decided to not only cut out fish, but go completely Vegan. This has been a decision I have been wanting to make the leap to for a while now. About half this decision is based on the way these animals are treated. Even the ones that are used for eggs, or milk, and it makes me sad. My second reason is health benefits. I don't see this as a huge change from my current diet. I already choose Soy or Almond milk, Veganaise, and am a huge fan of Tofutti ice cream, cream cheese, and sour cream alternatives.


I made the most awesome dinner ever the other night. It was my first time trying Seitan, it was chicken style. I tossed it in a ginger-peanut sauce. Then I wilted some Kale, tossed in my Seitan, a julienned red pepper, mushrooms, baby carrots, and some minced garlic. I served it over some Basmati rice. It was the best stir-fry EVER.



I have access to my brothers completely amazing camera right now. So here are some pics of I've taken previously.

I made some Shrimp Etouffee a few months ago, here are some pics of it:





Now here are a few pics of my living room and some art work in it.

RIBS

HI all, I'm trying to get back into the blogging. It just seems that I never have much to say about my uninteresting life. I've been keeping up with my work-outs. My back has been hurting pretty bad since my accident 2 weeks ago. Finally saw a doctor today, but I think she was a quack. So I'm going to go back to my orthopedist and see what he says. The one I saw today didn't even touch my back, and I didn't get a good vibe.

So I haven't been able to do my ab workouts, or pretty much anything but cardio. So it'll be a nice change of pace to start doing all the regular stuff.

I finally tried the Veggie Ribs my sister has been raving about. OMG, Claudia did not lie, they were absolutely delicious!!!!!



Haven't really eaten any exciting food in a while.

I got into a car accident on my birthday. It was right after dropping my sister off from seeing the movie The Proposal. Some guy didn't yield to oncoming traffic, incidentally I was the oncoming traffic, and he t-boned me on my side. My car was totaled. My little 98 Eclipse, I miss her so much. I now have a 08 Focus. Its got really low miles, and all the good features like; Sync, 6 disc changer, bluetooth. SO its the "top of the line" one. Its still a Focus though. It doesn't get a name. Getting attached to a car is very emotional. My Eclipse's name was Lucy, and we had 3 1/2 beautiful years together.



I had just gotten her a beautiful dark Cherry Red paint job about a month before the accident.



This is right after the accident. It doesn't THAT bad, but her B Pillar was bent and everything in the door was screwed up, and the glass shattered (all over me).

My dad drove me back to Louisville in his car since my accident happened in NC. I took him to my favorite Indian restaurant, Kashmir. He said it was okay. Then again, he had gourmet food, made by Indians for almost 3 1/2 years.

I'm also back down to my pre-N.C. weight. I always gain weight while I'm down there. I still ate decently healthy, but I just wasn't in my routine, and after the accident I had to stay in NC for 4 extra days, and didn't get to work-out. So now, I just need to finish losing the rest of my excess. I'm hoping it to be gone by early October. Just in time to cover up my body with large sweaters, haha.

I also quit one of my jobs the other day. It's all good. I've got an interview at somewhere other than a restaurant next Wednesday. So lets hope this pans out well for me.

2 month hiatus

That's right, I haven't blogged in two whole months. It's been a long and hectic two months. I now have two jobs. So now on to some real shit.

I work my butt off, every day. I'd say the last 4 months I have lost a total of 30 Lbs. Which makes for a grand total of 45. My goal is only 15 Lbs away. So I'm proud of myself thus far, but can't slack off. I have not missed a day at the gym in three weeks. Also, I only get 4 days off in all of July. I had the 3-4th off when my mom and sister came to visit, and then two random days off.




That is the first picture I've taken of my full body, yet alone uncovered. So don't be too judgmental, I'm quite proud.

I've cut out all meat except for fish. So that makes me a pescatarian. No slacking off at all, and if I eat some type of grain it is generally gluten free. I just bought some Hemp bread today. Haven't tried it yet, but it has 13 grams of protein in 2 slices. I actually meant to buy the bagels, but didn't look to closely at what I was picking up.

I ate at work yesterday. I ordered what was originally a very thick, heavy, and carb laden dish, but changed it so much that my server let me put it in the computer.



My shrimp, scallops, and mussels were originally made with marinara sauce and linguine. I changed it to a light completely vegan crushed tomato sauce, and instead of pasta I had them use asparagus. It was super yummy.


It's about time to hit the sack. I gotta two hour workout planned for the morning. I always do an hour of cardio then I do an area of my body, but tomorrow I'm gonna try to go to the ONE pilates class they offer at my gym a week. Goodnight all. I'll start reading up on blogs shortly.

Err!!! Laundry Day

Good morning all! I've been up for an hour now, pretty good since I didn't go to bed till 4. I was just hanging out with coworkers and regulars up at my job after I got off last night till 2:30, and just couldn't wind down for a while afterwards. I had some of the most vivid dreams, they weren't bad but when I woke up I thought I was financially broke.


B-fast this morning, 1 egg, 2 egg white omelet with tomatoes, onions, and feta, topped with yummy hot sauce and pepper. I barely ate half. Grapes, that I didn't even touch, and some Emergen-C,



I've been feeling the sickness coming on for a few days now. That was the last of it. Gotta buy some more today. I also need to do laundry, and find a new laundry mat. I found a really nice one, where they don't have any gross people that always hit on you close to my house. Then I realized why, they charge $2.50 just to wash the clothes...I'll take being hit on by some gross guys to wash my laundry for 75 cents. I must be going, and I'll try to comment on blogs later on, I hope to have a bit of free time.

Rocky

Good morning all. I've already been up since about 9:30. Thats pretty late, but I didnt get to bed till around 5 a.m. Damn job, kept me there till 3:30 a.m. Believe me, I am looking for a better job. I am still so intrigued by that website I found yesterday on the blood-typing. You can see it HERE. My plans today are nothing too exciting. I need to do some dishes and light cleaning, (dusting).


Not going to the gym has been killing me. So, I've decided to make it more routine to work out in the apt. I have a stability ball, and some weights. There is plenty I can do that won't affect my foot.

Bfast this morning was a bowl of oat bran with granola, almond butter and a few raisins.



I only used 1/3 of a cup dry oat bran, and all my mixins were about teaspoon each. I could barely finish half of it. My appetite lately is almost non-existant. I'm not really complaining, I am just making sure that I am getting enough nutrients to keep me going.

I've been in a very "Rocky" mood lately. So I went to video store and rented Rocky II, and Rocky III. I obviously own the first one. On my next day off I'll be getting the last 3. I also rented the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I had never seen it before, and figured it was high time I did so. I had to fast forward through most of the singing, it gave me a headache. I'm not one much for musicals.

Time to get my day started, I hope y'alls is good too.

Blood-typed

A friend of mine found THIS website. It talks about how your body is able to digest food base on your blood type. I am A+, in summary it says that out of all 4 blood types mine is most suited for vegetarianism, then goes into the biochemical skematics of it all. The website also mentions that calming, centering workouts are more beneficial to my body than hard vigorous ones. Reading this rang so true for me. I've seen the biggest, most beneficial changes to my body and overall health since becoming a vegetarian/pescatarian, and yoga has always been my FAVORITE form of exercise, where again I notice the changes so much sooner than with other things. I hope that everybody checks THIS site out.

Anyways, its 4:30 a.m. I just got off work an hour ago. I'm exhausted, but really wanted to share this with everybody. I'll do a real post in the morning

Back in Action

Hi all!!! I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for the obnoxiously long lack of blogging. Generally the only reason I get online is to blog, see what my friends are up to, and occasionally google something. I was too busy actually being with the friends to blog, so I figured my camera deserves a break.

My last post basically talked about the Kentucky Derby. It was a complete blast.

Last Tuesday, my first real day out of surgery I ended up going to a concert about 1 1/2 hours away to see Soulcrate and Mac Lethal (for the second time). They are very underground white hip hop artists. Their music is very unconventional but I love it.



That is Soulcrate



My friend Larissa whom I went up there with and Mac. The pic of me and him was ridiculously blurry (sad).

He actually remembered us from the last time he played in NC, but we didn't get to chill with him this time. He's got a new song out called Undertow which you can find right here. Once u get past the first minute, it gets really fun to dance to.

Nothing too exciting happened while I was home. My foot actually started hurting a bit yesterday. I had my flight back home today, because my follow-up with the ortho doc was today. I was really hoping they would finally take the pin out of my foot. No dice, all they did was look at it. If I'd known that, I would have had them push it back a week, and I would have spent another week back home. I hate to say it, but I miss home A LOT. I just know that I can't move back there. I get too lazy, too comfortable in my routine of pretty much having a paycheck to paycheck job. That is not what I want out of life. There is just so much more for me here, and I need to keep reminding myself of this.

Oh and here is a pic of my broken self



I'm not going to lie, I was not the healthiest eater in the world while I was home. I did manage not to snack though. I am very proud to say that I only gained 1 Lb while on my trip, and considering I usually put on 10 Lbs. I live this super healthy life-style here in Louisville and lose weight, just to gain it back there, then have to lose it again. Its a horrible cycle. I am hoping that I finally broke it.

I can't put absolutely any excess weight or pressure on my foot. Walking for any more than a few steps kind of sucks, not because its painful, but I'm just super slow.

I went up to the Home Goods store, and I was really needing a new quilt (bedspread) because my down comforter is entirely to hot right now. I found this awesome organic cotton one, with matching pillows too. Lots of light blue and green. I love it

Now I'm back here finally, laying on top of my own bed, and its pretty nice. I need to go to Whole Foods, almost my entire stock of veggies went bad while I was gone.

I was super hungry for my dinner,there was nothing that I could have really made besides spinach fett, and vodka sauce.



It was nothing special, but I figured I should at least include 1 food pic.

At Last

Hi everybody. I've had an awesome past couple of days. My parents came up to Louisville, and we all went to the Kentucky Derby. It rocked, my mom and I both wore a big hat.




It was an absolute blast. I lost $30 on betting. My mom actually bet on the biggest longshot, Mine That Bird; number 8, and actually won some decent money. That horse had the worst odds 50-1 out of the entire derby. My mom was so happy. If I'd known that Borel was its jockey I would have bet him too. Borel rode the horse that won in '07, and 3rd in '08. Its all good though.

Sunday was spent showing my parents some cool stuff in Louisville, and we actually went on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail a little bit. We stopped at Heaven Hill Distillery and got a tour.

We all learned some really neat things about Bourbon. For instance it can only be called Bourbon if its made in Kentucky, otherwise its just Whiskey. That is a small pic of one of the warehouses. Each warehouse holds 20,000 barrels. Each at 500 Lbs. There are 49 warehouses. Heaven Hill produces Evan Williams, along with Americas oldsest Bourbon Elijah Craig. We were going to visit the Makers Mark and Jim Beam distillery too, but we were running short on time.

Then at the end of the tour they take you to get two free shots. One was an Evan Williams 12 year, and the other was an Elijah Craig 18 year.



It was a very nice trip, and I was so glad my parents really liked Louisville, and they are very proud of me, for moving away and trying to do something with my life.

Yesterday was my foot surgery, and then we drove back to NC. My foot doesn't even hurt. They gave me some percocets. I don't like taking them, I hate the feeling of being on drugs. I'm going to go up to Kohls in a little bit with my friend Ashley to buy a pair of shorts. Then we are just going to lounge around and hang out. I'm glad to finally see my friends and family again. I can only stay till the 12th. I have to be back in Louisville on the 13th to see my orthopedic doctor again.

I'll update again soon. Promise this time!!!

Longest Week of my Life

Im so sorry everybody for the lack of blogging, and commenting on the ones that I read. I've been having issues with my internet, STILL. Then I got into a car accident the other night. I was driving down the highway at about 3:30 A.M. and we got side-swiped on the right side by somebody obviously drunk. Got thrown into the right guard rail. Then 2 days later I had to bring it up the insurance company, and they determined it to be totaled. My car isn't worth very much, and the only actual damage is purely aesthetic. So I only have to get some panels replaced. I'm fine, and so was my passenger.

I must admit the food lately has been delicious.



Eggplant panini with goat cheddar YUMMMYYY. It was absolutely wonderful. I made a trip up to Kashmir with a guy I met, and had this awesome veggie sampler, started with lentil soup, and a tandoori roti. Then the sampler had paneer, channa masala, and two other things. (sorry no pic of that).


There have been quite a few bars eaten in the past few days, but honestly those aren't even worth posting.

I had my favorite Monterrey veggie wrap at Calistoga. I could honestly live off of those.



Besides all that, I just have a ton of stuff to do around my apartment(S). I get to finish painting the old one tomorrow. No more procrastinating. I've also been working a ton lately since I'll have to be off for a couple of weeks due to the impending foot surgery. I get to go home to NC for a few weeks and see people.

TGIF

TGIF everybody. Sorry about the lack of usual blogging. I've actually been out having a life for a bit of a change. Wednesday was an absolute blast, I forgot to take pics. I went out with two people from my work, Chris and Michelle. The night started out at Buffalo Wild Wings. I had a mojito, and 2 long islands. None of which were strong. Then we headed to Prime off of Main St, in downtown. It was $5 wine night, meaning the WHOLE BOTTLE, not just a glass. For being cheap, the wine was fabulous, we stuck with Chardonnay. 2 of their friends met us up there, and to keep it short and sweet, the night rocked. Got a bit tipsy, danced my face off, met a cute guy. Partied all night, quit drinking at 3. I didn't leave Chris's place till about 6.

Yesterday I woke up and had one of these bad boys. I'm so happy I didn't have a hangover. I never get them, which makes me very happy.


Cherry Pie is my favorite, followed very closely by Coconut Cream.

I decided to go visit one of my battle buddies from when I was in BCT. She lives a little over an hour away from me, in a tiny town in Indiana. It was nice to see her again. They have no decently good for you restaurants there, so we hit up Dennys...My meal was also not so good for me, french toast, and sausage.

Since I only had about 3 hours sleep on Wednesday night, I crashed out super early last night, I mean 8 PM. Then I didn't wake up till 9 this morning. I made a simple breakfast, and finally took a picture of something.

Oat bran flakes with 1 Tbs brown rice syrup and half scoop of chocolate protein powder, with almond milk. I made too much, so only managed to eat about half of it.

Now I've got all day to do as I choose with. I think I'm going to get ready and hit up the gym, then I'm not sure to do with the rest of it before I have to go to work at 4. Have a great day everybody.

Spin cycle

Thank goodness Tuesday is over. Although, mine wasn’t bad. As soon as I sat down to write this I completely forgot half of yesterday. So we’ll start with the part of yesterday that I do remember. I dropped off some old clothes at Goodwill, cleaned my car inside and out. She is beautiful once again. I picked up a few things from the old apartment. Then I went to Whole Foods for a real grocery-shopping trip. I got ton of goodness.


Whole wheat bread, oat bran, Brown rice syrup, organic canola oil, green chili peppers, a seafood spice rub, squash, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, cilantro, portabello mushroom caps, asparagus, sea salt, the most ripe strawberries I’ve ever had.


Baby carrots, compari tomatoes, almond milk, fresh clover honey, baby swiss, salmon stuffed with feta spinach and pinenuts, sea bass, saffron shallot butter, medijool dates, goat cheddar, eggplant, pear, sweet potatoes, fuji apples, spinach, red quinoa, and bananas.

While still at Whole Foods, I got some lunch.


Vegan general tsau’s “chicken”, garlic kale (no good), roasted veggies, then some fruit. I got a vitamin water with it.

I went to Hobby Lobby with a friend, came home, heated up Sundays' leftovers. I sautéed the spinach fett, roasted red peppers, and salmon all together. I think it was better than when I made it originally.

Last night was a sleepless night again. Instead of being lethargic I made good use of myself and went to the gym at 4:45. I got there an hour before spin, so here is my entire routine.

10 minute warm-up on cross-trainer, level 5, cross-ramp 10
STRETCHING
3 sets of 50 sit-ups on ball
3 sets of 50 crunches with legs elevated, on ball
3 sets of 50 bicycles, both sides equal 1, not 2
3 sets of 15 x-files
3 sets of 25 side bends with 10 Lb weight on each side
SPIN CLASS

I came home, made breakfast:



1 egg, 2 egg-white omelet with chili peppers, and hot sauce. Toast with Brown Rice Syrup, Tomatoes, which I sauteed. I started doing this after reading a tip from Oh She Glows. In one of her posts, she simply pointed out that the cancer fighting antioxidant lycopene in like a gazillion times more potent when the tomatoes are cooked as opposed to raw. Has anybody else ever tried Brown Rice Syrup? If so, what did you think. I liked it, small doses is definitely a rule of thumb for it.

The rest of my day was spent hanging with my friend Rob going to furniture auctions, I helped him buy clothes at an outlet mall. We also stopped my a peddlers mall, it sucked. He took me to a mediterranean cafe for lunch. I got a veggie platter. It consisted of grape leaves, spinach pie, fallafel, and hummus. (sorry, no pic) Rob ate almost half mine after he finished his chicken wrap. I was full, so it didn't matter.

I finally got to see Slumdog Millionaire, it was good. I was so tired though, and now I'm on the serious verge of collapsing on the computer. I've actually nodded off a few times. Goodnight all.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everybody. So far mine has been alright. I forgot that since it is Easter my gym is closed, and no pilates today :( I had a bowl of generic brand captain crunch. It is truly one of my few weaknesses. Spent a little time cleaning up. Drove up to my work to pick up my money from yesterday. Came home, put a few more things away.

I decided to actually make dinner for myself tonight. Oh boy was it good!
\

Baked salmon fillet that I added some lemon pepper seasoning to it. Spinach fettuccine, and a few roasted red pepper slices. I added about a Tbs of this Whole foods dressing to the pasta. Its made with EVOO and is just loaded with spicy herbs.

I'm in the mood for a little something sweet, and I have don't keep anything sweet in the house. My reasoning for this is, if I buy something sweet I will eat all of it in a very short period of time. So I don't keep icecream, or cake mixes, or cookies or anything. I just buy something small to satiate me whenever I get a real craving.

Now I'm about to go to my brothers and see him and my nephew for Easter. I guess I should stop and buy the kids a chocolate egg or something?