It IS easy being green!!!

Greenberry/Mango/Orange Shake

My favorite flavor of Shakeology is chocolate, but I alternate what flavor I get each month to keep things interesting.

So, the other day I used the greenberry flavor and added some frozen mango and an orange -- the recipe called for orange juice, but I didn't have any. Figured I'd get a tad more fiber!

SOOOO yummy!

2 scoops Greenberry Shakeology (was making it for myself and hubby for lunch)
handful or two of frozen mango
1 tangerine, peeled
2 cups water

Blend, pour and enjoy!!!!

More on nuts!

A little afternoon tea and dark chocolate, and a Brazil nut -- just one is a great source of selenium. 

Note to self -- move chocolate away from side of mug before adding hot tea!!!

Used to think Brazil nuts tasted like moss and years ago, when I didn't like them very much, my sister had me close my eyes and made it seem like she was giving me a tasty treat. 

Instead, a mouthful of 'moss.' But now I like Brazil nuts so all is forgiven!

-- #brazilnuts, #afternoonchocolate

Need a healthy 'Go-To' snack? NUTS!!! 

Walnuts contain the most antioxidants of all nuts, protecting your body from the cellular damage linked to heart disease, cancer, and premature aging.

Walnuts are highest in omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation. Best way to get omega-3's (healthy unsaturated fats) if you’re not a fish fan. 

And, the manganese they contain may reduce PMS symptoms.

Get a snack-sized baggie and portion out some to have handy.

What's your favorite on-the-go snack?

Serving info: About 14 walnut halves = 185 calories, 18 grams fat

“Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless."  Jamie Paolinetti 

So many quotes on freeing the mind, pushing past obstacles, letting go of our limitations -- I'm not sure why this one spoke to me. 

The reason I was even thinking about the topic was because of my dog -- Shep.

She had TPLO surgery last week. I forget what that stands for, and I could look it up, but it doesn't really matter.  She had surgery because of a torn cruciate ligament. They don't repair the ligament, they shave off part of her femur bone, put in a metal plate and some screws and then after 12 weeks of gradually  increasing activity, she's hopefully good to go. (Thank goodness for pet insurance!!!!)

She knows something is different. Her leg is shaved, she can't put total weight on her leg, I won't let her do much of anything (doctor's orders) and she's confined to the living room for the most part to avoid having to deal with stairs. 

If it weren't for my imposed limitations, she'd be doing whatever she could. She'd try to run, jump, wrestle with her favorite dog-friend, Beckham. In short, she'd try to be as normal as possible, even if it hurt, she'd just press on. She doesn't know that the long-term results from that would be bad. Epic fail on the surgery.

Just another example of how we limit ourselves because we think we can't do something, or shouldn't, or are worried or afraid. Maybe I should only talk in the first person, because I can't presume for the rest of you. I know that I limit myself, wondering what people will think, afraid to take a risk -- so if I would just be more like Shep, I might be achieving more of my goals.

Sounds like that's my first goal right there. Be more like my dog!

Shep, pre-surgery with my nephew

Looking rather punk-rock after surgery -- and like a bobble-head dog! Her head looks HUGE!!!

Let's talk about chocolate. Why? Because I really enjoy it. Always have, but at some point in my adult life I discovered dark chocolate.  

I'm sure you've read about dark chocolate having antioxidants and other good 'stuff'. Not going to go on about the benefits of chocolate, because in the end, I eat it because I love it, and because I want to.  The fact that it might be good for me is a bonus. I would eat chocolate anyway. But maybe I do eat it more regularly because I tell myself it's a 'health food'.  Ha!!

My preference is for high quality chocolate, especially with extras -- nuts, sea salt, dried fruit, coffee beans . . . but I don't turn up my nose at plain dark chocolate either.

I'm curious -- what is your treat of choice?  Salty, sweet? Combo? I have a great recipe for English Toffee, which isn't healthy by any means, but if you need a sweet treat which is great to give as a hostess gift  -- let me know. It's awesome, and so easy!

This post is about something that I've been dealing with. I'm looking at it as my own personal therapy session, like when you write a letter to express your anger or frustration with someone, but don't have any intention of sending it to them.  This is similar. I'm hoping that by putting this out there, it will begin the healing or acceptance process.

So here goes.

My husband and I have a 16 year old son and he's awesome and wonderful and we have so much fun together. When he was little, and it would have been the time to think about having a second, I wasn't feeling any indications that I wanted a second child. And this was earth-shattering to me.  It was never my 'life-plan' to only have one.  I always assumed, figured, expected, that I would have at least two children. So when I wasn't feeling any interest in another baby, I didn't know what to do with that. My husband was fine with having one and so I waited, thinking I'd experience some clarity and get a sign. I read about having one child. I saw a counselor who said he thought I wanted another one, but later he said that sometimes not getting a strong 'yes' is also a sign.

There were a number of things contributing to this mind frame and I was worried that mentally I was not in the right place to have another child, nor was my marriage in a strong enough place. Did I sell myself and my husband short? Probably. Yes. But at the time, I couldn't see the forest for the trees, and it felt like another baby would tip the scales in a negative way. 

For years I felt great about our decision and then, over the past year or so, the doubts crept in, or the regret.  I'd see families with more than one child and feel envious or wistful.  And, I worry for our son, that we deprived him of a sibling.  As my parents age, I see the things children often do for their parents, and how having siblings can be a comfort.

The obvious issue here is that we will not be having another child. So, acceptance and peace are the goal -- and gratefulness for the wonderful son and family life we do have.  I'm not sure why I'm struggling with this so much, or what to do about it, other than to replace any thoughts of regret I have with those of gratitude.

So, here it is, out there. 

If you haven't seen this from WestJet, it's wonderful.  Then look at their video from Christmas 2013.  What a wonderful company, which more would follow their example. If you know of great businesses like this, please sing their praises.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-BKX3G0BpQ&feature=youtu.be

All the best to you this year!!!