tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89305660333331868012024-03-13T17:46:10.530-04:00Happy Life: One Gal's Plunge Into the PresentMe:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-44766519228597060162012-08-15T10:14:00.000-04:002012-08-15T11:35:36.332-04:00Loss<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I am reminded about the impermanence of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of life, of ideas, of the present.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all have those certain reference points in our lives that are constant - unchanging, solid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People, places and things that we assume will be with us for always, comforts in our minds, safe places in our memories, infinite signs of our foundation and roots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For me, some of those things consist of the farm I grew up on, my faith in God, my love of peanut butter, the seasons, my scars, the clouds in the sky, sarcasm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, the house I grew up in has long been sold, my faith in the Catholic religion long questioned, but the rest remain firm - mostly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think it is pretty safe to say that taking for granted our families just may be the common thread sewn throughout all of humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At some point in our lives, I think we all function on the assumption that even if left unattended, our brood will be there when we need them, ready to welcome with open arms, our absent selves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may nurture our outside-of-the-family affiliations with more attention, knowing that our house is firmly in place and in wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fully admit that my relations with my close and immediate nuclear clan has been less than stellar at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have beaten myself up for it time and time again ever since my father's passing in May 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a recent conversation, I explained to a colleague about my family's history - that I had never met my Grandpa Alec Pearson, as he died young of a heart attack before my birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Pearson clan also lost a member in the 1990's, when my Uncle Jim was killed in a car accident on his way to teach at a University in Montreal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even after all this, I still have this unfounded sense that family will always be there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing up, I remember royal blue carpets, root beer floats, potato chips, and golden yellow Imperial Margarine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recall carpet burns from too much playing in the upstairs hallway, "The Never-ending Story" on video cassette, and jello salad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember $20 bills at Christmas and Birthdays, too soggy Kraft Dinner, and shopping at Masonville Mall in London Ontario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was childhood according to me and my visits to Grandmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing up I didn't see my extended family much more that two, three, four times a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when I did, we were all there, all accounted for, all present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But things change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we have loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the present is all that is guaranteed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Edna Pearson, the matriarch of the Pearson clan made it to 94 years of age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mother, my Great Grandma McWilliam lived longer than a century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had always assumed that it was in our blood line to live forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So imagine my shock when my dear dad became so ill at 62 and never made it to 64.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now, as I grapple with the fact that my Grams has met her time, it still manages to shake me to my core.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my roots, my history, my genes that are disappearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So today, I recognize the impermanence of everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good and the bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realize that we must appreciate, love, accept and move past from all that we have in the moment, as that is really all we ever have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing is forever, but memories come pretty darn close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love you Grandma P, you led an inspired life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will miss you here on earth.</span></div>
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Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-36142430558537965642012-07-31T19:29:00.000-04:002012-07-31T19:29:09.569-04:00Huffington Post: My New Home Away From Home?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hello my friends! I have been sowing and growing my seeds of intention...</span><br />
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Things have been firing off fast and feverishly in my world as of late - so much has been happening that I have again been neglectful in my visits here. I do hope that you might forgive me when I tell you of a few exciting new developments....</div>
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1. I officially have 2 paying clients for my new business venture <a href="http://meghanpearson.ca/" target="_blank">MAP Wellness</a>. Yup! and YAY! I have been trying to figure out my new schedule as it serves both them and myself, and have been toiling with the less fun aspects of running a small business: proper budgets, overhead, and legalities!</div>
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2. I am also one of the newest contributors for Huffington Post Canada's <i>Living </i>site!! YES! This is something that has just come into fruition over the course of the last week and a half, and I am so, so, so excited about it and all that it will allow me to explore in this new world of mine. </div>
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Add to this the fact that I am still playing "catch-up" on many dinner dates and social calls, trying to spend as many minutes as I can poolside here at my home base, and that I <i>can not</i> get enough time outdoors on my bicyle, and life just seems like a blur of wonderful, whimsical happenings!</div>
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Oh - so if you missed it, I am blogging recipes for Huffington Post. </div>
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Here is the link:</div>
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/meghan-pearson/raw-food-recipe_b_1720789.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-living"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/meghan-pearson/raw-food-recipe_b_1720789.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-living</span></a><br />
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Love, love, love, love. </div>
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<br /></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-87274950505808563942012-07-15T12:28:00.000-04:002012-07-16T05:35:54.374-04:00Stuff & Things<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday! The start of another new week full of potential. I have written about my love of Sunday mornings in the past <a href="http://megsrealstory.blogspot.ca/2012/01/superb-salad-y-sundays.html" target="_blank">(see here</a>), and today I woke up feeling even more inspired than usual. For many, many reasons. First? This:</span><br />
<b><br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Booth Stars » 08 Scorpio</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Scorpio- Sunday, July 15, 2012</span><br />
<i style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />Whatever is wrong now will soon be put right. Your quest for a recovery from a harsh turn of events will be achieved. Your prayers will be answered. There is no turning back from where you are going. So, take it all the way. An exciting chapter in your life is now being written. </i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mean, <i>come on</i>! Does it GET any better than that? <i><b> All that is wrong will be made right.</b></i> Cool. <i><b>Quest for recovery from a harsh turn of events</b></i>? Hello, harsh 2009 through to 2011. <i><b>Prayers</b></i>? Oh I have been praying alright. <i><b>Exciting chapter</b></i>? Oh I <i>got</i> this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yup, today I am feeling mighty fine. I was up with the dawn for a humid run, and have puttered away in my kitchen til now. Breakfast on my balcony amongst my lush green tropical plants, with coffee, my laptop and my neighbourhood birds singing is a delightful way to really kick off the day. Later on I am off to meet with the fellow that I have been working with behind the scenes in the design of my new business's logo and colour scheme - all part of my soon-to-launch wellness company, MAP Wellness. This past week I secured my very first client, and have the promise for two more to sign on in the coming week! These pre-launch customers will provide valuable "rehearsal" time to get me into the small biz head space, and hopefully will support my goals via some valuable testimonials and the opportunity for some biz-model troubleshooting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also have a few meetings set up in the coming weeks - and not to give too much away, but I may have found a niche market to kick off my culinary workshop circuit, and I may also have found my first real (local!) restaurant to do some recipe development for! Such excitement. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New recipe creation: Carrot Chia Muffins</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As for the rest of things - well, let's just say I am feeling quite amorous right now, with a light flutter of butterfly wings twittering away deep in my belly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it is NOT because I am on book #2 of the "<a href="http://www.eljamesauthor.com/books/fifty-shades-of-grey" target="_blank">Fifty Shades</a>" trilogy.*blush*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am in the midst of planning a girls' bicycle tour of Niagara-On-The-Lake here in Ontario (knocking yet another item off of my "<a href="http://megsrealstory.blogspot.ca/2012/01/renewal-renew-2012s-word-to-live-by.html" target="_blank">To Live List</a>!"), and to that end I am excited to be having lunch this week with the charming "<a href="http://www.thewinesisters.com/" target="_blank">Wine Sisters</a>". They are a delightful duo with mad skills regarding all things vino - hopefully our meeting will help map my route and perhaps net me some insider tips!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have also signed on for another month of Booty Camp - this time challenging myself with their brand-spanking new "</span><a href="http://www.bootycampfitness.com/fitness-boot-camp.php" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Booty Fit Express</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">" - based on the ever popular </span><a class="option" href="http://www.bootycampfitness.com/fitness-boot-camp.php#hiit" rel="shadowbox;width=600;height=52" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> notion. Did I mention these group classes take place in a park? Like, outdoors? And they are only 30 minutes long! Sweetness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And now just for a couple of shout-outs to some ladies I love. If you have a moment, surf on over and check these darling gals out:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christa is a positive, inspiring, food-loving blogger from Western Canada. She has only just begun her journey into the bloggersphere, but it's a real treat! Her blog: <a href="http://ediblebalance.wordpress.com/">http://ediblebalance.wordpress.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sonnet is a holistic health coach based out of Seattle Washington. I have been reading her whimsical, witty and wonderful food musings for a while now and she never disappoints. Here recipes, humour and honesty make me smile every time I load up her page in my browser. Get the goods at <a href="http://www.fortheloveoffoodblog.com/p/about.html">http://www.fortheloveoffoodblog.com/p/about.html</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well folks that is all for today. I am grateful for all of you that are reading!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">XO </span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">UPDATE: Check out MONDAY'S 'scope:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>Scorpio- Monday, July 16, 2012 <br />Posted: 15 Jul 2012 09:00 PM PDT<br />Uranus is awakening the innovator within you. An established way of doing things has had its day. The status quo is refusing to loosen its grip, but it cannot hold on to its position for much longer against the winds of change that are now blowing so fiercely. The opportunity you have been looking for to re-write the rulebook is before you.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I mean, really. LOVE.</span></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-39245512835329460142012-07-06T10:16:00.001-04:002012-07-06T21:16:46.047-04:006 hours of YOGA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hello all! Just an update here: I have decided NOT to continue on my social media free month after all. Yes, I only lasted 6 days. But I am choosing to go back online because I <b>can</b>. I am a <b>consenting adult </b>and have the power to make that decision. After writing the below posting about yoga and extremes, I realized that I was again acting out in my particular way - with my <b>all or nothing</b> mentality - and it had gotten the better of me. So I have concluded that I need not withdrawal completely online to prove to myself that I can tame my addiction there; all I need to do is cope differently. So that is what I plan to do. Limits, time frames, checkpoints and all. So there.</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When you think yoga, you don't usually associate it with the word <i>challenge</i>. At least I don't - anymore. There was a time that yes, I truly fought against myself on the mat, pushed myself too far, drove my limbs to do things that they sometimes just didn't want to do. I went so far as to injure my knee so badly that I had to take a break not only from class, but also from my daily run. That is serious. Granted, even though I was putting my body under a ton of undue stress, it still was very healing for me in many ways. I turned to <i><a href="http://www.bikramyoga.com/" target="_blank">Bikram</a></i> yoga at a time in my life that I needed not only a distraction, but also an avenue to exert excess stresses, work out my body, and have some time just for me. And I am grateful for all it gave me then. It was only when I found myself becoming obsessive about those 26 postures; when I was starting to go beyond the parameters of regular practice; did I realize that I needed to ease off of my 43 degree "torture chamber" (Bikram's words, not mine) addiction. And so I did. Now, I feel much more at peace with my practice, and choose more variety in my yogic classes to include everything from standard hatha, to restorative, Yin, Vinyasa, and the <i>odd</i> hot one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is why, when I discovered that the ALS society was developing its first annual <a href="http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1468387&langPref=en-CA" target="_blank">ALS Yoga Challenge</a>, I was a tad hesitant to sign up. But after reading the websites introductory sentence yet again, I had to put my name on the roster:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><i>Most people diagnosed with ALS lose the ability to use their arms and legs in the first two years of the disease. What would you do, while you still could?</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I am doing it. On August 18, 2012 myself and hundreds of others will attend a fun-filled day of yoga as we <i>move our bodies for those who no longer can.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am doing it for my father, an athlete who was active in sport into his late fifties and early sixties; slow-pitch, volleyball, golf and hockey his activities of choice. He was a runner, a biker, and a <i>dancer</i>, with a regular bedside routine of push-ups and crunches every morning. He revelled in his body's strength, honoured all his muscles could do for him, and never took advantage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Go figure it would be a debilitating disease like ALS that would eventually steal his life, after quickly rendering many of his muscles virtually useless. Had it not been for my fathers paralleling fight with FTD (frontotemporal dementia) I am sure he would have been frustratingly distraught over his quickly atrophying limbs. The transition from him walking, to walker, to wheelchair happened in a blink of an eye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And so I will bend and sway in memory of him, to show my love for him, and in the hope that one day there may be a cure for the disease that took my daddy away far too soon. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3thyphenhyphenQGDedLvWidNClcnhV_NgyFqZmPs6VdD0R7OI5FNQH4AktHINRgivBKYpxIKvsXFRCNry2FMz0OuqmTrk9uupWzuSeiOspdSPgEztoFiwO8y2M0g8Kr_-zMvBb_FbNhaEdSx799Wlu/s1600/31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3thyphenhyphenQGDedLvWidNClcnhV_NgyFqZmPs6VdD0R7OI5FNQH4AktHINRgivBKYpxIKvsXFRCNry2FMz0OuqmTrk9uupWzuSeiOspdSPgEztoFiwO8y2M0g8Kr_-zMvBb_FbNhaEdSx799Wlu/s640/31.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>If you would like to sponsor me in my day of yoga, you can do so here:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1468387&langPref=en-CA" target="_blank">ALS yoga Challenge!</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Namaste.</span><br />
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</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-8514501861527034422012-07-03T09:28:00.000-04:002012-07-03T09:28:34.196-04:00Canada Day Weekend: In Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Reminder: I am not on my social media websites for the month of July! Why? Find out </em><a href="http://megsrealstory.blogspot.ca/2012/06/im-going-offline.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>here</em></strong></a><em><strong>.</strong> In the meantime, check out my new "</em><strong>Contact Me</strong><em>" tab if you'd like to get a hold of me pre-August!</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Ah, summer-time long weekends. A chance to get away from the city, breathe clean air, and unwind with the warm breeze, backyard BBQs, and family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This past Friday, after an extraordinarily busy week at work, I welcomed my 2 hour bus ride that would whisk me off from Toronto to London, the nearest transit terminal to my hometown in South Western Ontario. With backpack, snacks, and book in hand, I travelled the long stretch of highway 401 with the anticipation of a child, eager to settle in for some real, sweet, chill-time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Us Pearson's have many a tradition when it comes to Canada Day celebrations, and it was bitter sweet to replay many of them this year with the entire family...minus one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here, a glimpse into the goings on...(taken with my Android phone; apologies for the lack-luster image quality!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> Shady fun away from the sun...</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Scenes from my morning run - very different from the views and routes I get in Toronto! That pretty home there, is my old farmhouse...the place I grew up. Six and a half acres in the country, and I even got to see my old horse Kokomo grazing in the hayfield! (We sold him with the land when mom & dad moved into town)</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> More amazing sights discovered on my 5K dash - flowers, fields, and fresh country air!</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All decked out in red! My brother-in-law, niece and nephews all ready for the firemens' pancake breakfast!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mom, myself & sister B. Post-bite, it was outside to explore the antique car displays. Dad used to LOVE this annual event!</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <em>Balloon swords & glow necklaces - does it get ANY better?</em></span><em> </em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>And one more - me at the park in my patriotic colours. Thanks to big sis S for instagram-ming!</em></span><br />
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<br /></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-69292997298082612162012-06-30T15:08:00.000-04:002012-07-02T11:28:49.408-04:00Bye, Bye, Profiles...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm going "offline". For one month. By "offline", I do of course mean that I am ditching my beloved Twitter and Facebook accounts in favor of simpler living.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Why am I pursuing this brief trip into a life less-connected? Many reasons, but my main inspiration came from two places. One: My recent stay at Shanti Retreat, a yoga oasis in Eastern Ontario. The second? A recent blog post by my sisters dear friend Kathryn that documented when she too, challenged herself to go Facebook-free back in 2009 in an effort to raise money for FTD research (Frontotemporal Dementia was my father's primary diagnosis when he became ill).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">During my stay at Shanti, I was in awe of the residents' blissful ignorance when it came to current events, pop culture, and news. On the day that I arrived there, Nik Wallenda was set to be making his world famous jaunt across Niagara Falls on a tightrope - a news story that had been splashed across every paper's front page, news stations broadcast, and social media forum for weeks, even months. My hosts at Shanti had no idea who he was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So fast forward to now; I have been feeling like a slave to the web, and I do not like it. There have been far too many hours sucked away by the vacuum that is the Twitter-sphere, far too many minutes lost to Face-<i>crook</i>. I hate - okay too strong a word- I am <i>disturbed</i> by my constant desire to know all that goes on within my online communities whether it be the grand group of nutritionistas (thanks Meghan Telpner for that word!) I've come to know via tweeting, or the massive amalgamation of media mavens I connect with via Facebook. It bugs me that after a long, busy day away from my "screens", I feel the need to <i>catch up</i>, and as a result spend countless hours scrolling through my feeds, "nourishing" my mind with all the juicy details of the days' events.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's an addiction. Another obsession that I feel I need to break away from a while, even just to prove to myself that I can. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Granted, I do realize that there are remarkable positive aspects to these daily feeds, and that my being able to build such internet intimacies does not come without benefit. I am grateful for all of the real-life friendships and personal connections I have made with like-minded folk I have been united with online. That I can not deny. I treasure the connectivity that these worlds make possible, and I realize the potent capabilities that they will provide for the growth and development of my forthcoming wellness business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For now though, I want quiet. I wish to relax that sector of my psyche that thinks I must be in-tune with every little detail, every action, every event that is going on in my www.world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I want to stop and s<i>mell the roses</i>, the lilacs, the freshly cut grass. Hear the birds sing and feel the warm sun on my face and smooth summer breeze against my back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This July, I plan to read much (I have an extensive reading list of yoga philosophy books for my upcoming teacher training as well as some summer smut; hello Fifty Shades trilogy). I will cook much, and rest much, and also hope to schedule in some long overdue face-time with friends and family that I haven't been able to commit a lot of time to with my recently overloaded calendar and course regime. Presumably, I will be able to allot more time to my writing as well, and thus plan to blog here more often, and will also continue to putter away at my novel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have a sinking feeling that this month will feel like a detox in every sense of the word, withdrawals and all, so I plan to prepare and cope accordingly. As suggested by Ms. Kathryn in her facebook-free blog post, I will, by end of day today,log-out and/or suspend both my Twitter and Facebook profiles and remove my internet shortcuts for both. I will delete the applications from my smart phone as well, thus hopefully, removing all easily accessible temptations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And so, on this final day of updates (I know, talk about drama-queen here, huh?), I ask that you all have patience with me, as I can bet that during this month long mission, I will miss a birthday or two, skip out on an event or three, and I may be tardy in my replies via my now only methods of communication - phone and email.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If anyone wants to chat, please feel free to connect with me here on the blog via my shiny new "Contact Me" tab in the upper left corner of the page. If you already have my personal information, then email me! Text me! Or *gasp* call me! I'd love to see you face-to-face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I look forward to my quiet, real, and present time away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Until August... </span><br />
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<br /></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-9966785364873387832012-06-28T10:28:00.000-04:002012-06-28T13:53:50.708-04:00Culinary Nutrition Expert!! That's Me!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Phew. June has marked the official end of my three month in-depth journey of food for health with <a href="http://www.meghantelpner.com/" target="_blank">Meghan Telpner</a>, finding my way through her kitchen, out of the processed food box, and into my own culinary cuisine philosophy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">In the last few weeks, I have handed in my final essay assignment, completed my apprenticeship hours, and mailed off all of the necessary paperwork. Complete. This comprehensive, in-depth <a href="http://www.meghantelpner.com/class/culinary-nutrition-expert-program-fall-2012/" target="_blank">Culinary Nutrition Expert Course</a> designed by Meghan, is unique, inspiring, and a real commitment, but man-oh-man is it also super life-changing and SO worth it. I feel so blessed to have been able to enroll and be one of the 12 fabulous ladies to take away all the brilliant information acquired and now embark on an entirely new journey of my own. I can do this armed with an expansive arsenal of skills and experience, and feel super-charged to get the ball rolling!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Since early March, myself and a group of like-minded women from all different walks of life congregated in Ms. Telpner's cooking studio to learn the tricks of her trade. This flock of fabulousness came from a wide range of age groups; from twenty-something’s to retirees, and included a Naturopathic Doctor, Fitness Company CEO, health food suppliers and distributers, PR folk, myself, and many moms. A group that may not have otherwise crossed paths, but was brought together with one common goal; to learn all that we could about healing our bodies with clean, real, whole food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">And learn we did. Meghan is a ball of bravado, with personal experience to back up all of her nutritional beliefs. Having healed herself of Crohn's disease through diet just five years ago, she has the goods that make her an expert in her field. Not only does Meghan teach the biological and nutritional reasons why certain foods are great for you, but she also focuses on how to make that same food taste <i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">sublime. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-style: normal;">Flavour is never forgotten, in fact it is always at the forefront of every recipe she creates. In class, we had the opportunity to not only <i>taste</i> these creations, but got to try our own hands at whipping them up from scratch as part of the cooking class portion of the program. And we ate like Queens!</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">To that end, if I were to say that the research and theory portion of the course was merely adequate, I would be making a massive understatement. It was in fact, quite expansive, and I learned a truckload. At the same time though, I was pleasantly surprised by how much nutrition information I already knew! I guess my years exploring various cuisines, reading countless cookbooks and foodie websites, and flipping through magazine after magazine about health and wellness have really paid off. I went into Meghan's classes with a strong foundation, but left with the real deal – the ability to build solid recipes and meal plans for health, with integrity. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mmm! A few of the tantalizing tasty plates from class, plus me teaching!</span> </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Upon completetion of the course, teacher extraordinaire Meghan Telpner created the below beautiful video. It is a great inside look at what goes on in her kitchen, and a superb testimonial to the great work that she does and the lives that she changes: </span><img height="77" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 482px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 1544px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /> </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dsphYiMTSg4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i>For her full write-up & reflection on the course, check out her blog entry here: </i></span></div>
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<a href="http://meghantelpnerblog.com/2012/06/07/end-of-the-beginning-a-tribute" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><i>http://meghantelpnerblog.com/2012/06/07/end-of-the-beginning-a-tribute</i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">So what do I plan on doing now? Now that I am <b><i>certified</i></b>? Well, in addition to my new role as CNE, I have also recently certified as raw food chef via <a href="http://www.alissacohen.com/index.html" target="_blank">Alissa Cohen's "Living on Live Foods</a>" course. I am a level 2 chef under her guidelines, which means that I am now trained to teach and train others about the lifestyle and foods that are an integral part of this healing way of eating. My decision to nab these additional qualifications sort of came on whim, but since my first introduction into the raw food way of life back in 2009, I have always held a special interest in the distinct flavour and complexity of living food recipes. As I follow an entirely plant based diet myself, it was only fitting that I acquire the credentials to share the food I love to make with others, and perhaps turn a few everyday meat eaters into raw food lovers along the way! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">And now what? Well, I have a few things in the works that include furthering my skills as raw chef in my very own kitchen, and have begun to develop some great new recipes of my own (I’m thumbing my way through Doug McNish’s recipe book “<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Eat-Raw-Well-Gluten-Free-Recipes/dp/0778802957" target="_blank">Eat Raw, Eat Well</a>" for inspiration!). I am also drumming up a few more workshop ideas to pitch around town, and am in the midst of designing a new fancy-pants company logo and kick-ass website to match.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">In this moment, I am really looking forward to some down time over the summer and will spend much time cooking, un-cooking, reading and relaxing. But believe you me, I plan to kick it into high-gear again in the fall when I will officially be launching <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">MAP Wellness</i></b>, my new company, my new baby. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Until then, stay tuned for the launch of my new URL, and keep coming back here for updates people!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Love, love, love.</span></div>
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</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-23104032195368197762012-06-23T11:05:00.000-04:002012-06-23T19:46:04.333-04:00Cuba then..where now?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqQqpzCeH37EDm5RVhLE1daZy8Cv1L2sM4wgDw8znLqO3kCvPQDrjch1z-0rKXgDSlyEKLvmBsoeLyk4B-5A-oUawyiJ-8lxFDgOnsGxQ4TfcCMWd0cz1Qn_8d9SvF6Utoh1BiWZENGA3/s1600/270653_10150695481545226_2565507_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqQqpzCeH37EDm5RVhLE1daZy8Cv1L2sM4wgDw8znLqO3kCvPQDrjch1z-0rKXgDSlyEKLvmBsoeLyk4B-5A-oUawyiJ-8lxFDgOnsGxQ4TfcCMWd0cz1Qn_8d9SvF6Utoh1BiWZENGA3/s640/270653_10150695481545226_2565507_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Exactly one year ago <i>right now</i>, I was in Cuba. Those are my feet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It had been almost a month since my father had passed away, and I was <a href="http://megsrealstory.blogspot.ca/2011/10/october-29-2011-we-lost-dad-5-months.html" target="_blank">up one tattoo</a>, down one job, and feeling pretty lost. During dad's final weeks with us, I had been employed with a kids show that had me travelleing all across Canada for the month of May, and therefore I was not able to spend that period by his side. Not that we <i>knew</i> it was going to be the last days we'd have with him, but all the same, had I been in the province, I would have been able to visit a few more times, and more importantly, it would have allowed my being present at the hospital during the last few days that he was conscious. Regrettably, once I was able to get away from show production, it was too late, and the last time I would see my father smile was to be the Easter prior. How <i>did</i> I get to say good-bye to him in the last ten hours he was here on earth? One moment of eye contact. And then he was gone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Upon my return to work with said show post-funeral, it was clear that I could not continue with the company - it did not <i>work </i>for me anymore, for many, many reasons. I quit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And the next week I booked a trip to Cuba.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I needed to get away, to sort out all the thoughts swirling in my mind; the guilt, the regret, the grief. Mostly I just wanted to detach. I would definitely label myself as an introvert-extrovert, and as unhealthy as I know it sometimes may be, I do like to deal with my emotions in a quiet, personal way. And seeking solitude is a tried and true method for doing it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I spent a week down South, running on the beach in the mornings, reading by the pool in the afternoons, and dancing at the disco after sunset. I did manage to keep mostly to myself, but did also make a few resort pals while I was at it. When I wanted company I could have it, if I needed quiet, I simply searched out a secluded sandy retreat all my own. Did I figure anything out on this voyage? Nah, but I did manage to release a lot of tears and pent up rage, and also got some much needed sleep; one thing I had been seeking desperately for months.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Upon return to Toronto, I was pretty undeterred by my lack of a job, and quickly managed to score a few great freelance gigs with various TV stations for the remainder of the summer. Come fall I started my current full-time role with the morning show. Life has a way of working it self out when you need it to, huh? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Relaxing, eating, exploring. And hey, no body issues anymore (I would </i><i>never have posted the above pic a few years ago!)</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well, a lot has certainly changed since last June. A LOT. I still haven't gotten through my guilt issues surrounding my relationship with my father, but I am slowly peeling away the layers of self-deprecation, and learning to forgive. And I am continuing to <i>live</i> my life, as my pops would have wanted me to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Enter my <a href="http://megsrealstory.blogspot.ca/2012/01/renewal-renew-2012s-word-to-live-by.html" target="_blank">"To-Live List".</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is my current, yet always evolving grouping of motivation, created earlier this year. So where do things stand as of now? Well...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">My To LIVE list (in no particular order)<br />1. </span><s style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Learn Spanish</s> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>I have the at home CD kit and have put lesson one on my iPod!</b></i><br />2. </span><s>Complete my "Culinary
Nutrition Expert” course</s></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>DONE and DONE! Certified, baby!</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />3. Travel: Italy, Brazil, Bali, Egypt, Greece, Manchu Picchu</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />4. Complete my Yoga Teacher Certification</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i> </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>I </i><i>am booked in to start this in September 2012!</i></b><br />5. Visit NYC at Christmastime</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />6. Start my own company in the health & wellness industry</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>In progress! You should SEE the logo and graphic look we are working on! SEXY!</b></i><br />7. Open a "Nourishment Centre"- with a focus on eating disorder recovery</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />8. Snorkel</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />9. Learn to Salsa dance</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />10. Get published</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>I started my novel last month!</b></i><br />11. Tour the Niagara On the Lake wineries via bicycle</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Myself and a group of gals from my CNE course are booked to do this in July!</b></i><br />12. Stay at a yoga ashram (long term, and short term)</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />13. Learn to sail a boat</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />14. Run a 1/2 marathon</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />15. Knit socks, mittens and eventually a sweater</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />16. Mail 20 love letters</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>1 sent so far, from the heart. </b></i><br />17. Complete a Hot Yoga "30 Day Challenge"<i><b> </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>I may do this in July</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Also exciting - I have completed my level 1 "Living on Live Foods" raw food chef certification and am scheduled to do my Level 2 this coming week. I have also completed my Reiki level one certifiction and level 2 is booked for August.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yup, life does have a funny way of working itself out indeed. And as I sit on my cozy, comfy balcony writing this, I have joy in my heart, less pain on my chest, and fewer burdens weighing me down. Do I think I will ever need another "Cuba trip"? I hope not. I hope to never have to experience <i>and then move on from</i> what my family has been put through over the course of the last two years <i>ever again. </i>But, at the same time, I do believe that from now on, when life throws me a curve ball and knocks me off my game, that I will be strong enough, brave enough, and <i>present </i>enough to face it head-on. And be all that much better for it in the end. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yesssss. </span><i><b> </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-55341024325695661662012-06-19T18:24:00.000-04:002012-06-19T18:24:08.008-04:00Om Shanti<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This past weekend I had the fortunate pleasure of taking a breathe, and taking the trek up to paradise, by way of Kingston and Wolfe Island. <a href="http://www.shantiretreat.ca/" target="_blank">Shanti Retreat</a> is a yogi's dream destination, right here in Ontario that evokes all the inspiration, love and blissful thoughts and experiences you might expect at the same type of community abroad. <br /><br />My hosts, Wendy & Darin are a delight through and through, and after spending time studying in Thailand and elsewhere, living, breathing, and <i>being</i> yoga, the two decided to create this beautiful sanctuary along the St. Lawrence River and open their doors to people just like me. <br /> </div>
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My "retreat" was a little different than most, as I was up there as part of my <a href="http://meghantelpner.com/class/culinary-nutrition-expert-program-fall-2012/" target="_blank">Culinary Nutrition Expert course</a> (quick - there is still room to cook with Meghan Telpner for the fall semester!). As part of the curriculum, we are required to complete a certain number of apprentice/co-op hours in a foodie environment, and I was lucky enough to land placement in Shanti's kitchen with veggie-cook superstar chef Robinette. So off I went, to the tropics of Canada, to find peace, fabulous food, and unexpectedly, a deeper sense of me. </div>
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<br /><br />Here, my weekend in photos:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Upon reflection of my joyous time at Shanti, it is clear that I belong in the yoga community. Later this week I will be signing the papers to enroll myself in a 250 hour Yoga Teacher Certification course that begins this fall. With all the serendipitous events that have been unfolding in my world these days, I know this is the right path for me, and I know I will sometime soon reside again (perhaps much more long term) in the karma way...and really live the way my life was meant to be lived. </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Namaste</span><br />
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<br /></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-64322807528210241722012-06-13T18:57:00.001-04:002012-07-03T13:20:13.883-04:00How I live<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">I just hopped online to check out my <b><i>weekly life's happenings prediction </i></b>via a fave astrology site, and wow is it bang on. Ever checked out <a href="http://www.freewillastrology.com/horoscopes/" target="_blank">Free Will Astrology</a>? I have been watching it ever since an ex introduced me. I find it entertaining, insightful, and quite on target...mostly. At times I can't make sense of a single breath of the authors whimsical musings, but when he strikes the bulls-eye, he does so with panache!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Scorpio Horoscope for week of June 14, 2012</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><img align="left" alt="Verticle Oracle card" border="0" height="195" hspace="10" src="http://www.freewillastrology.com/horoscopes/tarot_cards/tarot11.jpg" width="136" /> <img alt="Scorpio (October 23-November 21)" height="36" src="http://www.freewillastrology.com/images/header.scorpio.gif" width="277" /><br /><i style="background-color: black; color: white;">Twenty-four-year-old actress Annalynne McCord has risen up in rebellion against what she calls "Hollywood's perfection requirement." Lately she has been brazenly appearing in public without any make-up on. She has even encouraged paparazzi to snap photos of her in her natural state. "I'm not perfect," she says, "and that's okay with me." I nominate her to be your role model in the coming weeks, Scorpio. You will be able to stir up useful blessings for yourself by being loyal to the raw truth. You can gain power by not hiding anything. (And yes, I realize that last statement is in conflict with the core Scorpionic philosophy.) Here's my guarantee: It'll be fun to be free of unrealistic images and showy deceptions.</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm just saying...that as of late, I have been, plan to, and will be doing just this. For the rest of my glorious life. This blog is a testament to that. I hide nothing. I welcome greatness. I have no shame.<br /><br /><b>Feels pretty good. Why don't we all act like Scorpios this week, and see how it makes us feel?!</b></span></div>
</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-13487811490349961552012-06-09T19:27:00.001-04:002012-06-09T19:46:46.926-04:00A little reading...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago at work I got the wonderful opportunity to meet author </span><a href="http://www.augusten.com/" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Augustine Burroughs</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">. You might know the name as he was the mind behind the novel behind the great movie "</span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0439289/" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Running with Scissors</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">". He has a new book out right now entitled...</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>This Is How: Help for the Self. Proven Aid in Overcoming Shyness, Molestation, Fatness, Spinsterhood, Grief, Disease, Lushery, Decrepitude & More. For Young and Old Alike.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />He was a gentle man to meet, his presence calming, even as he sported a citrus-orange leather jacket, even as his list of brilliant works and writings hovered over us, a daunting presence, as I brought him into the studio...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Here, a quote from the new novel that really spoke to me:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Love doesn't use a fist. </span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Love never calls you fat or lazy or ugly. </span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Love doesn't laugh at you in front of your friends...</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Love does not maintain a list of your flaws and weaknesses. </span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Love believes you.</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Yes. Truth. </span></div>
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</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-63768158852329476942012-05-29T09:10:00.000-04:002012-05-29T09:10:14.935-04:00One Year later<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today is the day. One year ago, the universe decided that it was time. Whatever, whoever, this higher power is that reigns over us declared May 29, 2011 as my fathers last day to be here in his body, on Earth. </div>
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This deciding entity had moved to have him be ill, suffer, and have disease long before that (or not really all that long at all actually, as he was only diagnosed 15 months prior to his passing), as the ALS and FTD that took over his body had decisive plans. <br />
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This day changed the course of reality. For him, for our family, for every person and life that my father touched while here, and those he hadn't yet had the chance to. I still hate everything about this situation. I am angry, frustrated, sickened, heart broken and sad. I am forever changed. My life is forever different. </div>
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And God dammit it is hard.</div>
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Every. Single. Day. </div>
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I don't see that changing any time soon. The constant reminders will always be around; fathers are everywhere, after all, and each time I witness a tender interaction between dad and daughter, a hug shared between son and his senior...I get the "pang".</div>
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The pang of pain in my heart that I won't ever get those opportunities again. The pang of guilt that I hadn't <i>cherished</i> ALL OF THEM, when I had the chance. </div>
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The pangs of regret for not saying what I felt, acting how I wanted too, spending the time that I should have...</div>
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What does get me by is memory. Recalling all the greatness that my father was, the happy moments, the puns, the stern yet loving manner in which he raised us girls. For the first few months after his passing, it was hard to remember "healthy dad". He had been ill with the dementia and ALS for only a short time, but those were the recollections that were in the forefront of my mind; both the good and the bad; the goofy smile he always had on his face, the clumsy way he went about daily tasks, the tender look in his eye when I knew he was non-verbally thanking my mother for all she did for him... <br />
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<i>Now</i> I try to remember my father the way he would have <i>wanted me to</i>. I recall the strong, determined, athletic man that he was, with quick as a whip wit. I remember the softball coach in him, the teacher, the hobby farmer, the traveler, the western movie fan in him. The grandfather, the daddy, the husband, friend, and son in him. I remember him as him.<br />
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A year is a long time, and not a long time. A lot has changed, a lot has stayed the same. Only my dad and I know what has really gone on in my world...as I know he is an angel, with me all the time, my conscience, my motivation, my source of strength. At his funeral there were many folk who told me of how proud my father had always been of me. I hope he would continue to say the same now and in the future, as I work to better myself, my life, our world.</div>
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One year. And it still hurts so bad. </div>
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I love you dad, I miss you dad. XOXO Forever. </div>
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<br /></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-67079053028020056492012-05-27T10:13:00.001-04:002012-05-27T19:56:58.838-04:00Universal Energy & Other Sharing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Summer is here! The scents, signs and sweetness have been felt in here in Ontario over the past couple of weeks. If you didn't know any better, you'd think Spring was playing hookie, only to have her older, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">more mature </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> sister take the reigns prematurely! And I am a-okay with that - Summer, you can drop early anytime.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I recently made a trip back to my hometown to spend some quality time with my mother. That woman is a rock. Just this morning, as I was out for my sunrise run, I got to thinking about her. I can not recall the exact reason why she ended up the focus of my running meditation, but she did nonetheless. Perhaps it is because in the back of my mind I know that in two days we mark the exact one year anniversary since the death of my father. Perhaps it is because my mother has been an outstanding image of strength, courage and complete inspiration over the course of the past 363 days. I am in awe of her ability to learn and grow in such a way that she has; taking over every little life detail that my dad once resided over. She has filled her new-normal life with an abundance of fulfilling activities; seeing theatre shows weekly, volunteering at the local playhouse gift shop, becoming an active member of countless organizations, and also still taking the time to attend many ALS and FTD related groups as a supportive "knower". </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">My mom
has weekly card game days with her girlfriends, and
sings in the church choir. She gives her time to the local rummage and penny sales, and if you have a knitting question, you can be sure you
can count on her to help. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Now that the warm season is here, she whiles away her free time (if she has any?!) in her backyard, caring for her perennials and annuals alike, and tending to her fruitful vegetable garden, a treat for us all come harvest. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">My mother lives an abundant and thriving life, with a youthful glow unlike any other woman her age I know. My mother is who she is even after being dealt an alarming amount of misfortune in her years. You see, my mother lost two sisters and a pregnancy in 1979 (less than a year before I was conceived). She lost both her Dutch parents and a sister and brother in-law </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">in the 90's. My mother lost her best friend, lover, partner and husband, my father, in 2011. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">But she is still smiling. God, </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I only wish I had half of her strength. And </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">am I so damn proud to call her my mom. Love you!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Mom, as we shopped for gorgeousness last weekend at home</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Okay, so as mentioned, I spent some time in Exeter recently. My mother is many wonderful things, but one thing she is not, is vegan. However, there is always lots to eat in my mom's kitchen, and I am happy to say that I was able to make do with what we had, and improvise plenty of yummy, balanced, and creative meals to enjoy in the comfort of home. To that end, when mom picked me up from the bus station that visit, we opted to make only a couple of pit-stops before heading home to bask in the backyard sunshine, neither of which included the grocery store. Stop number one as a country nursery for flowers, stop number two was the LCBO. :) Perfect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Improvised vegan burgers on the grill, PLUS fresh asparagus from mom's garden!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Recipe success: vegan cashew waffles </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Stop number three was Canadian Tire, where mom wanted to pick up a new water filter. Yay! Not so yay? Seeing "Roundup" pesticide displayed under lock and key. WHAT IS IN THAT STUFF THAT THEY FEEL THE NEED TO LOCK IT UP?? Frightening. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The following Saturday morning, we hopped in mom's brand new car (she finally bid adieu to Dad's convertible and her older model SUV in favour of one shiny new set of wheels), and were off to visit my Grandma Pearson. My Grams is 94 years old. She lost her husband, my Grandad long before I was brought into the world, and raised 8 kids all on her own. Talk about another pillar of strength, huh? Her health has been deteriorating over the last couple of years, worse since my father died. She had already buried my uncle Jim, and now dad. Not really fair for one mother, but she is still trucking along, laughing at jokes, worrying about what outfit she has on, the shape of her manicure, and whether or not I am safe living in the big bad city of Toronto. She may be completely blind, slightly hard of hearing, and confined to her high end wheelchair, but I think Grams is here for a long while yet. Her mom, my Great-Grandma lived to be 103 years old, after all. Resilience is in the family DNA. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps I should serve my grams with some Reiki next time I visit....</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b><i>Reiki means universal energy (Rei = universal, ki = energy)</i></b><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I am now officially a Level 1 Reiki practitioner! Yup, that's right, I even have a diploma to prove it. A few weeks ago, on the sunniest of Sundays, I chose to spend 9.5 hours indoors at a lovely Davisville integrative health centre, learning and attaining the "attunement" I needed to share the healing power of Reiki. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">So, you ask, HOW DOES REIKI WORK?<br /><br />Reiki is one of the more widely known forms of energy healing. Energy healing involves direct application of Ki for the purpose of strengthening the client’s energy system (aura). Ki (in Japanese) or Chi (in Chinese) is the term used by the Chinese mystics and martial artists for the underlying force the Universe is made of. After being initiated by a Reiki Master, the practitioners’ (that's me!) energy aura is modified in such a way that the hands are now capable of sending (channeling) Reiki energy in a spontaneous way, continuously, without effort. This capacity or ability to heal others and oneself will not be lost or changed (raise or shrink) during the practitioner’s entire life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: black;">*source: http://www.naturesintentionsnaturopathy.com/reiki/reiki-energy.htm</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I am doing my "Reiki of 7 levels" certification, hoping to move onto level 2 in late June. For now though, I need to get practice in. I plan on offering up my services to friends to gain the hours and confidence I need and hope to do treatments out of my flat very soon. Once again I have been blessed by the serendipity goodness of life, and upon mentioning my need for a "practice" table, my dear friend Mary from my culinary course offered up her folding massage unit for my use! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Anyone feeling out of sorts? I might be able to help cure what ails ya. :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">So that is what is going on here. I will have another follow up post soon, as well as an update on my first ever Culinary Nutrition Workshop that I taught last weekend; super fun! For now, here is just a teaser - me = teacher:</span></div>
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</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-76248162479352201892012-05-24T19:37:00.000-04:002012-05-25T05:27:59.375-04:00Green Recovery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Life happens.</div>
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I was feeling neglectful today; having not posted here for weeks. I do have a few ideas for a nice lengthy post to do over the weekend, but for now, I will simply share a little something that feels like a real milestone. I have been less than private about many things that have happened and are happening in my life up until now, as this blog really is my medium to face, accept, and move on from hardships, heartbreak, and herculean hiccups. This blog is, after all, my place of hope, healing and happiness. </div>
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A couple of weeks ago, I took a leap outside of my comfy site, and shared my struggle with bulimia via an outside source, a wonderful website called "<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/" target="_blank">Choosing Raw</a>". Gena Hamshaw is the creator, and she is also the brilliant creature behind the "<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/green-recovery-series/" target="_blank">Green Recovery Series</a>" - stories written by and about folks that have found freedom from their eating disorders by adopting a vegan lifestyle. After reading a few entries there, I knew I wanted to share my story. So I did. And she did. And I got my very own special category of "recovery-in-progress", as I do believe that my recovery will be a life long project.</div>
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It felt GREAT to speak out. And I feel so blessed to have received so many honest, touching, and inspired comments on the piece. On behalf of all of us Green Recover-ers, and all that fight disordered eating, thank you Gena. </div>
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Here it is:</div>
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<a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/recovery-in-progress-meghans-story/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.choosingraw.com/recovery-in-progress-meghans-story/ </span></a><br />
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</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-47495071096244418432012-05-12T20:15:00.000-04:002012-05-12T22:15:39.763-04:00NYC!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of<br />
There's nothin' you can't do<br />
Now you're in New York<br />
These streets will make you feel brand new<br />
Big lights will inspire you<br />
Let's hear it for New York, New York,<br />
New York</div>
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Love that song. I felt it, and played it over and over in my head whilst whiling away the time on my recent solo adventure into Manhattan, a certain affair to remember.</div>
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I am blessed to have been able to make this trip happen, as I am definitely not flush with money these days, with my various class and course fees draining my back account. But as luck would have it, I booked just earlier enough to snag a crazy good deal on round trip bus fare, and I was able to arrange superior accommodations in Washington Heights with a friend. More on that later...</div>
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I left late on a Thursday, via the overnight Greyhound, beet and carrot juice in hand. After a slick and quick trip across the border (yay, no illegal travelers on board!), I managed to squeeze in a few hours of solid shut-eye before awakening at 6:15am, just as the sun was rising over the Manhattan skyline, and and we were soon to enter the tunnel to the island. Wow, what a view. I knew at that instant, that this was going to be a weekend to remember. </div>
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After our on-time arrival at the Port Authority terminal, it was only a quick jaunt up to Columbus circle followed by a short walk to ABC studios, where I had a VIP ticket to see "Live with Kelly". Thanks to Kieran, one of the stellar producers at my TV show for hooking a sister up! A perfect way to kick of my adventure.</div>
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<i>Maggie Q with Kelly and co-host & hubster Mark</i><br />
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So how did I spend the rest of my trip, you ask? Really? Well if you really do want scoop, then keep on reading, friends! <i><br /></i></div>
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First stop post-Live with Kelly: "Organic Avenue"- the BEST veggie juice joint in the city!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lunch was the Aztec salad at Candle Cafe: Upper West Side. Impeccable service, great atmosphere, outstanding food! Funnily enough, as I jotted down notes in my scratchpad, glanced around the room engagingly, and just really "took it all in", I became pretty convinced the staff thought I was a food critic. Half way through the meal, I had far more servers attend to me than necessary (with gushingly kind treatment), and my every move was observed until they pretty much followed out the door upon my exit! Super fun; new career perhaps??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> That evening, I was lucky enough to have scored complimentary admission to hear one of my inspirations speak live at "Spirit Junkie Church". Okay, so it was actually Middle Collegiate Church in the East Village, but the huge crowd that assembled to hear Gabrielle Bernstein lecture on the topic of "Manifesting Desires", sure appeared a faithful following. I love hearing her speak, and each time I do, I feel immense passion about all she inspires, and I always leave fueled for positive change. She is a true sweetheart to meet, and a real smart cookie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My religious experience ended shortly after 9pm, and good thing too, as I had a hot date at "Pure Food & Wine" for 9:30pm with my long lost (cue the violins - no don't) cousin, Grace. Grace is my father's-cousins-daughter, whom I met previously way back when I was in grade ten. We had immediately bonded on that visit, getting all boozed up on rum and cokes on a boat in the neighbouring town (you'll recall, I had a very intimate relationship with alcohol at very young age). I had not seen Grace since that time, but she was gracious enough to offer up her living room to me as my home away from home for the entire time I was in NYC. So grateful. </span></div>
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<i><span class="hasCaption">Hen of the Woods Tacos al Pastor - smoked guacamole, hearts of palm, chayote squash, guajillo crema fresca, pickled onions</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeck59qrmNPEuDU3ja_gSag8A4phve7sF-L473wudbTeuMVJVVP8bZky5HE5q8NdPf3rIjAYp05pnoa3Q-llxiY9VvEXXW0-GldhMjASAZts8XxN2zwFS8hQB5q8FmbEimPdSPdJzyrGy/s1600/P1110661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeck59qrmNPEuDU3ja_gSag8A4phve7sF-L473wudbTeuMVJVVP8bZky5HE5q8NdPf3rIjAYp05pnoa3Q-llxiY9VvEXXW0-GldhMjASAZts8XxN2zwFS8hQB5q8FmbEimPdSPdJzyrGy/s320/P1110661.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_7Sfmq4vTcbJOGtjRwKcP-PDfCvkzfVUQP_6qOEizZolVPA6-Ce4hQp6rJnmLHDk-dHInme5t2W0bgmHm3gRUeboyLkRqvWTcSZVxDa5Uw4p1xf__xhvqJSZTOl-JyeoaNtK_uAev9lR/s1600/P1110659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_7Sfmq4vTcbJOGtjRwKcP-PDfCvkzfVUQP_6qOEizZolVPA6-Ce4hQp6rJnmLHDk-dHInme5t2W0bgmHm3gRUeboyLkRqvWTcSZVxDa5Uw4p1xf__xhvqJSZTOl-JyeoaNtK_uAev9lR/s320/P1110659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="hasCaption"><br /><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sweet Corn and Cashew Tamales with Chili Spiced Portabella - salsa verde, cashew coconut sour cream, avocado, raw cacao mole</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Saturday morn! What a glorious morning it was! What better way to start off the day, than with a brisk ride into the Heights to hit up the local farmer's market!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Grace, with her hot tamales in hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That afternoon, I ventured out solo, and walked...and walked...and walked. Here, just a few yummy moments from my day:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKSVF0NGvU_KEW6_i8-JLlNOpJPrgAaXnuwe-RdBV1U6L6OxtgThILZOLj1uI00kVBxR4OSm7cBZmnoSQZCfT8wiQ2lxcG8pxDVfUeIJBEOlpEfvGPAMRJZ2z1tVCUdA3_DM_aJZcUKBz/s1600/P1110657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP8NwO20orbWUC7ZjKiBNhcldS4Iu5QttLyWwUQyIs1XPnUBs_msBgj3PsBxpiOFCgjmBpQ7HegahECByelbTCYU14ImMbhTj9Q2M8j-smSWO_PfnFasHwegYuXHY4UtEJ6yknKGrt1r7/s1600/P1110630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIP8NwO20orbWUC7ZjKiBNhcldS4Iu5QttLyWwUQyIs1XPnUBs_msBgj3PsBxpiOFCgjmBpQ7HegahECByelbTCYU14ImMbhTj9Q2M8j-smSWO_PfnFasHwegYuXHY4UtEJ6yknKGrt1r7/s320/P1110630.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj7Yee9t1pbUkZp9J7KnGb8dcoKAwytM07uF4pkMYZ-v-YV0c7-r9O9X43YvkQLGT0ABP5wTnEZX4GST6K2zIx06rOf6hZ5r3Y1bdDm7Fhw6ka7mHoga_DI2yBRH1T8sBMm2LVnvzEW_A/s1600/IMG172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj7Yee9t1pbUkZp9J7KnGb8dcoKAwytM07uF4pkMYZ-v-YV0c7-r9O9X43YvkQLGT0ABP5wTnEZX4GST6K2zIx06rOf6hZ5r3Y1bdDm7Fhw6ka7mHoga_DI2yBRH1T8sBMm2LVnvzEW_A/s320/IMG172.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lunch: Angelica's Kitchen, East Village</span></div>
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Mid-day, I met up with a fellow Torontonian and media professional, that I have known for, what, maybe ten years? She and I met ages ago at CityTV, but have never had the chance to get together one on one while at home. So what better time to meet up for drinks then when we both just so happen to be chilling in NYC? Natalie was in town on business, but was able to free up a few (4) hours to meet for a therapeutic glass (or several) of bubbly at the Central Park Boathouse, the sight of my now irrelevant engagement proposal two years ago. It was divine and full of wine, and a gorgeous day to enjoy the sunshine on the packed and pretty patio! </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Prettiness at Bryant park...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Last stop on Saturday, was my much anticipated dinner at "Candle 79", the grand-daddy home of vegan cuisines. This comfy, cozy, classy resto is located in the Upper East side and was everything I had imagined. I enjoyed a table for one in the upper level of the dining room, sandwiched in between two lovey-dovey couples. That was just fine by me, as I had my city, my dress, and my glass of wine as my date, and was feeling just sublime. I decided on an entree of their LIVE lasagna, a plate that served far superior to my delish version of the raw "pasta" dish from home. I savoured this plate for well over 40 minutes, absorbing all the brilliant flavours and textures, eating every morsel with gratitude. By 10pm I was ready for dessert, another glass of wine, and then I was off. </span><br />
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A long walk towards home via Central Park, passing the classic carriage ride circle at the foot of the green-space, and I was ready to call it a night. A weekend. A milestone. </div>
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That was<i> my</i> New York after all, a whole new round of memories, each one my own, each one a gift. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was a hot date indeed, and I am already planning my next rendezvous with my American lover come July.</span></div>
</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-78025107674962385482012-05-05T21:18:00.001-04:002012-05-05T21:19:20.819-04:00Just Wow.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was just thinking about how much my day job rocks. Seriously. So what if I have to wake up by 4am every day, and I need to nap just to live a somewhat "normal" life? I have the pleasure of walking into my "office" every morning knowing that I get to work with <i>the </i>most amazing team of on-air talent that never fail to crack me up consistently day in, and day out. I also have a super talented crew of producers, technical personnel, and production staff that make my job as studio "mom" both fun and exciting. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Not to mention, I get to be one of the first people to meet every single celebrity and not-so-celebrity that walks through the door, and man oh man, have I met a few icons!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Case in point - Connie Chung. WOW. Gratitude. That is all. </span><br />
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<br /></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-63775449388366878512012-05-02T05:30:00.000-04:002012-05-02T05:30:50.960-04:00Grand Predictions!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The universe appears to be on my side today! And if all that is written in my stars happens to come true, than today, my friends, is going to be a gooood day. I'm just sayin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Each morning, I have two separate and usually very different horoscope forecasts sent my way via email. Today, here is what they had to say:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Scorpio- Wednesday, May 2, 2012</strong> <br /><em>The stars will bestow you with all the energy you need to further your goals and plans. The waxing Moon will help you burst through whatever restrictions have been holding you back. A certain degree of upheaval is involved, but you won’t mind that a bit once you get a whiff of the success that awaits you. </em></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Your horoscope for May 2, 2012</strong> <br /><em> If you've been working toward manifesting extra money in your life, meg, today you'll probably see it happen. Your inner powers of mind-over-matter are given a special impetus by copious physical and emotional energy, and you might just see the results you've wanted in finance and in other matters as well. Business and career interests should also be going well, as could any personal projects of your own. Keep up the good work!</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Not too shabby I'd say. And it just so happens, I have a few exciting things in the works right now, and extra cash, energy and willpower are just what this gal needs! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh, and sort of in the same realm of life shifts and change, I thought I'd share a picture. As it is it clear, I am all about "putting it out there" these days; telling my personal stories has really helped me move on from a lot of crap in my life. So here is an image of a moment that will forever be etched in my mind:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At a recent <a href="http://gabbyb.tv/" target="_blank">Gabrielle Bernstein</a> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">lecture, I volunteered to admit my "burning desire" for change and fear release in my life...This is me exposing my secret to <strong><em>hundreds</em></strong> of strangers. On a mic. Delightful. </span></div>
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</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-57446592063696774172012-04-24T11:28:00.000-04:002012-04-24T15:40:24.001-04:00I love food. Did'ya know?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Nut butter-goji-flax power balls</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A slightly different kind of post today, all about my biggest passion: healthy, yummy food!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have a crazy busy schedule this week, and I am finding myself at home for no more than an hour or two at a time. With this week being as kooky as it is, <i>and</i> with my upcoming road trip to NYC, I know that I will need some quick, easy, on the go energy to help power me through my long days. Over this past weekend, I spent many hours in my kitchen, perfecting an entree recipe of mine as part of an assignment for my culinary nutrition course (<i>recipe to come!</i>). I wasn't the only one working away on that, and after seeing all the Facebook postings, and Twitter updates from many of my schoolmates about <i>their</i> food creations, I was inspired. Yesterday afternoon, I happily found myself with 60 minutes of <i>me-time</i>, and so after juicing what felt like every last ounce of fresh veggies I had left in my fridge for my afternoon green gulp, I figured I would also try and clean out a few pantry items that I am due to re-stock as well. And with that, I whipped up a batch of all-new edible delights that I am calling "Nut butter-goji-flax power balls". Super simple, super tasty!</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Whatcha Need:</span> </i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1/3 C ground flax </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 1/2 T sunflower butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 T peanut butter (almond would be yummy too!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 1/2 T ground goji berries (they grind well in the blender)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1/4 C ground almond (I used pre-ground meal)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 1/2 tsp sesame seeds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 tsp. cocoa powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1/2 tsp natural vanilla extract</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 T chia seeds</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1 1/2 T raw honey* </span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b><i>Whatcha Do:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Mix all the ingredients with a
wooden spoon or spatula until combined and easily handled. Roll into
balls. Refrigerate. Eat. Yum. Energy. Power.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">*I eat a primarily vegan diet - no
meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or eggs. I do however consume raw
honey;there are just too many health benefits not to, and it is simply
an amazing sweetener.</span></div>
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</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-54166848363222484322012-04-22T19:24:00.001-04:002012-04-22T19:27:28.591-04:00Life.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Life is crazy delicious, isn't it?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCU0FiipvO0lKWwgUhCCXF_5XXIAVQAJ1aOYOZRkbFUrxgvtKh3ADX-qKAagLpb4WWLizhuLwfM9uoJmNmC2XevpYoXAGTbmTJ5tq1Jvq3Lye_bFXQ7I9gvIE7cC1PDbf94o21fD0VjxC/s1600/life-is-pretty-amazing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCU0FiipvO0lKWwgUhCCXF_5XXIAVQAJ1aOYOZRkbFUrxgvtKh3ADX-qKAagLpb4WWLizhuLwfM9uoJmNmC2XevpYoXAGTbmTJ5tq1Jvq3Lye_bFXQ7I9gvIE7cC1PDbf94o21fD0VjxC/s320/life-is-pretty-amazing.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have to admit, I am simply exhausted more often than not right now, but at the end of each day, as I crawl into bed, turn on my ocean waves sound machine, and put on my sleep mask (yep, you need one of those when you go to bed before the sun goes down), I am nothing short of thrilled, grateful, and truly happy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Everything in my life seems to be rolling along as it should; pieces of the puzzle that I have taken 31 years to solve are slowly falling into place, serendipitous events are unfolding all around me, paths are intertwining with the characters I need most to meet, and I feel good. I do wish I had more free time to devote to my family and friends right now however; I have sadly had to reschedule my trip home to see mom several times, and dates with my closest girlfriends have been shuffled around like pawns on a chess board. And so it begs the question, how on earth did I think I had the time to date again? A few weeks in on an online dating site, and it is clear to me that love may not be in the cards for me just yet. I have no idea when I might even squeeze in a simple coffee rendezvous! But, I soldier on, and do see the light at the end of this 18 hour day cycle, and it is beautiful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This week is going to be an epic one for me, as I have much awesomeness planned, and I am sure I will have many a story to tell via my next blog. It's a 3 day workweek for this gal, and I am excited to be VIPing at my fave Spirit Junkie, <a href="http://gabbyb.tv/" target="_blank">Gabrielle Bernstein</a>'s reception & lecture on Tuesday night here in TO. Wednesday (which will be my FRIDAY this week!) has me headed North to Barrie to hear from <a href="http://www.davidwolfe.com/" target="_blank">David Wolfe</a> - "The rock star of the superfoods and longevity world". He is scheduled to speak from 6pm til 11:30pm, but from what I hear, we will be there into the wee hours of the morning! I am so pumped! There are a few carloads of ladies from my culinary course making the pilgrimage together, and I am sure it is going to be an inspiring, raucous, and exciting night! And then...on Thursday I head off on my much-needed NYC getaway, my solo excursion to the city that I admittedly would cheat on TO with, no contest. I have my days booked solid, including meals at all the best vegan food joints, and some required TV related stops (while in NYC, I must check out the big, bright, and fancy network studios!). Friday night I am again going to see Gabby B, this time for her "Manifesting your Desires" workshop, and then on Saturday morning, I have a date with a local farmers market via bicycle with my lovely hostess for the weekend, Grace. I am also excited to share a bite at some point with a dear old CityTv colleague, that I haven't seen in close to 5 years, and just so happens to be visiting NY simultaneously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And after that? Well, I have a few weeks left in my culinary course, and have nailed down one of my co-op placements with <a href="http://belmonte%20raw/" target="_blank">Belmonte Raw</a>, the sassy, hip, and real raw food boutique in Leslieville that I encourage you all to check out. Later on in May I am all signed up to earn my level 1 Reiki certification, and I also hope to finally write my Canfit Fitness Instructor exam! And to wrap up the month, I will be taking yet another course with <a href="http://meghantelpner.com/" target="_blank">Meghan Telpner</a>, only this time it's a business and marketing workshop! I am hoping this will help me develop more focus about what exactly I plan to do with all these sexy new skills I am layering onto my being these days!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So yes, life is grand. I'm tired, but it's a fatigue from fun and fabulous-ness, so I'll take it any day.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6pCxZDz6_okQki-ZBU3a-83biOtTao4olPf28_tiCEM5l6AzUol1rxLfDb03Mv1Mdf-uttP4V-6CGHlWqKnp23F8vv42Ti6s0EcVwqjIIFAdS-cj9x9oW53kaPVanHuw9lxEfGJ-31Dg/s1600/AZN7wsuV4fzt9qqsT8Rh822go1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6pCxZDz6_okQki-ZBU3a-83biOtTao4olPf28_tiCEM5l6AzUol1rxLfDb03Mv1Mdf-uttP4V-6CGHlWqKnp23F8vv42Ti6s0EcVwqjIIFAdS-cj9x9oW53kaPVanHuw9lxEfGJ-31Dg/s320/AZN7wsuV4fzt9qqsT8Rh822go1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-1010745672096898052012-04-07T08:07:00.004-04:002012-04-07T09:03:02.685-04:00A conversation with Meg<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08mnPYOezTe45cQsvpn-azvqiR4KK8FlIxB8OoGyqhYimDbhj5imA1Ntk_-amp74YzmyfyyULrneSW2D1v4esuyboShv1vXAY2SPoMxc2dYK1J3NMIA6bjkhMa7QRvj1yLDs-36sTuesO/s1600/88735055127597690_u0HfqIzE_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08mnPYOezTe45cQsvpn-azvqiR4KK8FlIxB8OoGyqhYimDbhj5imA1Ntk_-amp74YzmyfyyULrneSW2D1v4esuyboShv1vXAY2SPoMxc2dYK1J3NMIA6bjkhMa7QRvj1yLDs-36sTuesO/s320/88735055127597690_u0HfqIzE_f.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Scorpio- Saturday, April 7, 2012</b></i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An old repetitive and never-ending problem is going to get resolved once and for all. It may not seem like it considering the way things have been going lately, yet improvement is happening in areas of your life where it really counts. The only way to go is forward. Success is waiting for you.</span> </i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Huh. Nice way to start my day, reading that there horoscope before even rising out of my bed at 7am. Immediately I thought, yes, I must blog about this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I think we all have at least one area in our life that we truly want to change for the better. One specific habit, an <b><i>old repetitive and never-ending problem</i></b>, that we so desire to <i><b>resolve once and for all</b></i>, but we are just too frightened to make that </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">huge paradigm shift</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">. I know I do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's funny, because just yesterday, whilst walking home from Whole Foods, I decided to have a conversation with myself about just that problem of mine. I had recently read an article about why it is so damn hard for us to make positive changes in the most important areas of our lives when we know exactly what it is we need to do, to do it. The writing stated that quite often it is simply an issue of our "child-like" selves resisting the ideas for change brought on by our "adult" selves, and thus sabotaging all of our efforts. The article went on to say that the first step in making massive transformation in our lives is to simply have a conversation with our kid-self. This internal chat should focus on distilling the FEAR that our child self feels about the change. We also must insist that our grownup self will take care and ensure protection and safety into the soon to be <i>new way of thinking and doing...</i></span><i><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So yes, I talked to myself. Half out loud I might add. I must have looked mildly of a crazy person walking through Rosedale muttering words of encouragement under my breath to my mini-me. But I did feel better after the "talk". I felt lighter. Calmer. Total placebo effect? Maybe. But isn't that exactly what it is? Shifting perception equals a shifted reality after all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now upon receiving my astrological prediction for today, it only adds fuel to my fires of motivation. Yes, most areas of my life are a rockin' - really and truly great. And if I can revamp this one zone in my world, and END my never-ending problem, I can only imagine what amazing things will result...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So today I suggest to you, please sit down, take a breath, and say hello to your kid-self and give him or her a hug. Have a conversation and see what transpires. You just might be surprised.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Tc2c7hSi1s_0lKVdsr2SobYH6nLX6rvTZ8GUoo7e37unL4gh_k1wdjtGjZKHRuKNz7Bj41u2yArnMTPO_jP1A70AWFIH_pDkOj7QrJLIMu0ddljVJYJDGQrZhOH6kW75-hmv-FXaFpqL/s1600/249748_10150668132710226_818140225_19321363_6463692_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Tc2c7hSi1s_0lKVdsr2SobYH6nLX6rvTZ8GUoo7e37unL4gh_k1wdjtGjZKHRuKNz7Bj41u2yArnMTPO_jP1A70AWFIH_pDkOj7QrJLIMu0ddljVJYJDGQrZhOH6kW75-hmv-FXaFpqL/s320/249748_10150668132710226_818140225_19321363_6463692_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-49676626537070668012012-04-01T18:34:00.002-04:002012-04-01T20:07:28.267-04:00April checkpoint<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKy4PEpBxE-aSiMu33jyFvi184-W0RoZtB0_dpwxQl1lOV-EbGaN-YNn4QkXuzu1jemFn3MObUKzBRdUSz8lHAu1LrMbFz60jxtUhqVa8szwMprCNd0MTxWsmtWkzx_CM2ejGn9SPL_An/s1600/IMG_0754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKy4PEpBxE-aSiMu33jyFvi184-W0RoZtB0_dpwxQl1lOV-EbGaN-YNn4QkXuzu1jemFn3MObUKzBRdUSz8lHAu1LrMbFz60jxtUhqVa8szwMprCNd0MTxWsmtWkzx_CM2ejGn9SPL_An/s320/IMG_0754.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Okay, where did March go? Seriously. Crazy busy fun times. Breathe. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well, this past week week marked exactly 10 months since my father's passing. Not a usual milestone of note, but I took it as a marker to reflect on all that I have accomplished in those ten months, and with that, I do declare that I think dad would be proud. I am really making things happen. :) </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jprZDwrdnTKxWvWQ_a2Ckjb3HoqJZhCgLqQ5zorFQWBOJsUqcN3FVIKGKai_6lAT6pz1tQjct-KLaJcowv3C2OTCwwpi_4hrxgMD-r8iMw_4mNfbHMFT13aLWWqrs40kknjLzbkZF4Dd/s1600/177962622745516707_6f9OJRP6_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jprZDwrdnTKxWvWQ_a2Ckjb3HoqJZhCgLqQ5zorFQWBOJsUqcN3FVIKGKai_6lAT6pz1tQjct-KLaJcowv3C2OTCwwpi_4hrxgMD-r8iMw_4mNfbHMFT13aLWWqrs40kknjLzbkZF4Dd/s320/177962622745516707_6f9OJRP6_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So what goes on? Well I am thick in the trenches of my CNE course, cooking up a storm, madly finishing assignment after assignment, amassing large quantities of super-food stock, and realizing less and less counter space due to my new array of kitchen appliances. Not only have I been active with my new juicer, blender, steamer, food processor and mandolin, but now dear friends, I get to add a super high-tech professional level <a href="http://www.blendtec.com/" target="_blank">Blendtec</a> blender to my arsenal! Yes indeedy, I can officially bid adieu to my "Vitamix savings account" (they run you over $500), and put that money elsewhere. Just last night, as part of Earth Hour, I hit up <a href="http://www.dougmcnish.com/" target="_blank">Doug McNish's</a> book launch party for his new recipe compilation "<a href="http://www.robertrose.ca/book/eat-raw-eat-well" target="_blank">Eat Raw, Eat Well</a>". Not only was this event filled with great food, great fun, and great networking, but it was also where my lucky name was drawn and I won over $800 worth of Blendtec swag! And I never win anything!! So amazing, so shocking, so blessed. I also got the opportunity to meet <a href="http://www.bordencom.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Borden</a> while there (she's an inspiration), and it was in her opinion that I won this great prize because the universe was recognizing my choice to do something better with my life. There are just too many serendipitous events unfolding for me to ever question my decision to do what I am doing. It was another motivating evening, and I left more assured than ever that this is the arena I want to play in. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am so grateful to have had the chance to connect with Doug and his crew, and will be eternally thankful for this opportunity to advance my culinary chops he's given me via this great gift! </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsbV1Fxyck5Gh_vgthPoIwukVUf6SlaI_VxFBpV2BDIIUPC75MWfiHnVsRAE_i9NALvfrtNQ0geLnB-1uKvLbjZFtjIZNigziRK9PWRk968TScf-hJASKAPbb6hbF-93eQ2YOnpayGGFo/s1600/IMG059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsbV1Fxyck5Gh_vgthPoIwukVUf6SlaI_VxFBpV2BDIIUPC75MWfiHnVsRAE_i9NALvfrtNQ0geLnB-1uKvLbjZFtjIZNigziRK9PWRk968TScf-hJASKAPbb6hbF-93eQ2YOnpayGGFo/s400/IMG059.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i> This was my homework this weekend; just perfecting my quinoa breakfast bowl recipe for a meal plan development project!</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, where will I stash that money I was saving for a heavy duty mixer? Perhaps I will put it towards a few fancy dinners when I hit NYC in April! Yes, that is another plan I have in the works; a romantic trip to the city that never sleeps...ironically almost EXACTLY 2 years to the day from when I got engaged there in 2010. This time around I am flying solo, and just like my gal Carrie Bradshaw, I intend to be courted and wooed by Manhattan over the course of my 3 day "date" with the city. Fortunately I am blessed that my father's cousin's daughter (my second, third, fourth cousin?) is living in Washington Heights and has kindly offered to accommodate me that weekend. Grace is her name and I have not seen her since the summer I was in grade 10. I really look forward to catching up, and getting her opinion on my very own "Grace" tattoo! So that weekend promises to be filled with great food (Candle 79 here I come!), great fun, sweet recollection, and superb solo chill time. Can't wait!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kgIQuXL3LBDyE4baPlqn3tDLvJa7_Kc93UiEHryign8winDll21AfrDdvgkAkmI8BdF5m9NCJkUVGfFuFs1cVjqB2YtVu2XWFJafk_TU-wIleQNcQvCo0dLTB74UIvMTsTVMm2nSoDT4/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kgIQuXL3LBDyE4baPlqn3tDLvJa7_Kc93UiEHryign8winDll21AfrDdvgkAkmI8BdF5m9NCJkUVGfFuFs1cVjqB2YtVu2XWFJafk_TU-wIleQNcQvCo0dLTB74UIvMTsTVMm2nSoDT4/s320/IMG_0670.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> <i>Yup, that's me on Carrie's stoop.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now that I have a Spring getaway in the works...why not start thinking about a Winter one, right? And what better place to travel than Costa Rica to escape the snow? Again, strangely, the last time I visited this country just so happened to be 2 years ago, the March prior to my NYC trip of "love". So it's quite funny to me that I am now also booked to head back there as well! Yuppers! I am hitting up CR once again, this time along the west coast of the Guanacaste Peninsula near Nosara and San Juanillo. I will be heading down there alongside 21 other sunshine seekers with a passion for holistic nutrition, yoga practice, and a desire to heal what ails them. I'm part of the group signed up with one of <a href="http://www.meghantelpner.com/retreat/costa-rica-retreat-nutrition-yoga/" target="_blank">Meghan Telpner's super retreat</a> packages (yes, the same Meghan I am doing my nutrition course with!) and I am stoked to have the chance to scoop up one of the coveted spots. This holiday runs during the last week of February, so I am hoping I can work it out so that I can have my week in the jungle, and then fly straight into Florida to spend my special March time with mom right after. Wouldn't THAT be a divine way to ring in 2013? </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglI4Slw6uVVS_ZDSwiAdtmDzlE9XB-w8Aoj-CVhXgaUTD0r7JYMBBlIGwASeqdJTOD7717DPA90Ny-WZpHeZTIcO6dfziW9qvO6kS-_BdrdhCN6DiWB37W3xAGAkfPrlOUz2ToG_azJgsi/s1600/IMG_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglI4Slw6uVVS_ZDSwiAdtmDzlE9XB-w8Aoj-CVhXgaUTD0r7JYMBBlIGwASeqdJTOD7717DPA90Ny-WZpHeZTIcO6dfziW9qvO6kS-_BdrdhCN6DiWB37W3xAGAkfPrlOUz2ToG_azJgsi/s400/IMG_0376.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i> Costa Rica, Pura Vida!</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well then, so this is where things stand: NYC in April...Costa Rica in February...Panama in November?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Let's hope! Okay, so this week I should hear from <a href="http://www.bootycampfitness.com/" target="_blank">BootyCamp Fitness</a> in regards to my audition I did a few weeks back to be a part of their next home DVD video shoot. It is taking place in Panama this coming November, and yes I am excited, yes I am praying, but man am I nervous about the results! This would so be such a dream come true, and I am trying not to hold my breath in anticipation. I am telling myself that I will not be disappointed if I am not chosen as I have so many other great things going on in my life right now, but jeez. Come on! Panama! Workouts! Sunshine! All in my birthday month! It is so meant to be. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Oh, and one other wee update; this past week I received my first round of recipes to whip up as part of my new gig as recipe tester for "Chatelaine" magazine! Super fun. I signed up ages ago and now get to play the part of guinea pig with their meal ideas for upcoming issues. No pay, but a fun excuse to try out new food ideas, and the chance to get my reviews published. Not to mention, I think it'll be a cute addition to my culinary resume. Hooray!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Anyway, that's it for now, dinner is in the oven and I best go give it attention. I will try to write again soon, and my apologies for the erratic postings these days! In the meantime, please cross all your parts for me, and pray for PANAMA!</div><br />
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</div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-67897340333552973652012-03-24T09:19:00.005-04:002012-03-25T18:15:22.894-04:00March Madness (& Miracles)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>“</b><b>Single is not a status. It is a word that describes a person who is strong enough to live and enjoy life without depending on others.”</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inspiration can be found anywhere. This week was one of those weeks in which my scattered focus almost left me drained. However, it only took a few deep breathes, and several big jugs of green juice smoothie (with Maca!) to keep me in line and on target. Along the way, I also kept coming across various words, ideas, and images that really inspired, and also guided me to reflect. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The above quote was one I came across on a blog about being happily single, and it resonated. I have been single for a huge portion of my adult life, but I can say with honesty that I was never really <i>strong </i>and single until this most recent stretch (post failed-engagement I suppose). I think there have been a lot of variables at play in the last few years, (obviously with all that has gone on!) but I am actually really <i>okay</i> with it being just me. I have always been really independent in most areas; I have lived solo since age 22 in Toronto, enjoy my alone time, can hold my own when it comes to home repairs, car issues, and just getting by every day (my finances? well that's another story). But it was not until recently that I really felt happy to be single. I am actually <i>thrilled</i> to be free to do all the wonderful things I want to do, on my schedule, in my own time, with no one questioning any of it. I feel love now more for myself than ever, but I also feel myself giving out love to others more freely as well. Not the same romantic love you give and receive in a "coupled" relationship, but love none the less. And it's because I am content enough to be able to let down some of the protective walls I had built up, and allow others in; friends, co-workers, strangers...<br />
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This is not to say that I am not open to romantic love. No, quite the opposite. I think that now that I have established a wholeness on my own, I am more ready than ever for intimacy; when the timing is right, and the right person rolls along...<br />
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But I'm vibing on where I am now. It's neat, feels good, and makes my life a happier place to be, single or not. It's just a groovy way to live.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm_S5f3EHsLXiwPiIbvNJnf1UBJaHdNwnq1fv6BhegUK8YCBfrd52inUeHd7mSf45wlNdR23gofw2oF_FMs9aA_PpPsHlAiHaO41UVDeYHy2k6y3nuzLTsLxI7oqfE9jqVOnzZrjLT_2u/s1600/LOVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm_S5f3EHsLXiwPiIbvNJnf1UBJaHdNwnq1fv6BhegUK8YCBfrd52inUeHd7mSf45wlNdR23gofw2oF_FMs9aA_PpPsHlAiHaO41UVDeYHy2k6y3nuzLTsLxI7oqfE9jqVOnzZrjLT_2u/s320/LOVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I like this above image a lot </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(I poached it from my gal </span><a href="http://gabbyb.tv/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Gabby Berstein's</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Pinterest page)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">, for it gets me thinking about where love is of the utmost importance in my world; the love of self, and the love of food! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It also brings me to my next wee bit of stimulus from the week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I came across this <a href="http://jacknorrisrd.com/?p=2716" target="_blank">article</a> by Jack Norris, RD, in which he briefly discusses the prevalence of disordered eating and various restrictive food diets (ie. veganism). He states<i> that recent studies have found that semi-vegetarians scored higher on restrictive eating behavior tests, but that vegetarians did not show signs of disordered eating.</i> Further, <i>the researchers stated that the vegans had the most healthy scores, healthier even than omnivores, and even wondered if becoming vegan “could actually serve as a protective factor against developing disordered eating.”</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I don't know why this made me feel so happy to read, but I suppose it helped to quiet that part of my mind that still constantly worries about my food decisions, and whether I am being too strict with my eating; if I am crossing that very fine line...anyway, I thought it a neat-o read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Next up, was a blog I found on the Huffington Post Canada <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amalia-negreponti/anorexia_b_1364462.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false" target="_blank">website.</a> Here's an excerpt: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span> <br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Yet I never forget. I am always alert and vigilant because I know I can never be entirely safe from myself. Sometimes -- and this can happen; beware all of you out there who have gone through similar situations, or who have loved ones who have done so -- you slip. A treacherous crack opens inside you, inside your soul. The void gapes through. When this moment may arrive, is unknown. If you are going through a rough period you may be tempted to fall back into old habits. So you have to deal with it, decisively.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>But I have done so -- and I have won! My mother, my yaya and I won that night when I ate the bun: the three of us. In Greek, the word for winning is "Nike." In our mythology, she is a woman -- and boy, is she gorgeous! Radiant, full of curves, and "normal." (Cindy Sherman even made her pregnant in a statue now showing at MoMa.) Yet there is nothing "normal" about her: Nike is a goddess. Like every woman: endowed with the power to overcome anything.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just another great read for the simple reason that it is yet another writer putting it all out there. In this case, the author is a recovered anorexic, and she, just like me, is well aware that it doesn't take much to relapse if you are not <i>constantly conscious</i>. I am loving that there have been so many open, honest, and raw articles published recently about eating disorders, and how they not only affect the individual suffering, but also the impact on family and friends. It is a shame that society was silent so long on the subject; I know first hand how tough it was to open my own mouth and talk candidly about my ordeal. But with every shared story<i> I learn. </i>With every honest admittance <i>I grow. </i>With every relate-able detail, I am able to move forward and further away from my past with ED, and I think if we keep the momentum up, we can start turning things around, ditch the stigma, and save lives. Let's keep it up!!!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZ0TOn3yCmVYnUpX2yE0c2R5aiABCfxhYkPtiVE2FKuwfEiR9o4QkY3mNXjfxT-y3X7vpT5lRwRlT9UqLaDlRm5JxNz3_DATK6Y-X4PJ0FRW5v04WN6G9Sa3CbCSp3LxH-W7g5EE95XIP/s1600/LIFE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZ0TOn3yCmVYnUpX2yE0c2R5aiABCfxhYkPtiVE2FKuwfEiR9o4QkY3mNXjfxT-y3X7vpT5lRwRlT9UqLaDlRm5JxNz3_DATK6Y-X4PJ0FRW5v04WN6G9Sa3CbCSp3LxH-W7g5EE95XIP/s320/LIFE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, so enough of my quoting from the internets. This week was super cool because I also received a copy of Douglas McNish's new raw recipe book. I am pretty stoked to try out a few recipes, and after flipping through it last night, it seems I am going to be spending A LOT of time in my kitchen with my food processor and mom's dehydrator. So many yummy recipes to choose from!! I am also pretty stoked to be heading to the official book launch next weekend at "<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/84682680/Doug-McNish-Book-Launch-at-EcoExistence" target="_blank">EcoExistence</a>", in celebration of "Eat Raw, Eat Well", as well as Earth Hour. Oh, and watch for Doug's appearance on Global's "<a href="http://morningshow.ca/" target="_blank">The Morning Show</a>" this coming Thursday as well!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMCFymQQ1wRdDWtvp_5TiVXHOePTC3lrWH3XZ4GZwDMaEvgYbvPtsnFCL-PK_gmp_sgqVWdjoHwh4nxjzLQvzObF2ZirGcWixM7zWjjpruZO5pSwbbIe74nH0wvLSyK9xLJQ9IthBSrsz/s1600/IMG030(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMCFymQQ1wRdDWtvp_5TiVXHOePTC3lrWH3XZ4GZwDMaEvgYbvPtsnFCL-PK_gmp_sgqVWdjoHwh4nxjzLQvzObF2ZirGcWixM7zWjjpruZO5pSwbbIe74nH0wvLSyK9xLJQ9IthBSrsz/s320/IMG030(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And finally, I thought I would share a couple of cheese-ball photos with you all. As I have mentioned, I took part in an audition this past week to be a part of <a href="http://www.bootycampfitness.com/" target="_blank">Booty Camp Fitness</a>'s next home DVD video shoot (in PANAMA!). My audition was on Thursday night, and I was required to supply an essay about my connection with Booty Camp Fit, as well as 2 photos of myself...one head shot, and one full body shot. Of course, I do not have any sort of portfolio as many professional fitness folks might, so I had to improvise...</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the show that day, I recruited cameraman Nick to be my photog, and we had a mini photo shoot right in the studio. I am sure he felt awkward and uncomfortable during the whole session, poor guy. But, the following images were what transpired, and I hope my goofiness in the first shot wasn't taken as a lack of professionalism!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2lIGisEex6VpKHRSS1Rmj6NFa0y2a7l8gMB0fGajX_pJoJgjoTbrW5bMGq8NoDRUDRarDJqJJwFRAhYcQUOY6hHioNAc-6KoV344GUH9lH0ftFVLoJTCoUji_gNGB-e75Ye5cV-DO88Z/s1600/485303_10151431777835226_818140225_23583706_93106320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2lIGisEex6VpKHRSS1Rmj6NFa0y2a7l8gMB0fGajX_pJoJgjoTbrW5bMGq8NoDRUDRarDJqJJwFRAhYcQUOY6hHioNAc-6KoV344GUH9lH0ftFVLoJTCoUji_gNGB-e75Ye5cV-DO88Z/s320/485303_10151431777835226_818140225_23583706_93106320_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin31-ZagR9hFXJpg73_kKHqAhlNMJ8Y4JfvBKWmlP4VHLGbnjs48ht6INuM0YFC6XET-8-sYvG2gdJPg6HJbw1O_sCNBztXd1MbtmQQ_YtHdeC9VjWo8U2RgM72YneCHdoSTw23mP0Bic7/s1600/546337_10151431778170226_818140225_23583710_961455609_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin31-ZagR9hFXJpg73_kKHqAhlNMJ8Y4JfvBKWmlP4VHLGbnjs48ht6INuM0YFC6XET-8-sYvG2gdJPg6HJbw1O_sCNBztXd1MbtmQQ_YtHdeC9VjWo8U2RgM72YneCHdoSTw23mP0Bic7/s320/546337_10151431778170226_818140225_23583710_961455609_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUdX18yJ6WV8P49gtS-u2-ECECrgjVgkr0cktFiFFCPWJprEJwuL1xdBqI1L0GUGSjZxCMzkIknG64KGh5odGTQ4Bpm7JPQCpzUfn7s7IiDjBvveQ8j5Zsk_0JlNOCfBsFrtbNXusO528/s1600/563554_10151431778300226_818140225_23583711_972669802_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUdX18yJ6WV8P49gtS-u2-ECECrgjVgkr0cktFiFFCPWJprEJwuL1xdBqI1L0GUGSjZxCMzkIknG64KGh5odGTQ4Bpm7JPQCpzUfn7s7IiDjBvveQ8j5Zsk_0JlNOCfBsFrtbNXusO528/s320/563554_10151431778300226_818140225_23583711_972669802_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As for the actual audition, well it was awesome! I got to work directly with Sammie Kennedy, CEO and founder of the camps, and Megan the VP was the other "judge". They were both totally sweet and friendly, and put both myself and the other potential recruit in the room with me right at ease from the start. After a short Q & A, Sammie put us through a vigorous mini workout to test our abilities when it comes to burpies (ouch!), push-ups, high knees, and squats. You name, we did it; it was like squeezing an hour long booty camp into a 5 minute session! Good times! I left feeling invigorated, excited, and thrilled to even just have the chance to give it my all. Now we play the waiting game...I should hear by early April if I made the cut. FINGERS CROSSED!!</div></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-12191092748237158012012-03-23T18:17:00.001-04:002012-03-23T21:01:40.545-04:00One thought.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On this sunny Friday evening, after a quiet afternoon of reflecting on the week that was, I have one simple thought to share.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawAuV7WojqUq4qtyN7PJXHaPP2sg6VfTUT6cbXA8KwVPlHLmAWdFC3sCGVFujjsyovnAbhQi0ByFOqCFRnq4zqwNQpdfEwpzuZvea-PHoXFTh_6sRfE1crkpubZbaGghR6_55kBkcvCue/s1600/Battle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawAuV7WojqUq4qtyN7PJXHaPP2sg6VfTUT6cbXA8KwVPlHLmAWdFC3sCGVFujjsyovnAbhQi0ByFOqCFRnq4zqwNQpdfEwpzuZvea-PHoXFTh_6sRfE1crkpubZbaGghR6_55kBkcvCue/s400/Battle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Simple, yet so profound. These words, if acted upon, will change how you perceive others and the world around you. A mantra to remember with every step you take, soul you meet, & smile you send out. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We are ALL sorting out conflict, we <i>all</i> have demons, we <i>all </i>can choose love.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Happy week-end!</div></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-84979332376921820582012-03-20T11:14:00.005-04:002012-03-20T18:32:42.508-04:00Spring has Sprung!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4BsO0ThZA6gZPQcOt1vg4h1DCgf1kR9G8Y8z3W_eg-1b5C56_fDX3_iEgFlE5DVFo_0lfGAgfoh34UZkk_7DeKNKLV9jjQb99j2v8jcGy5vQXQ7A62oP_26D8X12I-J7yVk-13iBjIMm/s1600/icon-100x100-sign-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4BsO0ThZA6gZPQcOt1vg4h1DCgf1kR9G8Y8z3W_eg-1b5C56_fDX3_iEgFlE5DVFo_0lfGAgfoh34UZkk_7DeKNKLV9jjQb99j2v8jcGy5vQXQ7A62oP_26D8X12I-J7yVk-13iBjIMm/s1600/icon-100x100-sign-7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>Sun Sign: Scorpio</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>Your horoscope for March 19, 2012 </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>You should be feeling especially confident today, meg. You have been working especially hard lately, and the recognition you have received goes a long way to reinforce your feelings of self-worth. Your life goals suddenly seem more attainable and you pursue them with renewed vigor. Your confidence is grounded in reality. You will surely succeed</i></span></div><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">WOW! Life has been just non-stop since my return from my Florida vacation; so crazy busy that I have barely had a breath to myself, and obviously not a moment to sit down and really write out my thoughts in this here blog! My apologies for being absent. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well, the biggest news is that I am super excited to have finally started my Culinary Nutrition Course with <a href="http://www.meghantelpner.com/" target="_blank">Meg Telpner</a>! I am 3 classes and 2.5 assignments in, and totally vibing on it thus far! Meg is a superb teacher, entertaining speaker, and obviously an outstanding talent in the kitchen. I so look forward to my Monday and Wednesday night meals at her loft-style cooking academy, and also having the chance to hang out for a few hours with a group of vibrantly sweet and health conscious individuals just like me. The in-class time is invaluable to say the least, but I do think that I am going to learn vastly more than I ever expected through the well thought out homework plan that Meghan has devised. Over the course of the next 12 weeks, we will be phasing through 2 writing projects/week, each one building on the last. We will look at everything from our own food "philosophy", to where the professional nutrition market is headed, cover all the cooking basics, and eventually will design full meal plans including all our own recipes. The "at-home" commitment is also extensive, with much required cooking, reading and documentary screening to complete, BUT it's so <i>all</i> <i>good</i>; for once in my life, my "schoolwork" is FUN-work!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdALaYGsuNP-tpv4Aazcb8-4-W5J_WbpGUrOPL-49Rtbq3N-iYaGyopW7bkgKWWjcoPdpVksJcGnH9wOMYmz9FujfW8i8qbflTZX7AFJjITjsKvUuomlOHazufsm0XuJCu3UCsCcK07wG/s1600/IMG018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugRiecEy6X156OF2VljMP-zZlarakRjHI3QOUnXGrXAYwESFfh4gCs3YYu8sdQ_eBimaIMBv5lagPdfFBnqMoCukwjHNh0OSI-r-m8_TlGRoSKs5kx2CQ7F4bPxNYymIaTxHMQmH7IOle/s1600/IMG022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugRiecEy6X156OF2VljMP-zZlarakRjHI3QOUnXGrXAYwESFfh4gCs3YYu8sdQ_eBimaIMBv5lagPdfFBnqMoCukwjHNh0OSI-r-m8_TlGRoSKs5kx2CQ7F4bPxNYymIaTxHMQmH7IOle/s400/IMG022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After just the first week of "schooling" I was already fully inspired. I did a huge re-vamp of my grocery list, and made a few big shops at Whole Foods and my local health food shop to stock up on a few of the staples needed for my new creative cuisine. I have tossed out my usual rice cake and nut butter breakie, in favour of a new "green smoothie" AM routine. Armed with my shiny new high powered blender (one day I hope to be able to afford a precious Vitamix!), I have been mixing up yummy protein shakes each day to bring to work and power me through my long morning in studio. I have tried quite a few combinations, and this morning was one of my faves, by far. Packed with protein and savoury sweetness, this is what I included:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 2 Tbsp Nut Butter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1 medium apple</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1 cup kale</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1.5 Tbsp. Chia</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1 scoop chocolate vegan protein powder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- ¾ C. almond milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1 scoop greens powder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 3 dried dates</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">- Water to thin</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdALaYGsuNP-tpv4Aazcb8-4-W5J_WbpGUrOPL-49Rtbq3N-iYaGyopW7bkgKWWjcoPdpVksJcGnH9wOMYmz9FujfW8i8qbflTZX7AFJjITjsKvUuomlOHazufsm0XuJCu3UCsCcK07wG/s1600/IMG018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdALaYGsuNP-tpv4Aazcb8-4-W5J_WbpGUrOPL-49Rtbq3N-iYaGyopW7bkgKWWjcoPdpVksJcGnH9wOMYmz9FujfW8i8qbflTZX7AFJjITjsKvUuomlOHazufsm0XuJCu3UCsCcK07wG/s320/IMG018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Another way to get bliss from a blender? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">- 1 scoop SunWarrior raw vegan chocolate protein powder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1 scoop GreenSuperfood</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1 capsule Maca root</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1/2 avocado (silky smoothness!) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1 Tbsp. goji berries</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">- 1/2 C. frozen fruit of your choice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">- Handful kale, spinach or other leafy green</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">- Almond milk to liquefy</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">...cuteness pause...</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLopXSXwFS57YXcseUx8XQK58YoKUm0RkXIm-bhK2LVmPSc1ncbGOx-SDXFXLLaQppptmBb6zT_jFssyxoygeXjDPLGWJcMKycxUNChqIzW-1-HrDTyFn6THlWf6w3ITzRmWzPdwM-KLq/s1600/IMG024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkR2_2Wfl0GJJfmddN0UVq8GUr1kJhYscusGt_CcRGqZrDrmZuKGX5BxwD_TiX9V3FfQwJAkGDf4O8HLubWvAzhdOL0YD5-PDVC0TOrCFKQVyqgMGZuADq1xRl-5h_gKdjJxyeKL6XOU0/s1600/david.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQkR2_2Wfl0GJJfmddN0UVq8GUr1kJhYscusGt_CcRGqZrDrmZuKGX5BxwD_TiX9V3FfQwJAkGDf4O8HLubWvAzhdOL0YD5-PDVC0TOrCFKQVyqgMGZuADq1xRl-5h_gKdjJxyeKL6XOU0/s320/david.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Chef David Rocco hits the Global Morning Shaw's Bloor street studios....so dreamy.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLopXSXwFS57YXcseUx8XQK58YoKUm0RkXIm-bhK2LVmPSc1ncbGOx-SDXFXLLaQppptmBb6zT_jFssyxoygeXjDPLGWJcMKycxUNChqIzW-1-HrDTyFn6THlWf6w3ITzRmWzPdwM-KLq/s1600/IMG024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLopXSXwFS57YXcseUx8XQK58YoKUm0RkXIm-bhK2LVmPSc1ncbGOx-SDXFXLLaQppptmBb6zT_jFssyxoygeXjDPLGWJcMKycxUNChqIzW-1-HrDTyFn6THlWf6w3ITzRmWzPdwM-KLq/s320/IMG024.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Between my course, work schedule, and keeping life interesting and fulfilling with friends and fun-having, gym time has been at a minimum. In order to keep feeling strong and powerful, I know I need to keep up with my training, and if I plan to run a 10K this Spring, I need to keep on my feet too! A couple of weeks ago I implemented a new regime, and am now up at 3:30am for a run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. I am still loving my <a href="http://bootycampdvd.com/" target="_blank">BootyCamp DVD</a> set (there are so many vids to choose from that I haven't gotten even <i>slightly</i> bored yet!) and this past weekend I also invested a tad of money in some more home-gym gear and am now also adding in a few simple dumbbell routines in the comfort of my own living room as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Oh - and in 2 days, I am finally off to audition to be a part of the next BootyCamp DVD - stay tuned for more on that; even if I don't get selected, I am sure the process will be fun, and yet another notch on my belt of building more and more self confidence!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2_N9RFNAILxvr4-lM9FAxXkOUMnB7RiLmtYzoLMszovQiCPG3em1hPmysiZdyQTLEYas9r4GP9l5PHAA23FuoczM-oEYJwNVnF00hHbDfjwHrxPVCPOnZ6M8iJEWoTyCTPkOkK5ekkOj/s1600/487525_10151415213290226_818140225_23517613_1833014675_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2_N9RFNAILxvr4-lM9FAxXkOUMnB7RiLmtYzoLMszovQiCPG3em1hPmysiZdyQTLEYas9r4GP9l5PHAA23FuoczM-oEYJwNVnF00hHbDfjwHrxPVCPOnZ6M8iJEWoTyCTPkOkK5ekkOj/s320/487525_10151415213290226_818140225_23517613_1833014675_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well, as my horoscope for this past Monday predicts (see top of post), I think things are really finally starting to fall in to place. I have a couple of other neat-o things in the works, but I am going to keep those under wraps until I have more details to divulge. For now, I am feeling confident, positive and determined, and believe that the universe is backing me in my plans for change. I am not sure how much of this "high" I am feeling is simply from my new green smoothie habit, or how much is simply a result of life really <i>flowing</i>....but either way, I am stoked. I am feeling a shift, and it feels <i>good.</i></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9w9HXy0RzaGIy6WrtBZiZCaj7OfrmI5Zdr6A373bXIBYQs_hXzmAQRy3pe-hvUiJp9rngkl7nzm2o5GY12YlYk3nuVVwa2cO7BcxECgieu9XjElYjc2n2E_rpzIjpTZ6KPX3YkFB1Eah/s1600/240661173807539937_sAIzyR8W_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9w9HXy0RzaGIy6WrtBZiZCaj7OfrmI5Zdr6A373bXIBYQs_hXzmAQRy3pe-hvUiJp9rngkl7nzm2o5GY12YlYk3nuVVwa2cO7BcxECgieu9XjElYjc2n2E_rpzIjpTZ6KPX3YkFB1Eah/s320/240661173807539937_sAIzyR8W_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Oh! I almost forgot - Happy 1st day of Spring everyone!! </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div></div></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8930566033333186801.post-59615699900633627312012-03-07T13:30:00.005-05:002012-10-09T05:20:26.646-04:00Road Trip! Florida Bliss<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Vacation Week: February 28 - March 6, 2012</em></strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here, just a few stories, highlights, and simple thoughts about my Florida vacation with my ma.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHjSjqvh651XPOPblUpBLvk2c1Wc6Njc_lH7_cikc2zNAbdiJU3p5j-esfRVGIMcGPMgauE35l9LIfWa57OqPE_hLDgSvi7scQfAngBEoKPNBYWCq9R4YN801Tug-5dmVJcq46rN6KFM/s1600/P1110556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHjSjqvh651XPOPblUpBLvk2c1Wc6Njc_lH7_cikc2zNAbdiJU3p5j-esfRVGIMcGPMgauE35l9LIfWa57OqPE_hLDgSvi7scQfAngBEoKPNBYWCq9R4YN801Tug-5dmVJcq46rN6KFM/s320/P1110556.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<strong>8am – Tuesday, February 28 2012</strong></div>
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This was it! Our long awaited, much anticipated vacation down South was finally upon us. It was last summer when my mother and I decided that we would make the long drive to Florida together in dad’s convertible, this one last time before she sells it later in the spring. My now widowed mother (it is SO weird to type that) has no need for 2 vehicles, after all; she finds it strange enough to think that she'd outright own one, let alone two cars, PLUS a 5 bedroom house on her own for crying out loud!</div>
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Mom and dad had been taking up residence in Sebring Florida for the past nine years, heading down each winter for the entire month of March, each time cruising the I-75 interstate as the means to get there, never flying, always eager. This pleasure always made possible by my loving Uncle John, mom’s brother, and his amazingly sweet and generous wife Anne, who brought the Florida home into my family and has so kindly offered it to my folks each year since.</div>
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We knew that March 2011 was to be my father’s last trip; his health fast deteriorating by that point, mom having to pack up both his walker and wheelchair for that final journey. After dad’s passing, mom made the pledge to keep up tradition, and made plans to come back this year, as strange as it may feel without her husband. We all knew it would be difficult for her to bear alone, and the idea of my mother driving that long route solo was just as unimaginable. So I decided to accompany her on the trip down, my sisters will visit over March Break, and many of my aunts and uncles will also be making the trip down at various points throughout the month as well; never a quiet house for long, much love and support to my mom when she will need it most. </div>
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So, back to the road trip.</div>
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We left our hometown with fresh coffee in hand by 8am (I decided to end my coffee detox that day in c<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">elebration of vacation!) and managed to make it all the way to Knoxville Tennessee on that first day of travel. Now this probably doesn’t seem like all that a miraculous feat to some, but consider that my mother was the soul driver (I don’t have my license anymore!) and that’s a whole lot of miles to cover without any switch-offs behind the wheel! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We settled into our hotel room shortly after 7pm that night, just south of the city, and after a brief stint of staring exhaustively at terrible hotel room TV, we were both down for the count and slept through until 6am the following morn. The next day was another long day on the highway, but we managed to make our way right into Sebring at dusk, the sweet aroma of orange blossoms infiltrating our senses, and instilling instant calm. We grabbed some groceries and a bottle of wine, and once at the house “cheered” our successes, and settled mom in for the month (and in my case, the week). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I can’t go any further without giving a shout-out to our additional wonderful roadside companion; a true miracle worker when it came to navigating us through the big cities, a wealth of knowledge regarding all things I-75, a variable wizard of facts, and inspired storyteller to boot. I don’t know Dave Hunter personally, but his presence on our journey along the Interstate sure did make the trip vastly more enjoyable and smooth, and really had the hours flying by. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dave Hunter is the author of the book “Along Interstate 75”, a step by step mapping of the entire trail from the Canada-US border, right through to the Georgia-Florida one; each page filled with lane change directions, speed trap information, geographical factoids, and where to stop for gas, food and lodging. I spent the better part of our car time flipping through the pages, reading, researching, and guiding my mother as she weaved through the heavy traffic of Detroit, Cincinnati, Knoxville and Atlanta. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We only hit real bumper to bumper traffic once through our entire drive, and I must say that my daddy’s big convertible was a cozy, comfy vessel to make home for 2 days whilst travelling the long journey. Once we pulled into the lane way of the house it was a satisfying moment. But sad all the same. That did after all, mark the Pearson Sebring’s final southward expedition to the Sebring Florida home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, what did we get up this week? Well a whole lot of nothing! Mom and I whiled away our days lazily, sleeping in (I never made it past 7:30am however!), leisurely grazing over breakfasts, reading, knitting, shopping, cooking, sunning, napping, shopping, eating, reading, sleeping, wining, dining…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We arrived to 28 plus degree weather, with nothing but heat, humidity, and sunshine for the entire first 3 days. Quite a welcome change from the single digit temps of Toronto, and a delightful way to welcome my first few sessions of suntan-time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At one point on the trip I had to comment that this way of living must be what it feels like to be a "kept woman"! It was just so <i>easy</i>. Some days involved waking up with the sun and heading out for an inspiring run along the sandy roads of ground-up seashell gravel, amongst miles and miles of orange trees, their sugary sweet smells filling my nose and heart with a peaceful happiness. This was always followed by a drawn out breakfast outdoors in the sunshine, a far cry from my rushed 4am wake ups in Toronto. I spent a ton of time in the kitchen, cooking up meals for mom and I to enjoy; many salads, grilled goodies, and even created a few new vegan dishes that I am excited to share on my food blog at a later date as well! We wandered through a handful of supermarkets, exploring the vast array of food product not available in Canada, as well as made full mornings of department store shopping a regular occurrence. We aimed for at least one “outing” a day, whether it be a trip to the strip mall, a foodie stop, a simple drive, or a movie. </span></div>
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<em>(me post-run, enjoying early sun and oranges)</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This day. This day was my parents’ 39<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary. For the past 8 years, they had been in Florida together to celebrate, marking the milestone with some sort of "special" treat like breakfast at IHOP, dinner at Ruby Tuesdays or Olive Garden, or a trip to the movies. It was always a nice excuse for mom and dad to do something a little "extra" to kick off their month in the south. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, it was just mom and me. The night previous, we had quite a few tears talking about Dad. We spoke about his illnesses and his rapid fifteen month progression downhill. We reflected on many of our greatest memories, laughed over all the funny quirks posessed by the man that we both love and miss so dearly. We spent a good time sitting at the kitchen table just remembering, feelings of sadness and anger boiling up, and then acceptance seeping in to calm us. I think we both went to bed that night feeling a bit of a pain in our gut, mom more so than I, as she was crawling into a bed that was now empty, her sleeping partner of 38 years no longer there for cuddles and kisses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next morning, anniversary day, I decided to get out a bucket of soapy water, the garden hose, and a rag, and proceeded to scrub and shine up the Sebring, my gift to Pops on this special day. Earlier in the week mom had commented that dad would have been just disgusted by the filthy state of his loved convertible with the smattering of dead bugs on the grill, the streaks of mud and grease on the body..he would never allow his vehicle to look so unkempt for very long<i>. I can clearly recall waking up early on Saturday mornings while growing up on our farm, seeing Dad out in the lane way, turtle wax in hand. He would wash and shine up his cars with precision, listening to golden oldies, enjoying every satisfying minute. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later that day mom and I ventured to the far North end of town to the movie theatre, and once there decided to see “The Descendants” over “The Vow”, as we figured there would be no contest between the two had Dad been there and given the choice. So we saw what he’d have wanted to see, and cried our way through the two hour performance. It was a hard flick to sit through that day; a movie filled with family pain, illness, hospital rooms and death - all things we had experienced firsthand not ten months prior. Once again, I think both mom and I walked out into the parking lot after the movie with matching pain in our guts. Pain that we went home and quieted with a couple of sweet glasses of Muscato wine, and a wee bit of Sherry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was cooler out, a mere 20 degrees with a light rain through the morning, and cool breeze in the afternoon. Mom and I spent the entire morning indoors, reading, blogging, knitting. After I did a lunch hour workout, we had a quick bite to eat and then ventured into town to shop at the mall (I managed to spend the remainder of my allowable customs limit quite easily on 2 pairs of delicious boots). Before dinner that day we headed out for a nice long walk to the neighbouring lake, with a pit stop at the neighbour folk’s house, where we spotted Allan, a silver haired man of the south, who upon approach, I immediated related to the likes of a Munchkin a la "Wizard of Oz". His silky hair set in a perfect kiss-curl, his cheerful eyes squinting in smile, his skin, a shade of scarlet red against his crisp white attire. Allan and his wife Caroline have been lifelong residents of Sebring, only recently being dealt the news of Caroline’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. We chatted for a while with Al, and then were on our merry way, making a huge loop of the quaint community on foot, exploring the neighbourhood, growing so shamefully excited by every orange, grapefruit and papaya tree we encountered along the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later that evening, as mom and I sat down to our big bowls of homemade coconut curry for supper, we spotted a wee, slow moving silhouette of a person making its way up our lane way. It was indeed Caroline the southern belle, having heard of our earlier visit with her husband, and wanting to say her own "hellos" in person. The three of us spent a good 20 minutes chatting, and it was quickly clear to me how the Alzheimer’s was affecting sweet Caroline’s mind. She had much trouble recalling details of her stories, not to mention her own grandchildren’s names and even her own age. She was full of life and energy however, beautiful in her 72 years, her age slyly calculated by my mother via quick tally of the few facts we were able to discern from conversation. I can only imagine what a knockout she must have been in her glory days, as she was a vision of pure charm and grace that night on the lane way. And God bless the sweet woman, dementia or not, for when asked how old she figured <em>I</em> to be, her answer was an honest<em> twenty years of age</em>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">After we said our farewells, and promised another coffee and catch up session very soon, mom and I made our way back inside, where we spent the remainder of the night cuddled under blankets, with my DVD copy of “Julie and Julia” to entertain us until our eyes drooped in sign for sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all, my week in Florida was simply divine. There really is no better way to describe it. I departed Orlando International Airport early afternoon on Tuesday with a stopover in Atlanta, and was home in my Toronto apartment by 8pm that eve. I have to admit, that the moment that I set down my suitcase and kicked off my boots, I was a tad let down. I immediately felt a wave of sadness, missing my mom and the cozy environment we had created together that week in Sebring. A dear pal of mine had picked me up at the airport upon my arrival, and she and I spent the drive to my flat discussing many things, catching up on events of the week, but the conversation that spoke most to me, was the one about mother daughter relationships.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She had just spent a weekend away with her mom as well, and was super stoked about how they "clicked" so well; how they were so comfy; how like "best friends" they were. It is true. That connection you can have with your mom really is the epitome of intimate closeness, if you allow it to be. I know my relationship with my mother has been one that has had its ups and downs, and twists and turns to say the least. But it is one that I so loved tapping into this week, and one that I can honestly say is the most important in my world; bar none. There is a undeniable level of certainty, comfort, ease, and honesty that breeds between mother and daughter, and I am learning that as I get older, it is becoming more important, and more sacred than I ever imagined. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The biggest takeaway from the is week, is not only to continue treasuring every moment in my life, but also to truly appreciate the people that I love, and the ones that unconditionally love me back. I look forward to my next session of "girl time" with my new bestie, my mom, when she comes to slumber party with me at my apartment here in Toronto later on in the Spring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really did love my road trip, and I truly and deeply love my mom. </span></div>
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<div style='text-align:center;font-size:11px;font-family:arial;font-weight:normal;margin:10px;padding:0;line-height:normal'><a href='http://www.dwellable.com/a/1516/Florida/Disney-Orlando/Sebring/Vacation-Rentals' style='border:none'><img src='http://www.dwellable.com/dwellback/1516.jpg' style='width:102px;height:20px;border:none;margin:0;padding:0'><br>Sebring on Dwellable</a></div>Me:http://www.blogger.com/profile/09797937130739592474noreply@blogger.com2