“Snow” day

Today Portland Public Schools, and other nearby school districts, called it a snow-day and the kids were released early. Portland weather can be so finicky. In the morning it seems like it’s going to be nasty but by noon it’s mostly melted, turned to slush. And that’s exactly what happened today. But the schools have to err on the side of caution after the disasters of previous years.

So what did I do for my snow day?

I stayed home, and watched X-Files with my dogs. We had leftovers for breakfast, and generally putzed around. I cleaned (a lot) and it was nice. It was quiet and peaceful and lovely. And the best part? It was free.

Sometimes the best things in life are free, the song said so right? And today was exactly that. I rested, and feel refreshed.

What do you do to enjoy a snow day?

What do you eat?

Let me first say that I’m not going to tell you what to eat. I firmly believe that different individuals eat different diets, and most people know what is the right diet for them. That being said, I think things change. I think people change and sometimes their diets change too.

I have tried many different diets over the years. Not for weight loss, but because of my Crohn’s Disease.I have typically stayed with the low residue diet. Meaning, I mostly eat rice, bread, potatoes, and other foods that are easily digestible. It makes getting the proper nutrients a bit of a challenge, but I am doing what I need to keep my guts happy.

For many years I was a vegetarian, though never have I eaten much meat at all, and I was vegan for a period of time. I have also tried cutting out types of foods (gluten for example) with little to no success.

I always follow my Doctor’s instructions, and will do whatever I need to take care of my health.

Recently, my roommate and I watched the documentary What The Health on Netflix. It was so eye opening and interesting. One of the doctors interviewed was a leading Gastroenterologist. He said that a number of his patients had seen a positive outcome from switching to a plant based (vegan) diet. Cutting out animal products all together (which lead to inflammation) was very helpful to the individuals. I figured, it couldn’t hurt to try, right?

I would have to be very careful, as raw fruits and vegetables are very difficult for me to digest. But I am willing to try. I am willing to see how it goes.

So Rachel and I are each taking baby steps each week to cup out animal products, so that will soon be entirely vegan. We are very excited about our journey and I will keep you updated on our progress.

I will not tell anyone they have to try this diet for themselves. I firmly believe that if I or anyone tells someone they HAVE to do it, they definitely will not. I know that’s how I am. But I do recommend watching the documentary. Educate yourself. It’s very interesting.

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(It may be very boring to some, but this was my  first attempt at a few dishes for us this weekend. On the right is vegan chili which was a big hit! And on the left we have Aloo Matar, an Indian dish of potatoes and peas in a tomato curry sauce. Also very yummy!)

On top of my health reasons, many people go vegan for the cost saving benefits. I will dive into the savings aspect in an upcoming post. So I ask you again, what do you eat?

Far from perfect

I’m not perfect, no one is. But sometimes that’s easy to forget. We get so caught up in what the world tells us is perfect, and we all strive so hard to reach the unattainable goal.

I bring this up because, sometimes, people will make choices and decisions that may not make sense to you. But who are we to judge? I’m not talking about someone choosing to wear purple suspenders or cut their hair off. I’m talking major life decisions. You don’t need to understand them. Maybe they have a reason, maybe they don’t.  But it’s not up to us to make that call.

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This is my best friend and her little  boy. She has metastatic cancer, and she is amazing. She is smart and funny and compassionate and brilliant. She is a fantastic mom. She is an amazing wife. And Wayne adores his mom, not because she’s perfect, but because she’s HIS Mom.

Why do I tell you this? Because in October of last year I left my fairly cushy government job (granted its as only 16 hours a week) to pursue my other job full time, because it allowed me the flexibility to spend my days with them.

We all make decisions in our life that other people aren’t going to understand. That’s ok. She is one of the people I love most in this world, and I am privileged to get to spend this time with her. I realize that not everyone can make a career change like this. Not everyone is able to leave job to spend time with their lived ones. But I did the math and I knew it would be possible. Scary, close, a little risky, but possible. I have to be extra careful to save my pennies and to watch my bank account. But it allows me to spend my days with my best friend. It allows me to pick up my nephew from school and go on adventures.  It allows me to be there. Today we napped (ok she napped and I watched TV), and some days we do even less.

I would not trade this experience for anything. And there is no job in the world that is worth more than what I have right now. They are my world. And I am so lucky to have this opportunity.

Please, hug the ones you love. Tell them often. Do what you need to do to make the right decision for YOU. No one has the right to judge you for those choices.

Shopping Habits

Let me just start by saying that I love shopping. Grocery shopping, shoe shopping, pet supply shopping, all of it.  I love comparing prices and item quality. I 100% get this from my mom. When I was little, most Saturday mornings were spent at Nordstrom with Debbie, my mom’s personal shopper. She would have racks and racks of clothes for my mom to try on. I would sit on the little pedestal, coloring book in hand, and watch my mom come out in outfit after outfit. Deciding what she loved and what she didn’t.

It was my favorite thing to do with my mom. I got all her attention, and the clothes were beautiful. Not to mention the sweet ladies at Nordstrom would always bring me some kind of yummy treat to enjoy.

I realize of course that this is not a normal childhood experience. I know how fortunate my family was financially, and how incredibly lucky I was to have such a secure childhood. Regardless, this is one of my favorite memories of my mom. I didn’t get to spend lots of time with her during the week (she was and will always be a #girlboss) so weekend mornings were treasured.

ALL THAT being said, I realize that shopping is something I associate with wonderful Mom time. Even going to Trader Joe’s for cucumbers makes me think about that quality time. So now, when I’m lonely or bored, I want to shop.

It’s not even a conscious thing. I get distracted at work and look on Madewell’s website. Or I pull up Amazon on my phone while I’m waiting in line somewhere. The stuff doesn’t bring me joy, the shopping for it does. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I asked my friends, and more than a couple of them also buy things not because they really need (or even want) the things, but because the act of looking and comparing and purchasing brings them joy.

Why am I telling you this? Because I am all about accountability. I am way more likely to stick to something if I have someone that is keeping an eye on me. I tell my roommate EVERYTHING so that she can keep me set on my goals. I am way better if someone is looking out for me too.

What about you? are you more into the shopping itself, or the stuff?  (there are btw, MANY articles on the subject, I’ll do a post on that soon)