Stuffing them into cannons and shooting for distance!
Well the cats are at it again, and woke me up at 3:30 am running pell mell through the house! I'm so sleep deprived anyway (I'm not sure, but I may have sleep apnea, affectionately known as "a touch of the apnea") but to be awoken in the middle of the night is just painful. And such a vicious cycle - I'm so tired it's hard to exercise, yet it's exercise that will help me loose weight and have more energy and, hope against hope, sleep better.
My schedule is changing, so there will be more time in the evening to work on this - baby steps, I guess.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Happy Birthday, Chris!
Chris' birthday was Saturday, but we celebrated on Sunday. I made him a Zim house cake! I'll put a picture up later, but it turned out really cute. I put two pound cakes together, made the architectural details from royal icing, then made strawberry cupcakes and iced them to look like rubber piggies. I think I got the JV eyes really well.
Next, I want to make shark cupcakes - I think I'll use red velvet cake for the cupcakes, then ice them with white buttercream using a spatula to spike up "waves", airbrush the waves with blue food color, and make gray shark fins from royal icing. Matt can take them pin trading. ;)
At any rate, I'm doing well with the cooling diet except for too much sugar from the cake project.
The thing I really have to buckle down on is exercise! I'm still not doing any! But the newest resolution is that now that our boss has lowered the boom on everyone needing to show up at 8am, I'll be leaving right at 5 pm. That will give me more time in the evening to take a walk, do a tape, or the treadmill. While I truely hate to get in shape, I actually love staying in shape. I enjoy doing the routines, walking, etc. when I can do a decent amount comfortably and when pushing feels like advancing. When I feel like lying down after 3 minutes on the treadmill, it's hard not to think "What's the use??" Time to snap out of that kind of thinking!
Chris' birthday was Saturday, but we celebrated on Sunday. I made him a Zim house cake! I'll put a picture up later, but it turned out really cute. I put two pound cakes together, made the architectural details from royal icing, then made strawberry cupcakes and iced them to look like rubber piggies. I think I got the JV eyes really well.
Next, I want to make shark cupcakes - I think I'll use red velvet cake for the cupcakes, then ice them with white buttercream using a spatula to spike up "waves", airbrush the waves with blue food color, and make gray shark fins from royal icing. Matt can take them pin trading. ;)
At any rate, I'm doing well with the cooling diet except for too much sugar from the cake project.
The thing I really have to buckle down on is exercise! I'm still not doing any! But the newest resolution is that now that our boss has lowered the boom on everyone needing to show up at 8am, I'll be leaving right at 5 pm. That will give me more time in the evening to take a walk, do a tape, or the treadmill. While I truely hate to get in shape, I actually love staying in shape. I enjoy doing the routines, walking, etc. when I can do a decent amount comfortably and when pushing feels like advancing. When I feel like lying down after 3 minutes on the treadmill, it's hard not to think "What's the use??" Time to snap out of that kind of thinking!
Friday, January 13, 2006
Time is NOT on my side...
*sigh*
I'm actually still in pretty good shape with eating cooling foods and avoiding warming ones, but time seems to be the enemy still. I'm sitting here without my lunch box because I ran out of time this morning. A new directive from work means I have to be here at 8 am instead of my arrangement of 8:30 to 9 am to 6 pm. This is going to be hard on both Matt and I, since getting both of us up and ready takes awhile. Guess among the new habits I'm trying to cultivate will be preparing things the night before instead of in the morning.
I can do this, I just need to figure out how...
*sigh*
I'm actually still in pretty good shape with eating cooling foods and avoiding warming ones, but time seems to be the enemy still. I'm sitting here without my lunch box because I ran out of time this morning. A new directive from work means I have to be here at 8 am instead of my arrangement of 8:30 to 9 am to 6 pm. This is going to be hard on both Matt and I, since getting both of us up and ready takes awhile. Guess among the new habits I'm trying to cultivate will be preparing things the night before instead of in the morning.
I can do this, I just need to figure out how...
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Take care of your feet, and they'll take care of you
One of the interesting things about being on a cooling plan is that I'm supposed to be bringing the energy from my head to my feet. Certainly a challenge for someone who is on the computer all day! To that end, I'm trying to take more walks, take better care of my feet, and I got a foot massager for Christmas. I really love it, especially on a day like today since it has a heating element as well.
It's also good to take care of my feet, since we go barefoot in temple, and I don't want anyone to be grossed out by the callouses on my feet when I kneel!
One of the interesting things about being on a cooling plan is that I'm supposed to be bringing the energy from my head to my feet. Certainly a challenge for someone who is on the computer all day! To that end, I'm trying to take more walks, take better care of my feet, and I got a foot massager for Christmas. I really love it, especially on a day like today since it has a heating element as well.
It's also good to take care of my feet, since we go barefoot in temple, and I don't want anyone to be grossed out by the callouses on my feet when I kneel!
Friday, January 06, 2006
Developing Good Habits
In changing the pallate from the ever-present warming foods to cooling ones, I have certain foods that I like a lot and have no trouble encorporating into my diet, but other foods not so much. While I don't actively dislike them, I'm just not used to them. Cucumbers are really good for me and I don't hate them, but I'm not a big fan. The way I'm working to change my tastes is to eat more mindfully. When I contemplate my food - the interconnectedness of the earth, the sun, the clouds, the people who brought the food to my table, I appreciate it more. When I chew each bite thoroughly and really experience it, not just superficially but really getting to know the texture, flavors and nuances, I enjoy it more.
One of the things I notice as well is when I pay attention to the energy of the food, I can feel the positive effects of the cooling foods or the ones that support my lungs, just as I'm far more aware of the negative effects of warming foods. I'm also enjoying smelling foods too, and bringing the scents of cooling foods into the house. Burning a cucumber melon candle, using cucumber lotion, and I saw a pear fragranced candle that I want to get for the office as well, helps embue my environment with the cooling components. When I smell cucumber, for instance, think about the positive effects it has on my health, and bring associations with the smell of it being crisp, clean, healthful, and renewing.
Master Sunim talks about that people with my natal chart are "thirsty", because we have so much hot, dry energy, we need the more cool, wet energy to balance us. Even spiritually, I feel thirsty. I'm finding that spending more time in the meditation room is a big help. Even when it's just for a few minutes, I feel more refreshed than if I (my very bad habit) sit and space out in front of the TV. Often times, I really can't follow my breath, but during those times I can chant "Nam mo Adida Phat" or "Gate, gate, paragate, parasamgate. Bodhisvaha!" and that helps me center myself.
Lots of things on the to-do list of self-improvement, but so far, so good.
In changing the pallate from the ever-present warming foods to cooling ones, I have certain foods that I like a lot and have no trouble encorporating into my diet, but other foods not so much. While I don't actively dislike them, I'm just not used to them. Cucumbers are really good for me and I don't hate them, but I'm not a big fan. The way I'm working to change my tastes is to eat more mindfully. When I contemplate my food - the interconnectedness of the earth, the sun, the clouds, the people who brought the food to my table, I appreciate it more. When I chew each bite thoroughly and really experience it, not just superficially but really getting to know the texture, flavors and nuances, I enjoy it more.
One of the things I notice as well is when I pay attention to the energy of the food, I can feel the positive effects of the cooling foods or the ones that support my lungs, just as I'm far more aware of the negative effects of warming foods. I'm also enjoying smelling foods too, and bringing the scents of cooling foods into the house. Burning a cucumber melon candle, using cucumber lotion, and I saw a pear fragranced candle that I want to get for the office as well, helps embue my environment with the cooling components. When I smell cucumber, for instance, think about the positive effects it has on my health, and bring associations with the smell of it being crisp, clean, healthful, and renewing.
Master Sunim talks about that people with my natal chart are "thirsty", because we have so much hot, dry energy, we need the more cool, wet energy to balance us. Even spiritually, I feel thirsty. I'm finding that spending more time in the meditation room is a big help. Even when it's just for a few minutes, I feel more refreshed than if I (my very bad habit) sit and space out in front of the TV. Often times, I really can't follow my breath, but during those times I can chant "Nam mo Adida Phat" or "Gate, gate, paragate, parasamgate. Bodhisvaha!" and that helps me center myself.
Lots of things on the to-do list of self-improvement, but so far, so good.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Yum!
One of the things that is the most daunting about staying on the cooling diet is that nothing bought commerically is free from garlic, onion, and or sugar! I was so frustrated by this until I read an article in Martha Stewart Living about flavor bases. Not being a cook, I didn't know anything about this concept, but the article was very helpful in understanding that each country, even region, has it's own take on the "base" of flavors that make food taste good. In other words, when you chop up those onions, garlic gloves, and celery and saute them in butter or olive oil, etc. you're creating a base of flavors that the other foods will enhance! Pretty cool to know!
Seems like the American flavor base is onion, garlic, sugar, and tomato - basically catsup.
At any rate, I've been doubting my ability to make the basics that I'll need - things like salad dressing, salsa, and other sauces. But I actually created my first recipe yesterday - and it tastes great.
Blue Cheese Dressing
4 oz Blue Cheese
1 ½ C Mayo
½ C Buttermilk
2 Tbls Sour Cream
½ tsp Salt
Whisk these together in a bowl, then pour into a jar for storage. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor. Serve over fresh greens or use for a sandwich spread.
Next is to make a black bean salsa. :)
One of the things that is the most daunting about staying on the cooling diet is that nothing bought commerically is free from garlic, onion, and or sugar! I was so frustrated by this until I read an article in Martha Stewart Living about flavor bases. Not being a cook, I didn't know anything about this concept, but the article was very helpful in understanding that each country, even region, has it's own take on the "base" of flavors that make food taste good. In other words, when you chop up those onions, garlic gloves, and celery and saute them in butter or olive oil, etc. you're creating a base of flavors that the other foods will enhance! Pretty cool to know!
Seems like the American flavor base is onion, garlic, sugar, and tomato - basically catsup.
At any rate, I've been doubting my ability to make the basics that I'll need - things like salad dressing, salsa, and other sauces. But I actually created my first recipe yesterday - and it tastes great.
Blue Cheese Dressing
4 oz Blue Cheese
1 ½ C Mayo
½ C Buttermilk
2 Tbls Sour Cream
½ tsp Salt
Whisk these together in a bowl, then pour into a jar for storage. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor. Serve over fresh greens or use for a sandwich spread.
Next is to make a black bean salsa. :)
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Learning my lesson
Well, too much spicey food leads to a stomach ache! I guess if I doubted the value of my cooling diet before, I don't now! Today I'll need to go to the grocery store to get ingredients for salad dressing for salads to take to work the rest of the week, and this afternoon, I'll make some barley ahead so I can microwave a bowl for breakfast tomorrow. For now, mint tea is very soothing to the tummy.
Well, too much spicey food leads to a stomach ache! I guess if I doubted the value of my cooling diet before, I don't now! Today I'll need to go to the grocery store to get ingredients for salad dressing for salads to take to work the rest of the week, and this afternoon, I'll make some barley ahead so I can microwave a bowl for breakfast tomorrow. For now, mint tea is very soothing to the tummy.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Re-Educating the palate
The most challenging thing about the cooling diet is re-educating the palate. I'm used to the American flavor base of onion, garlic, tomato, and sugar (basically catsup). I've got to figure out how to create a cooling flavor base.
Different grains, herbs, spices, and flavorings need to be added to my diet. Fortunately, I do like the majority of foods that I'm supposed to be eating. The bad thing, though, is that there are nearly no prepared foods that I can have. I'm going to have to learn how to make everything from scratch!
Plain yogurt with "simply fruit" strawberry jam was good as a snack this morning, though. :)
The most challenging thing about the cooling diet is re-educating the palate. I'm used to the American flavor base of onion, garlic, tomato, and sugar (basically catsup). I've got to figure out how to create a cooling flavor base.
Different grains, herbs, spices, and flavorings need to be added to my diet. Fortunately, I do like the majority of foods that I'm supposed to be eating. The bad thing, though, is that there are nearly no prepared foods that I can have. I'm going to have to learn how to make everything from scratch!
Plain yogurt with "simply fruit" strawberry jam was good as a snack this morning, though. :)
How I Lost 100 Pounds and Became Enlightened...
How's that for a book title? I usually don't do New Year's Resolutions, but if I'm going to make one, I want to go for the gusto!
Seriously, though, what I do want to chronical is my desire to follow the eating and lifestyle advice of my natal chart - what I affectionately call the "cooling diet". When I first had my chart done by Master Hyunoong Sunim a Zen and Taoist monk, I tried following the diet, but even though I felt really great while I did, it became too hard to stick with.
At this point in my life, though, I'm seriously out of shape and over weight. When I reread the chart that Master Sunim did for me, I was struck by the comment that he made that he could only imagine how the typical diet that I was following had harmed my health. I need to consider myself as newly diagnosed, and consider following the recommendations as life saving - and I believe that they are!
It will help, I think to journal this process and have this help me track my progress and keep me on track! Linking to food resources, recipies, motivational sites, and the like will be helpful additions to the cookbook I'm putting together on paper. Perhaps someday I can have all these resources online for other folks trying to live the "cooling diet" lifestyle as well.
How's that for a book title? I usually don't do New Year's Resolutions, but if I'm going to make one, I want to go for the gusto!
Seriously, though, what I do want to chronical is my desire to follow the eating and lifestyle advice of my natal chart - what I affectionately call the "cooling diet". When I first had my chart done by Master Hyunoong Sunim a Zen and Taoist monk, I tried following the diet, but even though I felt really great while I did, it became too hard to stick with.
At this point in my life, though, I'm seriously out of shape and over weight. When I reread the chart that Master Sunim did for me, I was struck by the comment that he made that he could only imagine how the typical diet that I was following had harmed my health. I need to consider myself as newly diagnosed, and consider following the recommendations as life saving - and I believe that they are!
It will help, I think to journal this process and have this help me track my progress and keep me on track! Linking to food resources, recipies, motivational sites, and the like will be helpful additions to the cookbook I'm putting together on paper. Perhaps someday I can have all these resources online for other folks trying to live the "cooling diet" lifestyle as well.
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