changing times

So, this past year I have become more involved in the food that I eat. I realized I am allergic to gluten, so I have cut it out of my diet (mostly... I still eat tortillas every once in awhile, but not often). I have also switched to a 100% organic diet, where before, I was maybe only 50%. I have cut out almost all processed foods except corn chips, tortillas, and turkey jerky. But, I make sure to check the ingredients so that it doesn't have "natural flavour" cause we ALL KNOW that natural flavor is not natural. I try to buy things that I know what the ingredients are... and let me tell you, it's made a huge difference.

After watching movies like, "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead," "Food Matters," "Fork Over Knife," and reading books such as the "Omnivores Dilemma," I have realized that what I was putting in my mouth was slowly going to kill me. I feel better eating mostly fruits and vegetables. I feel better eating foods I have made and know that all the products are organic, local, and fresh.

I got a juicer back in October, and it's made getting my daily intake of fruits and vegetables a lot easier. It's also freakin' delicious. This morning I had two bunches of spinach, a half a cucumber, three carrots, three apples, a pear, half a beat, and a half a lemon. And it tasted so good. I just bought a stainless steal insulated thermos so that I can start bringing juice to work with me for lunch. I would like to do a two week juice diet where all I eat, or rather drink, is juice.

Since I have changed my diet, I have lost 20 pounds since May. I don't necessarily feel like I look like I have lost 20 pounds, but I can tell in my clothes and the way I feel. It is not just about losing weight, which is why I have failed so many diets and exercise regimes. I am doing it this time to be healthy. To not get sick, to feel better, to make sure I know exactly where and what I am putting in my mouth. I still treat myself to chocolate or a some gluten-free brownies, but I stay away from it most of the time.

I honestly believe that we don't need medicine or doctors to treat diseases and illnesses like cancer or a common cold. I think that the drugs that doctors and the FDA give people only treat the symptoms, not the actual reason as to why you're sick.

Watch the movies I mentioned above. You'll become a believer.

2012

I can't believe it's already 2012. I had such a wonderful 2011... Master's graduation, sky diving, concerts, moving, finding the one person I feel like I have been searching for, for awhile... 2011 was such a great year, and I know 2012 is going to be even greater.

I spent New Years Eve with the beloved having a wonderful bottle of wine, good food, a bath, and spending it at home. I did stay awake till the new year, but promptly went to bed at 12.07.

I am moving out of my current house in less than two weeks to move in with my beloved. He has bought a lovely house, and I am so excited for this move. I have never lived with anyone that I have dated, so it will be a new experience. But I am so utterly excited about it. I can't wait to sleep together every night. To wake up to him every morning. To sit on the couch reading while he plays video games... I have spent the past 6 nights wit him, and this is the first night we are not together. I am sure it's good, I was able to look through all the things I have in storage and got rid of a lot of stuff that I didn't really need. It's so refreshing. What's funny is that most of my boxes consist of books. When I moved where I currently am, I think I had about 8 boxes of books, which was the majority of my boxes. The new house has built in bookshelves upstairs where the little office loft is next to the bedroom, so I am excited to see how many books between the two of us can fit up there.

I am excited for the adventures of 2012... I am hoping more fly fishing, more camping, more baking, disc golf, traveling, and reading. The last week and a half I have read four books... that's amazing. It is so nice to read all the time.

I also officially started my full-time job! Yay more money, benefits, retirement, and security! I can't wait. 2012 is going to be fan-fucking-tastic.