Magical Milk Pic-o-the-Week

(photo by Itzick, used with permission)

I'm not as young as you think I am

Call it good genes. I don't know.

My mom has never looked her age. I have never looked my age.

I tend to perpetually look about 12. Not so cool when you are co-teaching at a middle school and spend the first week being stopped by other teachers for not having a hall pass. Literally. Three times.

Thankfully, I have a lovely reminder that I am, in fact, 38. It's called - my body.

My limbs have this funny little party game they like to play. And they believe life is a party. They fall asleep much more quickly than they used to. So, I can sit all floppy and young and twisted up on a cushion in the floor (still my favorite way to sit, but ...). The cool factor disintegrates quickly when I stand up and fall over onto a numb lump of flesh. Or I hop around throughout the pins-and-needles phase.

38.

If I lean too long in one position, everything freezes up. It used to do this - ya' know - when you found yourself stuck somewhere for hours. But my body is all about the microwave generation now. It likes to speed things up. Stiffening up within minutes. One second, you're leaning up against something with your wrist bent back just so, enjoying a chat. The next second, you move said wrist and it is so very .... ah, frick-a-frack-a, ga-ka*^!%&*! Ow, ow, OOWWWWWW! Or you're just starting to move and you feel that pain - that slight pain that says, "If you just start moving normally, you are going to hate yourself ... take it easy there, partner." Of course, it only happens during very convenient moments. Never during ... oh, I don't know ... sex. Nope. Never.

*Don't tell me to switch positions regularly. My body is also like an extremely ADHD child. If I change anything too often during the lovey-dove, I lose my concentration. Gotta' stay focused, or you add another 20 minutes to the whole process. It's a delicate balance. Don't lean on the wrists too long. But don't lose your concentration. But don't get bored. But get off that other wrist. Entering the stiff pain zone, three minute mark, but if you move you lose your focus, but if you don't move you'll ... ah, FRICK!*

It's the three to the eight, baby.

I am officially "running" now. I was in track in school. I loved to sprint. Loved it. I could power pack everything into that short distance. I didn't do long distances. Good for the ones who did. Yea for them. Not me, though. I was a sprinter. Over and done. Even in practice, I had never run a full mile without stopping. Never. Ever. Yet, yesterday, I ran almost two.

That makes me sound so very athletic, doesn't it? Well, what you don't know is how my big age indicator reacted - my body. You see, I eat healthy and I get plenty of sleep on a regular basis. Yet, I was pushing my body beyond the norm and it was ... well, it was really, really tired. Almost fell asleep sitting up - multiple times. When I ate, I scarfed down food as though it might disappear before my eyes in 20 seconds or less. And the yawning - out of control. My body was tired. The exercise is great, and I will continue it, sure. But my body doesn't "ease" into this kind of thing like it used to.

Hello, 40. Wanna' start a little foreplay? K, but you have to be on top, cause I ain't leaning on nuthin'!

I actually love getting older. I adore gaining wisdom and having life experiences that only come with many flips of the calendar. By most standards, I'm also still an infant (my parents, for instance, are cursing me right now, "Oh, you think YOUR body is aging?!?" I know, I know - I get it!). For me, though, I appear to be such a massive contradiction.

No matter how I look on my best days, I'm so very NOT in my 20's. Not even close. My body reminds me - cause it's fancy like that.

(photo was taken in March, by Sara Janssen, who brings out the young in everyone)

Things I have not been talking about

Three things:

I have owned and loved my pair of these for a couple of months:



Love them. LOVE THEM. They have a learning curve, but absolutely cause my frame to function as it's supposed to. I have not talked specifically about my gecko feet (what boring people call Vibram Fivefingers) because of something else I started ... again.

This morning I completed Week Five, Day Two of Couch 2 5K! I have started this program several times before. I could always get to about week three, but then it got very cumbersome AND tiring. A bad combination. I just used my watch or a stopwatch. Always staring down. Always ticking away every single second. BLECGH! And I stopped. Never really got to Week Four, ever. Until now. And I really do put all of my success on ... the last thing I haven't talked about here on my little bloggy blog.

I have an iPhone 4. Crazy, right? How I ended up with it is even crazier. It was a combination of our phone plan being at "upgrade" level sooner than expected (thanks to being around this really cool manager guy at the right place/right time) and the cost was not much more than what we were prepared to pay for an upgrade, anyway. Blah-blah-blah ... my very first Mac anything is the newest iPhone. I have since discovered that "smart phones" make you feel like an idiot. But I digress ...

So, I have the C25K app on my phone. I pick what music I want on my playlist for each workout. This nice little man stops my music with a "ding" and tells me when to walk or run. He tells me when I'm halfway done, so I can turn around and head back toward home. I just listen to music and try not to pass out. I can do that. I'm really good at trying not to pass out. When I'm done, I can take notes or post it to Twitter (which I did NOT do until I reached Week Five ... knowing I may bail on the program and having every shouting, "LOSER!").

*note: you can download a Couch 2 5K podcast from iTunes for your mp3 - no "smart phone" needed!*

Anywho, these are my two "big purchases" of 2010. The gecko feet are PRICEY. I saved for quite the while for those suckers. The iPhone is PRICEY, and I would have never picked one up had it not been for that beautiful upgrade discounted price from AT&T, and the fact that it was time that we could sneak in an upgrade (and that our other phones were having issues and pretty much beat to a bloody pulp).

The C25K app, though, is only $3. Boo-ya!

All three ... worth the money, worth the months of research and worth the wait.

Today, I actually felt loving feelings for my child

It is a dangerous stew.

The female cycle in a very traumatized girl, who lives in a constant state of shame.

That same girl has a birthday today.

She sabotages her own birthday - destroys it - stomps it into nothingness, because she doesn't believe she deserves it.

This is following 2.5 years of Mom being beat to a pulp under the fear of that trauma. Daily darts of rejection from your child. This is tough stuff (and that sentence is such a JOKE - there is absolutely no way to truly capture what it means to parent our hurt kids).

This morning, she was the last to come out of her room. I was nervous.

She walked through the living room and her older sister started beating out "Happy Birthday" on the keyboard (she has been working all week on this). Mar smiled. at. her. sister. and waited for her to finish, before talking.

Everyone told her happy birthday and she. smiled. and said, "thank you." They all talked about cards and pictures they wanted to give her, and asked if they should do them now or wait. She. smiled. (seeing a theme here?) and told them to wait until later. I said, "Maybe tonight when we have your cake after Dad gets home." And. she. smiled.

I said, "Mar, I thought you might want to start your birthday by reading all of the comments from people on my blog yesterday." And. she. smiled. and said, "Okay."

I just watched her, walking down with her siblings to do some chores, until she was out of sight. Head buried in that paper. Thinking of the time when my walls were covered in letters from all of my readers, reminding her that I was a good mom and she could trust me. Remember that? We still have them all in a notebook.

And I cried.

I also felt this thing ... this thing we all WANT to feel, but have long since lost in the middle of the pain and rejection.

I felt loving feelings for my child. In that moment, I wanted to run her down and wrap my arms around her and smell her hair.

No, really.

Instead of painfully embarrassing the 11-year-old, I'm crying while I write this out. Praying, hoping, dreaming for more. Knowing the day is not over and may very well change, but I will take my moment. The moment is huge. The moment proves this can be done - that not just she can heal, but that she can draw others to her by her mere existence.

Today, I actually felt loving feelings for my child.

I could get used to this healing stuff

I continue to hear from more and more people who are seeing some benefits of niacin in their kids who have a history of trauma. I'm sure one day, someone will finally get around to doing an actual study (one that many people can argue over and refute). In the meantime, there are plenty of us who will continue to supplement some of our kids because ... it helps.

Niacin has not been a magic pill for my daughter. Even with it, we have had some terrible days. But overall? It has brought MASSIVE benefits. The big picture is that she is not shooting to the extremes all the time. I would say it cut back 60-75% of the really harsh, immediate reactions to the tiniest of requests and questions.

Which means that we have also had to dig in and start to really do some hard work at helping her to move forward, now that she can. It's a big, crazy juggle. Some days she can talk. Other days, we have to keep things simple. I just do my best to read where she is. Nudge when I think I can nudge. Back off when I'm being a trigger. It's tricky. I'm not particularly fond of this stage.

Yet, we have seen a very slow progress since the niacin, that we have never seen before. We were able to take some actual therapeutic interventions to a new level.

Case in point ...

I have recently talked Rocky and Mar both through some basic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy steps (could NOT do something like this a year ago - would be a waste of time for Mar). When they are regulated, we talk about the big feelings they have and the lie that the hurt part tells them in those moments. We write them down. Talk about how those big feelings are the "red flag" when we need to tell ourselves, "STOP!" We then list all of the typical behavior things they do when they have that big feeling.

The front of one card may look like this:

I feel disgusting. The hurt part tells me that I am gross, and that is why my birth family let me be adopted and people kept hurting me and sending me away.

When I feel disgusting, I usually

*do stuff to annoy people, so they will also think I'm bad
*dress disgusting
*smell disgusting
*do things to gross people out

Then, we flip that card over and state the truth. I ask them to come up with some OTHER things they could do instead of the regular behaviors. We talk about how it's easy to do the old stuff. Anybody can do that. But strong kids try new behaviors. The other side of the card might say:

I am beautiful, pure, clean and lovely. I will

*use my words to make people feel great
*dress beautifully
*smell extra lovely
*act in a way that makes people want to be near me

This one was a biggie, and painful for her. We went through closets and drawers to make some changes (and trash things that needed to go). We discussed how on the really tough days, she could ask her big sister to help her get ready - how she should not just dress okay, but dress EXTRA special on the hardest days, smell EXTRA special on the hardest days. Also, I was clear that she would still feel disgusting. The feeling does not go away just by dressing, smelling and behaving the truth. We talked about what it might be like to feel that feeling, but make the positive choice anyway.

So, that's where we've been. Fast forward to yesterday. We had one minor incident at the store, so I just kept Mar with me and my youngest for that short trip (her older siblings got to look at toys). On the way out, she was carrying our 500 lbs of toilet paper we had just purchased. I very clearly told her she could put it in the front passenger's seat. Everyone was trying to pile into the car, and there she stood, crouched over in the middle of the van, blocking the rest of her siblings from getting in. "Um, what am I supposed to .. where do I put it?" She was in the play-dumb mode. I IMMEDIATELY started to churn my brain on what I would do when she refused to let me talk her down and stayed dysregulated til we got home. Once she is there - in it - she never comes out until later. So, I was prepared for the dance.

If you parent kids from the hard places, you know what I'm talking about. There is "slightly dysregulated." There is "kind of a rough day." There is "getting on top of it before it even starts." But then, there is full-on, already THERE. When they are THERE ... you just get comfortable and buckle up for the ride, doing everything in your power to keep it from complete explosion.

"Mar, this is one of those times we have talked about. You are feeling one of those big feelings right now. The hurt part is telling you not to listen to me and not to show me any respect. If you do, it means I'm the grown-up, and I may harm you. It's time to tell the hurt part to STOP. You know you can trust me. You've tested me, and I passed ... for 2.5 years, I have shown you. Normally, you would pretend not to know what you should do. I will probably have someone else tell you or do it for you, and you'll put some love back into them later. OR, you could try really hard to do the strong thing. You could tell yourself the truth, and make the positive choice, EVEN THOUGH YOU STILL FEEL THAT BIG FEELING. Your choice."

Her face did not change. Her hands were actually shaking ... but ... guys, MY DAUGHTER PUT THE TOILET PAPER IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT!

In 867 days (yes, I counted), she has never, ever, when stuck in the moment, EVER DONE THAT! OMG!!!

She just stood there for a minute. She wasn't sure what to do. No one did. It was a temporary, complete silence. Like a dream. I finally said, "Um," (started to smile), "holy crap!" SHE finally smiled. "Well, why don't you sit in your seat. I guess we get to find out if you can have a big feeling, make a positive choice and NOT die. Of course, if you DO die, what will we do?"

"Have a nice service and play my favorite songs."

"That's right."

Her brothers and sisters broke out in applause, which was really sweet and made her smile bigger. Yeah for them. They knew it was the right thing to do, and they wanted to honor the magnitude of what she had just done.

She did not do one single thing the rest of the day to go back to dysregulation. Have I mentioned that this is during her cycle? The time over the last few months when we have been struggling severely? Oh, and this week is her BIRTHDAY (which she has sabotaged the last two years)! Should I say that part again, just for emphasis?

OH MY HOLY HOOCH, YA'LL!

My daughter was so very far gone when she came to us. The way she did and did not behave frightened me. She had ZERO attachment to any human being. She could shut down easily, and completely disassociate from herself and the world around her ... not for hours, but for days ... weeks. I have spent nights crying and worrying about her future, and all the many people who would cross her path and be affected by her own inner turmoil.

Yet, yesterday ... she put the toilet paper in the passenger's seat.

Be encouraged.

Anyone wondering what happened to Lisa?

Don't panic when you see that our favorite Lisa's blogs are down. The not "if" but "when" has occurred for Lisa, J & K. She'll be back as soon as things settle down. She's blogging drafts so you'll will be up to speed when she returns.

Of course, leave her messages of encouragement right here in my comment section.

I'll start - Lisa, in your own words, I love you to the moon and back!

Magical Milk Pic-o-the-Week

(photo by Rachel Valley)

Debunking Soy Myths

With all of the recent posting on health, I have received many, many (MANY) inquiries about the dangers of soy. I asked my friend, Jana Yowell, to guest post on this subject. Jana has a B.S. in Kinesiology, is a Personal Trainer and Level 1 Certified Health Coach. She and I went to high school together, but lost touch over the years. Once we reconnected, it was fascinating to find we had so much common ground when it came to health and nutrition. Jana really, truly cares about helping others improve their lives by improving their health. I would like to personally thank her for taking the time to give us some answers on this subject.

You can stay connected with Jana via her web site, Jana Yowell.

***********************************************


(Jana Yowell at the 2007 Houston Marathon)

There is a great deal of misinformation being spread about soy. It should be known that most of the anti-soy stories can be linked to two extremely powerful, wealthy and influential groups in the United States.

The first group is the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF). WAPF claims to be dedicated to promoting “good” nutrition by restoring nutrient-dense animal products to the diet. It claims that saturated animal fat is essential for good health, which is contrary to a large body of scientific research proving that a plant based diet is the way to achieve optimal health and soy is a part of that healthy diet. Therefore, the WAPF have a vested interest in making people believe that soy is an unhealthy food. The WAPF has deep pockets and that is one of the reasons they have been able to spread the anti-soy message so effectively.

Secondly, the dairy industry is a prominent group in the propagation of soy misnomers. The dairy industry is very profitable because of the widespread and long-standing myth that “milk” and/or dairy in any form is some sort of miracle health food conducive to good health, strong bones and the coolness of a milk mustache made popular by ads featuring celebrities. Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth and that truth is progressively becoming public knowledge correlating to people’s desire to get more informed about the food they eat. Thus, with the said desire to become more informed and all the truthful information about food/dairy that has been hiding in the closet for years, and now out in the light, people are starting to consider alternatives that are plant-based, including soy foods. With these new developments, the dairy industry’s historically sound profits are being challenged, giving them large reason and interest to sway people away from soy foods.

The Dairy Bureau spends hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising to tell people that cows milk is superior to soymilk. According to The Bureau, “unfortified soy beverages contain only half of the phosphorus, 40% of the riboflavin, 10% of the vitamin A and 3% of the calcium in a serving of cow’s milk. However, consider the following:

*Most people who are consuming the standard American Diet of meat and dairy are eating entirely too much phosphorus, which causes the de-calcification of the bones. Therefore, less consumption of phosphorus is an advantage.

*As for the issue of 40% of the riboflavin. Riboflavin is found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and grains. So when people eat a healthy diet, this is not an issue. For example, one teaspoon of nutritional yeast contains as much riboflavin as an entire quart of cow’s milk.

*Consuming a healthy diet will get you plenty of vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency is rare in North Americans who eat a plant-based diet. Cow’s milk is fortified, which is the reason it high in vitamin A.

*3% of the calcium is a misrepresentation. Many brands of soymilk provide just as much calcium as cow’s milk. Edensoy provides 67%.

However, the dairy industry fails to mention the following:

*Cow’s milk is 9 times higher in saturated fat than soy.

*Soy beverages provide more than 10 times the essential fatty acids as dairy milk.

*Soy beverages are cholesterol free, while dairy milk elevates both.

*Soy beverages lower total and LDL cholesterol, while dairy milk elevates both.

*Soymilk contains phytochemicals (naturally occurring chemical compounds in plants) that may be protective against chronic diseases and there are no phytochemicals in dairy.

One of the claims of the anti-soy crusaders makes is that soy increases the risk of cancer. Their argument for this is that soy has ‘estrogenic’ qualities and may increase the risk of various hormone-related conditions including cancer. In order to understand why many still continue to cite that soy is not a health food/ ‘bad’ for you, one must first understand the difference between the hormone, human estrogen, and phytoestrogens. Human estrogen is a hormone, that in excess, is potent to the body. Thus, excess estrogen can potentially cause cancer. Human estrogen is NOT found in soy. However, what is found in soy, are phytoestrogens. Confusion often arises about the “estrogenic” qualities of soy because human estrogen and phytoestrogens are structurally similar. It is vital to understand that their mere structural similarity is very beneficial to health because of phytoestrogen’s ability to bind to cells in the body, effectively blocking the more potent activity of human estrogen. Progressively so, phytoestrogens (found in soy), are being found to have a plethora of health benefits including, but not limited to: preventing breast cancer, lowering LDL cholesterol, reducing menopausal symptoms, and enhancing vascular function.

Another false claim made by the anti-soy folks is that “a infant fed exclusively soy formulas, receives the estrogenic equivalent of at least 5 birth control pills per day.” Again there is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this. There have been no scientific data or reports of hormonal abnormalities in people who were fed soy formula as infants. I feel I should mention that it is still recommended that babies be breastfed over formula. However, when breastfeeding is not an option, organic soy formula is the next best alternative.

Furthermore, there are questions about people believing soy to be a highly allergenic food. I believe that it is not soy that people are allergic to, but genetically modified soy. The solution is that people should only consume organic soy products, as these products have not been genetically modified in any way. In fact, organic soybeans contain a broad range of valuable nutrients and are an excellent source of protein. Scientific evidence shows that soy protein lowers cholesterol and protects against cardiovascular disease. Soy foods have also been shown to protect against diabetes, menopausal hot flashes and certain cancers. There is solid scientific evidence that eating soy foods in adolescence and in adulthood can even lower the risk of breast cancer. There are a number of peer-reviewed scientific studies showing the positive benefits of consuming soy.

Ultimately, I will continue to consume organic soy foods as they benefit my own health, and will keep recommending them to my clients as part of a healthy plant based diet.

Lastly, remember to look for the scientific evidence when you hear the anti-soy crusaders telling you to avoid soy. Likely, you will find someone with a hidden agenda and no scientific proof to support their claims.

Get your vegan groove on - Dinner (or supper - whatever!)

Ahhh, this is where we get to be a little more creative ... when we have time and the energy. So, it can be either. New or mundane. Extensive or quick. You decide.

I am just going to list you some of our very favorite dishes. Sometimes I add beans to these, if it's a typical meat dish. Sometimes I don't. Aren't choices great?

Enchiladas
Tofu with rice or pasta or whatever!
Spaghetti (although, we're always switching around the type/shape of pasta)
Black Bean Burgers (I try new recipes for this all the time)
Brown rice or pasta with veggies (whatever is in season at the time - steam or saute)
Black bean burritos
Beans and rice
Veggie pizza (using veggie shreds instead of regular cheese - and, of course, a whole wheat crust)
I now make our Chicken Creole Sauce without chicken - sub veggie broth - and just pour over rice
Baked potatoes (think outside the "topping" box and go for fun but healthy)
Taco soup (we like to slop ours up with whole wheat tortillas or tortilla chips)
Macaroni & "Cheese"
Breakfast for dinner
Peanut Noodles (but we make with tahini, due to food allergies)
Veggie Gumbo (we make it without the "sausage")

And then I love to try a new recipe a few times each month. For instance, this week I'm trying Crispy Cajun Chickpea Cakes. I have had a few completely bomb. However, when one rocks the Casbah, we have a new favorite! To spark your own creativity, head over to find my list of vegan websites.

Now, go make a little schedule for the week. Make a list. And get on it!

Have I mentioned you can email me with questions? Cause, you can!

christinemoers [at] hotmail [dot] com

Get your vegan groove on - Breakfast and Lunch

*vegan purists do not eat honey - yet that is not across the board - we eat honey, and always prefer local due to the amazing allergen benefits we receive*

Did you know that, normally, the average person only eats 4-5 different things for breakfast (same for lunch) and they just tend to cycle through them regularly?

So, switching your eating habits for those two meals can be pretty simple, when you think about it. Just move over to some new "normals" and start rotating. Make sure they are things you enjoy, practical for your lifestyle, and fit your budget.

My family keeps things simple for these two meals of the day.

First, we keep an arsenal of "toppings" which go great on breakfast foods, salads and even sandwiches: almond slivers, sunflowers seeds, soy beans, shredded coconut, dried fruits (we try really hard to find some without added sugar), wheat germs, flax seeds or milled flax, etc. We typically store them in mason jars (our natural peanut butter jars find perfect new life with this), so you can just pour/sprinkle them on things.

Our pantry includes several different types of cereals - whole grains with only natural sweeteners. We also keep plain oats and steel cut oats. I make lazy granola every week or two. When you make your own cearal concoction or oatmeal, YOU are adding your own sweetener (honey, agave nectar, mashed fruit, whatever). You can sprinkle on your own flavors (cinnamon or ground cocao - we buy 100% bars). You can choose a non-dairy "milk" product or eat things dry. You know what is going into your mouth!

Green smoothies or regular smoothies are a favorite for breakfast OR lunch (heck, we even do this for dinner on excruciatingly hot days). Can of pineapple, a few bananas, some frozen berries, handful of spinach leaves, and enough water to help it thin it out. Run the blender as long as it takes to make it smooth as silk. We're always jackin' around with our smoothie recipes to try new things. Try pineapple and some of the coconut - mmmmmmmmm.

We like muffins, pancakes with fruit and/or honey, toast with natural peanut butter and an all-fruit spread. Obviously, we are not gluten-free. However, there are many ways to work around it within these simple and basic parameters. Sometimes I will just make my own "trail mix" in a bowl and munch on it as I'm getting going. Simple, yet flavorful. Predictable, yet full of possibilities.

Same with lunch. We always have some kind of leafy greens on hand, sprouts, tomatoes, avocados, corn, beans (whole and refried beans), healthy dressings, carrots (baby or shredded), mushrooms, veggie shreds, mustard, pickles, salad peppers, salsa, pizza sauce, hummus, natural peanut butter, chips, pretzels, all fruit spread, all of the other toppings I mentioned above ... and anything else we may discover or think of that week. One day I'll put out whole grain tortillas. Some days bread. Another day just bowls. Everyone gets to build it how they want it.

On other days, we may spread some pizza sauce on a bagel or English muffin and melt veggie shreds on top. Taco salads, pita pockets, lettuce wraps ... really, you could come up with something different for weeks.

And we do!

Breakfast and lunch are vital. However, they should also be practical and easy or you are going to fall on your face. Keep that in mind. If you must eat out, still stay within this mindset. Totally doable!

Get your vegan groove on

So, my parents have become these healthy, weight-loss animals. They have inspired you. I have inspired you. You want to do it. Now what?

I have written about why I prefer to be mostly vegan. It has been a wee bit of the basics. Yet, some of you are still asking, "HOW? MAKE IT SIMPLE!!" (okay, that's more of a question and then a very loud demand, but I can't blame you).

Let me help you get your vegan groove on.

First, if you are a plan-ahead type of person, it is just the right time to start preparing yourself mentally and join the 21-Day Vegan Kick Start. DANG, you have good timing. It begins September 6th. You'll get recipes and encouraging videos. I definitely gleaned some stuff from it last year.

HOWEVER ... while that is a good boost, most of you are going to walk away from it the first time you open up the recipes and read, "Beets in Dill Sauce." Cause, I know what you're thinking, "Dude, we eat at Arby's. Tuesday nights are Sonic brown bags. I don't mind ordering fancy when I'm at a restaurant, but COOKING fancy? Are you kidding me? I've got a half hour and my local HEB. Don't be using words like 'bisque!'"

Ahhhh, hello normal people. I adore you. I LOVE to eat fancy, but I sure as hey-diddle do not like to cook fancy when I've been going all day and I'm already fantasizing about getting to bed. Not to mention ... fancy for seven people? Just kill me. So, let me show you how we do it.

First, you can make pretty much anything vegan. Just, ya' know, leave out the meat.

- Substitute a vegan "cheese" for regular cheese (or one that is mostly vegan, which you can find in most larger grocery stores - produce section).**

- You can add in some beans for protein and fiber and yum.

- Use Smart Balance for any margarine needs (again not 100% vegan - has some milk whey - but just misses it by a tiny margarine .... er, margin).

- Sub in almond or soy milk for cow's milk.

- Sweeten with natural sweeteners instead of white sugar.

- You can substitute milled flaxseed for eggs (1 TB milled flax with 3 TB water).

Getting the idea?

Spaghetti
Burritos
Pizza
Rice and Beans
Black Bean Burgers

I could go on for days. You can still get some of your classics and comfort foods. Think about what you already love, and how you could make substitutions. I also make some other healthy swaps, the big one being whole wheat and whole grain over anything white (bread, pasta, etc.). And, of course, I'm going to encourage you to incorporate more vegetables. But not like you're used to vegetables. I'm going to ask you to go on a blind date with the produce section and slowly fall in love.



Some of my new favorite places for recipes, when I'm feeling up to trying something new (but I pick and choose - don't go overboard in the beginning):


Gluten Free Vegan Family
Vegetarian Kitchen
Food From a Former Fat Girl
Compassion Over Killing
VegNews
This is Why You're Thin
My Vegetable Blog

But my two very favorites, as of late would be:

Hello Veggie
Vegan Dad


Coming up next, I will post on how to approach your meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner (or whatever you call the last two, based on where you live).

**stay tuned in coming days for a guest post on the great soy debate

(photo of me fondling produce was taken by Sara Janssen)

Guest Blogger: Real Life Biggest Losers

Today, my guest blogger is my dad, Cecil Deadman. He and my mom are amazing. Just amazing. They have done what many people laugh about, but internally fear more than anything else - they changed the way they eat. It's not easy, and you all know I will never tell you otherwise. Yet, my parents practiced self-discipline and have created a new normal, and they really do love it!

They both work for the Baptist General Convention of Texas - a typical work environment, where meetings are held over meals, candy dishes are in abundance, holiday parties are coated in calories and eating out for lunch is so much easier than bringing it. Not to mention, they are extremely active at their Cowboy Church. Dad is an elder. They are both a part of the band (yeah, ask me about what it's like to get videos of your mom singing "Achy Breaky Heart" at some festival, with your dad behind her playing the stand-up bass ... my life = NOT boring!) Cowboys not only know how to barbecue, but they spend time on their food - all food.

The before:

Dad



Mom



Both of them helping us out last fall




And now, ladies and gentlemen, my father, Cecil ...

*******************************************************************

December 23rd was a day that will forever remain in my memory. It was the eve of my 64th birthday, a Wednesday when the Dallas Cowboy Church Band would gather to celebrate Christmas with loads of food and some great fellowship. It was also the day that my beautiful bride and I had scheduled our annual check-up with our doctor. We fasted on Tuesday night in preparation for blood work on Wednesday morning and were nearly starved by the time we left the doctor’s office. We made the trip around the corner, across from Baylor Hospital, to the neighborhood McDonalds to grab a quick burger and some fries to calm the rumbling of our stomachs. We didn’t want to eat too much because we knew that around 6:00 that evening we would FEAST!!!!!

I remember my cell phone ringing as we were driving into the parking lot of the Dallas County Cowboy Church. The doctor had seemed pleased that I had lost 16 pounds since my last visit and told us he would give us a call once he had received the results of our blood work. His voice was reassuring as he explained that most of my blood work was good. He was a bit concerned about my blood sugar because it was elevated but he indicated that it was not something he was terribly concerned about except there was one test result he had not received from the lab and that would determine where we would go from there. We arrived at the church and began to check out all the beautiful food, especially the desserts. Someone had brought some of my favorites. What am I saying? It was all my favorite food. Truth is I just loved food in general!

We were about to sit down to dig into this feast when my cell phone rang again. It was the doctor and he had received the final blood test. The news was not good, I had developed diabetes and he was going to give me a prescription for some medication to help get it under control. I sat and looked at the food on my plate and knew I had best enjoy what I could. The dessert table could not be an option on that evening. The diagnosis explained why I had lost 16 pounds over about a six month period and why I had to have new glasses just a week or so before because of some dramatic changes in my eyesight.

The news that diabetes had come to live in me was not totally unexpected. I have waited for the word for years. It is a family legacy and I always knew it was a possibility, yet I was not ready to hear that diagnosis. There was one instruction from my doctor that rang in my ears that night. “I want you off this medication as quickly as possible. Diabetes can be reversed.” I don’t believe I had ever heard anyone make that statement but it rang in my ears and penetrated into my mind. I was about to begin a journey that would take me places I never believed I would go.

We had already scheduled a visit to our daughter’s family the week following Christmas. Our daughter had scolded, lovingly, her parents about the need to eat a healthier diet. Her Dad was hooked on beef, pork, sweets, and a host of other foods that had brought me to the moment when the “D” word would finally invade my life. We visited with Christine about the diagnosis and shared with her the doctors instructions to get “off the medication as quickly as possible.” She was pleased to know the doctor wanted me to reverse the diabetes not just manage it. She promised to do her part.

The four days we spent in her home were some of the most amazing days for me personally. Joye and I both moved beyond talking about diet and health to discovering a new journey toward health. Christine prepared meals for us that were basically vegetarian (note from Christine: I actually made sure everything that went in his mouth during that time was 99% vegan, including some tofu - which he loved! yea!). She shared a video with us, "Raw for 30 Days" that helped me to understand the role good, healthy food plays in our lives. I also saw the film, "Supersize Me" during our time there. Talk about a wake-up call. It was during those days, especially when the grandchildren kept telling us about how good the food was, that Joye and I determined that we would begin the journey. Honestly, after four days of eating good, fresh, healthy foods I really felt that I could make the necessary changes that would be necessary to reverse the diabetes and develop a healthier lifestyle. Joye and I made a commitment to lose the weight and to make whatever changes were necessary to restore our health. The best part, we were going to do it together.

My first checkup was scheduled for February 26th, two months from the diagnosis. By the time we reached that date I had lost 25 pounds and Joye had lost 20. When the doctor walked into the examining room he looked at me and said, “Do I know you?” To say he was pleased with the progress we had made would be an understatement. I had faithfully taken the medication he had prescribed and my blood sugar was normal. The change of diet had helped in several ways. Not only was my blood sugar normal, but my cholesterol had dropped from 230 to 116. For the first time in years my good cholesterol was at an acceptable level and my bad cholesterol remained at the proper level. Those two had never worked together until that office visit. My blood pressure was normal. I attributed the blood pressure and blood sugar levels to the medications even though I knew the weight loss was a huge factor. The doctor said he was a bit chicken and wanted to keep me on my blood pressure medication but cut it in half. He scheduled our next follow-up appointment in three months.

We had learned to enjoy the marvelous flavors in the foods we were eating. One of the best parts of the journey was spending time with my bride in the kitchen. We were cooking, literally! We were working on new dishes and recipes and enjoying every minute. We found we could socialize with friends around meals, occasionally eating fish and chicken. The key was to stay as close to a vegetarian diet as possible. On at least two occasions during that first two months I was in situations where only beef or pork was available. I was able to eat mostly vegetables with a few bites of the meat without making an issue or making others feel uncomfortable because of my choices. It was during this time that I attended a meeting at my workplace and had one of the participants come up to me and ask, “Do you have cancer?” I really wanted to laugh but graciously responded that I was on a journey to improve my health and that the natural result was weight loss.

April 29th finally arrived. Joye and I had both lost more weight. Food was becoming a joy instead of a necessity. I had lost another 13 pounds and Joye had lost about 12 more. The doctor was impressed that we had continued on the journey. My blood pressure was elevated and he went back to my original prescription as a precaution. I suspected that the elevated blood pressure may have been from a couple of stressful weeks that preceded my visit to the doctor but he was concerned that it might be hereditary. He confirmed that my blood sugar was at an average normal saying, “You have reversed your diabetes.” I had been off the medication for two months by that time. As we sat there talking he was looking over my chart and I noticed him shaking his head. He looked at me and said, “In all my years of practice I have never had a patient reverse their diabetes without having lap band or gastric by-pass surgery, until now.” The journey was paying dividends.

Fast forward three months to July 30, 2010. It has been 7 months on the journey. Things have continued to change. It was time for another check-up and some more good news. Joye had lost an additional 17 pounds and I had lost another 16 for a total weight loss of 49 and 54 pounds respectively. I had to confess to the doctor that I had stopped taking the blood pressure medicine because I was becoming lightheaded and dizzy after I would take the medication. Now after three months with no medication my blood pressure was normal. The doctor attributed it at least partially to the additional weight loss. I just rejoice that for the first time in years I’m not living out of pill bottles.

One of the most important aspects of our journey is the constant questions from those who know us and work with us. They have been first hand observers and have watched to see if we vary what we eat or how much we eat. “What are you guys doing?” is a common question these days. It is exciting to share with them the journey we are on. We are both cautious not to try to push our choices on others. Through the years I’ve had others who have “told” me that I needed to stop certain habits and change choices in my life. I confess that I was always resistant to those kinds of approaches. Both Joye and I have reached a point where we can give wise counsel about how someone can make some healthy choices that will improve the quality of their lives. I don’t want to become “preachy” but I won’t shy away from sharing about the journey.

These are confessions of a carnivore. No one was a better poster child for the beef and pork industry than me. I loved my meat, and my bread, and my desserts way too much! Sweets were necessary for life. The greatest challenge for both Joye and I was to give up those wonderful yeast rolls and super sweet desserts. The biggest change for us was moving away from processed sugar and white flour. We have been able to find substitutes for just about every food we enjoyed. The bonus: we are experiencing the most magnificent flavors and textures in our food that we have ever known. Will the journey continue? You know it will. We plan on living a long time so that we can be a bother and a burden to our children!

Shhhhh ... it's PMS week

*in a whisper*

For any of you doing the math, I did return from a long trip immediately as my traumatized daughter was nearing her hormonal week - doing more calculations - which is also when I am entering my own hormonal week. Because, when we do trauma, baby, WE DO TRAUMA.

*clears throat ... back to whisper*

So, we have had a few little bumps already. To stop me from ever traveling again (where I might possibly die and never return - and it is true what the experts tell you: that is the biggest fear driving those pre and post mom-leaves-the-house behaviors), we have had a library card deliberately sent through the washer and dryer, a few nonsense conversations, and plenty of misplaced or "lost" items throughout the house.

As the hormone level began to get whickity, we entered today with the discovery of a few undergarments being worn repeatedly without washing, as well as just ripping a gaping hole in the front of a shirt.

*kids walking through the room ... everyone act normal ... okay, they're gone*

We have simply given opportunity to find and relocate things that are amiss, provided ample time to run an extra load of laundry with those not-so-pleasant undies, we asked the librarian the cost of a replacement card, and gave the option of paying for a replacement shirt or paying mom to sew up the shirt.

We then talked about the shame. It is amazing to me how the hurt part lies to them, and they absolutely tune out anything they have ever heard or understood. My daughter believes she is gross. "Why are you gross?" "Because I do gross stuff!"

Ahh, but I'm a step ahead of that hurt-part lie. We backed it up. We hit rewind on her story. We discovered that, in fact, she does gross things because she ALREADY FELT SHE WAS GROSS!

*sorry ... got carried away ... must keep my voice down til the hormones pass*

She already thought she was gross. We talked through how a child develops attachment issues and how even though they cannot even talk, their body and their brain remembers that they did not get what they needed. Then, as they grow, they just assume their needs were not met because something was wrong with them. They must be gross, or ugly or disgusting. Because what other explanation could there be?



So, I gave my daughter that explanation. I will continue to give that to her over and over and over again. It was not her fault. She was adorable and amazing, but it was the circumstances around her that kept her from getting all she needed. She. is. not. gross.

We then made posters that said things like:

"Strong kids keep telling themselves the truth, even when they feel yucky."

"Strong kids have really big feelings, but make good choices anyway."

"When a strong kid feels gross, she reminds herself it is the hurt part and NOT THE TRUTH."

I keep us moving forward. We make repairs to what was done. I acknowledge that, in fact, there was true fear over me not returning home after my trip. I acknowledge the shame and the gross factor. But we fight for the truth. We repeat the truth. We literally write it on our doorposts (or print it on paper and stick it on the doorposts with tacky tape).

Then ... we keep moving forward.

*have a lovely day*

Magical Milk Pic-o-the-Week

(photo by Maysa White, used with permission)

Holy Mac n NOT Cheese!

My kids are carrying me around on their shoulders cheering and shouting exultation.

Sorry, I couldn't get a picture. It was way too bouncy up there.

Why? What did I do to deserve such praise?

I discovered a new recipe, and in the words of Corey - "OH MY HEAD!" (or "OH MY SOUL" - they are interchangeable).



Oh, did I mention it's VEGAN.

Why, yes. Yes, it is.

Check it out - Macaroni and Cheese

I was able to use vegan margarine. I also substituted almonds for cashews, because ... well, I still have a bag of slivered almonds from Costco that is approximately the size of my head.

Next time, I may only bake it about 10 minutes - just long enough to toast the bread crumbs. Because the "cheese" was ready to go straight from the Vita Mix (says the women who licked it clean via a spatula).

Yeah, we hated it.

My little corner of the BlogHer10

What exactly is this "BlogHer" monstrosity that has plagued the internet and caused Twitter-er's to want to blow up the entire network?

It's a conference. Ya' know ... just a conference.

Sort of.

I have had so many people ask me to explain it, including both of the lovely gentlemen who sat next to me on my flights (hello, lovely gentlemen!!). So you start to say, "It's for women who blog ... or who want to blog ... or have some sort of vested interest in blogging or those who do ... or ...." Gets messy pretty quickly. Also, once you've been there, it's even harder to explain. I have finally landed on an explanation that truly captures all that is BlogHer:

"Ya' know how when you go to a conference, you tend to be surrounded by people somewhat like you because you are gathering under a similar interest? Well, at BlogHer, the only thing that all attendees have in common is that they're women. Outside of that ... the sky is the limit."

Of course, for me, that is magical. Over 2,000 completely different women in one place at one time. FASCINATING! There were women who cared about food, and shoes, and real estate, and yoga, and babies, and dancing, and politics, and storytelling, and advocacy, and ... See what I mean? The list never ends.

There were women who absolutely spent more money on their entire outfit than we could have gotten by selling my '93 Sentra. There were women who will not eat out for the next four months because of all the penny pinching they had to do just to GET to the conference. It was beautiful. I could relate to every women, because at some point in my life I have been almost all of them. Some were rude, sure. Some of the private parties wafted an air of elitism, sure. But the majority? The very vast, massive majority?

THEY WERE LOVELY. They were kind and thoughtful. They offered up extra seats when they saw perfect strangers wandering a room, not sure where to land.

Now, more specifically, let me introduce you to the gals with whom I annoyed to the greatest extent, because I adored them so very much (and YES, I will totally leave some people off, because I met SO MANY - stay tuned for MONTHS, as I slowly get it all into print).

First, old news, I got to shack up with Kristen. If you read me, but you don't read her, I honestly have no idea what you've been doing with yourself. Her life has been just a piece of cake lately *cough* so go catch up.

I received an email from this Megan Terry person, about two weeks ago. OH MY LORDY BE! This gal is a treat. A giant, yummy, Kentucky treat. She is dealing with some "stuff" as her youngest navigates attachment and transition. Go love on her.

Hopped in a cab with Heather of the EO and Maggie Dammit. (Kristen did NOT throw up in the front seat of the cab - yea for her!) And it was wonderful and funny. I found their stories so brave and amazing. They, of course, found the whole trailer park and five kids thing very fascinating. Beautiful. These two are starting to collaborate on a book. Keep that on your radar!

My very first BlogHer party was sensory overload. There was a very long wait outside (with some very sincere apologies and explanations since that time - kindness, I tell you!). Once inside, I was handed a swag bag larger than my carry-on. There were lots of little pampering things going on and awards being announced and drink tickets flying. Oh, and how could I forget the prettiest gentlemen on the planet walking around with trays covered in scrumptious hors d'oeures - each and every one of them looking delighted to just stare into your eyes? Not kidding. It was crazy. I mean, I get that a lot out here in the country, but it usually involves a "Hey, I got some extra tators from my momma's garden. You want some, what with all them kids?"

So, I found a place to lean and I just watched. I watched everyone. That's when it happened. I met Sandra.



Sandra is from Canada, but recently transplanted to NYC. Sandra is hysterical. Sandra was also just leaning and watching people. Sandra and I became fast friends. Sandra does not even write a blog yet, which depresses me, because I so desperately want you all to "know" her like I got to "know" her this weekend. She is simply nuts ... and wonderful. As soon as she is posting, you will know! Right now, you can get your fix by following her on Twitter (@Dopeysmom). NOTE: the dog is referred to as "dopey" - she does not call her kid "dopey!" - at least not in public.

Not to mention, if it weren't for connecting with her, I would have never met Lisa. I know, right? FRIEND JACKPOT ... but wait ... there's more ...

Two tweets pre-conference led me to start reading miss tehota and Cathy. T.J. and I had not connected, so she tweeted me that she would be easy to find - bald black woman. Know what I love about BlogHer? Just the night before at the Queerosphere party, I was chatting it up with yet another bald black woman (who only hands out her business contact info - or at least to people like me - so no linkage)! I did find her, though, as most of the other attendees did, in fact, have full heads of hair. I found her. She was d.e.l.i.g.h.t.f.u.l.

While at the Green Affair party, I was pretty sure I saw Cathy. I waited a while, though, because ... well, she may not be the ONLY red head with that same exact hair cut. I took a chance, though. It was her. I fell in love and we danced the night away. Literally. I blame her for my ankle pain today.

Had known of Jenny on the Spot forever (we were both a part of the Sprint/BlogHer Mom Spotting program this spring). Thankfully, she was one of the first to stand on a vast stage and do karaoke with a live band. As she tried to place me, she noticed the dreads and just grabbed them, "Oh, right - THE HAIR!" Sure makes intro's much easier for me these days.

There was the gal with the lovely ink all over her.
"I love your ink!"
"Thanks!"
"So, what do you blog about? What's your thing?"
"Porn for women."
Oh, you betcha', I pulled up a chair and began asking an endless strew of questions. J.D. Bauchery is a fascinating chic, and allowed me my intrigue as to her career ... and her story.

Esther actually reads me because they are in the process of adopting. Got a few stolen moments with her, but she had to do lots and lots and lots of picture taking.

Ohhhh, Varda! Isn't that a fun name? I just like to sit around and say it. Varda, Varda, Varda. Her name is almost as cool as she is.

Sitting at the Adoption "Birds of a Feather" lunch, I caught one woman connecting adoption and breastfeeding in the same sentence. Sure enough, Mama Bear is all over it, and we had such a wonderfully rich conversation over phrases like "Jack Newman" and "lact-aid." That sooooo does not happen every day.

Prairie Mama was knitting in the Serenity Suite ("SERENITY NOW!" Sorry - I did that in my head every. single. time. that place was mentioned). She is a DANG good Stitch n' Bitcher, let me tell you. Came home and started to read her story. Oh my soul, has this woman walked through the mountains and valleys. I now regret that our meeting was so very short.

Sat next to Vic DaChick one morning at breakfast. Yeah, I'll give you two seconds on her blog to figure out why I would spot her and go introduce myself. She is so full of energy (and piercings). Vic, thanks for letting me crash your meal.

Sitting in front of me at one of the sessions was this extremely handsome gentleman with the most gorgeous salt-n-pepper hair. I looked up to see their laptop open, with the most intriguing and beautiful website pulled up: "Lesbian Dad." I did the double take back and forth. Showing my absolute nosiness that I had been staring at someone else's work space, I blurted out, "OMG, that's your blog! I'm pretty sure I would really like to know you!!" Sweet love of all loves, Polly is one of the most engaging and precious people I have ever met ... in my life. Got home and was finally able to pull up her blog and wadda' ya' know? She links to my Annie! (Why, yes, I do actually own Annie. Bought, paid for and have the papers. I'd show you, but they seem to be misplaced). So, anywho. I then spent the entire evening just watching Polly dance. SO FUN! I'm tellin' ya' - engaging and precious!

To top it off, I met a nice chunk of the Grown in My Heart gals. May I just say that I have a special warm mush in my heart for Tonggu Momma. It may have something to do with how we hijacked an entire breakfast table as we talked about all the interesting ways our children use bodily waste to communicate. Maybe it was the way I could give her the heebie-jeebies by talking about anything remotely sexual (that was a WAY fun parlor trick!). However, I'm pretty sure it also had something to do with her refusing to leave my side when I could not find my purse when we were leaving a party. She had just had her phone and laptop stolen on the train, days before. She understood my panic. She's a jewel.

I know, I know. It's a lot, right? And I haven't even talked about the actual sessions. But I won't. You can dig all over the BlogHer site to find those break-downs. Yet, what no one else can capture for anyone is your own personal experience. I would absolutely go again. You cannot bring 2,000 women together without kinks and disagreements and vastly different personalities and lifestyles. Yet, the common ground and the richness of the individual ... that is absolutely worth the effort, the planning and the expense. My life was expanded and enhanced in those few days.

Christine's alone time in NYC - a.k.a.: Sunday

Sunday in New York City. The conference had ended. The whole day was mine. MINE! I had a few things jotted down in my phone. I knew there was a street fair, but I had no plans on when or how to get over to it. I just walked out of my hotel room and let the day fly. I highly suggest this approach. It was fantabulous.

Apparently, they heard I was coming. Or maybe there was just a parade. Or both.



I looked up and realized I was passing Trump Tower. SIDE NOTE: it really is just a normal building. There are not, in fact, the sounds of angels singing or cash registers ka-chinging through the air. Just, ya' know, a painfully overstated building. Yet, from across the street, you could see the Starbucks sign through the window. I had not yet had a beverage that morning. So, yeah ... me ... in my upcycled Poor Pitiful Pearl club T ... having a Starbucks ... in Trump Tower. That's just really, really funny.



Lexington Street Fair. This was exactly - EXACTLY - the kind of experience I was wanting.





Ending at Grand Central Market (no fear, SGM, I will be back, my darling), and certainly, the big daddy Grand Central Station. I didn't have a clue that I was even going to land here. Just walked where I felt like walking and kept finding amazing things. Not to mention, Grand Central Station has potties. It was serendipity for my bladder.





Just before leaving the hotel, I checked Facebook and noticed a private message from an old friend, Matt Gierhart, who lives in the UK. My husband was Matt's youth minister more than a decade ago. I'm sure I was more of a blur to him, and most of the students were a blur to me (I was on a nice cocktail of weight gain and postpartum depression, back in those days). Yet, Matt noticed I was in the city, let me know he was, as well.

In what can only be defined as a clenching moment on the Amazing Race, we texted, nearing one another and finally (yup, we did) passed each other on Lexington, before FINALLY running gleefully into each other's arms ... or something like that. But yeah, we did walk right past each other at one point. Anywho, he bought me a bagel and let me talk his head off. He is utterly fascinating and a man who doesn't let life tiptoe by him. Such a treat!

Parting ways, I decided it was time to enjoy Washington Square. Heading to the subway, I passed Bryant Park and was able to catch some of the Dominican Day Parade. This was, by far, one of my favorite parade experiences. You never, not once, did NOT want to be dancing.



I spent the next hour, or so, enjoying people. Lots and lots of people (well, and pipes). Perfection.






Popped on the subway again (seeing my first NYC subway rat - whooop!). Headed toward the Lincoln Tunnel for what I believe is the BEST hidden treasure in New York City. Last Rites Tattoo Theatre. Seriously. This is Paul Booth's place. Yeah, if you know ink, you know Paul Booth. NOTHING LIKE IT. Everyone was so kind, and let me take pics as I enjoyed the gallery (amazing, by the way). Standing in the clean space of the gallery with the background buzz of people being inked in the next room. Beautiful dark art. All of it. The gallery, the walls, the people. Totally non-descript door. Have to be buzzed in. If you don't have the address, you won't find the place. It was heaven. It was total "Christine heaven."








Super impressed that New Yorkers have found a way, in fact, to actually put Jesus in a box.



Heading back to the hotel, passed Central Park, Ed Sullivan theater, ya-da-ya-da. Ended my evening with another amazing treat. If you have read me for years, you have occasionally noticed comments by "Anonymous in New York City." She and I have shared emails over the years. She is anonymous for a very good reason (and if I told you, I'd have to kill you). Anywho, in hearing that we would be just blocks from one another, she offered to buy me dinner. To which I said, "Um, OKAY!" Come to find out, she was not a 45-year-old man who planned to chunk me in a cab and throw me in the Hudson.

Truth be told, I'd buy her a car to have the opportunity to absorb her. She's an amazing woman who makes me laugh, shares many commonalities with me and adores every other inch. She took me to Uncle Nick's in Hell's Kitchen ... because, well, she is a genius. We talked for hours and hours, and she even walked me back to my hotel, which I thought was super sweet. Anon in NYC, I was pretty sure I adored you before, but now there is no doubt. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for taking time to share your life with me. It was truly a pleasure!



And then finally, because this post is not quite long enough, we were just about to land in Austin (EARLY, mind you), but had to circle for another half hour until Air Force One could take off. Cause that's just the way I roll.



Yet again, to be continued. Next, I will introduce you to some of the amazing women I met over the weekend.

BlogHer '10 recap - lathargic style

I do not have a ton of pictures from the actual conference, because I was way too busy trying to keep my phone battery from going dead ... but mostly because I really tried to focus my time on individuals. Let me just say - I met some of the most amazing women (or got to know on-line reads in real life).

I pulled out just about six business cards of people with whom I did NOT have a truly significant conversation. The rest, I was able to absorb and adore before even bothering to ask if they had a card (because then I really, really wanted to keep up with them because I knew them, ya' know?). I occasionally felt the urge to melt into the flutter, and fly through a room much too quickly. There is so much going on and there are SO MANY WOMEN, but I knew my intent for being there and I fought for it. So very glad I did.

Central Park from my window



I loved, loved, LOVED sharing my Poor Pitiful Pearl tops with New York. Again, big thanks for the discounts and allowing me to bring really creative sustainability and upcycling to the weekend. It felt so grand to have these on.




Got to tag along with Kristen to a party hosted by Nikon. Sported my new skirt made from a table cloth and a *shock!* black cami. I'm pretty sure there were actual Nikon cameras there, but I didn't notice for all of the NYC firefighters who were walking around busting out of their t-shirts. The balcony overlooked Bryant Park. Yeah, this party TOOOOOOTALLY sucked. It was an out-of-body experience. Or, should a I say, a completely out-of-Christine's-norm experience.



I fell in love with this chic. Isn't she fabulous? Her name is also Christine (so we started off on the right foot), and she was there to talk about HPV and cervical cancer. Also gave me a little "Save the Hooch" button with a happy cervix - currently on my 12-yr-old's cap. I also came away with an infamous Yellow Umbrella. Check out the site and Christine Baze's story.



Looked up while getting a bagel the first morning and thought, "Man, that guy looks just like Bruce Jenner." Then I noticed the enormous line of women waiting to have a pic made with him, and assumed I had guessed correctly. I did not get my pic with him. I just sighed and tried to remember what his old face looked like.



Typing haikus. chunk-chunk-chunk



Enjoying a lunch with other women who share a passion for adoption.



I may or may not have made condom earrings at the Eden Fantasys party. If I HAD, though, I'm pretty sure they would have received compliments all evening. Ya' know ... if I HAD. (note the awesome who-the-hey-diddle-knows-how-old-it-is Liz Claiborne dress - bought it years ago at Goodwill for about $7)



Speaking of Eden Fantasys, I may or may not have decorated one of these at their party. I also may or may not have texted pics to my husband and a few friends. One of the funniest experiences of my life. These ladies cracked me up. At the same time, I picked up some great information and witnessed extreme public support for sexual responsibility. It was truly a great party. Not simply a giggle fest.







Kept things very casual and very "Christine." I only took two pair of jeans and wore them both twice. Both are almost a decade old. Both were bought at the same time from Old Navy. They ARE different. One is "at waist" and one is "just below waist." :) And what? Is that a black cami? How off-the-beaten-path of me.

Why, yes, I did take a pic of myself in the foyer mirrors by the elevator every day. Go ahead and laugh. My husband beat you to it.



Enjoyed every single party I could, that was included with the price of admission. I have not danced that much in years. Really bonded with some of my new gal pals on the dance floor.



Will tell you more about this chic later. But it's true what they say - Canadians turned New Yorkers really do have more fun.



This Megan gal was the best sightseeing companion on the planet. She is seriously super. Go read her.





Megan kept making me laugh really hard, which explains the scrunchy face. She's too funny. That can be a problem for some people.






To be continued ...