I am looking for a room for rent. I posted an ad on Craigslist for a room, and the following email is a response I got.
I have some questions about this:
1. What is a “lent fee”? Is that a Catholic thing?
2. Apparently this room includes “spicy everything”. Does this include spicy roommates? spicy lent fee? spicy food? I’m afraid I’m going to need some more clarification on this.
I probably laughed for at least an hour today after seeing this in my inbox.
D.
Life has undoubtedly become more hectic now than ever before. Stress seems to be at an all-time high in our era, and it’s no wonder with all the information coming at us at rapid-fire rates. Here are some on the spot ways to take a second for yourself and take your mind off things.
1. Find a dark room, and BREATHE.
Sometimes my job gets a little overwhelming. On days where I have ten phone calls at once and that lunch I should have taken never happened, I’ve been known to lock myself in our work bathroom, lights off, and practice deep breathing. Sounds so hokey but it’s very effective.
2. Grateful List.
My idea of The Daily Grateful came from a tip I stumbled upon somewhere. When life seems over the top ridiculous and you want to strangle the next person that talks to you, stop. Grab a pen and paper and write down three things that make your life amazing. It seriously puts things into perspective. Let’s be realistic, it could be a helluva lot worse.
3. Blast some jams and hit the streets.
Music is so therapeutic. Some days I just need to get the hell out of wherever I am, grab my iPod and walk. If I’m pissed at something, it’s not unusual to find Rob Zombie or Black Label Society on my go to track list (Ya, I’m so hardcore…not). To relax, my all time fave is Dave Matthews. That man could sing me into serenity any day of the week.
4. Tea.
Again, this goes back to my longstanding love affair with Green Tea. Just hear me out. Most drink coffee and that’s totally cool, if that coffee break brings you down to 1 from 10, go for it. But I’ve found that since I’ve cut the coffee out of my life, my general disposition seems to be a lot calmer. Perhaps I’m just sensitive to caffeine, but that stuff had me wired for sound (even after one cup). A lot of tea’s still have caffeine, most at a lesser amount than coffee. Green tea seems to be the perfect in between for me.
5. Funny animals for the win.
There are few things in life that get me laughing my ass off, but animal videos seem to do the trick nicely. Show me a video of of funny creatures like this possessed dog, and I’m instantly de-stressed for at least an hour. If the animals don’t get you, my all time favorite video ever will…or you have the crappiest sense of humor ever.
6. Work it out.
The mother of all de-stressers, an intense workout will do the trick nearly every time. Sweat it out. It doesn’t need to be a hardcore workout either. Some workplaces offer things like lunchtime yoga and pilates. Try it!
It’s hard to explain. I would not call myself an overly jealous person. Yes, okay, perhaps I’ve been known to creep the crap out of his ex girlfriend’s facebook, myspace, twitter, and linkedin accounts. Ladies, don’t even try to deny it. We all have. Welcome to the age of information.
Since I’ve started blogging however, my little jealousy bug has turned into a MONSTER! Not toward the ex girlfriend…but to other people’s blogs. I find myself stumbling upon other newbie blogs..WHAT? HOW DO THEY HAVE 1300 VISITS ALREADY?!?! (Yes, I absolutely intended to use capslock, because I am yelling). Yelling silently in my head at every successful blog I stumble upon.
I find myself checking my stats every 2 minutes. What do you mean I only have 12 views this hour? THIS IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!
I’m fully aware that I’m new at this and things like blogs take an immense amount of dedication, effort, and patience. I lack the patience part. I want it all and I want it now! I want to be on Freshly Pressed. VALIDATE MY EXISTENCE IN BLOGGER LAND!!
Then there’s my complete lack of coding knowledge, and anything of the like. I feel like I’m totally winging it, and when I come across incredibly designed blogs I get so frustrated! I have a vision for mine, and no idea how to get it. I realize I could hire someone to accomplish what I’m looking for, but that takes money. I’ll give you my time and my soul but not my money, you leeches!
I think I need to find a support group. Blogger’s anonymous. Genius idea, should you ask me.
I readily admit that my intention of blogging daily regarding things I’m grateful for has not really come into fruition. But the thought is always there and that’s what’s important!
1.Today I am grateful for Epsom salts!
Pretty arbitrary thing to be grateful for, right? Well, I finally got my not so naturally twisty butt into the “full bridge” pose (pictured at the top of the page) at Yoga last night. I pulled a butt muscle in the process. YES FOLKS, you can pull a butt muscle and it is not fun! The point is, I’m thankful for my body that finally allowed me to do such a pose (even if only for four seconds), and thankful for Epsom salts to help my butt muscle relax it’s crazy self. Weird entry, I’m fully aware.
2. Thankful for progress!
I was finally granted something yesterday that I’ve been asking for for a very long time. I was always told I didn’t qualify or that I had to work on some things before this one thing would be given to me. The time came, after YEARS, yesterday. I am so thankful to see the things I’ve worked so hard on doing become tangible. You can’t always see it, but knowing that you have a goal that you absolutely can accomplish is a wonderful feeling. Reaching that goal, big or small, is probably the most rewarding feelings life has to offer. It’s good to be alive!
Happy Thursday!
D.
As an avid yoga attendee (I won’t dare call myself a Yogi just yet, perhaps I will when I can do a crow pose without falling on my face) I have seen and heard a lot of yoga no-no’s that seem to be fairly common occurrences. Sometimes, I’m in that thing they call a chi so they don’t bother me. But other times…these taboos enrage me out of that chi thing and all I can focus on is ripping that mat out from under that stupid face and laughing like a wild hyena while I do it. So, I’ve compiled a list of the things that yoga people do that piss me off, k? K…let’s go.
1. All up in my grill
Hey, I’m so glad that you like yoga and you seem like a real go-getter but there are four people in a class that can fit 50 so really, there is absolutely no need for you to position your soon-to-be sweaty ass approximately 1 foot away from my mat. This especially in a hot yoga room. Find your own space, and please, exit my personal bubble zone immediately. Thanks for comin’ out.
2. The Stagger
In the event that you find yourself in a full yoga room, and the teacher leads you to do a standing forward bend (to the side of your mat)…please, stagger yourselves! This means that the person in front of you is nearing the left edge of their mat, and you near the right edge of your mat instead. See picture above. No one wants a butt near their face, or face in their butt. Common sense, people!
3. There’s always one…
You know, I’ve found that there is always one in every class. That one that when the class is focusing on audible deep breathing, they’re up in the front doing some weird throat grunting, humming, snot draining type sound God knows what. Deep inside our chi zone we’re all laughing at you.
4. If you have gas, skip the class
Um, I’ve heard many people fart in class. I know it’s all human nature-ish and stuff, but it’s gross. Compound that gross-ness by 10,000 if in a hot room. Skip that chili on yoga day or don’t come out to play. Deal?
5. On that note- Hygiene is KEY
Just wash your junk, thoroughly, put on that pitt-stick and you’re good as gold. If you don’t, chances are you smell all sorts of funky and no one appreciates it.
6. Yoga is not your social hour
As much as I love hearing about that guy you went on the date with last night and omigod he’s just so cute— I don’t. Keep quiet, save it for after the class. On that note, if I’ve just entered the room and the class hasn’t started yet, and I’m practically sign languaging to my friend in effort to be respectful of those early starts, don’t hiss at me. The class hasn’t even begun, calm your jets Turbo!
That’s all I have for now, but seen as I go at least a few times a week, I always seem to come up with more, so I’ll be sure to update as I go.
Namaste!
I have a friend who is a serial monogamist. I love her to death and she knows this, but she does not feel comfortable with herself unless she's in a calm, stable relationship with someone. And every time she says this to me I get upset and start to feel like the village harlot. It's just a perspective on life I don't really understand.
I feel like tea has made a big come back. Maybe I just never noticed it before, but while everyone was all about their lattes and mocha-1000 cal-cinos, I was all about my green tea, baby. Not only does it taste fabulous with a little honey, it comes in quite a few varieties and comes with a 1-2 punch of health. How is green tea healthy for you? Allow me, dear reader, to tell you all about it.
1. Cholesterol
We’ve all got it, good and bad. Green tea raises the level of the good cholesterol in your blood, and helps decrease the bad.
2. Blood pressure
Green tea helps regulate blood pressure, which is also helps with reducing the risk of heart disease. It is thought that green tea helps the blood vessels to stay relaxed, allowing the blood to flow better. This can help reduce the risk of things like blood clots and heart attacks! See? 1-2 punch.
3. Blood sugar
Green tea helps regulate blood sugar, this can help prevent insulin spikes and reduce the risks of Diabeeeeeeeeeetus (yes, that’s “diabeetus”…see video below)
4. Cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s….oh my!
Green tea is suspected of delaying deterioration caused by Alheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and is thought to help kill cancer cells. Studies done on mice show that green tea protects brain cells from dying, and restores already damaged cells.
5. A case of the nice face
Green tea has a tonne of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant green tea contains is called “catechin” and also destroys bacteria. All this equals healthy skin and teeth!
6. Shed the pounds
Green tea contains “polyphenol” which helps speed up that pesky, ever slowing metabolism which in turn intensifies fat oxidization (helps the rate of which your body turns food into calories)
Now, all this is not to say that one cup a day will do the trick. The jury is out on how much you should drink to reep the benefits, but the popular vote is about 5 cups a day. I drink, on average, about three. No complaints from this girl. You can also take green tea supplements found at any health store if you’re not into the whole tea thing (but really, EVERYONE loves tea, right?)
I once read a story of this billionaire somewhere who has invested in a team of dieticians and doctors to help him become the oldest man alive. They’ve regulated his diet and his daily activities to help him achieve his goal. His team of nutritionists created a diet for him that includes 8 cups of green tea a day!
Remember, everything in moderation. Green tea does contain some caffeine, I wouldn’t go drinking 10 cups a day. And now, as promised, I give you….wilford Brimley.
It’s January. It’s cold, dreary and dark. No wonder I’ve been listening to so much Indie lately. You’ll find that I just had to throw in some booty shakers to brighten up these doldrum days.
1. Thift Shop- Macklemore
You’ve probably heard this everywhere. I love that this song is catchy as hell, but also has really funny and possibly slightly insightful lyrics. You’re right Macklemore, $50 for a t-shirt is kinda’ stupid.
2. Suit and Tie- Justin Timberlake ft. Jay-Z
Accused of being lame lounge music, JT’s newest release “Suit and Tie” is anything but. It grows on you, give it a shot. hey, we all hated “Rock Your Body” at first too, didn’t we?
3. Atlas Genius- Trojans
100% Hipster worthy. Bust out the skinny jeans and Sally Jesse Raphael glasses, folks!
4. Parov Stelar- Libella Swing
My new love. I’m obsessed with anything anyone does that blends new and old, artificially or not. If this doesn’t get you moving in any capacity, get those “happy” receptors checked 
5. Parov Stelar- Booty Swing
See above
6. Dillon- Thirteen Thirtyfive
Fresh sound and interesting voice. Surprisingly deep lyrics.
7. Tricky- Veronika
This song sounds like pure girl power to me. Weird?
8. Tides of Man- Dreamhouse
Is this considered math rock? Not sure, but they totally remind of Mutemath.
9. The Golden Filter- Hide Me
This song probably belongs on the Drive soundtrack. My inner 80′s kid is calling. PS…Drive was a great movie so I don’t feel bad.
Sorry for the lack of spacing between the videos. It’s something that I’ve been trying to work out for weeks but can’t seem to find a resolution to. I’ve tried every code possible. Thoughts? Hope you like January’s tunes!
D.
I won’t take credit for the title of this post. It actually comes from Dr. William Davis, author of the book “Wheat Belly”. I just ordered it and cannot wait to read it in full. I have been watching the author’s videos and following his blog for quite some time, very interesting stuff!
I’d like to go back about 10,000 steps and talk about the very first question that should be answered about all this stuff I’ve been yapping about.
WHAT THE HELL IS GLUTEN, ANYWAY?
glu·ten
/ˈglo͞otn/
Noun
A substance present in cereal grains, esp. wheat, that is responsible for the elastic texture of dough.
(Gluten comes from the latin word for “glue”. Yum.)
Without gluten, things wouldn’t “stick” together very well. This is why gluten is in so many products that you might not even realize.
This is the same kind of vague response you might get from most people you ask. More specifically, gluten is essentially the protein content of wheat (Remember, wheat includes semolina, spelt, barley, rye, etc). Why is Gluten bad? Well, if you’re not a Celiac, or have a wheat sensitivity or intolerance, it’s only bad because whole wheat products jack up your blood sugar levels. Wheat acts similar to that of Morphine. It “attaches” itself to your happy receptors, making you crave more. The reason this is a problem is obvious. High blood sugar= bad. This can also lead to weight gain, and perhaps even the very same medical issue rampant in our nation, Diabetes (or, if you’re Wilford Brimley, it’s “Diabeeeeeetus”….makes me laugh EVERY time). Nevertheless, Diabetes is no joke.
Now, here’s where the danger lays if you’re a Celiac or have a sensitivity/intolerance:
Picture a small intestine. We all figure we know what those look like, right? Well, let’s picture the inside of the small intestine. Inside are small, fibre like “hairs” along the intestine called “villi”. These villi assist the food in it’s motion through your intestine, absorbing nutrients and helping in general food digestion. The key here is nutrient absorption. When you have an allergy or intolerance, the body senses an “invasion” and attacks the area where it senses the threat- in this case,the villi. The villi are then flattened and damaged, rendering them useless. Obviously, when your small intestine can’t absorb nutrients, you’ve got a big problem. Sometimes, Celiacs even have to undergo surgery to remove certain lengths of their small intestines if damaged beyond repair. Scary stuff! All from gluten? You betcha. The good news is that the human body is a pretty amazing vessel, and provided the damage is not too great, the body can and will repair itself if given the chance.
Below are the many symptoms associated with Celiac/gluten sensitivity:
-Gastrointestinal issues such as chronic bloating, pain, gas, constipation and diarrhoea
-Achy joints
-Depression (I’m no doctor, but isn’t there a huge jump in the number of those who suffer from Depression in the last few years? Could this be a reason??? Just throwing that out there)
-Eczema/Acne
-Headaches
-Fatigue
-Infertility and miscarriage
-Cramps, tingling, numbness
Again, not selling any products here, just sharing what I’ve found helpful and Dr. William Davis has provided me with a few tidbits I’ve found useful. Check out this video below:
Also, as I mentioned previously, I’m NOT A DOCTOR. This is merely an opinion blog. The information held on this blog is merely the opinion of myself, and the research and information covered in this blog is open to public domain for discussion. There, now that that’s out of the way…
Have YOU read Wheat Belly? What do you think?
D.
