keep breathing

Almost four years ago, Pandora helped me discover Ingrid Michaelson. This was before hearing her songs in Old Navy commercials, Grey's Anatomy, or on the radio. I've been a fan for a while. 

Do you ever hear a song that seems to put to words exactly how you've been feeling? This song has done just that for me the last few days. 

It's been a season of change and adjustments. Between crazy school schedules for my husband (TJ) piled on top of his new job, combined with my crazy work schedule and the anticipation of grad school starting (in less than a month, may I add), it's left us wanting to get some rhythm back in our lives. 

It's on the horizon. I know it's coming. But for now, all I can do is keep breathing...

a very belated birthday present

For the most part, I've been attempting to make birthday presents instead of buy them this year. Unfortunately, I have failed miserably at getting them done in time. So far, my sister's gift is the latest. 

I finally got my sister her birthday present fourty-six days after her birthday.

I am a terrible sister. 

Also, instead of wrapping it, I had my little bro model it for her. He's such a good sport.

I found the tutorial here. The tutorial was great and the pictures were very helpful! The blogger mentioned that she whipped it together during her son's afternoon nap. I'm assuming her son napped for 15 hours or so, because that's about how long it took me.

Overall, I'm happy with how it turned out. But more importantly, I think my sister is too. 

fruits and veggies

I'm in day 5 of a week long fruit and veggie cleanse.

I have been thinking about doing something like this for months now. I have researched different kinds of detox diets and I knew I wouldn't be ready for anything like the Master Cleanse. I had been leaning toward a green food only detox, when last week I talked to a friend who had just done a fruit and veggie cleanse. Essentially, for 7 days you can eat as many fruits and veggies as your heart desires, but only fruits and veggies. It sounded much more doable, so a few days later I gave it a go.

Here's what I discovered.

If I was given the choice between dying and eating something I hate, say... mayo or seafood, I would probably die.

I don't eat for survival, I eat for pleasure.

I always kind of assumed I had an unhealthy attachment to food, but this solidified it. Almost all 4 nights I've gone to bed hungry, because I just can't seem to get myself to choke down anymore cauliflower or spinach. Typically, I have no problem eating my fruits and vegetables, but when it's the only thing I can eat it loses its appeal very quickly.

I'm not sure what to do with this realization. I'm not necessarily content in this, but for now I guess I'll just hope that I'm never in a "eat this or die" situation.

One thing that I have loved about the cleanse is my fruit smoothies for breakfast. My favorite part of the day. This morning I threw together a smoothie with strawberries, peaches, and a mango, and it was fantastic.

happy birthday, Grampa Don

*I'm not sure how I managed to go through the whole day thinking it was the 17th of May, which is my Grampa's actual birthday...not May 16th. I guess that's what happens when I have a day off work. 

Today would have been my Grampa's 79th birthday. He passed away a little over a year ago from cancer.

He was a remarkable man. I know my words can't do justice. He was a strong, but gentle man. He was the definition of a hard worker. He loved everyone and judged no one. He was intelligent and innovative. He was humble and always cared for others above himself. He had a great sense of humor it was so cute when he would make my Gramma blush. He was the best story teller. He spoke with such wisdom and depth. He always beat me at zilch, but he could never beat my Gramma. =) I miss him more than I can express, but I'm so thankful that I got to have him as my Grampa.