Vegmom Moments

Braces For Me

During my last post, I forgot to mention that my whole family had braces this year. Yup, even me! Since I don't care about appearance, one may ask why I would do that to myself..... Well back up!

When I was a kid my teeth were so bad, I mean scary to look at bad. I asked my Mom, ahem, Begged my Mom for braces. Little did I know the torture that would follow. 18+ extractions, a retainer for years, and Braces for 2yrs. But my 18yr old smile was perfect (for me)... I thought I was done with that nonsense for life.

However, my pallet was still small, my jaw would lock, bite was off, I developed horrible TMJ and pretty much spent my adult life cutting everything in to small pieces to eat.

At one point the headaches became so bad, I went to see a few specialists... They all claimed that the original Ortho and Surgeons while getting rid of too many of my teeth to "make room" never properly fixed my jaw or the roof of my mouth while it was still growing. They said I would now need my jaw broken, wired shut, more extractions, and then braces. Oh no no no!!!! Oh H-E-Double hockey sticks NO! For years as my teeth continued to move, I heard this.

But then I became Veg; my jaw stopped locking, headaches went away, and outside of a few crooked teeth continuing to move, I just went on with my life. Then I got pregnant and my face changed, then I lost a ton of weight and my face changed. One day I looked in the mirror and realized my teeth were starting to pivot straight out of the gum line. Oh No No No!!!

Wait a minute.. Back up... By now, the teen had braces and I saw the miraculous things this Ortho was able to do for him so he'd never suffer the way I did. The husband got a set of braces because after 46ish years, one of his baby teeth finally fell out. For real!! Apparently he still has like 3 baby teeth that never got replaced. Anywho...he got braces to fill the gap vs. getting an implant. Score!! It worked.

And that is when I said, "Hey doc... What is your opinion of this crazy mouth of mine?" He took one look and said: "I wouldn't give you surgery even if you asked for it.. 10 months of braces, we can adjust your teeth so you can keep them longer, expand your pallet, and fix your bite". He was honest and said: "I won't fix your jaw, my goal will be to save your teeth and fix your smile, if that is your goal than we can make this work"

I left and thought.... "But my smile doesn't need fixing. I don't care about aesthetics, I like my smile, it is goofy and me" and decided I'd put it off as long as possible.

THEN.... I saw my Dad and realized he'd lost most if not all of his teeth. Wake up Call much? Then I remembered what happened to my Mom and the pain she went through with root canal after root canal which we now know may aid in cancer growth. No Thank You!!!

So the day we got home from our Florida visit, I made my braces appointment, the money gods aligned, and the rest is history.

Which brings us to present day. I'm 5 months in, all of my teeth are back where they belong, my bite is happy, and perfectly straight. I have no idea how a tooth that was higher than all the other teeth can now be level to them or how the ones that had begun to turn sideways are now right ways. But alas, the guy is a miracle worker.

He is now trying to widen my upper pallet with braces alone, so each month my bite changes again and I currently feel like I have a major lisp when I speak. My T's, S's and F's all sound the same, and I feel like I'm slurping all the time, which drives me nutty so I stopped making coaching videos for a bit.

But thankfully with coconut oil swishes, aloe swishes, clove, and tea tree oils, I've experienced very little pain and look forward to getting these bad boys off in 2018. Don't worry I won't post pictures of the brace face!!!

The husband got his off in about 10 months and the teen will have his off by February (hopefully)... So 2018 will be the year my house is braces free, and by August, we will have a bathroom full of retainers. Can't Wait! *smile*

So what have I learned? Second, third, and fourth opinions are necessary! Veg eating and lots of greens took care of my TMJ. When it comes to teeth, there is more than just visual, and that mouth health is equal to body health!!

Well here's to a Braces Free Year!!! 2018 is going to be Amazing!

2017 Another Year Ends

Woah!!! So I'm pretty sure I only post here anymore when it is a year in review or heartfelt reflection.  This blog has kind of become like an old friend that I turn to for inspiration, humor at past situations, and to share what my year has been like.  I also often look to try and remember a story to share with someone, or see a date that something happened when reflecting. Similar to that friend who you only talk to once in a while, know that no one else actually gets the conversation, but without them you are missing something in your life.  The person you call to help settle a debate because they are the only person that would remember... Yes, that is this blog!  

In the past few years, I've thought about posting more, I've mentioned here that I would post more, and I became excited when there was an app built so that I could post quickly from my phone.  I even did that for a bit.  But the desire to keep this up along with all of my other social media personas made this one take a different priority and become that friend that slowly moves away but you still care about and won't get rid of completely.   Someday maybe Vegmom will rise again in a new and improved way.  But for now, it will just be my distant friend, with no broken promises and the possibility that we will reunite every couple years. 

So here we are at the end of 2017.... And I've thought of my old blog friend every day for the past few weeks.  Finally today, I took a peak at some old posts!  I laughed, got emotional, and smiled beyond measure. I saw comments from my Mom that are like a legacy left.  I saw comments from friendships lost and friendships gained through the years. And posts about my family that I had since forgotten ever writing.  Having this journal of sorts documenting the past 12ish years has been such a blessing, and I wouldn't trade the time spent on typing these words for anything.  And  for that, I shall complete a year in review... because well... That is what I do here!

2017 has been pretty incredible!  Politically and world news wise, I can't begin to comprehend the Bizzaro land that has been created this year.  But in my own little world, WOAH!!!!!   2017 was incredible.  I last posted in April over here!  But so much has happened since then! 

• The teen will be starting Drivers Ed next month and will be 15 in two months
• I trained and completed a 1/2 Marathon... WHAT????  Oh yes, I did that again!  Ca-Razy!  
• We went to Florida over the summer and stayed at the most beautiful hotel room, with the most amazing view.  We saw sharks, dolphins, sting rays, sea turtles, and manatees right outside our balcony.  It was definitely the highlight of my life.
• He also went on his first ever solo trip with his Dad, and they had an absolute blast exploring northern Michigan and the UP after seeing grandparents. 
• We've been to climbing facilities, ropes courses, escape places.
• The teen has been to social parties, started fencing club, and is now officially a D&D geek. 
• High School started and has been incredible for him.  He's excelling at everything and even with Teentude, he is making an impact, and learning so much about life....
• Our little miss princess pup is still on the homeopathic wagon and doing great.  She pretty much has me laughing every day. 
• I officially made it through my head injury, finished two rowing competitions, three 5k distances, and the winter half marathon. 
• I did get my Pull-up as challenged by the teen (I'm still working on the consistency of this one), and he PR'd his 5K by 25 minutes.  the boy is a beast, and constantly trying new things to push his strength.  
• My books are still in several libraries and stores around our town, and had three more book signing events this year.  Which were awesome!
• The husband is still doing his thing as we continue to be lunar opposites, but we've passed the 26.5 year marriage mark, and I'm learning more each day what marriage truly consists of vs. the ideals that people seem to think is perfection.  While we don't agree on much, we do still agree that our strange ideal is working for us.  As the truth isn't about perfection, but about life. 
• As for that corporate wellness contract that I signed??? Not only did we get extended through the end of 2017 but we also got the 2018 contract, which is now officially signed and I absolutely can not wait to get started.  There will be approximately 8000+ people either coached by me or the coaches that I have the opportunity to mentor each and every month.  The thought of this is simply mind boggling but worth the years of toil and trouble to reach more people and find a community of like minded coaches who have the same mission.  
• Of course, I still have personal clients as well, and watching them change their lives along with that of their families has been such an incredible blessing.  Sometimes I look at my "job" and think, "How in the world did I get here?".... Seriously a dream come true with so much more in the making.  But it all started with Vegmom....  Did I mention, this is all Ca-Razy to me???
• With priorities changing, I've had to give up the youth classes and fitness playgrounds around October of this year.  But several of my young athletes are now in the adult classes and I get to workout with them on days like today which was just awesome.  This has been a huge lesson in letting go, and having faith, but I couldn't be prouder of those kids. 
• I'm still getting my craft on too, as I want to walk the talk and keep growing my creative outlet.  I seriously feel like when we stop being creative in what ever avenue we choose, than we stop living. (That is from April but still true)....  I have made a ton of cards, doodled, colored, painted, and even had some fun drawing. 
• As for writing, I've been really big in to the social media outlets lately.  Both to promote my own brand, inspire others, and promote share/build content for all the events and classes I've been teaching.  So I haven't kept up with any of my blogs lately, but do have ideas for a second & third book in the making and am still writing guest posts for others. (From April but still true and hasn't changed)
• I got to see the Meteor Shower with the Hubs earlier this month, which was sooooo incredibly magical.  I'd never seen a shooting star before, and that night, I saw almost 20 of them. It wasn't really "shower" like... More of a Spit here and spit there, but still incredibly cool.
• We also got to see the full total Eclipse with our teen and all of those that go to his school.  Yes, his was the only school still open that day, but I was so glad and what a wonderful learning experience for them.  We only saw totality for a few moments, and I was so sidetracked by the reaction of the kids then mesmerized by the sky that I missed everything happening on the ground, but seriously the coolest thing EVER!
• While touring facilities for the corporate wellness initiatives, I also had the opportunity to drive through three states, see the Mississippi River, and cotton fields in all of their splendor.
• Lastly, I was sure to take a few trips up to the mountains to see some of the most beautiful Fall colors I'd ever experienced. 

My "Word" for 2017 was "Opportunity"!  I seriously had so many opportunities to see, do, feel, hear, and be, that it couldn't have been a more perfect word!

So with another year coming to a close, I honestly couldn't have asked for any more magical moments, even if I'd requested them myself, and I could have never expected such goodness to unfold when this year started. 

Yes, 2017 was full of horrible hurricanes, insane fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, political insanity, and tragedy, but I still truly with all of my heart believe, that each of us can make a difference in our own way.  And each of us can choose to find the good in our own lives, then share, inspire, and bring good to the world.   My mission in life is to help people find their way through health, wellness, and happiness but I can't do that if my own life doesn't present the same truth.  

Heading in to 2018, my word for the year is "AMAZING".... And I'm pretty sure Amazing it will be.  I can feel it in my bones!!!!  

If you happen to see this out in Blog world, I'd love to hear what your word is, how your year has gone, and what you are excited about!  

For now Vegmom land, I shall sign off and won't promise anything about posting, but can't wait to check back in and share how much things have changed sometime in the future.  Until then, may you have a wonderful New Year filled with all the smiles you can muster and create the change YOU wish to see in your life and the world around you. 

XOXO ~Vegmom

2017 Flying By

Well, obviously it has been quite a while since I've posted here.... And I just went back to read my year in review for 2016!  

Whoop... Back up... The reason I'm posting today, is because the teen and I were talking about the idea of "Vegmom".   How this blog and our local Mom's site was such a big outlet for me once upon a time.  We were talking about communication before social media, and then before blogs, and then... you know, that pen & paper thing with envelopes, or actually answering the phone to talk to people while tied to a cord in the wall spinning in circles.  (Did anyone else spin in circles with the cords?  Or was that just me?)

Anywho, then I realized that I hadn't dropped in here for a while, but haven't had any adventures to report either.   Which lead me to reading my 2016 in review.  I love looking back through posts as they are so energizing... And then I realized that this blog has passed it's 10yr blogiversary without any fan fair or recognition of any kind.  I started when Veg was 3ish, and his now 14?  What?????

That is crazy to me!  Okay... side tracked again, sorry!

2016 was the year I said "Fudge It" and said "Yes" more.... It was rejuvenating, refreshing, full of new adventures, and life!!  

2017 would be the year of Opportunity.  Taking everything I learned and grew from in 2016, plus the contacts I'd made by stepping outside of my bubble, and putting it all in to practice.  So here we are at the end of April already!  Yeah... that is crazy to me!!!

What has changed/happened at the VegHouse since December?  Well...  Let me tell ya!

• The Vegkid is now 14
• He does CrossFit with me and is a beast with no fear. (who knew?)
• We are training for a 5K together (technically, he is training for a 5k and therefore I am training for a 5k)
• His birthday was a weekend packed full of local adventures including learning to safely shoot a rented gun at a pretty awesome indoor resort style range.  Which was pretty much the highlight of his life.
• We've been to Jump and climbing facilities, where we learned he is quite the ninja.  (who knew?)
• We are all registered for High School and starting to discuss driving soon.... seriously, time flies....
• Our little miss princess dog, had some medical issues, but rather than take surgery as the first course of action (per the vet), I opted to try some homeopathic drops, and Voila!  Medical problem gone, no surgery needed... Shewww, dodged that bullet...
• I finished another CrossFit Open season and Local competition through some health conditions of my own thanks to that bonk on the noggin last year that apparently did more than just a little cut on the head.
• I've learned to be kind to myself and my body, do what I can until I can do more.... So I'm now PRing lifts, and relearning several movements that became a challenge, while working towards losing the added pounds that hormones brought my way during this head debacle.
• The Teen challenged me to have pull-ups again by the end of summer, if he PR's his 5k... which he will, and so I will....
• My books are now in several libraries and stores around our town, and have two more book signing events creeping up.  Which means I had to buy more books.  Pretty cool to watch my stash dwindle. 
• Oh, and that corporate wellness contract that I signed??? Yeah, that has been AWESOME!!!!  Four months in, and I've had the opportunity to coach over 800 people so far!   The contract was only six months, so I'm not sure where things will go by June, but such a wonderful opportunity this has been to help people create the change they wish to see. 
• Of course, I've been coaching personal clients as well, and watching them change their lives along with that of their families has been such an incredible blessing.  Sometimes I look at my "job" and think, "How in the world did I get here?".... Seriously a dream come true with so much more in the making.  But it all started with Vegmom....  Did I mention, this is all Ca-Razy to me???
• And can't forget about the fitness classes for kids I get to coach weekly, the fitness playgrounds we set up at events, nor the competitions, some of them are training for. 
• Making sure to get my craft on too, as I want to walk the talk and keep growing my creative outlet.  I seriously feel like when we stop being creative in what ever avenue we choose, than we stop living. 
• As for writing, I've been really big in to the social media outlets lately.  Both to promote my own brand, inspire others, and promote share/build content for all the events and classes I've been teaching.  So I haven't kept up with any of my blogs lately, but do have ideas for a second & third book in the making and am still writing guest posts for others. 
• Had to say good by to Miss Mini... My little Coopers were the absolute best cars I'd ever owned, but the time came to get a new little bean with less maintenance costs and more miles worth of warranty. 

To say that I'm keeping moving is an understatement... 2016 was definitely a year for down time, reflection, travel, making memories, trying new things, growth, and catapulting what I want out of life to the next level.  2017, is the year to put all of that in to practice!  

We haven't traveled at all this year, due to crazy schedules, crazy weather, or just because we didn't feel like it.  But the teen and I are making sure to spend a ton of time together before high school starts (which CrossFit has provided us - new post coming soon on this one), and I'm hoping for some kind of whirlwind adventure this summer, between contracts and school schedules.  

Usually we are spur of the moment kind of travelers, and just take a good weekend when we can.  But lately, I've allowed the weekends to be down time to catch up on computer work, refresh, clean, be creative, or get outside.  Of course many events fall on the weekend too, so they aren't all R&R.  But this summer, there will be at least a week or two to say YES to adventures!

Truth is, this year, I haven't felt the need for a vacation. I haven't even felt the ocean call!  Maybe because I got my fill last year?  Maybe because time is limited, or maybe because I'm living a life that I don't need to vacation from!  Either way, I hope for an adventure before summer is over, as I know those times are limited to create memories, as the teen moves on to High School life.   

AND THAT my Vegmom Friends brings you all up to date!!!   (or should I say brings me up to date, for when I reflect on this in four more months)  Ha!  

If you are out there and you see this, I hope you are doing amazing wherever life has taken you and that 2017 is your best year ever!

~Hugs and Happy thoughts~

 

Year in Review

Wow, Wow, Wow....

I've been digging through pictures to create a year in review business snapshot for 2016 and Oh Snap!! It has been an amazing year.

A few years ago, there was a lot of change, a lot of deaths in the family, and travel was limited to dealing with those events. Then 2015 was a whirlwind, trying to get caught up financially. Wanting to make the business grow, husband medical stuff happened, and I was coaching seven days a week at a variety of places just to make ends meet.

At the end of 2015, I had the best visit from a friend and also took a trip to see my dad. During that month I had some Aha moments realizing that I hadn't been true to myself that year and how that would alllllll need to change!!

Yup 2016, I decided would be the year that I said "Fudge It"... Be true to me, my brand, try new things, create memories, do the work I love on my terms, and be there (fully present) for my teen when he needed it most (even when he didn't think he needed it at all)... This would be the year that I said "YES" more!!

2016 Rocked!

The political crap and all the tragedy that surrounded this year drove me more to want to do more. Life is too short to wait until you have enough money, or the perfect circumstances. Sometimes you just have to say "Fudge it"... Do what you feel is right, do for others, and then let the rest work itself out.

And it did!! Tenfold!

This year, we've been to North Carolina (three times), South Carolina (twice), Virginia, Michigan, and the smoky mountains (a whole bunch). I've published a book, attended events, coached hundreds, gone on the longest hikes and bike rides of my life, completed a team competition, a Kettlebell meet, and finished a local competition taking first place in my division. I've tried new food, new restaurants, climbed to the tops of trees with friends, coached kids through competition, been a guest contributor on several web sites, had four book signings, took part in a virtual coaching summit, planted beautiful flower gardens, went to the top of a light house, had Veg's first ever birthday party, and went on a ton of local adventures.

The best part is? It isn't over yet! Going in to 2017, I already have a contract signed and am ready to start a corporate wellness opportunity next month. This new year will bring so many incredible things, as I carry on the "yes to me" mentality. Finding what works and doesn't along the way, trying new things, and never giving up.

I've learned that life is such a miracle! If you don't take the time to enjoy it now, you'll end up regretting it later.

First Trip Back to the Mitten State

As mentioned in prior posts, I decided to do a kettlebell competition in Michigan.

Reason 1: Because my kiddo needed to see his grandparents.

Reason 2: Because I wanted to see my friend, after all she's made several trips to see me.

Reason 3: If I'm going to go back to Michigan than it might as well be something I train for, prepare for, and do something completely different. Start a new tradition.

I thought it would be easy, fun, maybe a little nerve wracking. I was told there would be many newbies doing what I was doing at the comp and I would fit in just fine. Then the roster came out and I discovered, I was the ONLY person out of three weight classes doing my event. 90+ people were competing and I was the only newbie. This psyched me out beyond measure. Then I discovered my weight wasn't where the roster said I should be. This made me upset and defeated. As a person who doesn't care about weight, I was incredibly annoyed by that.

Then the travel day arrived, I discovered people weren't going to be there that I thought would be. Conversations with the inlaws and the husband left me bamfoozeled. Traffic came to a standstill so I thought we'd miss the afternoon plans. Driving past my moms exit on the interstate hit me like a ton of bricks AND I had PMS to boot. Then my credit cards wouldn't work at the check in counter. To say my emotions were out of control is an understatement. To say I was embarrassed, is an understatement. But little did I know at the time, this was only the beginning.

I seriously just wanted to turn around and go back home. I wanted to forget the whole thing and began to totally psych myself out about the competition. Then things started to improve. The boy went off with his grandparents, My bestie and I went for a great dinner, my coach arrived, his wife texted me a pep-talk.

The next morning came!! As I was waiting in line for chocolate covered coffee, I noticed a lady with a Kettlebell shirt and asked if she knew where the event was. Next thing I know I'm dragged out of coffee line (but wait, I neeeeeddd that chocolate)

She tells me that she just got back from a competition in Russia where she was on team USA but that she started once too and could tell I was a newbie. She shows me the venue and I about throw up. <coffee. need. coffee> an entire ballroom turned in to seats, judges tables, cameras, platforms, bright lights, and Kettlebells. Signs were everywhere for the "world championship"... People would be filling those seats from all over the world. Seriously what the heck was I doing there. I didn't belong...

I totally freaked, nothing like any competition or event I'd ever done. Then this sweet Kettlebell lady takes me in to the hotel restaurant to meet her "team". She says I'm family now. Turns out the entire flippin restaurant was her team and she announces for all to hear in her loudest voice:

"Everyone, stop eating you need to meet this girl. It is her first time, she is doing the 8kg long cycle and she is a little freaked out, make her comfortable"

Oh My GOD!!!! If you know me at all, you know this was the equivalent of mentally, throwing me under a bus and then pelting me with stones. All I could do was laugh and smile but inside, I wanted to hide. Crawl under a rock and never return.

Need.coffee.Now!!!!

The lobby Starbucks guy ends up taking seriously 45 minutes to move two people through the line and make my drink. He was the sloth from Zootopia! Really, the irony and humor and lessons circling in my head at this point were hilarious. While walking away from that coffee counter, I told myself that I would never ever ever put myself through this again. My hormones now raging, PMS emotions in full force, and I had one hour to be on the stage. To do a ten minute workout that I'd trained for three months to accomplish.

Then I get in the elevator with who happens to be the world champion from Russia. He told me to calm down and remember my training. Apparently my face was showing that I was freaked out.

I didn't like this side of me at all. I'm the happy girl, find the positive girl, feel in control girl. But something about that moment, in that place, left me feeling completely and totally empty. Yet I knew I had to get up on that platform. I had to do this and say I did it. I had to overcome every fear, demon, and annoying thought in my head. I couldn't let Michigan defeat me.

Go time!! I get on the platform, I'm doing great. Every rep is counting, I'm flying through, feeling good. Nothing hurt, my hand didn't go numb like in practice. I'm watching the clock. 3 minutes pass, then 5 minutes. Then six minutes pass. I'm not even sweating, and I realize I'm on pace to finish with a 30rep PR and take first place! It is time to switch arms. I panic and drop the bell.

Yup at six minutes it was over. Three months of training, 24hrs of mental torture, and I drop the Kettlebell in front of all those people. That was that. THE END!

I told myself to go find that rock and hide again. Take me back to my happy CrossFit place. I don't belong here!!

In my life and my concept of Falling in Happy with self, I've put myself out there, done the uncomfortable, stepped out of my bubble for growth, but I try to have my mind right. Remember what really matters. What is the worst can happen? Blah blah blah. If something doesn't bring me joy than it isn't worth my time. If it does, then why not do it again? This one threw me a whammy. I felt it was worth my time, I thought it would bring me joy, I expected a different experience and I challenged myself because I could.

But this sucked! I won't lie, it was horrible. I kept saying, if only there were a do-over. If I could try again. Or if I had signed up for more than one event at least, I could redeem myself in the next one. Coach comes up to me and says: "There's another in Atlanta at a CrossFit box next month. You should come"

Seriously? I can redeem myself, get my head right and be in a CrossFit box where I feel more at home. I could challenge myself with more than one event and not let the Kettlebell destroy me. Why didn't you tell me this before? Why wasn't that my first competition? I realized my coach must have found joy in this whole thing because a week later I get a note asking me if I'm excited for the next one.

Oh heck yes!!!! I mean it isn't even an option at this point. I have to try again. Right?

Okay so back to Michigan... That 24hrs was truly terrible for me. Emotionally, mentally, physically exhausting. And the funniest part was, because I was the only person in my weight class, I got a first place medal.

But then I got my son back from the inlaws, had an amazing day with my bestie at a beautiful park, and got to see family.

<Back up a few hours>

En route to seeing family, I was in a hurry and banged my head on a dresser in the hotel room. As in damaged a nerve, had a bloody gash, black eye, kind of head bang. In that moment as I'm lying on the bed with bloody cloth in hand and my teen by my side, I realized what was truly important in this world. And it certainly wasn't that place, a dropped Kettlebell, or all of the drama leading up to that moment. I realized how grateful and thankful I should be and in that moment of pain, the whole weekend became more clear than any of the three months leading up to it.

Life is short, the unexpected happens, challenges happen, and if you are a woman, PMS will creep at the worst times but what really matters is the people you spend time with and how you live while doing so. That weekend, I didn't shine my happy light, but this is a new weekend and I'll shine with everything I've got because I need it. The world needs it. And life isn't defined by what goes wrong, it is defined by what you do about it.

~Onward

The Phone Conundrum

When we were growing up, cell phones weren't even thought of and if you needed to call someone on the go, than you best hope there was a pay phone near by. Collect calls were also a thing, and our house phones were attached to the wall with a cord.  Remember those?  

Well when my Mom didn't want to talk to my Dad anymore, she got me my own phone line which I eventually had to pay for.  It was a separate phone line and different number that came directly in to my bedroom.  Which was pretty rare back then but the coolest thing ever, because I could talk to anyone, any time, and not worry about my Mom being on the other line. 

As for mobile devices? I can't even believe that my friend and I would drive from Michigan to Florida at the age of 16-17 with no means of communication except a walkie talkie or CB radio.  My dad would give us his to travel with in case there was an emergency, we could flag a trucker down or the police.   Now, we can't even go to the grocery store with out being connected to some type of mobile device.

My oh My have times changed!  

But with all of the nonsense, distractions, and kids getting in to trouble with their phones via social media, I had a pretty steadfast rule that the VegTeen wouldn't get one until he was old enough to drive.  I mean heck, he doesn't call anyone anyways and we actually still have a house phone.  He definitely doesn't need another video game console.  So what is the point of him even having a phone, right?  

Wrong!!!  

One day last spring, the husband dropped the teen off at a birthday party in a dark field in the boonies while I was out of town.  Without further details, let's just say things could have gone really bad and the child had no access to a phone.  One wrong turn in the woods, and we would have been sending out a search party. Thankfully everything worked out well, after my slight panic attack and 20 phone calls to other parents later while I sat fuming in my hotel room.  That was the night, I said: "This kid needs a phone"...... It isn't like they can walk to the nearest pay phone and make a collect call if they get in a pickle now-a-days.

So as soon as time was available, I transferred my old number to an old iPhone, locked down most of the features and handed it over.  He was so excited, you would have thought it was Christmas.  BUT he never used it.  Every once in a while, he would text me from his bedroom just to be funny, or to ask for groceries while I was at the store, but that was it.  

THEN, he went on a school trip for five days.  Turns out the teacher required they had phones so she could communicate with them when they were wandering around. (I didn't know this until he got home) The chaperones used the kid's phones for alerts, notifications, and when ever they got separated.  My guy also texted me every day, and the teacher expected them to call their parents on the ride back home.  But what would have happened, had he not had a phone. 

Turns out for that situation alone, it was worth it to transfer the number!  And since then he's had to call from school, friend's houses, and now another trip coming up where he will need to stay in contact.  Needless to say, I held out for 13yrs but my steadfast rule was overriden by practicality and the realization that times have changed.  For the record, I still don't think younger kids need phones, so that will be my new steadfast rule.  Of course it doesn't matter because we don't have any younger kids.  Ha!

But if you are a parent and still holding out on the phone frontier, I totally get it!  And if you cave in the teen years, I get that too!

Now if you still have a corded phone with a dial on it attached to your wall, we may need to chat!   Haha!

 

 

 

 

Fun Hike Day

While the kid is away, the parents will play:
Yup! The Teen is on a five day excursion to see historical things with his school class so the hubs and I decided to something adventurous.

Turns out the first place we picked was hit by a hurricane. The second place was all sold out. The third place was a big game weekend and so hotels were taken. And all of the other spots were too far away in the event we had to go pick up the teen for some reason.

And then the hubs got a big ol'shot in his bad arm which made him sick and I came down with a cold. Bah!!!! In the end, we decided to have a long weekend full of "dates" instead of traveling anywhere as the signs were definitely against the travels.

 

Yesterday was a nice lunch and shopping excursion. Today was a hike! A LONG hike. The five mile kind. 5 miles isn't a lot for me on flat land, but when you are weak from feeling bad, still have a hurt foot from the washing machine, and your are climbing on rocks for the better part of 3hrs, it seemed like a lot more than five miles.

We had a blast though.

Even saw a bear (from the car thankfully) and the water was beautiful. I wasn't impressed with the waterfall itself but the pools were amazing. And the views along the stream were gorgeous.

I'm so thankful to live near this kind of beauty. And that both of our legs held up. The hubs was definitely a trooper on this one and our weekend still has two days left. Woot!!

 

Date adventures continued.....

A Hut of Wishes

A couple of weeks ago, the teen and I went on an adventure to the most magical spot near our house that I never knew existed.

We went for a super fun hike to a beautiful waterfall, walked along the river, across an insanely long rope bridge, saw some critters, enjoyed the sites, and played on the obstacle courses amongst the trees.  

But what made it magical was the wishes left behind, the dollars donated to help their community, and the peaceful spots to play with rocks, skip rocks, and just BE.

Every single colored tab hanging from the ceiling of this hut was a wish left behind.  Some of them were hilarious. Some would make you cry.  Others were the most thought provoking simple words better than any tweet or social media post.  You see, there is only so much room to write on a tab and just a few words can say so much.  It was magical as if you could almost see the faces of the people who wrote them.  I never added anything to the hut and almost felt guilty reading other people's wishes but felt like I could have stood there all day. Emotions flooded me with a mixture of gratitude, sadness, and laughter. 

It makes me wonder, if you had a wish to hang, what would it say?

 

Hmmm, Maybe Not Okay?

*Rant Time*

Something I miss about keeping up with this blog is my rant moments and having a place to let it out.... So I think I will have one of those!

Alright, so this parenting stuff is hard.  We are all figuring it out as we go and some of us have life lessons as part of parenting and begin to change our approach midway when something isn't working.  I've always said that kids aren't born with a manual but if they were, I'm sure 99% of the population wouldn't read it.  We all also have our own approach to parenting, and discipline, and lack there of.  But at the end of the day, 99% of us truly love our kids and only want what is best for them.  Judging other parents is wrong, I know this, and I'm leaving out 1% because there is a portion of the population that just doesn't get it... AT ALL....

But there are some people who in the name of love, constantly hurt their children. Even some that do so unknowingly, like forcing them to eat and turning off their natural appetite. Or calling them hurtful names and bashing them on a sports field.  Or taking away their natural creativity, curiosity, and problem solving abilities, by always making them do things the parent's way. But those are all things that parents have to learn and most don't realize they are doing it.  However physical abuse, is knowingly done out of anger, and that is NOT OKAY!  As an adult who coaches women from past abuses, I cringe (maybe even judge) when I see a child facing some of those same situations.

Anywho... the purpose for tonight's rant is when people say:  "I had that done to me and I turned out okay"..... Well tonight I was reading a news article about a man, dragging a girl through the store BY HER HAIR.  And when someone questioned it, the man said:  "Don't interfere, I turned out Okay".... Well NO SIR, You didn't!   At the point that your parenting style involves dragging your child through the grocery store by her hair attached to a grocery cart..... YOU DID NOT TURN OUT OKAY! 

Even better are the people who don't have kids at all, questioning or degrading the way people are raising their children. These people who have never had a child are saying that you should belt the kid, just like they were belted and they turned out just fine.

Well No, No you didn't. In the examples where I've heard this used; those people have had social, behavioral, mental, emotional, problems their entire lives and now think it is okay to belt a kid that isn't even theirs. So then it makes me wonder, what defines the term: "I turned out Okay?"

Is it the person who told my husband that he should hit me and my son to show his dominance in our household..  <Bahahaha, yeah, try that buddy see how it works for you.>  This person said; "It worked for him"...  Ummm Okay, but are you married now? And do you have any children? Oh yeah... NO!   I'm thinking it didn't work for you. 

Or those with addictions, police records, track records of chronic failed relationships or jobs, and heck I don't know... DRAGGING YOUR CHILD THROUGH THE STORE BY HER HAIR ATTACHED TO A SHOPPING CART.....  NOoooooo, You didn't turn out OKAY!!    

Yes, you can change, and yes, you can be okay when all is said and done.  And yes, you can learn that all of those things in your past are part of who you are and that is OKAY and wonderfully you.  But if you use it as an excuse to make the same mistakes with your children or expect that other people should, that is NOT OKAY!!!

And when someone says, "My parent used that belt <stick, paddle, blah blah blah> on me so many times, I learned Respect".... Ummmm well, No ya didn't. You learned how to be afraid.  You learned how to try and not get caught.  If those things worked on you, then you wouldn't have needed it done SO MANY TIMES.   Someone who actually learns respect, and self discipline, wouldn't keep doing the exact things that are causing external punishment because they have SELF RESPECT!  And that same person wouldn't be self punishing as an adult because they would know the difference. 

So yeah maybe I'm judging a little, but the fact is, those parents did what they thought was right because they learned it from their own parents or their own lifestyle, culture, and community.  But that doesn't make it always right.  And those that just hurt others because they are angry within themselves, there is absolutely no excuse for. However, in many cases, people do better as they know better.   Discipline means: "To Teach"...  Too many of my generation were "disciplined" with a heavy hand, what did that teach?  And what will the next generation learn?  At the end of the day, if what you are doing isn't working for you or your family, then change it!   Don't hide behind the words:  "Well I turned out just fine"..... Think about your definition of "fine"....

<Hopping off soapbox>

 

 

 

Book Stores.... What?

So I was doing a book signing at our local Barnes and Noble and a sweet lady from my past life came in with her daughter.  

She said that she reads these posts and I keep leaving her hanging.  So you know who you are Lady, and today's updates are for you.  I'll try to keep them going as the excitement of Fall moves forward. 

Okay, so back up... I WAS DOING A BOOK SIGNING AT BARNES AND NOBLE???  WHAT???  Yes, yes I was!  

Ever since I was a little kid, I said I wanted to write a book. My grammar is horrible and using the correct there, their, except, accept, or your, you're has always baffled me.   I got horrible grades in English class and dreaded any kind of essay writing, so I thought writing a book would never happen for me.  Instead, I wrote poems and kids songs or rhymes that I kept private for as long as I can remember.

Eventually the internet came along and I quickly became an unapologetic horrible grammar blogger. Using that as my creative writing outlet. At some point, I began writing articles for other sites, books, etc.  (With good editors, it is amazing what can look pretty decent.) Finally, I decided, if I could write content for other people's books than surely I could put my own out there.  Even if it was simple and short, I would get it out there and give me the knowledge and ability to do more with each version to share my mission with more people.  Turns out, people like simple and short when it comes to self-help books, which brought me to Barnes and Noble over the weekend; running in to a friend that I hadn't seen in a while. 

I also got to see several people from past workshops, almost sell out, and generally have an absolutely awesome day.  As a self-published author, it is very very rare to get your books on a book store shelf.  Mine are all over the internet within every distributor, but getting them on shelves was challenging until Saturday.  When three of my copies that were left from the event took up residence on a beautiful shelf in the best section of the whole store.  The one labeled: Inspire yourself and Others!  That moment was pretty much an absolute dream come true.  But even better was the person who needed the book because of something challenging in their life, and the person who wanted more copies because their family members were struggling, and and and.... Fact is, that little book is going out in to the world and making a difference.  Regardless of what shelf it resides on, people are using it.  And the more shelves it appears on, the more people will get to see it.  Pretty much a win/win...

Now back to my friend and her daughter.  Holy Shamolies, a lot changes in a couple of years when kids grow up.  I mean the last time I think I saw this angel, she was sitting in the front of a grocery cart at Kroger.   And now she is a young lady all growed up and shining a beautiful smile full of life and confidence.  Just like her Mom!  Then my teen shows up, and he is officially taller than me effective 5 days ago.  It was like a little bookstore reunion, making the day even better.

But as if all of that wasn't exciting enough; On Sunday, I had a booth at our local VegFest.... Let me just tell you that the people who come to Veggie Food Festivals are the most enjoyable people EVER.  These are people genuinely seeking information, wanting to help others, and super fun to talk to.  Now I'm not saying that non-veggie food fairs are bad.  BUT, I am saying that people who would dedicate time in their day to visit a veg only event are people that enjoy learning about healthier options. They are also generally compassionate and fun humans to speak with.  I also noticed that everyone, even the kids were so much calmer than those at other events.  Food is such an amazing thing!

I'm still bouncing on cloud nine from all the excitement of the weekend.   Granted there were some annoying things too, like a Vet visit that went arry, a puky dog, broken printer at the last minute, a cracked windshield, and just a few other little life events that struck according to Murphy's Law. However, I like the Law of Attraction better and focused on everything that was going right. 

Including a Par 3 golf game with my growth spurt kid, who said I had to use his Sponge Bob ball. 

Hey, did I mention that my book is in Barnes and Noble.... Teehee....  Life is a pretty wonderful thing when you decide it is going to be!

 

Sincerely,

A Giddy Vegmom

Them Shoulders

So I love this picture because of the following:

 

1. Getting Stronger is fun.
2. Being in the woods on an obstacle course trying not to fall in the "lava" with my teen is fun.
3. My arms growing are representative of the amount of work I'm able to put in doing something I love.
4. Learning to love something that you never liked before is fun.
5. Sharing incredible laughter while the teen tried not to fall in the "lava" was fun.
6. Adventure days with my teen are still fun.
7. The fact that I can continue to build muscle while feeling amazing and eating only plants is fun.

But the funniest part of this picture, is that the husband suggested I start doing exercise that stopped making my arms/shoulders/traps look so big.  When I saw this one on my phone, it made me think of that conversation and how much I listened!  TeeHee.... Strong is fun!

Now, what I don't like about this picture?  Is the proof that if I don't wear tank tops, than NONE of my shirts fit anymore. But it is almost Fall and then Winter.  I'm sure walking around with tank tops is going to be frowned upon soon. This is a problem when you specifically purchased shirts <even had them monogrammed> to wear at business events.  But thankfully they make tank tops that look a little dressier these days.   Hopefully, I can pull them off for the next six months. 

Natural Beauty

I was telling my friend the other day that something about this time of year makes everything look more vibrant to me.

But the more I think about it, I don't know that it is the time of year or the time of my life. As I get deeper in to my 40's and this stage of life, I feel like I'm noticing so much more. The colors, smells, textures!!

For example, this sea shell. I didn't take it with me because there was someone living in it! But I saw the shell and just admired the color. I thought: "That is going to be my kitchen back splash some day" and took a picture. Before now, I would have been like: "Oh, cool shell". But now I'm like: "I love the colors of this little guy, and the design, I need this in my life" then I visualized my future kitchen and bathroom.

This butterfly? It was in my backyard and I watched it forever. I've always thought butterflies were awesome but on this day, I couldn't stop looking at the beautiful colors as he moved his wings.

Then there are the sunsets that light up our sky in all seasons.. 

And the flowers or leaves that decorate the ground:

The beauty is everywhere!! Is it the time of year or just my state of mind that has me noticing how vibrant it is? I don't know, but goodness life sure is pretty when you stop to look around at it!

 

Mountains and Beaches

Well Spring Break for the Veg Teen has come and gone. Tomorrow, we venture in to the world of braces as the final quarter of 7th grade marches on.

But in reflection of the past couple of weeks, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to spend time with him and my mission to create new memories in 2016 has been a success.

We took a day drive in to North Carolina for a hike. But not just any hike. We went to three waterfalls, had an amazing dinner and saw some spectacular spring season mountain views. More importantly we were able to talk. No electronics allowed on this adventure and it brought some really fun and much needed conversations.

The following week we took a spur of the moment drive to the beach. And when I say spur of the moment, I mean at 9pm I was saying: "Hey, let's go to the beach in the morning." You see, the ocean was calling and I just couldn't say no. Driving over the mountain, I got to see the moon setting and the sun rising while Veg snoozed in the passenger seat. It was seriously the most beautiful site I'd ever seen until later that night. I had no idea what was in store for us.

Knowing our room wouldn't be ready at the time we crossed a bridge in to flat land, we stopped off for the best lunch at a steak house. Yeah, a steak house with a veg and gluten free menu! What?? Oh my kale, it was so good. I got a GF risotto with veggies galore and the teen got a black bean burger that was bigger than his head. It was made from scratch and served on a giant GF bun. He was a pretty happy camper. Then off to find him a bathing suit and shorts.

Yeah turned out while packing, he had nothing that fit. Did I mention it was spur of the moment? Our next stop was the book store so Veg could find some reading material for our balcony and I could get some coloring book material.

Every time I've traveled for the past 20yrs, I bring a book to read but I have yet to actually read said book. This time I was going to color on the balcony. No thinking, just doing! And at that point, I couldn't wait!

So then it was off to the resort where I'd gotten a great deal on a condo with a balcony. But when we checked in to the room there was no balcony. What??! We had reading material and coloring supplies, we needed a balcony.

Back to the registration building we went and the lady not only gave us a room with a balcony but she upgraded us to the most gorgeous condo we've ever been to. Sometimes being kind and offering smiles is extra helpful.

The condo had a reading nook that the boy curled up in and he never even used the balcony. But I was out there with every free chance until the sun went down. Which I got to watch a fire ball rest in the clouds. When suddenly I got the idea to check out the full moon over the ocean to see what it looked like.

The teen came with me and OH My GOD!!! It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. As the sun was setting on one side of our vision. The moon was rising. It looked like a pink flame coming out of the ocean. We stayed for a long time and watched it rise higher and higher. It changed colors several times and the reflection of the water was gorgeous. My pictures couldn't do it justice but the vision in my mind is permanently marked.

If you ever get a chance to see a full'ish moon over the ocean, go see it. Incredible!!!

The next morning, we were up early to watch the sun rise and the moon set. Watching a full cycle of our earth spinning. My mind is still spinning actually, with the pictures from that week. Our trip was only three days, but sooooo needed and such a blessing.

The teen played in the water (which was only 50 degrees) for hours and hours. We ate out for every meal and enjoyed every minute just being real without any agenda or places to be or any negativity.

Next time the ocean calls, I'm definitely going to answer!!

Happily,
A Vegmom

 

 

 

 

Winter Updates

Oh my Kale, since I last posted, so much has happened...

The VegKid got his results back from the ACT's. At the age of 12 he scored with 56% of high school graduates. So that should either have us worried about our high school graduates in this country or the VegKid is still rockin' in the brain department. He qualified to win an award in our state for the science portion which is pretty cool. While he was super excited with how he did, he's also bummed that he'll have to take it again in the future to get in to college. He said: "I just can't settle with that score Mom".

And speaking of the VegKid, he is now 13... What??? Thirteen... He's a VegTeen now. Officially no longer a kid. Granted he isn't all Veg anymore as he finds his way in life but he's still my kid.. Errrr I mean Teen. So you know he eats mostly "weird" still.

And speaking of him turning 13... We had a party. A real live birthday party with guests and everything. Almost his whole class showed up and we all survived.

Things haven't been all rainbows and butterflies as the little man smashed like a head on collision in to puberty, but we are working through the raging hormones, moods, and attitude. He's in the transition of still needing his mom but not wanting to want me around. Which is confusing, even for him.

And I'm in the transition of giving him all the space he requires while still having expectations around the house. Ya no.. Like... Not calling everyone stupid, finishing school work, waking up in the morning, and picking up after himself. It isn't too much to ask, I don't think?

I won some "cool mom" points at the birthday party though, which has bought me some time before the attitude comes back. This is the transition between, "Mom, you're awesome" and "Mom, Get out of my face!"... Yeah, we are officially in the teen years!

Thankfully, I'm okay with both of these moods. One shows his love and the other shows his independence. Both of which he needs to find to become a Man! Definitely not all butterflies but I can hope that as he spreads his wings in this world, the VegTeen will remember our foundation of compassion, good food, and a whole lot of love then go out and do wonderful things. For now he's still in Middle School and here's hoping we all make it until college.

Speaking of wings...In other news, I finished the print version of my book and got it published for REAL!! Like Barnes and Noble kind of real & all over the web, kind of real. The FIH birds are spreading their wings all over the world. With a beautiful cover and well printed pages. I've been dancing on cloud nine trying to think of what to do first for my book launch.

A little sick bug hit, then getting the book done, the dog needing surgery, stuff at School, house things, coaching, car maintenance, birthdays, and so much more have high jacked my schedule. But the book is done, it is published and people are asking for autographs, which just has me bamfoozled.

My little birds are starting to make a difference and I'm not willing to give up on that dream.

Which brings you up to this week. The CrossFit Open season has kicked off and silly me did the first workout twice. Whoa!! Maybe I'll share that story soon.

For now, I best catch some Zzzz's. It is always fun to catch up on this blog as if I've been meeting with an old friend.

Signing off for now,
A Sleepy and Very Happy Vegmom

Alone Time

Each day when I drop Veg at school I see the beautiful hills calling out to me in the distance. Some days they look so close you could touch them and other days they seem so far away. But I realized when taking my friend last month that I could easily drive by myself any time and still get back to Veg's school before pick-up.

So a couple of weeks ago, I did just that! For the first time in the 20yrs we've lived here, I took A solo trip in to the hills, watching the water, the wildlife, and visiting the delayed fall colors.

It was beautiful, peaceful, and necessary!!

Just Some Water

This was likely one of the best hiking days I've experienced in the 20+ year we've lived here.

When my bestest friend came to visit, she wanted to go for a hike, see a waterfall and drive to the top of the mountain. So we did!

Not only did we go over the mountain but we went to four different waterfalls and had the nicest day. She was an incredible map reader so we didn't get lost too badly when the gps didn't have a signal. AND...it was nice to have an adult in the car that could enjoy the adventure with me while not finding fault in the little mishaps along the way.

Not to mention, the weather, scenery, and wildlife put on quite a show for us. I couldn't have ordered it better if I'd put in a special request.

This Face

While visiting my Dad we got to hang with this cutie. I was told that she was a little neurotic but in reality she just needed a Vegmom in the house. My dad called her a trader.

By the time we left she was a calm cuttle bug and as sweet as can be.

But those floppy ears on her little face? Oh my goodness, love her!!

Beach Beauty

Found a spot overlooking the ocean to have lunch during our first day in Clearwater. Veggie burgers, cauliflower "wings", sweet potato fries, and pickles.

It really doesn't get any better than that, until you add the view! It definitely gets better when you add the view.

Sporadic Updates

Wowsers... so much has happened since my last update, including:

• A trip to Florida to see my Dad that was both fun and funny
• An opportunity to put my toes in the sand for a couple of hours
• A visit to the mountains full of adventure with my bestest friend
• Events at Veg's school
• Surgery scheduled for the Hubs
• A fun breakout game, that we didn't break out of
• A published interview about my entrepreneur coping strategies as part of a pretty cool telesummit 
• I tried a Kickstarter Campaign to publish my book a different way, but it didn't get enough funding, so I'm back to the drawing board on that one.  Always a journey!
• Tied for first place in my division at our CF Boxes friendly competition
• Finished a 30 day experiment of no eating at restaurants and found it to be pretty awesome.  (need to do that again actually)
• Several youth events
• Lots of coaching
• And Veg is almost taller than me. Which isn't saying much but still... 

The most exciting thing that happened over the past few months as related to this blog, is that the Vegkid came across some posts.  We began reading them together from his early years and had the absolute best time. I think we were sitting there for several hours before he asked to go out to eat to a restaurant I had posted about.  Turned in to an amazing night and a big opportunity to move past the teen hormones and connect for a little bit.  Made me pretty happy that this silly blog still existed and made me want to post more. 

However, writer's block has hit me pretty hard...  Which is why this post is here but kept short and sweet.  I'm going to start sharing pictures again as a way to get back in and journal our memories.  If any of you are still out there reading, give a shout out.  I'd love to hear from you!!!

And if you have any inspirational tips to squash the writer's block beast, I'd love to hear them.  Just comment below!

Hugs and Love...

A Vegmom

Another Year

Well another renewal came for my Vegmom domain and I almost forgot to pay it.

But I snuck it in with a day or so to spare.

Guess this blog is stuck with me for another year. *wink* I know I'm not good about updating anymore but its been with me for 9ish years so I can't dump it now.

Heck this silly word outlet has become like family.

And so another year, it shall be!

Time Passing

The hubs and I celebrated our 24yr anniversary last month. As if that didn't make me go "Hmmm" enough, the Vegkid started 7th grade last week.

I love watching Veg grow in to the man he will be and knowing that he wouldn't even be here at all if it weren't for the marriage that the hubs and I have shared.

Good, bad, or indifferent... 24yrs later, we have a 7th grader and I wouldn't change that for the world.

Sneaky Snake

Saw this guy hiding in a tree on the Greenway.

Very sneaky little fella!

Compassion

An animal sanctuary opened up right down the street and was a dream come true for me to visit today.

They only allow visitors during a small window of time on Saturdays and I was never able to make it until today.

Of course I got totally lost and a 7 mile drive took like 35 minutes. But it was worth it. I enjoyed spending time with the animals, but also meeting the great volunteers. This is the second sanctuary I've been too and both had such a feeling of calmness and compassion. Even with the silly cow.

It's hard to explain. But I honestly don't know how anyone could hurt or eat these sweet friends.

Pigs roll over for belly rubs just like dogs. The cows want to play and cuddle just like dogs. They even have toys and will chase a ball. Why is it ok to eat those animals but we would never want to eat the ones that bark and meow.

Well I digress... The day was beautiful with sunshine and enjoying animals being treated the way they should be. With Love!

Just Because

Another Birthday Gift

I received the most amazing gift on my birthday this year.

The flower was nice and the cards were awesome but these rainbows... Well they were pretty dang special.

Love ya Mom!

A Beautiful Place

Veg and I found this magical place after hearing about it from friends. There are three different spots you can hike to and we did all of them so that we could see the whole waterfall.

We also sat down and had a nice snack at the base of the falls while taking a break and feeling the cool mist. It was pretty awesome.

Now, when I say hike, I actually mean: "climb down rocks on my bum so I didn't crack my head" But I did discover that the Vegkid is part mountain lion and part gazelle the way he could maneuver that terrain!

Turned out to be a beautiful day and certainly one for the memory books.

In The Numbers

Since I have been eating Veg, I've taken my blood work numbers pretty seriously.  Granted I don't go to the doctor often, in fact I haven't had a check-up in three years. However, I decided that being a female, I should probably go get that business over with for another three years.  Of course, if I'm going to be there than I'm going to get some blood work too.

In my brain, the blood doesn't lie and when things are a little off, it is your bodies way of telling you that change is needed.  The only thing I've had "off" in the past 15+ years was Vitamin D.  So I found a vegan supplement to take sporadically in the winter along with using some magnesium oil as muscle relief after strong workouts.  Then upped my beneficial sun exposure patterns in the summer.  

Well my Vitamin D numbers were perfect this time.  Woot!!!  My plan has worked.  

Since starting a strength training regimen, my Good Cholesterol went up while my bad cholesterol went down, keeping me in the better than perfect total range (still) and taking away the myth that Veg eaters have too low HDL.  Turns out it was the exercise shift that upped my HDL (although it wasn't bad in the first place) and had nothing to do with what I eat.  But even better is that I've been told my whole life that high cholesterol ran in my family and that I couldn't change the outcome without medication... well yeah, I can!  And I did, 15+ years ago.  

My iron is also better than perfect and is another myth buster to check off the list.  

Iron is one of those things that people generally think Veg eaters are deficient in.  Truth be told, I know more meat eater friends that are deficient than veg eaters.  Same goes with B12!  These aren't Veg only conditions.  Some people just don't absorb properly or don't eat the right things to help with absorption.  Thankfully, I don't have to worry about it!

My inflammation markers, sugars, fluids, white blood cells, thyroid and hormones were all Great!

In fact the lady I spoke with said she rarely sees anyone with those results let alone a "Vegetarian".... 

Obviously this all makes me happy.  Not only because the numbers are good but because I hit another birthday.  At 42, I feel more alive than I did at 20.  To see the blood work show consistent results each time, says that I'm doing the right things for MY BODY even as I age.  

Why am I posting this here?  Because as a busy Vegmom, I'm here to say that we DO have it within our power to change the way we feel.  We CAN change what the numbers say and that genetics don't have to be our demise.  20 years ago, my numbers were very different and it makes me wonder where I would be now or if I'd even be alive had I continued on that path. 

That doesn't mean that everyone will feel or react the same to any diet or exercise shift.  But it says that I'm doing the right things to age in a way that feels great for me.  That my body is happy with how I fuel it and no changes are necessary.

All the naysayers, "can't build muscle" ranters,  jokesters, "But it is hereditary" Claimers are on their own journey.  And I am on mine!

Muscles or not,  the numbers don't lie! 

Have you had your numbers checked lately?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Year Pep Talk

Wednesday was a little bit of a crazy day for me, starting out on Television... Whoop.. Step Back... Let me explain..

I was scheduled to teach a workshop in the evening on Wednesday.  Well, at some point on Tuesday while out on a field waiting for Vegkid's school olympics to start, I got a text asking if I could be at a TV Studio the next morning to promote the workshop.  

"Ummm... Sure, I suppose"

And then I freaked out just a little bit.   Me ON TV, what would I say?  How should I look?  Would I make a fool of myself while representing the gym where the workshop was to be held?

In the coaching world we call that STINKIN' THINKIN'!  And man did I have it... ALL - NIGHT - LONG!

After all, I have trouble with my words on a good day let alone in front of LIVE TV at 7am..  Sure I can host workshops, train, coach and teach.  But behind a camera and on LIVE Television... There are no Do-Overs!  No chance to fix the way you look or adjust something that you said.  Once it is out there.. Yeah.. it is out there!

Yet on my vision board, there is a note that says "BE ON TV"....  I was!  Now I can remove that from the vision board and make room for something else.  

As for being on TV... Yeah, I ended up appearing directly after the new donut shop story and the weatherman chanting:  "Mmmm Bacon Maple Donuts".. It was classic.  As in the perfect moment that I couldn't have planned better if I had done it myself.   I didn't totally freeze and feel like I answered the questions well.  However I did look like a fool swallowed by a giant couch, but that is OK... Much respect to those that do that kind of thing for a living. 

Moving on... I mentioned it was a crazy day..  First the morning news, then a crazy gym workout to clear my head and then off to my old stomping ground. 

I had to drop something off to a friend that still works at the building I used to work at.  It didn't dawn on me until I walked up to the building that it had been almost three years since I'd been there last. 

In fact it had been Exactly THREE years since my first Earthfest Booth.  It had been three years since I decided my career was officially going to change.  

The Stinkin Thinkin started to flow in to my head as I pulled in to that parking spot:

"Wow, I should have so many more clients if I've been doing this for three years"

"I should have a better plan by now, completed more, found my secret sauce"

"After three years, it should be easier.  I shouldn't be running around like crazy, representing other businesses instead of my own, and I should have a better focus, a better vision"

Then the other side of my brain popped in to action (the part that I actually choose to listen to):

"OH My KALE... be quiet mean brain!  Look at all you HAVE accomplished and all the people whose lives have changed in just three years, and only because you decided to do this for a living.  Thousands of people through classes, workshops, articles, personal coaching, groups and challenges have been touched by your words.  Look at all the success stories, the happiness spread, the confidence built."

"In three years, you went from a person who has never lifted 10 pounds to competing in strength competitions and now training youth athletes.  Heck you have a medal that says "Badass" on it, so it must be true"

"In three years, you've created friendships that will last a life time, lost friends, buried your mom, her husband, two other relatives, and two treasured pups.  You dealt with your husband not working to finding himself again and started a new company with nothing but a passion to make a difference in people's lives."

"In three years, you've recreated who you are capable of being, lost weight, became stronger, lead by example, finished school, completed extra courses, got three certifications, created processes, inspired others, and continued to raise a young man in to the adult that he will become"

"In three years, people have invited you in to their homes, businesses, and lives to assist in the changes that they were ready to make.  You have provided advice to hundreds of other coaches, been asked to appear as a guest on calls and webinars, created online programs, and built a new inner voice that has found her happy!

----------

On Tuesday while sitting on the field waiting for VegKid's School Olympics to start and after I received the text to be on the morning news; another Mom asked me this question:

"I'm thinking of starting my own business so I can leave my corporate job.  Looking back, do you regret making that decision?"

And I replied with certainty:

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!!"

----------

On Wednesday night, I had the opportunity to visit with a two times cancer thriver that I'm coaching toward her wellness journey.  She had hope!  For the first time in 20yrs, she was taking care of her self, had a pep in her step and was feeling amazing.  She had light in her eyes again and a plan to live her life on her terms.  She found her Happy!! 

That, THAT is why I do what I do.  It is why I did what I did.  It is why three years later, I wouldn't change a thing!

----------

My Wednesday was a Crazy Day! one of reflection, mental clarity, facing fear.  It started with a Morning News segment, and ended with a workshop at a gym across town. 

In between; I worked with clients, helped people at the gym, spent time with my son, planned my talk, and visited my old stomping ground to drop off some auction papers to a friend. 

That is when I realized it had ONLY been THREE years since I started my new career path!  

Three Years that I wouldn't trade for anything and a career path that is still winding.  A path that may never come with a map, has no destination but that I will follow anyways. 

That corporate job may have brought me to a curve in the road but that curve brought me to place within myself that I never thought possible or even dreamed of.  It allowed me to start a company with nothing but a passion to create change in people's lives.

From here, anything is possible!

~Vegmom

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time Flies

Oh my Kale, how has it been so long since I last posted here?

Well it has certainly been a wonderful yet busy start to 2015, with new coaching jobs, renewed clients, youth fitness events, groups, meetings, birthday celebrations, new certifications, training, competitions, volunteering, family, and book writing.  

But most of all; I've had time to reflect, rest, and begin the process in recreating what I'd like my company, my brand, and my own life to bring in to this world.  So much to share but so little time.  

Here is a tiny little piece of our month in pictures...  More to follow!

 

We've had Ice:

A lot - A LOT of ice..

And Snow:

A lot - A LOT of snow:

Sledding at home and tubing in Georgia brought adventures to the homestead:

My First Masters Competition: 

And a whole lot of awesome food:  

Working at several gyms, while also doing my own workouts, training for competitions, and being a Mom on the go all the time would definitely take its toll if I made constantly poor food choices.  In order to make sure I'm eating enough, while getting the RIGHT foods, I've been stocking my fridge.

Nothing makes me happier in the kitchen than a giant bowl of salad. 

What is coming up next in the Veg house? 

• The CrossFit Open is back-  I'm ready as I'm going to be to have fun and break through my own barriers for the next five weeks
• Then another national competition that will be hosted at our Box
• More Personal Coaching sessions - I now coach out of 4 local gyms and have met the most amazing people. 
• Corporate wellness initiatives
• My Book should be out in print soon
• New online programs will be released this year
• My Dad is moving closer to this side of the country so more trips will be coming up too.

I'm even looking in to hosting retreats and growing the FIH message in a huge way.  With my schedule crazy and Veg getting older, why not make this the perfect time to kick things up a notch.  <she says with a grin>

Speaking of the Vegkid, he's closer to being a teenager and man is he showing it.  Goodness!!  His teacher has been amazing this year and has really challenged him though.  He is preparing for a big event at school along with a three day camping/hiking trip with his class. Then it will be Spring break already.

Life sure does move fast.  I'm just glad that I've taken the time to really look around and enjoy it.  One of my favorite days this past week was a snow day with nowhere to be.  At some point, I just laid in the snow and listened to the silence.  

It doesn't have to be a snow day but if you're reading this, make sure you take time to enjoy this life.  We only get one shot, so make it good *smile*

~Vegmom  

Happy New Year

So Far 2015 has been an Amazing year and so that has become my theme for the whole 365 days!

"Amazing!"

Last year brought with it challenges, growth and a ton of new things. This year however is kicking the goodness up a notch and Amazing GREAT things are in store. I can feel it with every inch of my being.

This first week has brought with it two games of golf with my young man, a fun crafty night with a friend, a completed CF competition (sorta), a gorgeous full moon, creative resources for my business, delicious food, a last minute New Year's Eve ball drop, a great CF workout, some new friends, awesome business meetings, great client calls and a new job at two more gyms starting this week.

I could have never planned this life for myself and I just love watching it all unfold.

With that I shall say Happy New Year to you and yours. I hope your 2015 is full of health, wellness, happiness and amazing!!