I'm Seriously Serious

Today I am proclaiming as the day that I became a serious runner. I am training for a 10K that will precede a 10 miler. I had a 4.5 mile run on my running schedule today and the sky opened up with glorious (sarcasm) rain. I did not want to go. Not one bit.

I complained and bothered my husband with it. I threw my running gear around in a huff. I then put said gear on and went out into the dismal, nasty weather to complete my 4.5 miles. It bothered me that my feet were getting wet. It bothered me that the wind was blowing too hard. But I was going to run that 4.5, if it was the last thing I did today.

I ran by a guy getting out of his car and I just knew he was thinking that I was such a serious runner for being out in such crappy weather. Well, that's right buddy....I AM a serious runner. I kept thinking about how great it was that even though it wasn't perfect running weather (about 60-70 degrees and sunny), and that I don't like rain or getting stuck out in it that I was still out there trudging through puddles while the rain pelted my face...so dedicated to my training.

This positive thinking must have gotten me going, because I began actually enjoying this run. Every song that came on through my iPod was perfect for the day and the run it had in it. The wind died down, or so it felt. By this time, the puddles I was splashing through didn't bother me (because my feet were already soaked, so it probably didn't matter). I got into the zone and I felt fantastic.

So now I am excited to say that the running bug has seriously bitten me. This makes me a serious runner. I will run rain or shine and be happy about it. I will do my best not to make comments such as "well as a serious runner I...," or "before I was a serious runner..." or "I'm sorry, do you know are dealing with a serious runner here!?!" Those are probably best kept to myself. I will, however, enjoy my runs. I'll do my best to put on my running shoes and go out and enjoy the high I get from pounding the pavement.

I may not be considered a serious runner to other serious runners. I don't think I will ever run a marathon and I'm not sure if I'll ever again do a half marathon. But I will continue running and racing. At first I began running for the health benefits, the aesthetics of it all, and to have something to do. Those things are all still factors. But now that I've entered serious runner-dom, the most important reason I run is because I feel good about it. I accomplish something. I put on my shoes and I accomplish miles. There will always be more miles for me to accomplish, so I will continue striving to do so. If this causes me to run a marathon, then so be it. I look forward to seriously running and seriously loving it.

Meat and more meat.

After my summer off of blogging and all things academic, I feel like a recently viewed documentary has sparked my need to roll with where my brain is taking me. So here goes...

I recently convinced my husband to watch a documentary entitled Food Inc. with me. It wasn't so hard because as I've stated in earlier posts, he really enjoys a boring television program or movie. But I digress. In this particular documentary, they explore the food industry in its complexity and what this means to us as consumers.

Parts of this were shocking and parts were understandable. Because I think everyone should watch this and be knowledgeable of what is going on around them, I will spare most of the details and let people make their own decisions. The part that most interested me and got me thinking was the part in which they highlighted the meat industry. It showed very candidly the conditions in which meat that is produced by the three largest meat companies in the US is processed from farm to your plate and mine. It was slightly disturbing to say the least.

Now before you stop reading because you think I'm anti meat and I'm going to go all animal rights on you, go ahead and hear me out. I love meat. I think it was put on this earth to be consumed. With this said, I also feel that there is a certain humanity that should be extended our fowl or livestock to ensure that they make the best possible chicken breast, steak, or pork chop.

This is where my brain started going. I do not believe that animals' brains have the complexities of the human brain. Nor do I believe that they can understand the full range of emotions we as humans experience. However, I do believe they feel fear and I also believe that they can experience stress. When I am stressed, how does my body react? Stressful times are the times I get sick. When an animal is treated inhumanely in order to mass produce its meat, I'm sure that fear and stress take a toll on that animal’s health, thus affecting the health of the humans that consume it.

I then was equally intrigued by a farmer who was interviewed who raised grass fed cows, free range chickens, and I believe he also farmed pigs. This farmer seemed to love and even respect his animals. They were free to roam their area of a large farm. They were fed diets that were necessary for optimum health. This farmer did slaughter his animals, but he did it in a way in which they did not suffer. I feel like an animal that lives its life in the best possible environment is going to be the healthiest meat to put in my own body. So in layman’s terms: Happy animals produce healthier meat.

I am going to make every effort to buy grass fed beef, free range chickens and their eggs, and pork that is raised free to roam. I realize this may be a little more expensive than the average package of chicken at my grocery store. I truly feel like the more people that choose to make this change, the more likely it is to become more affordable.

I have learned a lot lately about what is best to put in my body. I love reading about it and I love talking with others about it. I would advise anyone to take the time to watch this movie. It'll change the way you look at your dinner.

Lemons to Lemonade

This day last year, I had a pretty scary day. I lost my job three days shy of my wedding. I didn't just lose it in a normal way, I lost it in a really dramatic way. Those who need to know the details do, but just know that it's a hell of a story.

I was so angry about it for a number of months. I was scared and bitter and unsure about what the future was going to hold. Then, miraculously, things started falling into place.

I found a job that seemed like it was tailor made for me. I had to move from the city I'd grown to know as home, but it was too great an opportunity to turn down. The move set in motion Justin finding the perfect job for him. From there we moved into an apartment and began the crazy journey into home-ownership. We now own our home, love our jobs, and live in a place where we have no shortage of family and friends within a short drive (or in some cases a walk) away.

My life has gone from up in the air to settled and comfortable. I feel like in Wilmington, our lives always were surrounded by a question mark. Now I see a clear path. If I do what I do for the rest of my career, I will be happy with that. I couldn't have said this about my previous job. Justin loves his job and works for a company and man that he respects, which is much more than he can say about the last guy. Though we're busier, we're more content.

So this is proof positive that sometimes when life hands you lemons, the lemonade is the end product whether you expect it or not. There is always a plan and purpose even if you can't see it at first. I have learned a valuable lesson through this and intend to keep this in mind while I sit back and sip on the lemonade my life has made for me!!

The War of the Remote.

My husband and I have a problem. He likes boring television and I like good television. Where I watch something entertaining with a good storyline, he chooses to watch the History Channel or even worse...THE GOLF CHANNEL!! Don't get me wrong, there are sometimes very interesting History Channel programs. However, when he chooses to watch them every time they air, which is about 5 times a week each, it gets really boring.

I feel like this is a disagreement we will have for the rest of our lives. It is very rare we agree on a television show or movie to watch. This makes the remote pretty valuable. Usually in our house, if you're the first to sit down you gain control for the night. The problem is, if you get up and use the bathroom or get a drink or snack, you lose the right to the remote, thus get stuck watching boring television.

Some would say that we should just watch separate televisions, which is a possibility, but there are some problems with this solution. First, the other TV in the house is small and is not as fun as our big one. Second, I like watching television with him. It's comforting to sit together. During those rare times in which we agree on a television program or movie, it's perfect. But most of the time, it's the remote wars.

I guess there could be worse problems to have in a marriage. I am very blessed to have such a great husband and a great marriage. Even better when I have control of that darn remote.

Summer time and the livin's easy.

I love summer. Contrary to the belief that I would miss the seasons, I could very well live somewhere in which the temperature stays above 70 year round. I would be completely happy with this. Living in such a place you would never have to put a jacket on, or putting your shoes on would consist of slipping on a pair of flops. I would be happiest in a place like this.

I love summer food. I love that there is an abundance of farm markets with fresh produce. Seafood is more often than not the protein of choice at dinner. Justin and I spend a few nights a week grilling our supper during this time of year. He grills while I prepare the sides. It's really the only time he cooks. This year, I am going to buy some in season fruit and grill it. The thought of the sugars releasing with the heat and serving it up with some ice cream and honey sounds sublime! (I may even try the coconut milk ice cream I've been hearing so much about!)

I love how I can take my workouts outdoors. My leg has healed and I have begun my running again. I am no longer a slave to the treadmill. I can put on a pair of shorts, tank top, and shoes (my new non-injury causing ones!) and head out for a run. Justin and I take more walks together in the summer too. Bug bites aside, it makes me happy to be outside in the summer.

There is just something stress relieving during this time of year. I don't know if it's the weekend beach trips, the food, being outside constantly, or the clothes. I feel more free during the summer months. I feel like I see more friends and family. I may be mistaken, but it feels like I make more plans to see the people I love. During this time of year, I am very much in my element. The livin's definitely easier for this gal during the summer months!!!

A little Thank You goes a long way.

I work for an organization that helps people. My role in this organization is to assist families experiencing homelessness in finding a home. This can be difficult work but it is always rewarding work.

Today was especially rewarding. It began as a normal day in which I was out and about at the various properties in which my clients reside while in our program. I arrived at our emergency shelter this afternoon after my lunch, tired and hoping that the afternoon would go by quickly. This all changed when I checked the mailbox. There was a blue envelope labeled with my name.

I opened this envelope to find a thank you card from a client who I recently assisted in findng a home. It had a personalized note stating how much I'd helped her. She went on to say how grateful she is that I was there to assist in finding she and her children a home. This brought instant tears to my eyes. Not that I need constant recognition for my work, but to know that someone took the time to be thankful reminded me of why I do what I do.

Someone's life has improved a little, because of something I did. That is enough for me. Hearing this from the person whose life was impacted just makes my heart feel extra full. I am grateful for that fullness today.

Label reading and Ranting.

We have a problem in America. Yes, I am going to go off on the American diet again.

I just went grocery shopping at good old Wally World. I spent a lot of time in the produce section picking up fresh fruits and veggies, so far so good. I continued my shopping and because I'm an avid label reader I take time making sure that what I'm putting in my cart and in turn putting into my body is good wholesome food. As I venture out of the produce section I am usually disappointed time and again.

I'm sure some of you read my tirade about High Fructose Corn Syrup in my beloved Wheat Thins (I have not bought them since!). It's really brought on an awareness of how many of the foods out there that are marketed as healthy, are not. The phrase "whole grain" doesn't mean anything if it doesn't say 100% whole grain. Without that 100% the whole grain claim only means that there is whole grain listed somewhere in the ingredient list. To the unconditioned healthy eater, this can be very deceiving. I thought it would be fun tonight to get a frozen treat for Justin and I. I picked up a container of Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches and about the fourth ingredient on the label was HFCS and then a bunch of other ingredients I couldn't pronounce. Not the better for me choice that I thought it was. Why is it that food companies aren't held responsible for pulling the wool over the eyes of Americans?

I shouldn't have to work so hard to make sure what I'm putting in my body is healthy. I shouldn't have to spend 15 minutes in an ice cream aisle to find something that's made with milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Heck, I don't care if they throw chocolate in there....at least I can pronounce it and I know where it comes from! I guarantee that most Americans don't take the time that I do at the grocery store to do this. I'm not saying this because I am better than anyone else. On the contrary, I'm saying this because I used to be that American. I used to go to the grocery store and make what I thought were pretty darn good choices. Now that I'm better read on the subject and pay more attention, I realize I was pretty far off when it came to healthy eats.

Again, I'm not sure what I can do about it. I'm not sure how any one of us can make a difference in holding food companies responsible for falsely advertising their "healthy" product. It's not clever, it's dishonest. It's this dishonesty that is making some guy or gal at the top of the company rich, while the average American gets bigger and more unhealthy. I am grateful for those out there who make it their life's mission to education others about healthy eating. If I could get involved in a group like that, I would.

I know I've ranted about this subject before. I'll probably rant about it again. It bothers me that health and wellness is not more important to more people. I'm not talking about weight loss. I'm talking about true wellness. I'm talking about putting the things in your body that it needs. I know I put a lot of blame on the food companies that market these products in the fashion that they do. But there is some responsibility that lies in the hands of each person who doesn't take the time to educate themselves or read a label and know what they are putting in their body. I've learned not to trust every claim on every bold printed food label. I think I'm healthier for this. I will only put what's good into my body. I will only serve my husband and my eventual children what is good.

I will only get one body in my lifetime. I plan on treating it right.