Okay, so here at Chez Ruby Ringz we have been on an eating binge of sorts. SF has been off her diet since Thanksgiving and I have been bad on my eating plan too. Not to fret, as we have made it a goal for 2011 to eliminate as much processed foods as possible.
What does that translate to exactly? That means that we will be removing as many prepared foods as possible. We will be purchasing organic fruits and veggies, with as much as possible coming from the three closest local farmers' markets. We will be purchasing organic eggs and meats that have not been grain fed and pumped with growth hormones. We will also be mindful of our body types. SF is more of a protein metabolic person and I am a mixed type with my body needing more carbs than she does.
We have already moved from sugar to Stevia and have removed margarine and moved to organic butter. We are on the hunt for coconut oil to use in place of other cooking oils. Over the next moth, we will be eliminated all the snack foods in the pantry and replacing then with raw veggies and organic nut butters. The key is to remove as much hydrogenated oils and added sugars as possible. All of these changes come at a cost. The food is more expensive and we will need to spend a little more time in the kitchen preparing them but I think it will be worth it in the long run.
Over the next few weeks I'll be posting some of the meal plans that I have developed for my body type and also trying to post about our successes and failures. The gym will be a big friend for me, as I can shed more and tone faster by increasing my workouts. SF does not have that luxury with her work schedule, so it will be interesting to see if that plays a role in my success.
Today is the last day of random eating, so I plan on enjoying it and not having any regrets. Life is short, so enjoy and make the best of every day!
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Friday, August 20, 2010
Random Thoughts
My dear friend Amy is a wonderful swap mistress and she has been hosting a few swaps that I have been participating in this summer, such as the "Pimp My Queue Swap" and now the "Summer Reading Swap". I was the wonderful benefactor of the Random Number Generator for the current swap and I could not have been happier when Amy announced that my name had been chosen for her to spoil!
Seriously....I have received a few gifts from Amy in the past and they have all been WONDERFUL! So when the contents of the last swap arrived yesterday I was giddy with excitement. We have these wonderful community mailbox locations and there are two large capacity drawers for packages that will fit. I was very surprised when I opened up the personal slot to see a key within. Amy had advised that the package would go out either Tuesday or Thursday, so I knew it could be coming but I had no firm indication. I was on the way to have a late lunch with Megan at The Hobbit so I could not open it until I got home. Look at the contents!
I will post more details later this weekend....I have a wonderful note from Amy that I will share and you can read about the mitts here.
Amy is Wonderful and I'm sure her husband John agrees!
Seriously....I have received a few gifts from Amy in the past and they have all been WONDERFUL! So when the contents of the last swap arrived yesterday I was giddy with excitement. We have these wonderful community mailbox locations and there are two large capacity drawers for packages that will fit. I was very surprised when I opened up the personal slot to see a key within. Amy had advised that the package would go out either Tuesday or Thursday, so I knew it could be coming but I had no firm indication. I was on the way to have a late lunch with Megan at The Hobbit so I could not open it until I got home. Look at the contents!
I will post more details later this weekend....I have a wonderful note from Amy that I will share and you can read about the mitts here.
Amy is Wonderful and I'm sure her husband John agrees!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday's visitor
Some time ago my friend Dharma wrote about symbols and learning their hidden meanings. To top this off, Stephanie, aka Trouble, has been talking about totems. She has been working on hers and I admit I find it interesting in an unconventional way. You are wondering what this is all about, I can hear your brains ticking. Simple. I posted some beautiful pictures yesterday of a dragonfly that landed on SF and stayed with her for about thirty minutes and then spent the next three hours on my knee, my fingers and my midsection. So, when the little guy landed on my shoulder this morning while I was finishing up the pool brushing and adding the necessary chemicals before heading out I began to wonder why he was visiting me again, especially since the sun was not even up. He was trying to tell me something and I needed to figure it out.
Symbolism of Dragonflies - As a creature of the wind, the dragonlfy totem represents change. It's iridescent wings are incredibly sensitive to the slightest breeze, and so we are reminded to heed where the proverbial wind blows - lest we run into stormy weather.
Dragonflies are also creatures of the water, and any creature whose habitat is in, or around water carries symbolism relative the the subconscious, or "dreaming" mind and thoughts.
This is because in the animal world, water is symbolic of the subconscious mind ("deeper mind," "dreaming mind") and relates to the thoughts we have in relaxed/meditative/sleeping/subconscious states.
Quick-list animal symbolism of the dragonfly:
Dragonflies carry messages that deal with deeper thought - and they ask that we pay attention to our deeper thoughts and desires.
Further symbolic insect meaning of dragonfly comes into play when we observe the dragonfly's mode of transportation as it skitters across the top of water surfaces. This implies that our deeper thoughts are surfacing and we must be mindful of the outcome we wish to have.
The dragonfly is a reminder that when our deeper thoughts rise to the surface we must pay attention - there are lessons to be learned, and we are also reminded that what we think is directly proportionate to what we "see on the surface." ...In short, our thoughts (even the deeper ones that we might not be as in-touch with as we are with our conscious thoughts) are responsible for what we see in our lives - in our physical surroundings.
The dragonfly gives us a very powerful meditation tool. Close your eyes, and focus on a thought - let it rise to the surface of your mind's ocean - see that thought float lightly up to the water's surface. Now upon the top of a smooth, calm glass-like surface - visualize that thought moving across that water - sliding across - smooth and fast.
This exercise is useful when we want to visualize positive outcomes in a situation. We see the thought of hope happily moving across an ocean of peace (peaceful mind) and skitting to a perfect outcome.
Lastly it should be noted that the Dragonfly lives a short life, and it knows it must live to the fullest with what it has. This lesson is huge for each of us. When you see a dragonfly, be aware of the gifts it has to offer by keeping its animal totem meanings in mind.
Being a cardinal water sign in the "regular" zodiac world I began to wonder if this little guy was trying to tell me he was a part of my totem and that I needed to pay attention, because he was very persistent. Now I know I cannot devote my entire day to this pursuit; however, the information above has provided me with a foundation to build upon.
I asked myself if this was part of the planning that SF and I have been discussing with regards to retirement back to Tennessee, since he seemed determined to get both of our collective attentions. Was he trying to get us to a new place in our relationship? With so much information flowing through me I know I will need a cup of tea to relax my mind so that I can focus on the job at hand and return to the dragonfly when I am safely poolside this evening.
Interesting way to start my week.....
Symbolism of Dragonflies - As a creature of the wind, the dragonlfy totem represents change. It's iridescent wings are incredibly sensitive to the slightest breeze, and so we are reminded to heed where the proverbial wind blows - lest we run into stormy weather.
Dragonflies are also creatures of the water, and any creature whose habitat is in, or around water carries symbolism relative the the subconscious, or "dreaming" mind and thoughts.
This is because in the animal world, water is symbolic of the subconscious mind ("deeper mind," "dreaming mind") and relates to the thoughts we have in relaxed/meditative/sleeping/subconscious states.
Quick-list animal symbolism of the dragonfly:
- prosperity
- good luck
- strength
- peace
- harmony
- purity
Dragonflies carry messages that deal with deeper thought - and they ask that we pay attention to our deeper thoughts and desires.
Further symbolic insect meaning of dragonfly comes into play when we observe the dragonfly's mode of transportation as it skitters across the top of water surfaces. This implies that our deeper thoughts are surfacing and we must be mindful of the outcome we wish to have.
The dragonfly is a reminder that when our deeper thoughts rise to the surface we must pay attention - there are lessons to be learned, and we are also reminded that what we think is directly proportionate to what we "see on the surface." ...In short, our thoughts (even the deeper ones that we might not be as in-touch with as we are with our conscious thoughts) are responsible for what we see in our lives - in our physical surroundings.
The dragonfly gives us a very powerful meditation tool. Close your eyes, and focus on a thought - let it rise to the surface of your mind's ocean - see that thought float lightly up to the water's surface. Now upon the top of a smooth, calm glass-like surface - visualize that thought moving across that water - sliding across - smooth and fast.
This exercise is useful when we want to visualize positive outcomes in a situation. We see the thought of hope happily moving across an ocean of peace (peaceful mind) and skitting to a perfect outcome.
Lastly it should be noted that the Dragonfly lives a short life, and it knows it must live to the fullest with what it has. This lesson is huge for each of us. When you see a dragonfly, be aware of the gifts it has to offer by keeping its animal totem meanings in mind.
Being a cardinal water sign in the "regular" zodiac world I began to wonder if this little guy was trying to tell me he was a part of my totem and that I needed to pay attention, because he was very persistent. Now I know I cannot devote my entire day to this pursuit; however, the information above has provided me with a foundation to build upon.
I asked myself if this was part of the planning that SF and I have been discussing with regards to retirement back to Tennessee, since he seemed determined to get both of our collective attentions. Was he trying to get us to a new place in our relationship? With so much information flowing through me I know I will need a cup of tea to relax my mind so that I can focus on the job at hand and return to the dragonfly when I am safely poolside this evening.
Interesting way to start my week.....
Sunday, August 15, 2010
floating, soaring and drifiting
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wednesday
Okay, so yesterday I was in a general funk. It is safe to say that I am on the road to recovery. Partly due to the wonderful woman that I share my life with. I'll explain.
I mentioned that I was in the Pimp My Queue Swap on Ravelry. After a self imposed time out from all that is the Internet, I sat down with my secret partner's information and the two patterns I have narrowed down from the top ten in her queue. I grabbed a cup of Spicy Chocolate Mint Tea from The Republic of Tea to look over both patterns and the yarn requirements. I thought that that the tea and the pursuit of swap goodness would help calm me down.
It did, but in an unusual way. It made me retrospective. I sat back with a second cup of tea and began to think about a simple statement that my counselor/therapist had put in front of me. She said that I needed to let go of my fears and trepidations from the last two failed relationships and trust myself. She said that when I was completely able to surrender myself to the person I loved I would no longer need to be in control of every minute detail of my life. I would be free to enjoy and become spontaneous. I cried. I began to realize that this was indeed what was happening to me.
I realized that the relationship that I have been building with SF is indeed one based on truth, honesty, respect and love. We both want the best for each other while preserving our unique individuality building a cohesive unit that is our relationship. I was keenly aware that for the first time in my life I was safe with another human being and could let my guard down. All the while knowing that she will never use any of my faults against me. She will never criticize me for what I know or don't know. She nurtures my talents and is amazed by my strength and beauty all at the same time. I have no reason to fear that she will leave me or neglect me for the newest friend or the shiniest object. We are both safe to grow and spread our wings knowing that the other will be waiting to hear all about the journey when we return.
It was hard to believe that without knowing it I had come to the next resting place in my life. Once I am more secure with this new realization, I can move forward and continue to grow and share. I will need to wrap my head around this for a while and get acquainted and comfortable with it but I think I can face it and grow into it gracefully. It is a concept that SF has been trying to help me see for a while but I resisted. I'm not sure why but I was certainly afraid. It was a fear that was a pit in my stomach. Much like the fear I had to face the first time she asked me to move in with her in November. And the same fear that I felt when she wanted to get commitment/promise rings in December to exchange on Valentines Day. I had to believe that I was not making the same mistake again for the third time and believe that I did deserve that someone that loves me unconditionally. We still haven't gotten past the promise ring to the actual commitment ring but I am getting more comfortable with the idea of wearing a ring on my ring finger once again.
After dinner, SF and I were sitting on the leather sofa. We were flipping between the WNBA game on ESPN2 and the College Baseball World Series. At one of the commercials, she placed the sound on mute and said, "What has been eating at you the last few days?" Transparent as charged. I tried to brush it off because the game had resumed but she was firm. I finally told her what had been bothering me. Not without tears of course. She pulled me into her arms and asked me why I still fought the fact that she loves my unconditionally and that I am safe. I tried to explain but she agreed that some scars do indeed take longer to heal and she would just continue to be patient and be the person I knew her to be.
Life is funny like that. I think I slept like a brick last night. It was one of the best night's rest I have had in a week. I still have to provide the dinner request tonight when she gets home but I am okay with the total surprise factor of the rest. She knows that I HATE public birthday scenes at restaurants so I have no fear of the staff singing to me or anything of the sort. I believe that I will have a very private celebration with her and then when the girls are both available we will have a second one. And that's okay with me too. Why wouldn't I want two celebrations.....
And, I finally settled on the pattern for the swap. I can't reveal the details yet but I will once the package has safely been received. After all it is a secret swap but the participants may be stalking the blog so I can't let the details slip just yet. I will be taking a trip to Katy to Yarntopia to see if they have the local yarn I am in search of. Wish me luck....
I mentioned that I was in the Pimp My Queue Swap on Ravelry. After a self imposed time out from all that is the Internet, I sat down with my secret partner's information and the two patterns I have narrowed down from the top ten in her queue. I grabbed a cup of Spicy Chocolate Mint Tea from The Republic of Tea to look over both patterns and the yarn requirements. I thought that that the tea and the pursuit of swap goodness would help calm me down.
It did, but in an unusual way. It made me retrospective. I sat back with a second cup of tea and began to think about a simple statement that my counselor/therapist had put in front of me. She said that I needed to let go of my fears and trepidations from the last two failed relationships and trust myself. She said that when I was completely able to surrender myself to the person I loved I would no longer need to be in control of every minute detail of my life. I would be free to enjoy and become spontaneous. I cried. I began to realize that this was indeed what was happening to me.
I realized that the relationship that I have been building with SF is indeed one based on truth, honesty, respect and love. We both want the best for each other while preserving our unique individuality building a cohesive unit that is our relationship. I was keenly aware that for the first time in my life I was safe with another human being and could let my guard down. All the while knowing that she will never use any of my faults against me. She will never criticize me for what I know or don't know. She nurtures my talents and is amazed by my strength and beauty all at the same time. I have no reason to fear that she will leave me or neglect me for the newest friend or the shiniest object. We are both safe to grow and spread our wings knowing that the other will be waiting to hear all about the journey when we return.
It was hard to believe that without knowing it I had come to the next resting place in my life. Once I am more secure with this new realization, I can move forward and continue to grow and share. I will need to wrap my head around this for a while and get acquainted and comfortable with it but I think I can face it and grow into it gracefully. It is a concept that SF has been trying to help me see for a while but I resisted. I'm not sure why but I was certainly afraid. It was a fear that was a pit in my stomach. Much like the fear I had to face the first time she asked me to move in with her in November. And the same fear that I felt when she wanted to get commitment/promise rings in December to exchange on Valentines Day. I had to believe that I was not making the same mistake again for the third time and believe that I did deserve that someone that loves me unconditionally. We still haven't gotten past the promise ring to the actual commitment ring but I am getting more comfortable with the idea of wearing a ring on my ring finger once again.
After dinner, SF and I were sitting on the leather sofa. We were flipping between the WNBA game on ESPN2 and the College Baseball World Series. At one of the commercials, she placed the sound on mute and said, "What has been eating at you the last few days?" Transparent as charged. I tried to brush it off because the game had resumed but she was firm. I finally told her what had been bothering me. Not without tears of course. She pulled me into her arms and asked me why I still fought the fact that she loves my unconditionally and that I am safe. I tried to explain but she agreed that some scars do indeed take longer to heal and she would just continue to be patient and be the person I knew her to be.
Life is funny like that. I think I slept like a brick last night. It was one of the best night's rest I have had in a week. I still have to provide the dinner request tonight when she gets home but I am okay with the total surprise factor of the rest. She knows that I HATE public birthday scenes at restaurants so I have no fear of the staff singing to me or anything of the sort. I believe that I will have a very private celebration with her and then when the girls are both available we will have a second one. And that's okay with me too. Why wouldn't I want two celebrations.....
And, I finally settled on the pattern for the swap. I can't reveal the details yet but I will once the package has safely been received. After all it is a secret swap but the participants may be stalking the blog so I can't let the details slip just yet. I will be taking a trip to Katy to Yarntopia to see if they have the local yarn I am in search of. Wish me luck....
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