Let the Juice Beeting Begin

Greg and I are experimenting with juicing, gearing up for the reboot, figuring out what we like, don’t like etc., so we’ll have no excuses later.  Today, in my favorite white shirt, I decided to juice 2 beets, 2 carrots, a large apple and an inch of ginger (recipe from ZestyCook).  It looks scary, it tastes fantastic.  So some may be wondering what’s in it for me?  You’ll have to read the inspiration on a previous blog, but for this particular juice here’s the breakdown of benefit.

Beta Vulgaris (Beet) – is an antibacterial, antioxidant, tonic, cleansing laxative [I should have looked that up and matched it to my conference call schedule].

Daucus carota (Carrot) – antioxidant, anticancer, protect arteries, expectorant, antiseptic, diuretic, boost immunity, antibacterial, lower blood cholesterol levels, prevent constipation [sigh]

Malus pumila (Apple) – tonic, digestive, diuretic, detoxifying, laxative, antiseptic, lower blood cholesterol, antirheumatic, liver stimulant

Zingeber officinalis (Ginger) – antinausea, relieves headaches & arthritis, anti-imflammatory

The definitions I pulled from The Juicing Bible  by Pat Crocker.   I was mildly amused by the latin names, thus the reason for including them, yes I’m easily amused.

I’m pleased to report that my white shirt has survived the “beeting”, I’m pleasantly full, it’s a great lunch.  Juicing is new for us, and thankfully, we’ve enjoyed the juices that we’ve made!

It’s a Veggie Shredding, Fruity Mashing Kind of Day

For Christmas my sister and brother-in-law gave us a really nice juicer and a couple of videos to encourage the journey.  We watched the videos, which are inspiring us to give juicing a shot.  My favorite one is Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead, which shared the journey of Joe Cross and a couple of people he met on his path.  the video is very inspiring and informative, you can get more info on his web site Jointhereboot.com.  The second video, is Fork Over Knives, which was more of a clinical view of the source of degenerative diseases, again very informative and thought provoking.

The week after Christmas, the juicer stayed in the box.  We were expecting company for a taco bar & margarita night and I didn’t need another appliance on the counter.  The plan was to put the margarita machine on the shelf and have the juicer occupy that space on the counter.  Company came and went, and I then decided having a messy juicer all the way on the other side of the kitchen was not a good idea.  So I found a spot and took it out of the box.  Where I stared at it other over the course of this week.

I went shopping, I bought pineapple, kale, beets, oranges, apples, pears, with the full intent on casting them into the juicer.  So I woke up this morning and decided today’s the day I shred the veggies and toss in the fruit, then drink it.  I scrambled down to my home office to find a recipe, decided on one that contained an orange, pineapple, carrots and lemon.  I took an extra produce plastic bag and lined the ‘discard’ bucket to help with easy clean up.  I cut up my pieces and prepared to shove them down the chute.   I quickly learned that you need to use the chute block to make sure nothing escapes and hits you in the head.  No injuries here, just a close call.

My first concoction wasn’t horrible, it was actually pretty good.  The juice tasted strongly of orange rind, but it was okay.  The second batch (I split the first portion with Greg) I moved from Florida navel orange to California bred, thinking it would be sweeter.  Uh no, thicker the rind, the more rind flavor you get.  Clean up was pretty easy, the discard bag was an awesome idea (thanks Heather), and the remains were like damp saw dust.  Part of me wanted to keep it and find a bread recipe that called for rind, then I convinced myself that the bread I consumed is one of the reasons I’m now trying juicing to try and lose weight.  I’m full, I’ve only had juice today so far, I’m excited to throw in some green stuff and see what that taste like.  I’m a wanna be juice maniac.

I’ve decided that I’ll be reading up on the reboot program, and sampling some recipes here and there.  My plan is to at least try the 10 day juice fast (no chewing food), that’s when it’s going to get really interesting around here.  I told my sister I would blog about it, and I want to start January 17, prepping the journey up until then.  Say a prayer, I think I’m going to really need it.

Getting Back to Me

Greg and I have been discussing how 2012 is going to be different for us, what are we pursuing what are we NOT going to do anymore.  My changes/resolutions are simply said, but tough to pull into action.  I’m not looking to run a marathon, although Greg is.  I’m looking to reclaim what belongs to me already that I have neglected, ignored, pretended, excused, and turned my back on.  I’m getting back to me as a priority, which includes my health, my weight, my happiness.  I’ve wasted too much time over extended in areas of my life that frankly aren’t as rewarding when I’m out of balance.  My company will still get my very best, it just can’t have all of me.  It’s been easy to fall into a work mostly role, it comes easier to me than the physical work that will be required.

I especially want to be more actively involved in my kid’s lives and play –  I get too tired, too fast for my liking.  My family health history is a disaster and I’m playing the fool’s hand.  I’m not a fool, it’s time to get some real work done and stop pretending that my not going to the gym on a regular basis doesn’t matter.  The long walk/half jog to the mailbox is not exercise, it’s barely a warm up.  I’ve been joking around that my “glory days” are over, so I may not be able to run as fast as I used to or throw a ball from deep center to home, but shoot, how could I expect to not having done it in years?  I can’t blame the extra weight on two back to back pregnancies, especially given that the boys are 10 and 11 now – that’s pathetic.  So here I am, putting this blog out, probably in a few weeks I’ll half wish I didn’t.

This is going to be a long road back to me, but I have all the right tools at my disposal.

I have  family and friends who encourage me.

I have a couple of no nonsense truth sayers in my life, who will tell me straight when I am tossing excuses around (sign up here if you want to be added to the kick Dawn in the tail club)

I have a God who knows who I am, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I want to change.

The word “excuse” defined, is not in my character, therefore I have to do something different to achieve the desired results.

ex·cuse/ikˈskyo͞oz/

Verb:

Attempt to lessen the blame attaching to (a fault or offense); seek to defend or justify.

So 2012, looks like we’ll be moving and shaking things up.

Roles and Goals

The safety of vacation is over.  Back to the reality of my career.  Plans in one hand, unexpected events in the other.  It is tough to find a balance between home, office, family and faith.  So this week is dedicated to catching up and clearing out the mail box, responding to immediate requests and prioritizing all the rest.

It’s funny how sometimes my big ideas get in the way.  It’s not that big ideas are bad, it’s that I need to know how to prioritize the activities associated and integrate into the fabric of my life.  I always look at my commitments (promises) and work on those with due dates first.  The problem being that if everything that comes in is work related, it leaves me out of balance.  So I’m going back to basics where I need to define all the roles I have in my life and pick an activity for each.  It doesn’t have to be complicated or take a ton of time.  Between acknowledging the roles that I play in my life and living it on purpose, I can feel good about what I’ve done.  This month I’m focused on the following:

I’m a disciple of Christ, I need to spend time in prayer and especially pray for those attending Advent by Candlelight

I’m a wife, I need to make sure my husband knows I’m dedicated to our relationship

I’m a mother, I need to take time out and really listen to what’s going on in their lives with active interest, I also need to set up and send out invites to G’s birthday party

I’m a daughter, I need to check in and say hello and tell them I love them

I’m a sister, I need to send a quick note letting Heather know I’m thinking about her

I’m a friend, I will find a friend that needs encouragement and send a note

I’m an employee, I’ll prioritize my work efforts and get those 90% completed items off my desk.

I’m a manager, I need to spend time with each employee and ensure they feel enabled to execute their roles without concern.  I need to remind them how awesome they are and thank them for managing to some crazy deadlines.

I’m a robotics coach – I need to encourage my team as we head down the last few weeks regardless of how unprepared we are to compete.

I’m a scouting mom – I need to catch up with my boys on their achievements and help them set new goals

I’m a blogger / writer – I need to be dedicated and attempt to write everyday

I’m Santa’s helper – so I better get moving on finishing the Christmas shopping

I’m me, and I need to set a few goals for myself so that I can continue to grow and feel a sense of accomplishment.

What roles do you play?  What goals do you have for the month?

Awake O Sleeper

Today there are a couple of first time moments, it’s the first day I’ve experienced the new Catholic translation of the Mass, and I love it.  It seems more prayerful to me and honors the presence of the Holy Spirit among us.  I love that this change also starts with the first Sunday of Advent and the gospel reading that reminds us to stay awake.  It reminds me to stay centered on my relationship with Christ, to always be in a state of readiness.  Readiness to pray, lend a hand, to meet Our Lord.  Stay awake, and do not get too comfortable in my faith so that it becomes so routine that it becomes meaningless.  Stay awake, and keep searching for answers, breaking open the word of God and grow, to be hungry for more.

Mark 13: 33-37

“Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.  It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch  Therefore, keep awake – for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he ma find you asleep when he comes suddenly.  And what I say to you I say to all:  Keep awake”

My family lights a single candle this week of our Advent wreath every evening at dinner.  The wreath and candles in a circle are a reminder of God, his eternity and never ending grace;  The candles are a period of waiting for the coming of the light of the world, the birth of Jesus.  The first candle lit with the intention of praying for Hope.  The Advent Calendar that I have reflects on Isaiah 63:19 today.   When I look at both the gospel from Mass and this reflection, it calls my heart to do something more than I have been.

Isaiah 63:19

“We have long been like those whom you do not rule, like those not called by your name.”

So here’s the call to action if you’ve been asleep at the wheel or moving on auto pilot.  God is clearly calling us to live the gospel, to have our lives be a witness to His glory.  He’s anointed us each with gifts and whether we use them to build the kingdom of God is where we can choose to exercise the free will and turn away, or turn towards a relationship with Christ.   Wake up with me, live with Christ as your ruler, be counted among the faithful.  Let this advent be the one that transforms you and on Christmas we can celebrate all that He promises to the those who have faith.  God loves us right where we’re at, there’s nothing to perfect before you move closer to God.  Just move closer.

This week I’ll be praying for those who believe their situations are hopeless, that they may find the light of Christ through someone and turn to the Father.  I’m also praying that my friends and families have a transformational Christmas experience.

Great Sportsmanship

My guy Mike, a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, had an in school tournament this morning.  It was small, geared towards showing folks who do not compete in larger tournaments how it all works.  Some kids have ‘stage fright’ others push through their forms.  There was a brown belt and a recommended black belt that Mike was competing against.  These gentlemen brought forth their best efforts.  During the forms one of them paused, clearly having lost their place and visually becoming unnerved by the silence of everyone watching and waiting.

My son started to clap a cadence, everyone in the room joined in, a simple act that let this young man know that we wanted him to succeed.  He found his spot, he continued with his form, he finished strong.

A few tournaments back, Mike was in the same position.  Half way through his form he froze and stayed in that position for a good 30 seconds before requesting to end his exhibit.  He was embarrassed but more upset with himself for not being prepared.  That was a moment for Mike that lit a fire in his training.  Since that silent moment, he makes sure he is prepared, that his forms do not resemble a choreographed dance but have an intensity about them that assures that if you were in front of any of the strikes you would go down.  More importantly to me he’s been a more encouraging competitor to those around him.

Mike walked out this morning with first place in forms and weapons, he took second in sparring and attributed the placement to his competitor’s incredible speed and reach.  He’ll find a way to strategically improve his game, but knowing he was proud of his own efforts and acknowledgement of his competitor’s skills was pretty awesome too.  The medals didn’t matter to him, his improvement did.  I’m a proud Mom.

Quitting is Not an Option

I spent part of my morning catching up on trivial paperwork, such as the flyers sent home from school. Updating my calendar so I don’t miss anything, and then there was the Thursday school communication folder. We call the envelope “the cheese”, as it often is the carrier of good news and big cheesy smiles, plus it’s yellow.

Today, the content was a bit on the sharp side. It appears my young scholar has taken to not completing work at school. Tsk, tsk, that’s flat out not acceptable. So I review the content of some not so hot grades. Draft a little note to his teacher assuring her we are discussing and requesting that if he fails to do his work at home that G can take some of his free time at home to dedicate to the work. I call for my husband and the smart young man to review the work, the note and the plan.

G assures me the work is being done at school, so I flip through some math work and point out the blanks that landed him the poor grade.  G immediately threw a fellow classmate under the bus for distracting him.  We reminded him that he sits alone, to help reduce distractions.  He then throws out how he can’t do the work because his teacher didn’t tell him how to do it.   We take a closer look at the blanks, word problems, simple divison. 

I point out the division he’d done earlier in the packet and that if he could do that work then he could do the word problems.  He insisted for 20 minutes that he “can’t”, flat out quit.  So we decided that the four word problems would need to be done before lunch today.  So the tantrum starts, he’s pushing buttons, in some instances getting a rise out of me. 

He’s being stubborn, and I’m showing him like a pro, that I’m equally as stubborn, and I don’t quit.  He’s still insisting that he can’t do the work, he’s not even trying to look at the problems.  I’m offering to help him get started but he’s obsessed with quitting.  I gently reminded him I was there to help but not do it for him. 

He finally realized I wasn’t going to give in, sat up from pout position, set up the problems, completed them within 5 minutes correctly.  Smart boy.   Then I found his science work that he needed to complete because he didn’t get it done at school.  I hand him the workbook, I hear “I did it already”, I point out and count the blanks.  I thought we were going to head into round two.  But no, he delcares “this sucks” takes the book and get’s it done. 

After all the drama, G has a sense of accomplishment, hopefully, we’ve reinstilled the importance of his taking responsibility for his work and that quitting is not an option.  I also took the opportunity to remind him that “I can’t” is the same as quitting and it’s okay to ask for help so you “can”.   I was paid with a hug, an I love you and an apology for the melt down.   I asked him how he felt about the school work he completed and he said, “I felt stressed out first, but I figured it out mostly by myself, so now I feel good.”  That’s my boy!!

Post Thanksgiving Promises

Dear Mr. Turkey,

I’ve eaten so much of you and your side kick mashed potatoes that even 2 hour post meal the sight of you makes me feel stuffed. I promise I will not eat like that until at least Christmas dinner.

Mr. Stuffing, I’m not entirely sure where you went when I made up my plate, you must have been with Mr. Gravy. Sorry I missed you both, but next time I won’t get trapped at the table where I can’t get up to rendezvous.

Ms Paula Deen Pumpkin pie, you were really good, I’d give you four stars. I ate you because it was a new recipe. You were rich with your cream cheese, hate to say it but I think I’ll go back to Miss Libby can recipe, keeping it simple.

To all my friends and family, I’m not going shopping tonight, I’m going to snooze instead.

Boy Cents

My mother-in-law introduced us to the show Pawn Starts, funny thing is when she asked if we’d seen it I did a double take.  I thought she said, “Oh, Dawn have you seen Porn Stars, it’s fantastic!!”  After making her repeat it several times in her Brooklyn-ese we had a good laugh and made plans to check it out.

I woke up this morning to realize my boys were already up.  One of their favorite shows to TiVo and watch is Pawn Stars.  There they are all comfy in the den, catching an episode.  I’m thankful for the show, it’s given the boys a perspective of value.

A growing development is witnessing my sons wanting to purchase smartly and to take care of their things.  I am consulted on plans to sell their own stuff that they know they could make money on, such as a collection of Warrior books or an unloved DS Game on e-Bay.   They check on E-bay to see if selling is worth the effort or if we will drop off items at the local thrift store.

I hear hints of thriftiness in their voices, the purchases are calculated, price checked, and the impulsiveness buying has reduced.  If they ask to go to a store, they are certain of what they are looking for.

G recently requested that we go to K-Mart, he wanted to purchase a Beyblade, so did Mike.  So off we went, they ran to the toy section and looked at the selections.  G had saved $20.25 mostly in quarters in a bag, Mike had a $5 bill.  A single Beyblade cost $5.49.  Right there Mike resigned that he could not get it.  I offered to spot him a $1, he made his selection.  G was looking at multi-packs trying to figure out the “best deal” (his words).  He found two different  Beyblade packs, one was not marked with a price.

We headed to the register.  Mike went first, in a panic because he knew he didn’t have enough money.  I reminded him I was there with my wallet, he would be fine.  He checked out, $5.82 total, I handed him the extra dollar.  I paid for my purchases next, giving G time to start stacking the quarters to hand over.

I hear G calmly and politely ask for a price check.  I’m stunned.  I thought for certain he would just run the purchases through and if he was short ask for the money.  Nope, price check.  The price check determined that he doesn’t have enough for both, I ask him what he wants to do.  He picks one of the packs and tells the lady at the register that today, he’ll only get the one set.  She asks if he wants to give a dollar to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.  I can see the wheels turning, G nods and says, “Yes, I’ll help”.   The lady rings up the purchases with the donation and the total is $21.01, he doesn’t have enough.   Normally I’d jump in at this point, but I held back, I wanted to see what he would do.  The lady asked if he wanted to remove the donation.  He said no and calmly looks at me and asks if I can “spot” him and he’ll pay me back at home.  I proudly nod and hand over a dollar bill.  The lady at the register is equally as proud of him and tells G as much.  He politely says thank you and we head out the door with our Beyblades.

Outside of denting my hardwoods, I’ve yet to figure out what the Beyblades are all about.  Mike and G assure me that when they are done they can sell them on e-bay.  I’ll take their word for it.

A Different Kind of Thanksgiving

I am grateful for a healthy, happy and loving family, for faithful friends who pray for me without asking, or send a kind word, show concern, prepare a meal, lend a hand or a great ear.  I am thankful for illness recoveries of those I love, my father, mother, and Laurie.

This Thanksgiving is different as I’m mostly thankful for how God has opened my eyes to see and to feel compassion so deeply that it moves me to tears, dropped me to my knees and has changed my heart to not be so hardened.   This year has been emotional, it’s been sad.  This year has moved me from a place of complacency, changed me to a person of action and has witnessed that my relationships with people cannot be taken for granted, as I cannot know when anyone will be called home to the Father.

My dearest friend lost her son tragically this year, Tay was young, full of promise. A series of poor choices sent him and two other friends home to our Father. My heart aches for them. I have no idea what Joye feels, and I’m certain that anything I could possibly imagine could not come close to the reality of her pain. I’ve been amazed at how much grace pours from the family as they share their lives with their community.  All I’ve been able to do is pray, and try to be an ear and a voice for her from far away.

Early this summer, a girlfriend lost her battle with cancer, Kay planned her own funeral which was a gentle shake to  my soul.  When we walked into the sanctuary, there was pictures of Kay everywhere, but no casket, no burial to follow.  She wanted everyone to be assured that she was not physically in the church, she was with our Father celebrating her life with us from Heaven.

Also this summer, a young friend we knew from Woodstock was snatched from us at gunpoint by the man who claimed to love her. So much so, that if he couldn’t have her then no one else could either, including her two very young children. It didn’t matter to him that the children were present when he stole her life. He may have taken Shannon, but he did not take her spirit or testimony of faith. She lived it, and my heart breaks for her family and friends that so desperately miss her.  I’m in awe of their faith and generosity in sharing her life, and a hope to bring Shannon’s life forward as a witness to any one who may be in an abusive and/or violent relationship.

Then I think of Laura, a sorority sister, who lost her battle with cancer and left behind her two young children this summer, and in awe of her families faithfulness to keep many people who knew her to keep close the promises of God.   I had no idea Laura was sick until she was in Hospice, I wish I’d known sooner, but I didn’t, all I could do was pray for her and her family.   They still send out words of encouragement to those who followed via Caring Bridge or sent condolences, even in their grief, they witness the love of God in how they reach others.

In our own family, my brother in law has lost his mother unexpectedly, and in his attempts to find a new normal, I just want to hug him and wish it all away.

Then the loss of my furry friend Dakota.

Although I’ve focused on the heartache and the losses, I’m filled with much promise and hope through witnessing God given strength provided to those who’s pain is so raw.  I’m inspired to take care of my own health, to spend more time with my husband and children, to stand up for what I believe in, to lend a hand, to do things that I love and to make sure that my family and friends know I love them.   God has been glorified through their experiences whether the families realize it or not.  Through their grief, actions and response to their losses and challenges they have shown how much they deeply depend on God and have walked in faith with grace.   It makes anything I have to complain about seem so trivial.

I wish that I could do more than pray and lend an ear or a simple helping hand.  That I could find the right words of comfort beyond telling them I love them.  Then I thought that perhaps they have come to know God so intimately because they know He would understand most, He has experienced the death of His son and would understand their anguish and give them comfort.

So this year, my Thanksgiving is known and I will focus on praising God for all he has provided and all that I have learned.   I have one request of my friends and family and that is to pray earnestly for those who are hurting, ill, afraid, or missing a loved one this holiday season, they need our prayers to help them find comfort, understanding and continued strength as they seek out how to move on without the people they miss the most right now.

Pray that our young people make wise choices;  That anyone in a bad relationship find the courage to get help, to stay safe from harm, and to make the changes they need to live without fear;   Those who are orphaned find peace and love with their caretakers;   Protection and grace on the care takers who have stepped up to continue the good works of those who have been ill or called home;  That those who are ill find healing and comfort;  That God anoint the hands, heart and minds of the  doctors, nurses, military, police, and fire men who come to our rescue and care for us with confidence and grace.  That we all turn towards those in need and not turn our head away and pretend it’s not real or talk yourself into believing that someone else is providing what they need.  Lend a hand, even if all you can do is hold theirs for a moment.

God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving.