Chocolate : Peanut Butter :: Awesome : Awesome-r

Okay, so none of that makes sense…UNLESS….you are an English teacher like myself OR you remember the analogies section from standardized tests.  But really, I think it’s an appropriate association…don’t you?  Good.  Glad we agree 🙂

Today is FRIDAY!!!!!  Which means…Five Things Friday.  Today, sticking with my theme of associations, I am doing a Five WORDS Friday…which will actually be more like 20 since there are four words in associations….

1.  Treadmill Running : Ugh :: Outside Running : YAY!

I have not been able to run outside much lately.  It’s been incredibly snowy up here in the Northeast…and it looks like we’re going to get even MORE snow next week.  woot.  Truth be told – I am okay with treadmill running but I really would like at least ONE run outside a week.  Temps say it is going to be close to 50 this weekend – HEAT WAVE!!!!  I’m on that like peanut butter’s on jelly…..(did I mention I really like peanut butter?)  Truth be told, I don’t mind running inside that much…if anything it lets me catch up on my Sportscenter…..

2.  Sweat Pants : My go-to clothing choice of late :: Yoga Pants : Not my go-to clothing choice of late

Whatever your comfy clothes preference is…lately, I have a three pair of sweat pants rotation – for when I am home, obviously not when I am teaching (although that would be amazing if I could wear them to school!).

3.  Swimming : My First Fitness Love :: Swimming : Something I always use as a fitness basis

While that analogy might not make sense…if you think about it…any one of us that has had a first love/relationship/etc…we ALWAYS remember that ONE.  Everyone always says, “You’ll never forget your first love” blah blah blah….right?  In my case, swimming was and always will be my first love and most important sport I’ve ever been involved with.

The reason I use Swimming as a fitness basis is because it is probably the ONLY sport where you are required to use EVERYTHING.  I mean, think about it….running, you primarily use your legs….biking, legs….soccer, legs…well you get the point.  I always try to explain to my swimmers how people who make fun of swimming are doing so because THEY DON’T GET IT.  They don’t understand how difficult it can be.  The true swimmers don’t see the difficulty….that’s what separates those who can and can not.  I always tell them, “if it were easy, everyone would do it”.

4.  Vegetarian : Veggies :: Pescatarian : Veggies + Fish

I am a vegetarian who dabbles in the pescatarian realm.  Truthfully, I love sushi….and all kinds of fish…so I eat it when I am out but that’s about it.  I won’t prepare it for a home cooked meal.  I know, I’m weird.  We all have our things.  I still laugh when people get worried or upset after I tell them my food choices.

Pretty much always

It’s nice that it’s more and more common these days for people to be Vegetarians as well as more restaurants accommodating those of us who choose to go without meat.  I tried to be a Vegan…for all of two weeks….I just couldn’t do it.  I workout WAY to much and would have to eat non-stop for me to go Vegan.  Plus….I like cheese…and eggs….and, well….I like them!

5.  Exercise : Fitness :: Diet : Healthiness

My fitness is determined by my exercise just as my healthiness is determined by my diet.  While they are all intertwined, I think it’s safe to say without a clear idea of what we want out of all of these, we aren’t going to get the results we hope for.  Goals are excellent ways to start our path to fitness and healthiness.  My goals this year involve more races and trying new experiences.  I am incredibly psyched for the Tough Mudder in April.  I am also excited for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler earlier that month!

And while I may pretty much be at a point where I am maintaining my fitness level, that doesn’t mean I can’t continue to work hard to feel better about myself.

Just remember, you have a choice….we all do.  If you don’t like the way things are….do something about it.  You’re worth it.

Have a great weekend!

Can Athlete’s be Vegetarians/Vegans?

Sometimes I get a lot of gruff from my family (ok, mainly mother) about not eating meat.  The minute I say I am tired or have been for a few days, her first comment is, “I really think you’re always so tired because you don’t eat meat”.  

Also, I always think of this scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding every time someone asks me about why I don’t eat meat…..

But back to the first part….anyone else notice a few things about that statement?

1.  Apparently a few days turned into ALWAYS.

2.  She doesn’t even think that maybe I am not sleeping well but instead not giving myself enough food.

3.  Instead of asking me why I’m tired she just assumed I am not taking care of myself…slipping back down that spiral into the EVIL EATING DISORDER STAIRCASE DOWNWARD (to be read and heard in your head in a loud booming voice – kthanks).

Source

Truly – I have learned to ignore it – and I while I realize my mother, and my family, some times feels as though I could resort to the old lifestyle I had the only real thing I can tell them to assure them I won’t is that ‘I am just too damn old to be resorting to something like that’.

Speaking of old…I really felt my body this morning…creek…creek…crack….woot!

BACK FROM MY SECOND TANGENT….

I did a bunch of my own reading yesterday and there’s actually a book I have been meaning to read by Ultra Marathoner, Scott Jurek about how a VEGAN diet helped him run his miles.  That’s next on my list (now if only I could stick with one book…and/or stop watching TWW! ha).

While there are definitely some ‘haters’ out there…for the most part, everything I’ve read said it’s actually better for people to be on a basically vegetarian/vegan diet:

Matt Frazier explains, “I became a much stronger runner almost immediately after switching to a vegetarian diet.”  He talks about other Vegetarian Athletes on The No Meat Athlete

ADAPTT lists the amount of professional athletes (including body builders) who are Vegan/Vegetarians.

To balance it a bit – This Guy does not like the idea of a VEGAN/VEGETARIAN athlete…but that’s okay.

And this Q & A from the NYTimes has three different opinions about the Vegan/Veggie diet with athletes.

What I’d eventually like to do is write a review of Scott Jurek’s book and tell you all about it….I’ll get to it.

For now…I feel like I have made the right decision with being a ovo-lacto vegetarian (and on occasion I will eat fish but usually only if I go out).

I think people should stick to what works for them and how they feel after they eat….rather than judge one another based on what they “think” they should be eating. 

***I will however add this – the fact that I am a recovering anorexic, there are still signs and symptoms with people who are either not eating enough or simply making excuses as to why they “can’t eat” such and such a food.  If you, as a friend (and you must be a friend because outsiders will likely feel the wrath of 10,000 suns if you say anything to someone with an ED) feel like something could be up….say something.  I can also write a blog post about that soon.  Let’s just put it this way…if it weren’t for my exboyfriend and college roommate/best friend…who knows what would’ve happened to me.***

 

Interested in making the switch to VEGETARIAN?!  CHECK OUT SOME HELPFUL TIPS

So tell me, what kind of “diet” do you stick to?

I prefer the 90/10 diet.  I eat healthy 90% of the time and 10% of the time I let loose….. 😉

Source

Also – do you think athlete’s can be vegetarian/vegan??  Thoughts!, please!

The History of Food: KFIF Style

This is not a food blog.  I have no intention of it ever being one.  There are a lot of reasons – of which I will explain a few of in a moment – but for practical purposes, food does not drive me.  It is not my purpose in life.  Sure, I love to eat.  I TRULY DO.  BUT….I also love that I no longer use it as a control substance.  Allow me to explain.

Growing up, the only source of knowledge about food that I had was via my parents (duh, who else?).  Primarily, my mother.  In fact it wasn’t until I read this article – ‘When Your Mother Says She’s Fat’ by Kasey Edwards – that it really struck a chord with me….all of it.  My idea of what it was like to eat normally was abstract….example:

I remember watching my mother eat (solely) – grapefruits – air popped popcorn – veggies with nothing on them – and various other elements of food with nutritional value but very little value when they were eaten alone.  Ironically enough – years later – amidst my ED, I ate all of those things…..singularly….in frequent rotation.  A typical morning for me was to wake up – go to class for three hours (no breakfast, just coffee) – workout for 2 hours (maybe more) – eat two grapefruits after the workout (no protein or anything other than sugar in the form of carbs) – wait an hour and make some air popped popcorn – then maybe maybe myself some frozen veggies for dinner.  Repeat.  Crazy, right?  (I don’t even know how I had the energy to exercise every day)

What I’m getting at is this:  In the last 5 or so years, I re-taught myself how to eat and what to eat in order to feel like I wasn’t a person who was always going to be in recovery from anorexia.  Not that there is anything wrong with it – I am a different person because of my struggles and stronger for them – but the goal has always been to get back to a normal thought process.

So what did/do I do?  Here’s where my list of reasons why I no longer focus on food as much and how I know I am/if I am sliding backwards…..

-Food and talk of calories is a trigger for me.  What’s a trigger?  Anything that makes me feel as though I am out of control of my situation – doesn’t even have to be food….could be something bad happening in my life.  But when I am surrounded by people who talk about food a lot and/or talk about how many calories are in something I instantly go into my head and think, then I shouldn’t be eating that – what’s wrong with me – why do I feel like I can eat that?.  Deranged thoughts that most people do not have.  Sure, there is the occasional person who will feel guilty about it afterwards but prior they just think – THIS IS GOING TO TASTE DELICIOUS – and usually it does.

-No one really needs to know what I’m eating.  If I have an amazing meal – I’ll definitely talk about it.  I’ll even recommend it and rave about it.  But there will be no pictures (unless I really feel it’s warranted) and there will be no dwelling on the amount of fat/calories/etc. in the meal.  I have finally gotten to a point where if I am going to eat something, I will enjoy it in moderation – everything in moderation, right?  That’s not to say I am hiding my food or ashamed of what I eat – but really – there is so much more to who I am as a person beyond what I put into my mouth on a daily basis.

***Side Note to the aforementioned reason – I do eat a Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly sandwich EVERY DAY – just in case anyone cared – it’s delicious – (can be) nutritious (at least my version is) – and why wouldn’t you?  Duh.  They’re fantastic.  There’s a reason my mother packed one for me every day when I was little – I don’t mess around with the PB&J, yo.

-As interested in food and eating food as I am – and trust me, my friends know if they come to visit, we eat well (right, Painter?!) – I don’t live to eat, I eat to live. 

I eat to be healthy.

I eat to fuel my body for my 14+ mile long runs.

I eat to be able to teach spin AND THEN run a 6 or 7 miler later in the day.

I eat to feel good.

I eat to be social with my friends.

I eat to enjoy new things and new tastes.

If you’re not eating for these reasons (and others too), WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING?

I don’t eat when I’m bored (although I have been guilty of this in the past).

I don’t eat to comfort myself (and yes, I have been guilty of this too – who hasn’t?).

I don’t eat to control my life or use it as a form of control when everything else is out of control (that is a typical ED mindset).

I don’t eat to excess.

I’ve recently shared some information about places I’ve eaten, particularly in NYC.  I mentioned I haven’t eaten a doughnut in more than 5 years….I also haven’t eaten red meat in more than 10 years….I haven’t eaten chicken or turkey in more than 6 years….but I do eat fish on occasion….I eat a LOT of fruits and veggies.  I eat a LOT of other things.  I eat what I like…and that’s how I’ve managed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I often get comments from my mother like these:

“You’re tired because you’re not getting enough protein – I don’t know why you just won’t eat some meat.”

“It’s because you don’t eat enough.”

“I worry about you….are you slipping?  Are you getting enough food?”

“Why don’t you just have some more…you look great, kate.”

If you, by chance, happened to read the article I posted earlier….it’s the disordered thought process and eating that I grew up with from my mother that (in some ways) got me into a mess of disordered eating myself.  Occasionally, yes, I will indulge and have an extra scoop of crushed oreos on my frozen yogurt…or I’ll sit down with my friend and make a VERY large bowl of guacamole and EAT ALL OF IT ALONG WITH A WHOLE BAG OF CHIPS 🙂  SO. FREAKIN’. WHAT?  (it was delicious, btw….entirely delicious and I did not feel guilty one bit)

So what am I getting at?

Basically, I am trying to explain that despite my struggles with food and my difficulties (especially during my worst with my ED) eating with other people – I have figured out a way and pattern that works for me.  I don’t judge other people who eat differently than I do.  I do, however, instantly recognize if someone is suffering from an ED whether it be anorexia/overeating/binge eating/etc.

I eat when I am hungry…which, when I am training, is typically every few hours.  If I am not hungry, I don’t eat.  Simple as that.

I am proud of the fact that at no time in the last year or two have I sat down at a meal and refused to eat something because there may be a little bit of butter in it…or too much cream…or extra whipped topping…or…even….two deliciously high calorie/high fat doughnuts.  The thoughts I used to have don’t even creep into my mind any more.

So there you have it – my history of food – Katiefitz Is Fit Style (title make sense now?)

For those that are utterly confused by this post….don’t worry…that just means you’re normal….for those that can relate to it in some way….don’t worry either…you’re normal too.  I just know that my journey helped me figure out that I so much better off now, than I ever was….

 

And so it begins…

The next three weeks of my life will consist of the beginnings of my Marathon training plan….subbing….coaching summer swim…teaching spin…and finishing up some swim lessons….busy is a relative understatement!

In my previous post I mentioned the awesome hilly run I went out on – Yesterday, I taught a really fun spin class.  The playlist is as follows:

1. OK Go – Here It Goes Again.mp4        3:05
2. Wings        3:40    Little Mix
3. Dance, Dance        3:02    Fall Out Boy
4. My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up) – Pa….mp4        3:08
5. Peter Gabriel – Sledgehammer HD (1080p).mp4        5:45
6. Baba O’Riley        5:10
7. OK Go – This Too Shall Pass – Rube Goldberg Machine version – Official.mp4        3:53
8. Can’t Hold Us Ft. Ray Dalton        4:18    Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
9. DOA        4:12    Foo Fighters
10. Foo Fighters – The Pretender.mp4        4:30

It was only a 45 minute class but I sweat buckets like it was an hour.  Great workout this morning – despite the (most likely) 3 hours of sleep I got Sunday night…..well worth it though 😉  And that’s all I’m going to say about that…..

Prior to my relatively sleepless night – I spent the afternoon with a friend wandering around Haverford College.  Shortly thereafter we went to my neighborhood BBQ – which was relatively quiet compared to last night’s.  See pictures below:

Neighbors 🙂

More Neighbors

Amy and Rufus

Zack and Lola

Me and Max (he LOVES Batman – we were watching it on his iPhone)

Just SOME of the food – nom nom

I’ve decided a few things about the up coming weeks – I am going to embrace my busy-ness.  I tend to do MUCH better with thinking and planning when I have a lot on my plate.  Yes, it does stress me out but lately I haven’t felt that way.  My running is improving and feeling stronger with each new route I take.  My spin classes seem to be getting better with each class I plan.  I am feeling like I am finally making some headway with school/teaching(hoping and wishing I find a job for next fall).  Things feel like they are FINALLY going in the direction I want them to.

Source

Some of the thoughts from my run on Sunday:

• These hills are going to suck
• Wait – this isn’t so bad
• Am I ALWAYS this out of breath when I run?
• Why do I do this to myself?
• SQUIRREL!
• I really hope I get to see him today
• What am I going to do with my life
• There’s those endorphins!
• I feel like I could run forever
• Forever – that’s ridiculous – why would I do that?
• I wonder what I look like to people in cars passing me by….
• I guarantee I have weird sweat stains – sweet….

Elsewhere – today I have a hectic schedule and am set to run 6 miles this morning.  First night of summer swim tonight!  Can’t wait to meet all my kiddos!  One of my faves from last year:

Me and Avery – Final Day of Season 2012

I can’t wait to be tan again!

Starting Over

Another Monday, another week where I feel like I am starting over….again!

Source: ninavanrooijen.blogspot.com

I started the whole Crazy Sexy Diet Challenge and I have failed miserably.  The first week was rough and as it were, I made some alterations to the “diet” so to speak.  In truth, the CSD is not designed for people who workout rigorously like I do.  I was finding I didn’t have enough energy to get through my workout let alone feel like I had enough energy to even start one.  So the changes I made were small but simple.

I added some full carb/gluten foods back in.  I had my best workouts/runs after I ate pizza or pasta (duh) which are technically no-no’s on the CSD.  I have also been very wary about the dairy and other foods I’ve been putting into my body but on the weekends I tend to go a little crazy which makes me feel like I am setting myself back.  I’ve also been really good about the drinking thing – although this weekend was an exception since I decided to just enjoy myself – I was at a reunion after all! (I’ll get to that in a minute).

Basically what I think I’m going to end up doing is resorting back to my original eating habits – they were not bad in any way – I was just trying something different with the CSD.  Eating clean is the name of the game – and I am still liking the green smoothies I make so those are a nice addition to my daily eating habits.  I just might not drink them first thing in the morning.  Also – I realized this weekend how MUCH I miss coffee.  Yep.  I still want it.  I figure, I have about a month left to live at my place and when I am out of here, I’ll change everything around.  I have a lot of different things ahead of me in May – CAN IT BE MAY ALREADY??!?!

In other news….this weekend I went to one of my Alma Mater’s – Albright – for a Phi Mu/Phi Beta Mu Alumnae Reunion.  It was a BLAST!  I forgot how much I loved those ladies.  I really couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.  The weather was gorgeous – I reconnected with a ton of friends – and reminisced about the fact that in some ways I wish I would’ve stayed there instead of transferring…..BUT….if I hadn’t have gone to La Salle, I never would have met some of the most amazing friends and gotten to experience the things I did – nor would I have ended up at CMU or in Michigan and met even more amazing people.  Everything happens for a reason.

Some pics for your enjoyment 🙂

Spring 2000 Phi Class!
Me, Dunn, Laura Lawrence, Colleen, Ummie

Chillin on the Phi Beta Mu Chair

Had to take ONE sassy pic

Me and Jen!

Five Truth’s Friday: Masters/Golf Edition

HELLO, FRIENDS.

How’s everyone’s Friday so far?  Did you have a good week?  Are you ready for the weekend?  I know I definitely am.  So much going on outside the blogosphere that I am ready to get my head on straight this weekend.

I mentioned on Monday that it was the start of Masters Week.  I got a chance to watch some of the play on Masters.com and followed score updates throughout the afternoon.  Once I was home I finished watching el Tigré (Tiger).  He’s not in the lead but that’s okay – he liked to be dramatic 🙂

Anyway – before I get to my truth’s – a quick recap of yesterday.  I ran 5 miles outside.  The heat finally broke here in the NE and it was a cool and breezy 59/60 degree run.  My only issue – around mile 4the blisters on my left toes (pinky and one next to it) basically ripped open – it was not pleasant.  I have never had this issue with blisters before.  I’ve loosen my shoes because I thought maybe they were too tight around my foot and I’ve even worn BandAids (which do help until they fall off).  Any suggestions???  I really would like to keep running but these blisters are killer!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5 Truth’s Friday – Masters/Golf Edition:

1.  I used to really dislike(I won’t say hate, that’s a strong word) golf before I worked at Golf Channel.  Trufax.  So your next question would be, why did you work there then?  Well – long story short – I left a previous job and ended up moving home for about a month.  My mother was driving me crazy so when my friend TJ called me and said there was a position open to work on the show he worked on, I didn’t hesitate.  What I found was an amazing group of people (all men, ha) to work with and get to know.  I am still great friends with one of them.  I learned a TON about the sport and grew to appreciate it and even love it.  I found myself watching a LOT of golf on TV when I wasn’t working – crazy, huh?  These days, I won’t watch it as often but I do like watching a few of the guys we worked with in the past…..and yes….Tiger too. 🙂

2.  The first professional golfer I ever met was Luke Donald

Luke and Family

He wasn’t yet married but funnily enough, I had met a friend of his a year earlier.  He went to Northwestern University and became a Pro shortly after.  A few first impressions – he’s cute, he’s a pro golfer AND he’s a brit.  He’s a Newcastle fan which isn’t exactly ideal but he’s a nice guy nonetheless. 🙂  I remember being so nervous that first day.  He’s since gone on to win a bunch of tournaments and if you were watching The Masters yesterday, he was grouped with Tiger Woods.

3.  I played my first real round of golf and technically learned to play at Pinehurst.  I always knew how to play the game but we were on a shoot and we had an opportunity to play No. 8 so we did.  I think I did pretty well all things considered.  For those that are unfamiliar with the course or location – it’s in a gorgeous area of North Carolina.  It’s held several U.S.G.A. U.S. Open’s.  One of the more famous moments was when Payne Stewart (of which there is a statue there now) made his famous putt and awesome victory fist pump:

Payne, sadly, died in a plane crash in 1999 so this moment will probably be one of the most significant memories of his golfing career.  He never won a Masters but he was a heck of a golfer and how can you not like him?  Look at his outfit 🙂

4.  Yes, Sir!!!  One of the best Masters Moments (obviously arguably) is probably this one right here:

http://espn.go.com/golf/blog/_/name/masters_moments/catId/Player~1106~320

5.  I LOVE JIM NANTZ!  The greeting on this blog “Hello, Friends” is a signature greeting he does when he announces sporting events.  Although this isn’t quite it – I found a CBS promo voiced by JN the last year Tiger won the tournament:

 

Love 🙂

Have a fantastic Friday friends!

 

 

Throwback Thursday

This has become a “thing” – the #tbt – I’m sure you’ve all seen it.  It’s for ThrowBack Thursday.  Yep.  And I’m about to partake in it.

But before we get to that a little bit of a “holy crap it’s true” moment…….

So I’ve been weaning myself off of gluten and dairy – I am finishing off the greek yogurt I have in my fridge because I am not about to waste food.  I have a few gluten items in my cabinets but those are pretty much okay.  An interesting tidbit – last night while I was coaching, I had a couple of pieces of Matzah (which I do actually like – for those of you out there that are like….YOU’RE CRAZY…..that’s cool….I just like it).  It wasn’t an immediate effect but this morning I woke up to a bit of inflammation in my stomach.  Yep.  It’s true.  Gluten inflames your insides.  I also noticed that everything is working.

How do I feel?  Truth be told – I’m tired.  I really don’t think that has anything to do with my eating habits though.  Like I mentioned before – the doc thinks I might have anemia.  If that’s the case….all the iron rich foods I’m eating now plus a supplement should help.  Other than that – I am hungry during most of the day except last night I wasn’t at all after I coached.  I ate anyway because I knew I’d be starving this morning if I didn’t.

Anywho – busy day today – Subbing, then Running, then coaching til 8.  LONG DAY to say the least.

Here’s my #tbt pic(s) for all ya:

Circa 1986? My Best friend and Me – Ready to Play Baseball

Me and My Cousins – Dominican Republic – 1997

My friend, Nicole, and Me – Before Freshman Formal – LOVED THAT DRESS (Also, I went alone….because who needs a date to have fun? Not me!)

Sis, Dad, Me – Circa 1998

My dad and Me – Freshman Dorm Room

 

It’s crazy, this thing they call life….

It’s Hump Day!  Woot!

I am tired.  I figured out why that might be the case.  I was tested (along with the allergies) for anemia on Monday.  It would make a lot of sense if I was anemic.  It’s genetic (I checked) and pretty much everyone in my family has it.  My sister had/has a severe case of it.  My mother informed me last night that my grandmother has it pretty badly.  So what’s the fix?  Well, if it comes back that I have it – I have to start taking an Iron Supplement.  No biggie.  But to get back to what I was saying – it would make SO much sense.

I’ve been tired a LOT lately.  I am struggling to get through  my runs at my normal pace and even at all in general.  I am feeling winded and like my muscles are not recovering each day.  All of these things are related to lack of iron in my system.  It’s pretty common in vegetarians and vegans because we typically get iron from protein.  I guess my mom was right…I’m just not getting enough protein (blerg).  With the exception of my eyes yellowing (because my doctor said the whites of my eyes were REALLY white – I’ve experienced all of these.  I’ve always had low blood pressure though (high five!):

Anyway- what I’m realizing is that if this is the case – it should help me once I do start taking Iron pills.  I’m not saying they’ll be a miracle supplement but something at least to help me not feel so tired all the time.

Moving on:

The rest of the day yesterday wasn’t too bad.  I felt hungry most of the day but I was satisfied.  I ran after school (see above) but I think the combination of how hot it was (80’s) and the fact that I was just tired already – plus my right hip is STILL bothering me.  I really didn’t think it would bother me THIS much still.  Another slow paced though – 8:45/mile average.  Slow FOR ME (please don’t think I am judging anyone else if they are slower than this – I am just used to running much quicker).

Today I am subbing at Harriton in the afternoon so I am going to do my own Spinning workout to give my hip a rest (even though I will only be able to run on more day this week….maybe I need to lower my mileage).  Broad Street is about a month away though so I need to get a few more long runs in before then.  I have a feeling it will not be a spectacular run for me but it’s my first since last year so I suppose just getting through will be the accomplishment.

I also got some help from my friends as to how to change/fix my green smoothie so it doesn’t taste like yuck.  I’m gonna try it after I workout (even though I know you’re supposed to drink one in the morning first thing).  Hopefully that’ll make a difference too.

Anywho – how’s everyone’s hump day going?

Tom Petty Was Right….

The waiting is the hardest part.  I feel as though I have been waiting forever.

Waiting for what?  For opportunity, for chance, for love, for work, for peace of mind.

Some of you will read that aforementioned sentence and quote some philosopher that said, “If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our life.” Or something along those lines.

I would actually agree with that snippet of wisdom.  But it’s not that I’m waiting to be ready – I AM READY.  I am ready for my life to begin.  I am ready to take the next step in all arenas of my life.  What I’m waiting for is the opportunity to take the next step.

I’ve always been the kind of person that if I set a goal – I usually attain said goal.  Seriously.  I am one of those people that doesn’t give up.  Which is why amidst all of this frustration I am feeling lately, I am not going to give up or give in.  I don’t want to start over again so I am going to adopt this:

I am going to continue what I’m doing – I’m pretty much doing everything I possibly can.  I might even tweak it a bit here or there.  I’m starting a new fitness and healthy living challenge (see previous post) so that should keep me focused for a bit.

I’m tired of letting the frustration keep me from feeling good.  What I do or what I am trying to do does not define who I am…..it helps me build character and shows me how strong I can be.

I got this.