The Fiscal Cliff has landed...

If you're blessed to be employed on any level, have you gotten a check for 2013 yet? If so, have you seen a difference in your check amount? What are your thoughts and feelings? How are you planning to adjust this pay period and or month to compensate for the pay cut you just received from our lovely elected officials.

Finally, was Congress paychecks impacted too? O_o

The above picture depicts how I feel right now (I'm trying to carry the same load with less & the path just got steeper as well).

God bless all the Americans impacted by this foolishness. I suggest we fire our Congress & elect toddlers nationwide to run these United States of America.

Hooray!! It moved..it really did...

At the beginning of 2012, I decided to forgo putting money aggressively into my efund and begin to finally get back to paying my student loans with a minimum amount as a base monthly. After not putting anything towards it by way of deferment for years, I decided it was way over due. Why? Well it's debt that I took out, the government wasn't interested in assistance persons' with SL debt and these loans can catch up with my in my senior years. Now, all that became crystal clear after viewing a series on prime time world news in 2011.
Naturally it all was placed on paper during my AP and I's initial goal session so there was no turning back. I was discouraged at first that my hard earned money was not significant enough to move the percentage bar much at all; so I told myself it will not be moved until ti reaches at least five percent. During the year I refused to check or update it though my AP begged me to do so. Well, with the success I was having with making 2-3 payments monthly, I knew it had moved but still refused to check. In December, I forfeited traveling to make not the minimum of two monthly payment but as many as possible. I stretched myself wide like the mountains above and made five payments. My payment percent in December after the second payment was 5.5 and after making three more payments along with January's initial payment, it has moved another one percent. I am so excited right now. I believe this year it will finally begin to move a bit more than it did in 2012. Now, I obviously have a very long journey to go but at this moment; however, I'm celebrating my SL progress to the fullest. On that note, I'll do my best to make at least 18 payments this year.

The next excursion is to see how much of a benefit it was tax wise to have made said payment. A post will be written about that when I file my taxes.

There's hope--y'all, LOL!

Clean vegan eating lives on in 2013

I opt to believe that my food is my medicine; hence I've opted for the healthier options to reap the best results. With all the newness around the New Year we're in, what kinds of foods are you eating to reach the wellness live you envision? It's a personal question that may take some prolonged pondering. Naturally, at the end of your session, you'll have to make a decision. 

Hoping it works out in your favor in 2013. Much success on your wellness journey.

From plastic to glassware...finally

I've planned to switch over from plastic containers to glassware for a few months and lucked up on a great sale that saved me $110 tonight. In addition, I bought two ceramic stove top pots that also can be used in the oven as well. I have been in need of some new pots but were concerned greatly with the ingredients so held off on doing so for more than a year. However, tonight, I decided by chance to stop into Corelle's to see what they had on my way to a specific store and left very happy. The store that brought me to the mall didn't have what I was looking for in terms of cost or style so I left in a matter of five minutes. Obviously, I left happier than I came seeing a goal was accomplished this evening. One goal off of my list already. 

I'm vegan and currently do not allow anyone to cook meat in my home; however, while my mom was visiting, she made fish in my pots and stored them in my containers. I was torn about it but didn't say anything since I should have already secured new dishes to prevent this encounter. Nonetheless, she enjoyed her fish and I enjoyed my vegan dishes (she loved my food and ate what I did for half of her stay). Now when she comes back to visit, she will still be encouraged to eat as earth based as possible since it's good for her to have several meatless meals as possible. Moving forward, I will have a box of cooking and storing food items readily available. The sale ends tomorrow so I caught it right on time. Next on my list is to get a toaster oven. I've been looking but haven't narrowed down my choices just yet. Stay tune for an update on that adventure.

2012 Student Loan goal and verdict

During my 2012 goal session on Jan, 15, 2012, I decided to begin paying my student loans after years of having them in deferment. I sat here in my living room with my AP and put it on paper. The goal was to shift putting money in my efund which was to an acceptable level to my student loans. I saw a story on ABC News about the government garnishing one's social security and other funds in their old age for not paying their student loan and that stopped me in my tracks as I walked to the kitchen from the living. Right then and there, I decided my student loan vacation was over. 

2012 student loan goal was to make one payment in January and two payments monthly through December. In 2012, I had a very busy lifestyle which led to paying out a lot of unexpected funds but I met my goal. Rather, I exceeded it by paying twenty-nine payments instead of twenty-three payments. Between June and December, I made nine payments alone and it felt good. Naturally, I didn't like making all these payments when I could be putting the money else but I knew it was best to aggressively pay down my loan will I was healthy, young and able to do so. My AP was uber excited that I made so many payments when I shared my success on our end of year goal session on December 30th. Now, as it relates to 2013, I'm unsure if I plan to reach or exceed last year's goal; nonetheless, I do plan on making a minimum of one to two payments monthly when feasible. I have yet to make a dent in my SL; however, I'll keep it at during the coming years.

Do you have a goal you reached in 2012? If so, what was it and how did you reach it? 

2012 Fitness Recap

I'v had a very busy fitness year in 2012. Not only did I hit the weights, crossed trained, learned to swim, mastered road biking and it's many gears but stayed on a healthy path with my food as well. It's never easy but always worth it to be disciplined as you enjoy the journey you're on in life.
2012 race recap:
3 5ks
2 10ks
2 Sprint Triathlons
2 50ks
1 Half Marathon
1 Virtual Half Marathon
2 Unofficial Triathlons
1 Unofficial Half Marathon

The best part is majority of these goals such as learning to swim, competing in Tri's and Half Marathons along with everything beyond the 5ks weren't on my radar the beginning of 2012. That tells me being open minded to new challenges and adventures can blow one's wildest dreams.

I hope you had a healthy and physically active 2012!

Virtual Half Marathoner

It was 40 degrees on Christmas Eve but I wasn't an island punk that day. I completed my entire 1st Virtual Half Marathon outside via a Dualthon. Each race participant was encouraged to make it their own unique Half Marathon on 5k so I did. It was unconventional and uniquely mine. I pushed myself by biking on Thunder Road's hilly race route which had me huffing and buffing but it was enjoyable overall. This was also my first Dualthon which can be challenging; however, I plan on doing one in 2013. This is my last race of 2012. 

16 days until 2013...tick tock

Have you stopped long enough to realize we have "only" 16 days left in 2012?

That's scary to me. There's several things on my to-do list to get accomplished and they will be done. They must as I'm pumping my fist at my PC, lol. I'm grateful after December 21st, I will not be working again until Jan. 2nd, so that gives me time to "get my life" in order. I urge everyone to asses their year and see what they can accomplish in the next 16 days.

Whether we want to believe it or not, the year is swiftly coming to an end and we can't do anything about it.

Are there any things you wish to accomplish by December, 31st, 2012?

5 yr anniversary leads to unthinkable milestone

It's official!! I'm a Half Marathoner now;). I found running said distance to be crazy (and I still do) but to celebrate my 5 yr anniversary of keeping off 80 lbs, I decided to make it special, challenging & memorable. I pinned a pic of myself at my heaviest weight to chest & finished strong with an aching outer knee pain. The Reggae Marathon was perfect since I'm an islander, never been to Jamaica, never been to a foreign country by myself & it was their 50th anniversary. God is amazing!! I felt slow like a snail but finished in 2:10 & ranked 155 of 465 Half runners. 

Whatever you do, make sure there's a purpose because it "will" get tough & having a reason will get you through it. 

Yea Mon, it was surreal and so has been my journey!! 

Curiosity can stem progress-Ran my furthest today

I've been told how much of a strong runner I am from the time I hit the pavement a year ago, (blah, blah, lol) but I decided this running journey will be on my own time with God's guidance. Well, I was curious how 13.1 miles would feel so I scratched my scheduled miles for today and penciled in a half marathon distance. A lot of pre planning went into it (carb loading since Friday, sauna, steam room and hot whirlpool session along with hot yoga 24-48 hours prior). I was nervous and didn't sleep much (never due before my long runs) but my running twin and I got in it (she ran her first half marathon in September). I'm training for my first "cliff" race so this was a good practice. Never let anyone push you to do anything before you're fully ready to do so. Running is all mental so this is a must in this scenario. I'm at work today and will lead a run this evening; and expect to feel good due to my ice bath.

What have you atempted recently?

My fitness conception, birth & journey~~

Reflection and humility is a gift from God.

Six years ago, I was conceived with the “I’m fed up” will power to make the creation inside of me finally come to life. No one really knew the desire, the dreams and the energy used to think about this creation but God. I recall sitting on my favorite sofa as still as possible daydreaming each year and finally, it was concluded that 2006 had to be the year. I had to conceive this intangible gift & bring it to life. My personal due date of delivery was in 19 months but it was delivered in 11 months.

As I sit here and think about it, the conception date was 9/11/2006; hence, September is very special to me. The journey leading up to birthing my special gift taught me a lot and allowed me to rediscovery the unconditional love God has for us. It also showed me that everything I needed to succeed was within me and it was best to endure this journey on my own (just God & I). You see, I quickly realized people's good intentions had no place on this journey and doing it alone would leave plenty of room for flexibility and creativity. And besides, there weren’t that many committed people on a local level being so intentional about what they were conceiving. Looking back, I would do it the same.

Naturally, there were bitter sweet experiences once my gift was fully "developed". I "had to learn" that people's hurtful and hateful comments/or jokes were only a reflection of themselves. My gift was pleasing to myself and God yet some found fault though they had no hand in its creation. During this stage of my life, I was tested to be slow with the tongue and learn not to allow others “words” to adversely affect me; but we’re all humans and crappy comments can get to you if only for a few moments. There's nothing worst than working indubitably hard for something or to get somewhere and have people, esp those "said" to be in any of your circles (lordy it has been a journey with folks) be less than supportive (or make it known rather). But, as a wiser woman, I have learnt to thank God each time he shows me such behaviors and govern myself accordingly.   

My gift I so passionately dreamt of and worked hard to see come to life is called "sound fitness". Granted there are plenty goals not achieved yet with more steadily being added and all; but that is what makes me who I am. I cannot function without a brain and journal full of task and goals. Now, into my fifth year of maintaining said gift, I decided to celebrate in a unique manner.

Well, I was a bit frustrated a few months ago and decided to somewhat punishment though it created some mini gifts ;). It's simply amazing how God works things out on His time). My crazy challenge was: 1500 jump rope, 1000 abs & 500 push ups on a weekly basis for seven weeks. Though the challenge is officially over, I'm still sticking with it.

My challenge allowed me to complete:

10,500 jump rope; 7000 abs; 3500 push ups; 600+ miles of biking, running, walking & swimming. I'm truly humble because that though my gift is visible by everyone my passion that conceived it is still burning ever so bright and hot inside.

Never say Never--I did it again...

I completed my 2nd 50k Bike race on September, 30th, though I wasn't sure about ever doing another one. It was challenging yet enjoyable:). I see more bike races in my future (did I say that out loud?).

I lived through my First 50K Bike Race

I completed my first 50K Bike Race in Davidson, NC. There were 20+ monstrous hills on the route throughout Rowan and Iredell Counties. By far, it was the most challenging thing I've every done in my life. Thankfully, once it was finished, I didn't feel like I had lifted a finger for the day. However, I was sure it would catch up with me on Sunday but I woke up feeling refreshed and without any soreness or fatigue. I did enjoy my free post race stretch by Chiropractor Dr. Zimmerman. It was great to lie still for a few moments. There were pre race snacks and post race free food and live entertainmet. Naturally, nothing was vegan friendly so I give my tokens to my race buddies. I ate plenty of banana and peanut butter along the route so I was okay though disappointed. The vegetarian restaurant present had goat cheese in everything  (interesting indeed). I was energized once back at home but forced a nap and hydrated with electrolytes well into Sunday evening. It’s one for the books alrighty ;)!!!

 Would I do that route next year? @__@!!!

Have you had an ice bath?

So, I've heard about the many benefits of taking an ice bath after a very intense run, workout or sport activity and it finally happened. Last Wednesday, my trainer wore me out during our upper body 5:30 am session and I survived long enough to complete my hill repeats of 4 miles at 7 pm that evening. Well, common sense told me to pull up my granny undies and do the unthinkable in hopes of being "less" sore than the week before. That experience cannot be explained successfully. Lets just say I was sore everywhere so my ice bath was in the nude from head to toe. I did have my portable heater going in the bathroom, music playing, total stillness and plenty of prayers as I waited impatiently for my 15 minute session to be completed. At one point, I asked the Lord to take the wheel and please make my alarm sound off ASAP. Needless to say, it did and I was the happiest sore chick to "stand". LOL

I did it again on Wednesday after my swim session Tuesday evening and another beat down in the gym but of my lower body by my trainer. I first went to the YMCA and got in the sauna, steam room then finally headed home to repeat said torture. I was still terribly sore but it wasn't as bad as the week prior.

Have you tried an ice bath before? If so, how was it? O_o

Grilled pear?? You bet....

 While in South Carolina by my daddy, I not only picked veggies posted in an earlier post, but I also picked pears from his tree. Though they were very hard, I decided to bring many back and share some while brainstorming on ways to enjoy them. While in the field with daddy, we talked a lot about fresh food and I shared my interest in a dehydrator which I later found out he had one; so he dehydrated some pears with cinnamon and they were yummy. With that in mind, I made sure to pick some pear and research various dehydrators for a future purchase. Well, I've looked at a few but haven't decided on any yet so it was only a matter of time before my creative juices kicked in. Shoot, I have to do something with all these pears, lol. After grilling egg plant on Friday and grilling up some homemade veggie burgers last night, I opted to experiment with grilling pears since I had plenty left after sharing with friends. I added some cinnamon like daddy did and it's a keeper. They were enjoyed with vegan "chickenless" salad for breakfast after having a few pieces hot off the grill. Since my first batch, I've made two more batches and will enjoy grilled pear as a snack and a part of my breakfasts this week. I'm enjoying the challenge of finding creative ways of using my grill in a plant based lifestyle.  

~Have you tried something different in the kitchen recently?

How intentional are you about your food & exercise?

Freshly picked & tastefully enjoyed

I had not seen my South Carolina daddy for the year so my visit to see him was overdue. In addition, we were in the middle of July so most of his veggies and fruits grown were gone so it was imperative that visit ASAP. I left work early on July 17th, and headed south to see him, visit the fields and get away for a few days. It was a nice escape as always. He lives a few minutes from Myrtle Beach so I spent time there; the highlight of my beach visit was living vicariously through some toddlers having a blast with the sand and waves as carefree as possible. It’s as though I was frozen in time because I did not move from that spot. At times, I simply laughed out loud with and at them. Prior to hitting the beach, I accompanied daddy to one of his fields and we picked all the veggies seen and unseen behind of me. I immediately washed, sliced and oven roasted egg plant, bell peppers and winter squash. I enjoyed that mixture with food prepared prior to hitting the road. I cooked linguine, vegan Italian sausage, steamed mixed veggies & had it with a slice of avocado. I do not travel without food (that's a no no for a vegan in my book). Having food readily available to eat at any given moment makes my trips more enjoyable. I also took apples, oranges, raw almonds, raisins, kale and avocado salad, green tea, brown sugar, oats and perhaps a few other things. Ironically, it was only a two night trip but I eat every two to three hours; hence having plenty of snacks and meals are crucial. I love going home to my lovely master suite, vegetable fields and fruit trees in the year and to see daddy of course, lol.  

I'll be back down there before the year ends.

Get creative with your veggies;)

Get creative with your veggies everyone. I wanted chips so this was suffice & a keeper. They were sliced, seasoned with garlic sea salt & grilled.

Longest run in honor of the Olympics-

With a lot on my mind and wanting to step outside of my comfort zone in honor of the Olympics, I ran my furthest today. It was roughly 13 miles and it was a mental challenge 100 %. After having lots of water with electrolytes powder, half a banana and a protein shake post running, I got in a parking lot yoga session and lots of stretching at home. Once I took a quick nap, my meal of choice was my pasta dish above (veggie pasta, scrambled tofu and stewed lentils). About an hour later, I had Kashi's Lean berry scramble cereal with Almond milk. I had about three hours of sleep last evening so being fatigue was an understatement. The evening was met with my massage foam roll set seen above after a late afternoon nap. Let's just say my body isn't too pleased about all those miles (shock mode).

Well, to celebrate a great day, my running s(hero) and I are hitting the streets O_o. She's in town from Charleston and it was wonderful to run with her (it's like chasing a tiger during the last few miles of a run). 

Have you stepped out of your fitness box lately? 

Historical July 2012.....

I had a historical July 2012 to say the least....

It was very busy, expensive, rewarding and emotional at the same time. Most of the busyness surrounded 12-14 hour days as I got ready for my Triathlon on July 15 th. It was expensive since I purchased my Ironman watch and frequented the grocery store too often early in the month due to not grocery shopping until the 20 th. Rewarding due to the successful completion of my Tri and stepping outward into long distance running. And emotional due to the humbly experiences encountered due to hard work, spending time with one of my favorite person's in her last weeks of pregnancy and having to deal with a sister needing emergency surgery (expensive due to impromptu plane ticket and not being there during her first days in the hospital).

And, I'm proud to report that with all of that going on, a third payment was made towards my SLs. Woot, woot!! Four payments were made in June due to three pay checks so I'm super excited since no payments were made last year yet twelve has already been made in 2012.

Live life well~