tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008968332324955412024-03-05T17:03:10.053-05:00Smoni in the SmiddleSmoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-79196466522353592862011-04-21T12:47:00.000-04:002011-04-21T12:48:00.211-04:00Rachel Avalon’s Vegan Smoothie Recipe (Plus: The Good for You – and the Plan...<div style="margin: 0px 2px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px 1px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="padding: 4px; background-color: #c3d9ff;"><h3 style="margin:0px 3px;font-family:sans-serif">Sent to you by Shakila via Google Reader:</h3></div> <div style="margin: 0px 1px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px 2px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="font-family:sans-serif;overflow:auto;width:100%;margin: 0px 10px"><h2 style="margin: 0.25em 0 0 0"><div class=""><a href="http://eco-chick.com/2011/04/7865/rachel-avalons-vegan-smoothie-recipe-plus-the-good-for-you-and-the-planet-protein-powder/">Rachel Avalon’s Vegan Smoothie Recipe (Plus: The Good for You – and the Planet – Protein Powder)</a></div></h2> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.5em">via <a href="http://eco-chick.com" class="f">Eco-Chick</a> by Starre Vartan on 4/20/11</div><br style="display:none"> <p>I've never tried rice protein powder before, I'm going to check it out after seeing this video! I love smoothies for breakfast….</p> <p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/15879965?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="560" height="325" frameborder="0"></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/15879965">Healthy Smoothie Recipe: Holistic Secrets with Rachel Avalon</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3409179">Rachel Avalon</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p></p></div> <br> <div style="margin: 0px 2px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px 1px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="padding: 4px; background-color: #c3d9ff;"><h3 style="margin:0px 3px;font-family:sans-serif">Things you can do from here:</h3> <ul style="font-family:sans-serif"><li><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/view/feed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Feco-chick.com%2Ffeed%2F?source=email">Subscribe to Eco-Chick</a> using <b>Google Reader</b></li> <li><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/?source=email">Get started using Google Reader</a> to easily keep up with <b>all your favorite sites</b></li></ul></div> <div style="margin: 0px 1px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px 2px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div>Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-56835723519916254912011-02-01T12:10:00.001-05:002011-02-01T12:10:04.617-05:00Twigs as Toothbrushes Get Designer Touch (Photos)<div style="margin: 0px 2px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px 1px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="padding: 4px; background-color: #c3d9ff;"><h3 style="margin:0px 3px;font-family:sans-serif">Sent to you by Shakila via Google Reader:</h3></div> <div style="margin: 0px 1px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px 2px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="font-family:sans-serif;overflow:auto;width:100%;margin: 0px 10px"><h2 style="margin: 0.25em 0 0 0"><div class=""><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/treehuggersite/~3/L4NcGBikkbA/twigs-toothbrush-designer.php">Twigs as Toothbrushes Get Designer Touch (Photos)</a></div></h2> <div style="margin-bottom: 0.5em">via <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/" class="f">TreeHugger</a> on 2/1/11</div><br style="display:none"> <img alt="miswak toothbrush twig photo" src="http://www.treehugger.com/miswak-toothbrush.jpg" width="468" height="269"> <em>Image credit: <a href="http://www.behance.net/gallery/THIS-toothbrush/939513">Leen Sadder</a></em> From <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/07/source_toothbru.php">toothbrushes with reusable handles</a> to <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2004/10/preserve_toothb.php">recycled plastic toothbrushes</a> there are already some green(er) options out there for more sustainable oral hygiene. But much of the world has one up on us Western consumers on this front—using a totally biodegradable twig to clean their teeth. What's the best way to promote this product to the rest of us? Why, wrap it in plastic of course. ...<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/02/twigs-toothbrush-designer.php?campaign=th_rss">Read the full story on TreeHugger</a><br> <a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/02/twigs-toothbrush-designer.php&service=bit.ly"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/02/twigs-toothbrush-designer.php" height="61" width="51"></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/02/twigs-toothbrush-designer.php&t=Twigs%20as%20Toothbrushes%20Get%20Designer%20Touch%20(Photos)"><img src="http://www.treehugger.com/images/rss-fb-share.gif" height="61" width="70"></a><div> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/treehuggersite?a=L4NcGBikkbA:c_zCEygGdlk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/treehuggersite?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/treehuggersite?a=L4NcGBikkbA:c_zCEygGdlk:2mJPEYqXBVI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/treehuggersite?d=2mJPEYqXBVI" border="0"></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/treehuggersite?a=L4NcGBikkbA:c_zCEygGdlk:DLYy-l-dIDg"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/treehuggersite?d=DLYy-l-dIDg" border="0"></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/treehuggersite/~4/L4NcGBikkbA" height="1" width="1"></div> <br> <div style="margin: 0px 2px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px 1px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="padding: 4px; background-color: #c3d9ff;"><h3 style="margin:0px 3px;font-family:sans-serif">Things you can do from here:</h3> <ul style="font-family:sans-serif"><li><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/view/feed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.treehugger.com%2Fatom.xml?source=email">Subscribe to TreeHugger</a> using <b>Google Reader</b></li> <li><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/?source=email">Get started using Google Reader</a> to easily keep up with <b>all your favorite sites</b></li></ul></div> <div style="margin: 0px 1px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px 2px; padding-top: 1px; background-color: #c3d9ff; font-size: 1px !important; line-height: 0px !important;"> </div>Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-8682581261106424032009-06-16T16:11:00.000-04:002009-06-16T16:12:51.928-04:00Hail no!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggr43wAcPXk-7IYdsu0Z9Ijp_rXXvSUh5LlENE0gjvrxSzsWdHlxZk7ifadmB_1DaMu4qNTFG8rJFWATI3SPEb7to7la7AYek09uM_qbRJ6_xK4cuNh-IuBS9HUQiyb4OjZ-SbbDJrXI0/s1600-h/photo-771930.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggr43wAcPXk-7IYdsu0Z9Ijp_rXXvSUh5LlENE0gjvrxSzsWdHlxZk7ifadmB_1DaMu4qNTFG8rJFWATI3SPEb7to7la7AYek09uM_qbRJ6_xK4cuNh-IuBS9HUQiyb4OjZ-SbbDJrXI0/s320/photo-771930.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348021002875909010" /></a></p>This happened months ago, but it's still a fun story...<p>After a grueling lifeguard training session, a nice Chipotle lunch, <br>and a movie, all with Things 1 & 2, I still wasn't ready to call it a <br>day. Since the weather was so nice(70 degrees, bright and sunny) I <br>decided to do some grocery shopping and other random errands I'd been <br>putting off.<p>I was on my way home, just finished fussing with my dad for wasting <br>the beautiful weather and not going for a run. It couldn't have been <br>more than 30 minutes, 45 tops, when the sky practically fell. That's <br>the only way to describe it. The sky went from clear blue to dark, <br>looming, and grey. The wind picked up and I decided there would be no <br>more stops, I just needed to get home before the rain.<p>So much for that. First, a few big drops. Then I saw a torrent of rain <br>making it's way towards me. All of a sudden, something hit my car <br>roof. A branch, I thought. But then it happened again. And again, <br>getting harder and more frequent. What the eff, I thought. Was my <br>windshield going to hold up? I couldn't decide whether to keep driving <br>of seek shelter. But there was none to seek! Other cars just rode by <br>as if nothing was happening. As usual, mom came to the rescue. I was a <br>block away, and even without leaves, her block gave quite a bit of <br>cover.Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-36310507972184213082009-06-16T15:24:00.001-04:002009-06-16T15:24:11.947-04:00When It's All Said And Done...<!-- Converted from text/rtf format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I don’t know why, but it never fails to amaze me when hard work pays off. And that's how I'll summarize the Broad Street Run: all my hard work paid off. I hit my goal of coming in under 2 hours and in that, took 8 minutes off my best 10 mile time and a full 15 minutes off my worst. Granted, I still think of myself as slow, but I'll work on speed in my next phase of training. </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I really didn't feel the benefits of my training until about 3 weeks before the race. That's when I started to feel strong and like my endurance ratcheted up. It was almost overnight and makes me wonder what I would have felt like if I hadn't skipped as many workouts. Would I have felt the changes 2 weeks earlier?</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I was also happy that I had trained in as many different conditions as I had: Cold, rain, snow, wind, heat, you name it. And what did I get on race day? Humidity, rain, and a little cold, just for good measure. But to me, it was no biggie and I had a party waiting for me at the finish line. All through my difficult miles, I thought about my 4 brothers, who had run ahead of me, and my mom and sister, who were cheering on the side. So yeah, there was definitely pain, especially after mile 8, but I pushed through (another benefit of my training). And when I was almost spend, a quarter of a mile from the finish line, who should appear but N, my original training partner. With her encouragement, I found just a little more in me and made it across the line by the skin of my teeth.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">So what's next? Triathlon! I'm registered, I have a bike, I've got a mentor. I just have to stick to the Active training plan and get used to a new pool, and I think I'll be on my way. Broad Street was definitely a boost to my athletic confidence. Now, when I go out, I feel like an athlete, who both trains and succeeds. And that's how I'm approaching my training from now on...</FONT></P> Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-5563625625747133392009-04-19T19:15:00.002-04:002009-04-19T19:34:17.412-04:00Lessons From My First Bike RideThis afternoon, I finally manned up and went on my first bike ride. I just went to my mom's house, which is about a mile away, but it was almost cathartic. For the past few weeks, I'd been kind of afraid of getting out on the road. Every time I turned around, a biker was on the news, or cornering me in the Bryn Mawr locker room, scaring me with hit-and-run tales. So, I had planned for my first few rides to be on the trail or bike path. But this great weather was too good to pass up. Since my brother had my car and I had promised to see her newly revived yard, I biked over to my mom's house. After staying for a few hours, I headed back, the weather having deteriorated amazingly fast. Each way it was 10-15 min, but it might as well have been an epic ride. Here's what I learned:<br /><br /><ol><li>Philly is one big hill. I live at the bottom of a hill, my mom lives at the top of another one. And there's just hills all around, everywhere you turn. And they hurt...</li><li>Scarves are not bike friendly. No matter which way the wind is blowing, it will end up out of place. Tuck or pin well...</li><li>Thankfully, you can hear most cars as they approach. And thankfully (or not so thankfully), there aren't many hybrids in the hood...</li><li>All biking = at least a little funk. I didn't really sweat, but I smelled like the outside. A jacket might be a must...</li><li>You will have stuff and need somewhere to put it. I had a little sling bag for just wallet/keys/cellphone, but had to leave behind my book and bike lock, which means I really couldn't go anywhere else. I'll have to get a backpack, since I don't see a messenger bag staying put.</li></ol>That's what I've got so far. Feel free to leave some tips, I'm scouring the web for them. No plans for my next ride, but as the weather improves, I'm sure opportunities will present themselves...Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-51941560173054975772009-04-17T16:55:00.000-04:002009-04-17T16:56:06.842-04:00Whew, that was a close one!<!-- Converted from text/rtf format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Remember that dilemma I had on Wednesday? How to get in a long run among all my other workouts and life and whatnot? Well, there must be something about the last few minutes of the work week that make the brain do amazing things. It JUST occurred to me to call my stylist and ask her to push my appointment back to midday. That way, I can get up at a decent time, fuel properly, and get my long run in. That also means that I can rest up tonight, thank God! I've been pushing it kind of hard (in my world) for the past few days. I did my 5 miler on the treadmill (it was awesome, I felt great) on Wednesday. Then, just because the weather was so great, I squeezed in a 3 miler just before my swim (1000m) on Thursday. And today I know what it means to have muscle fatigue. My legs are literally done. They're not sore, just tired, so a break will feel pretty good. A massage would feel even better (hint, hint). I'm wondering if this is what their supposed to feel like and if I'm supposed to push through the fatigue for another workout, just to get my muscles used to it. Oh well, I'm going to play it safe and rest up for a nice long 8 miler tomorrow. Now, what's for dinner?</FONT></P> Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-67698108078112937582009-04-15T11:57:00.001-04:002009-04-15T11:57:28.845-04:00Running and little else...<!-- Converted from text/rtf format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Just a short update today…</FONT> <BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Yesterday, there was a 5 miler on the Broad Street Plan, but between rain and a just generally sucky day, I worked out with Alicia at Platinum Silhouette. We did back, shoulders, and abs. And I think I might have progressed quite a bit since the last time a strength trained. The weights seemed kind of light and there's no soreness. Even my back, which has been bothering me around bed time seems fine. It's not better, but it's not worse, either. </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">On a side note, while driving into Center City to see Alicia, I couldn't believe my eyes. There were runners everywhere, despite the rain and mid 40's temp. I felt some kind of way, like I didn't get the memo or something. So today I was sure to bring my running gear and my new Nike jacket, so I have no excuse not to get my run in, rain or shine.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to arrange my workouts later this week. Ideally, I'd get in another 5 miler and an 8 miler. But I'm supposed to get my hair done on Sat and will probably be in Atlantic City until at least Sunday afternoon. I think I'm going to have to write this out to make it work. Yeah, still looks kind of muddy. It's either a REALLY early run on Sat, leave AC Sat night so I can get some sleep and go for a run, do the 8 on a treadmill at the hotel (don't even want to think about that one), or running Sunday after I get back from AC, which I kind of don't see happening. </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I think I'm going to just end up getting them in where ever they fit in. So, 5 milers whenever I can stand it for Wed-Sat., then I can take it easy or maybe get in a short hotel run Sunday morning. Doing what I can, but still raising the bar...</FONT></P> Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-11125210022624728882009-04-09T14:50:00.001-04:002009-04-09T14:50:56.729-04:00Why, oh why...<!-- Converted from text/rtf format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Goodness, I have so many blog posts to catch up on. Really, I have so much stuff to catch up on just in general. It seems like the only area I've stayed up on are workouts and even those have failed since Monday. So where to begin? </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Let's talk about my fabulous shopping trip with my best and only sister. I made it through my shopping moratorium successfully and as a result, was in dire need of clothes that fit from head to toe. TMI alert. Even my bras were too big. I did get bras the weekend before, but they were such a necessity, I didn't think twice. And I went to TJ Maxx. I was never a fan of stores like that, I'm too OCD to look through the racks, but as my shopping eye gets better and the deals more apparent, I'm becoming a serious fan. Nike workout pants: not $60, but $25!?! Yes, I will gladly look through tons of ugly items and suffer the allergies. But the best part went something like this:</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Me: Ooooh, look, Nike pants! And they're only $25!</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Mom: Great!</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Me: Aww, they're a small. (I was looking in the medium section)</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Mom: Try them on anyway, Nike runs kind of big.</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Me: MOTHER, I have been wearing Nike for how long? They run big but not that big. See my thighs?</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Mom: Just try them on, and yes, I see you're thighs.</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">*Later, in the fitting room, after realizing just how much the boobage had declined, I got up the nerve and did the deed.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Me: OMG! O-M-G!</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Mom: What?</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Me: They fit! I can't believe it! They fit! I can fit a small! I'm getting them.</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Mom: I told you. </FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Me: Yeah, but still, some things are just crazy.</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Mom: You know how people have skinny glasses? You have fat glasses. Moni, you are not that big.</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Me: I know, now I really just have a big personality.</FONT> </P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">So that was that. I rode a high like no other and have a new fave pair of workout pants. The next weekend, me and my sister ventured out to the Phila. Premium Outlets for the first time. I knew I need pants, since I had been surviving on jeans for the past 4 months, and I also wanted to see what the Nike Outlet had to offer. I know, my green side says Nike is bad, bad, bad. But dammit, they make a great product! The drive wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, only about 10min past King of Prussia and I probably could have cut 5min off of that if the new streets were actually in my Garmin. Note to self: get off at the exit AFTER the one Jemima tells you to. Anywhooo, the Banana Republic Factory Store was a small zoo but I found 4 pair of pants to try on. And here's where my story gets great. First of all, I am the proud owner of pants that are a size… drum roll, please… A SIZE 6!!! Can you believe it? I almost can't I'm still a good 3-5 lbs. (damned water weight) from my goal weight but apparently there is some muscle or something, because I am officially in the single digits! And BR is now officially my favorite brand. AND this was on the cusp of a PMS week. I know, TMI again. But still, gotta paint a clear picture. Then I get up to the counter and turns out there's a banging sale going on so I walk out the door having spent less than 100 bucks. Yeah, that great feeling got my sis 2 shirts and a pair of sunglasses, because not only is she a great shopping companion, it's more fun when someone else shares in the joy. We also hit up the Nike Outlet, where I got another pair of small pants (now my faves) and a windbreaker for another crazy low price. I was on a roll! Last stop was the Ralph Lauren Outlet. I have this urge to own polo shirts, but long or 3/4 sleeve ones are hard to find. I ended up with one polo, one sweater, and cute bracelets. I've got to keep my eye out for more coupons because I can now see why my bros love RL, he makes a great product. Oh, and a pair of shoes so I can put my sad Cole Haan loafers to rest. All in all, a great end to my shopping break. I think I'll take another one for a while. I'll wait for the seasons to settle and to see what I can use from the summer clothes that I've put away. I'm still looking for a pair of khakis and more polos, though. They are a great way to express my 'urban prepster with a hint of boho' look.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Now, the question becomes where to? I'm my dream size, but not my ideal fitness level or weight, not quite healthy. So, I guess now I need to just focus on my training and diet, like I have been and not worry about the scale as much. I know what I need to do: pretty much stay raw vegan and work out at least 4 times a week. That'll get me to Broad Street, SheRox, and whatever else I want to do. And I know by May I'll be at 135, insha Allah. I can feel it in my heart (right under the indigestion)...</FONT></P> Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-40271134930198514202009-03-24T10:49:00.001-04:002009-04-05T23:49:55.755-04:00Meet Flighty Whitey<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-HGCC8xS7hGPiu7jvSKApMhFSbMFJOe0HhTrBA6UG3QEHIxK-7_zAnYvbj86HIRQTEmeJvLGIKaSAhXVvFcvPhe6CvD849q0B-4Os21gEk-fixAwIzeB7YdYyq-IqwkU-0rJrBsfcQA/s1600-h/photo-765552.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-HGCC8xS7hGPiu7jvSKApMhFSbMFJOe0HhTrBA6UG3QEHIxK-7_zAnYvbj86HIRQTEmeJvLGIKaSAhXVvFcvPhe6CvD849q0B-4Os21gEk-fixAwIzeB7YdYyq-IqwkU-0rJrBsfcQA/s320/photo-765552.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316766925817045922" border="0" /></a></p>Just remembered I promised a pic of my new bike and didn't deliver. So, <br />here she is. And yes, I'm pretty sure it's a she...Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-69154835431191998362009-03-19T15:25:00.001-04:002009-03-19T15:25:32.464-04:00So much for that...<!-- Converted from text/rtf format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Since Monday, I've been following Brendan Brazier's Thrive diet. It's about 90-95% raw. The pizzas and burgers are baked and the rest is salads, energy bars, and smoothies. But today, since I didn't make a salad last night and was planning on going to spinning this morning, I decided to break out of the mold and have the Thursday special: Mexican Tortilla Soup and a side salad from the small lunch café across the way. Be clear, this is no ordinary soup. It's thick and spicy, it's homemade and it's vegetarian. No, it's not vegan, although I could probably order it so. Before adding in the soup, my friendly server adds a quarter fresh avocado, toasted tortilla strips, and buffalo mozzarella. Then, she tops if off with a little sour cream. Yes, I love this soup. But apparently, it doesn't do my body good.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I've been feeling pretty good this week. No midday blackouts, no crazy hunger pains. But right now, about an hour to 90 minutes after I finished my lunch, all I want is a nap. I thought I could feel the blood leaving my brain to rush to my stomach right after I finished, but figured it was just my imagination. Guess I was right. Good to know. Oh, and the tortilla strips where the first refined thing I'd had all week, so maybe gluten also isn’t my thing. I'm going to continue my informal test to see if I'm allergic to it or even have celiac (sp?) disease. My mom, too. Ok, tea time...</FONT></P> Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-44769183592904196342009-03-18T16:42:00.001-04:002009-03-18T16:42:38.208-04:00Update...<!-- Converted from text/rtf format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I'm here at work, not doing much, and realized I'm behind on my blogging. So, here I am, catching up. But where to start?</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I got a bike. A real, honest to goodness, cycling, just waiting for some aero bars and clip less pedals, bike. I have a pic on my phone that I'll upload in a bit.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I'm reading Thrive by Brendan Brazier. I've been kind of frustrated by a lot of the raw food books out there in that they're really vague when it comes to how you should fit a raw vegan diet around a dedicated fitness program. Brendan's diet isn't strictly raw, but has just enough cooked food to keep away the cravings. And it's high quality cooked food, like quinoa and baked veggies. A lot of his recipes could probably be put in the dehydrator, too, since they're so simple. I went a little crazy with the cooking on Sunday and made the Sunflower Beet Pizza, which was great, pic to follow. I also made an Avocado Cayenne salad which was pretty good. I have a couple types of burgers that I haven't dug into yet. I also made 3 types of energy bars. They taste ok but I don't like the consistency. I want them to be firmer. Maybe they need to be dehydrated, too.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">That's all for now. I'll have more when I remember what I meant to write about in the first place...</FONT> </P> Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-29665959845657891882009-03-03T21:00:00.002-05:002009-03-03T21:10:48.885-05:003rd Time's the Charm?Well, I'm officially in it. I'll be as raw as possible for the next 30 days at least. My homegirl, M, is back with me, too. Call it Spring Cleaning, if you will. I started this morning and was doing pretty well. Until a wave of nausea just about smacked me in the face. Not only was I vomiting, but I was seeing spots. Scary. I had a craving for something salty. What is the raw equivalent to saltines? I skipped my workouts (I plan on making them up over the week to keep the chain intact) and will be in bed very soon.<br /><br />Anywho, I think it might have been the VitaMineral Green. The same thing happened last Tuesday (remember the green smoothie incident) and that's the only common thread. It supposedly doesn't need to be refrigerated and doesn't really go bad but maybe I shouldn't keep it on top of my fridge. <br /><br />So now I'm looking for new superfood/sea veggie/green powder options. Suggestions?Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-90649213216082174432009-03-02T16:35:00.002-05:002009-03-02T17:27:16.668-05:00The one day I watch Oprah...Usually I'm at work around 4pm, counting the minutes until I'm free of the office. But today, we've gotten about 6 inches of snow and I was rewarded with a snow day. Oh the joy! But the hours have flown by and in between keeping up with my work email, I haven't done much of anything except make tea and clean the snow off my car. <br /><br />Meanwhile, in the land of the Oprah, the show is all about how much you can do without. And I'm a big fan of this. Granted, I realize that I live a much more simple life than the people sampled on the show, but I still am an American, so I tend to accumulate stuff. <br /><br />Since going raw, I've cut a lot of things out of my life, because they just don't fit. My microwave is on it's way out. Hello, counter space! My clothes literally don't fit and keep not fitting, so I went on a shopping moratorium for the winter. I won't shop again until April 3. So, I've been clearing out my closets without replacing anything and I realized something. I don't need a lot of clothes, I just need a few versatile pieces that last. I don't know what those are yet, but I'm researching.<br /><br />And I decided in January that I want to be cable free. No more monthly cable bill. I've already gotten rid of the house phone. The only thing I want to pay is for an internet connection and a Netflix subscription. Hopefully, Philly will get good free wireless soon and I can cut another monthly bill. <br /><br />But watching Oprah, I'm wondering if I can cut even more. I've allocated $1,000 to upgrading my entertainment center and going cable free, with the idea that with cable costing me $100/month, it will pay for itself in 10 months. But if I cut that down to maybe a $500 or $750 investment, that's another chunk that can go to my savings or a trip.<br /><br />I've still got a bunch of DVD's and quite a few books that I never watch, and with streaming Netflix, I won't need them. I think I should send them to <a href="http://abundatrade.com/">AbundaTrade</a>. And do I really need to keep a VCR?<br /><br />My kitchen is pretty bare bones. I've been trying to be better about eating things before they go bad. I am developing quite the collection of kitchen tools, but I use them all and there are no repeats. And whatever I don't really use I pass on to the mom or the brothers. I'll take another look though. On second thought: mugs. I have way too many mugs. And cups in general. Maybe plates too.<br /><br />Oh, and then there's the hall closet. Yeah, we all have one. Mine has a craft bin, tools, towels, a rug, and at least two pairs of rollerblades. I'll have to make an appointment in there before the weather breaks. And while I'm at it, I might as well throw in the living room closet. It's not atrocious, but still, lot's of stuff I don't use. <br /><br />So, from the O, to me, to you, my IP's (that's internet people, for the newnews), I extend the challenge: What can you do without? How simple can you make your life?Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-82506882787121369632009-02-25T09:12:00.000-05:002009-02-25T09:13:40.308-05:00Still at it...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBv0oS-3BTaM4pyogAOi7oS3MsZ5q16zGAw0r0c3CzuCI0txB0UynUjPA8Yt4oaGeGkn38_L8IubhHLPpX2OheuwS2vlj8Dkx2HXc3ot2zD3fol-5rs0bqQox__gsztFyQ9ALOVA9k4k/s1600-h/photo-720311.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBv0oS-3BTaM4pyogAOi7oS3MsZ5q16zGAw0r0c3CzuCI0txB0UynUjPA8Yt4oaGeGkn38_L8IubhHLPpX2OheuwS2vlj8Dkx2HXc3ot2zD3fol-5rs0bqQox__gsztFyQ9ALOVA9k4k/s320/photo-720311.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306737983893875202" /></a></p>Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-74983665035663215542009-02-23T11:34:00.001-05:002009-02-23T11:34:10.276-05:00Hmmmm, Monday...<!-- Converted from text/rtf format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I'm feeling very light today. Which is ironic compared to what I saw on the scale this morning. Yeah, I'm not telling. Just know that things aren't really moving up or down. I had a huge craving for a green smoothie this morning, but couldn't drag myself out of bed. I barely got to work on time, so forget making breakfast. I wish there was somewhere in Philly I could get one to go. Oh, well. </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">This weekend was so crazy, hanging out with N and her friends and races (3 minutes off my five mile time!). I had a great time, but I didn't do any grocery shopping or meal planning. I have lots of food at home I need to cook, but no breakfast and lunch stuff. This is a great week to multitask during my lunch breaks since my usual lunch buddies are out of town, so I'll do some running around or some reading. </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">That's all for now. Maybe more later. Back to work...</FONT> </P> Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-85584080631081350342009-02-20T16:37:00.004-05:002009-02-22T17:15:34.833-05:00The raw is calling me...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://z.about.com/d/nutrition/1/0/u/B/cutveggiesandfruit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 429px;" src="http://z.about.com/d/nutrition/1/0/u/B/cutveggiesandfruit.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><!-- Converted from text/rtf format --><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: arial;font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" >Have I been over this before? I can't remember, but it sounds familiar. Lately, I've been desiring that rush and pride that goes along with being mostly, if not all, raw. Maybe it's the extra attention I paid to what I ate. I thought working out more would make it easier for my body to process all the non raw foods I've been eating, like sprouted bread, brown rice pasta, oatmeal, soy yogurt, and even egg whites (gasp, I know). Not only are those things not really satisfying me (this definitely sounds familiar) but I've been craving greens, huge salads, fruits and berries and feeling extremely lethargic. </span> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: arial;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I figure I have two options. Ignore my body for a while and see if these cravings go away or listen to them and phase back into a mostly raw diet. Now, a few months ago, I attempted to add green smoothies back into my diet. Both times, I couldn't stomach more than a few ounces and ended up letting them go bad. And I hate to waste food, so I'm really cautious about trying them again. I also thought about mixing Vita Mineral Green with some water and gulping that down each morning. Maybe I'll do another month long challenge, March 3-April 3, when I plan on going to Boston for the first time. I'm supposed to see a nutritionist soon, but she's flaking and I don't know if I have time for that.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: arial;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What to do, what to do...</span> </p>Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-55886193830410892222009-02-17T22:17:00.000-05:002009-02-17T22:18:14.919-05:00Training has commenced...<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMio_pDyXuiKdMRIVGM7-N2SWWdG7ggQJS7QfNoLswXyfZpeVXTLccSX1_PefUskqYdbbkVM6_LEkR9AeIBTeOinP-sYmjqnDLtqNzvfxXpxgfLBb938wvaIQb2jHOqqyWNUcBAt47fM/s1600-h/photo-794920.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMio_pDyXuiKdMRIVGM7-N2SWWdG7ggQJS7QfNoLswXyfZpeVXTLccSX1_PefUskqYdbbkVM6_LEkR9AeIBTeOinP-sYmjqnDLtqNzvfxXpxgfLBb938wvaIQb2jHOqqyWNUcBAt47fM/s320/photo-794920.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303971485367476914" /></a></p>And I am serious. Which is why I'm going to bed now. 2 miles of cross <br>training are on the schedule for tomorrow...Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-69489525284833510132009-02-05T22:57:00.001-05:002009-02-05T22:57:31.653-05:00StasisI'm not even sure that's a word outside of the science fiction world, <br>but that's how I've been feeling. I'm between. On the verge. In <br>suspended animation. It's not that nothing's going on; it's that I <br>have so many options, so many things I could dedicate myself to. And <br>these are passions I see becoming careers or ways of life. But at this <br>stage they're so fragile, I don't even want to speak of them.<p>But know that in the deep of winter, as things hibernate, I am <br>working, planning, tinkering. So that when the seasons change I will <br>be ready to unleash a barrage of my potential.<p>Sent from my iPhoneSmoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-2176224983629178992009-02-01T21:52:00.002-05:002009-02-01T21:59:16.905-05:00And miles to go...Well, it's here. The 09 training season. And I got it started right, with a 10k this morning. And let me tell you, after two Broad Street Runs and various 5k's and 5 miles, this was my hardest race ever. It was nothing but hills, up one, down another. A few miles were just uphill. And there was cars on the road. I guess they couldn't close the roads off since we ran through a residential area. But my girl, N, and I pulled through and finished happily. That is until I got to the finishers' tent and found that all they had left was beer. Yes, beer. Not one, but two kinds of beer at that. I did get a great shirt, though (Brooks long sleeve technical), so I may still do it again, hiccups and all. <br /><br />I'm glad to know I have six (albeit slow) miles in me. And after last week, I have the kick in the pants I need to keep my ass in the gym for the next eight weeks. That's when the squad is taking a little R&R to Boston and I plan on doing my first clothes shopping in about 4 months. Can we say single digit sizes? Maybe even cutting previous sizes in half? Yes we can...Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-27739265072671890292009-01-25T20:04:00.002-05:002009-01-25T20:28:35.522-05:00Oops...Wow, I didn't realize it had been over a month since my last blog post. Let's see, I've been working out like I'm being paid for it, and as a result, eating like a man. I finally ordered a bottle of Sun Warrior Protein. It's a bit chalky, but eons better than the E3 Live stuff I tried first. I'll probably mix the two together until I finish the nasty stuff.<br /><br />Other than that, I've been really focused on greening and streamlining my life: inside my home, my finances, and my career. On that note, I'll leave you with my favorite song of the moment. It's what gets me pumped up in morning...<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s7y4IDeKjqk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s7y4IDeKjqk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-13369439487836409212008-12-15T19:37:00.001-05:002008-12-15T19:37:33.730-05:00How many is too many?<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEdME3QIocHPhRHtBnFG5xAJTfbugqsz5LUOXZpe5xhMJd7UtWTbs-GhQUpL6PXqPSInYPLjX9H0nyoyU6ARos68fXNrF8E8zGsZsk2x1JeU__Q6WfPYDehuByd7SHlNOqEuInS9Ehm0/s1600-h/photo-753734.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEdME3QIocHPhRHtBnFG5xAJTfbugqsz5LUOXZpe5xhMJd7UtWTbs-GhQUpL6PXqPSInYPLjX9H0nyoyU6ARos68fXNrF8E8zGsZsk2x1JeU__Q6WfPYDehuByd7SHlNOqEuInS9Ehm0/s320/photo-753734.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280180622810805906" /></a></p>Clementines, that is. Usually, I'm not much of a citrus person. I use <br>lemons when juicing and may have an occasional ruby red grapefruit, <br>but that's about it. But when I found out that clementines were <br>actually a winter fruit, I decided to add them to my diet. And over <br>the past two days, I have eaten 7. Yes, today I had three at work, <br>then another after dinner. It's like I'm craving them or something. Oh <br>well, anything that keeps me on my raw...Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-84718908465222367962008-12-04T16:59:00.001-05:002008-12-04T16:59:38.287-05:00I know, I know...<!-- Converted from text/rtf format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">I'm behind on my posts. I still have to do my birthday/Thanks-taking update, which is a doozy. What's important is that for the second week in a row, I've stayed committed to my morning workouts and two personal training sessions a week, which are tres painful! I've been pretty raw, thanks in part to Michelle at Living Sun Foods. For some reason, my kryptonite is lunch with coworkers. Once a week or so, we venture to a place called Hymie's which has absolutely nothing raw, and barely anything vegan (I always have to alter the menu), but they make a mean veggie burger. And I love to go, and hang with the work crew, so this Wednesday, I went and had my usual. It went down pretty well, which I'm sure is because my system was pretty clear from my raw and my workouts, but I still felt guilty. And you know how I roll: if it makes me feel guilty, I don't need to be doing it! I just need to figure out how to stay raw at Hymie's (or find another lunch spot that's just as wonderful for everyone).</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Have a mentioned that my hormones have kicked in this week? Yeah. So Wednesday (pattern here?), I got to the gym but could barely keep myself on a machine. I started on the treadmill and was like, forget this. Then I moved on to the elliptical and hit the cardio button. I promptly muttered "What the eff?" and ditched the program for a simple quick start. Even then, I could barely keep it above 5 with no resistance. Yeah, it was one of those days, but I trudged along until I did 30 minutes. Usually after persevering in such a manner, I congratulate myself, but this time I was just bitter. I was saying 'what the eff' to myself. What can you do? I chalked it up to me being a girl and the subsequent chemical imbalance. I had like one off day. Okay 2 off days. But before going raw, I would have had an off week, so I'm not complaining.</FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">This weekend I have a girls' night. I think I'll succumb slightly to the desire for junk food and get a tomato pie from Tony Roni's. And maybe make some raw hummus. Because the munchies are always so tempting. </FONT></P> <P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">And would the crazy discount coupons stop!?! A sister is on a budget here and resisting all these sales is not easy!</FONT> </P> Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-81224336772390708212008-11-21T15:48:00.001-05:002008-11-21T15:48:50.070-05:00Who's Keeping Count?<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYj6jjQyxjp8xvmwtqDuWjcXfhj6odvgI05T-tBPboCoeRsmnWMuIpJmgyKpg2k3kSWmb2JWl3Wvw4PYGFgew6yDxz-vlr-CSucYTkvbd8bFEBgscNxDCrzjG2KVKrCekoAK7yoD424U/s1600-h/photo-730072.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYj6jjQyxjp8xvmwtqDuWjcXfhj6odvgI05T-tBPboCoeRsmnWMuIpJmgyKpg2k3kSWmb2JWl3Wvw4PYGFgew6yDxz-vlr-CSucYTkvbd8bFEBgscNxDCrzjG2KVKrCekoAK7yoD424U/s320/photo-730072.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271215639098774146" /></a></p>So I've been seriously raw vegan for almost six months now, but my <br>journey started a year ago when I tried Natalia Rose's Raw Food Detox <br>Diet. The biggest casualty, after my wardrobe, seems to be the dead <br>blenders I leave in my wake. I'm up to number 3 this year alone.<p>Now I know my fellow raw foodies will say "Duh, just get a Vita-Mix". <br>To which I reply "Duh, just give me $400", because that's the going <br>price, even used. So until I can afford that commercial grade blending <br>wonder, I'm sticking to the budget and doing a little consumer <br>research at the same time.<p>My last Oster blender (which I chose because of the Amazon reviews) <br>did me pretty good. It lasted 6 months. The motor never died, although <br>it got pretty hot and it blended everything I threw into it, big or <br>small. It did sound like a mac truck barreling through my kitchen, but <br>whatevs.<p>So I decided to try another Oster, but a little further up the food <br>chain at $70 ($60 on sale). The pitcher is a little bigger and it has <br>more settings so I don't spend all night scraping 3 tablespoons of <br>dressing off the inside.<p>We'll see how it holds up to my green smoothie making, but for now I'm <br>at least in strong like of my newest addition...Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-3270338826015766152008-11-18T23:21:00.002-05:002008-11-18T23:29:25.018-05:00Hi, I'm Smoni and I'm an Emotional Eater...*Waits for salutations*<br /><br />Yes, I can admit that now, although it took going raw to realize it. I eat when extreme emotions strike. Usually, its hormonal, so when it's that time of the month, I let myself indulge a little. But this time is different. I'm just lonely. And frustrated. But not necessarily in the same way. Lonely because I'm loosing friends, which I know is just the way life is at this stage. But also because I can't figure out if that's good or bad. Friends can be there to comfort you but friends can also get you into trouble. And the same can be said about husbands, so I'm really not sure I want one of those either. Especially when so many people I know are having major issues with guys they thought were great a couple weeks ago.<br /><br />And I don't even like anyone. No one sparks my interest. I don't dream of spending time with anyone. I went to a pleasure party tonight, and I left feeling bitter. Like, boo on these women that know what love is. And have a job they love. So off I go to bed. Because I have nothing else to do and my house is so raw vegan I can't even drown my sorrows in junk food. Is that irony, or just plain sad?Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-500896833232495541.post-56420607436487723042008-11-15T19:26:00.002-05:002008-11-15T20:18:42.410-05:00My Bad!Almost a whole month between blog posts. Oops, didn't notice. SO! The biggest news of my day is that that middle number of my poundage has dropped once again! Yes, my third drop in five months! I'm so excited. If my last drop put me into territory that I couldn't recall, then this drop is defintely foreign. I don't remember ever being this small. I was feeling so powerful, I went and ran four miles. And I can't stop singing. And I even told both of my parents (very rare). <br /><br />Last night at dinner, the Broad Street Run came up and it looks like not only do I have a squad, but I also have a finish line cheerleader. The idea of an out of town race was also introduced and you know how I love to travel, not to mention how I love Colorado. And there's a 5 mile Turkey Trot a few days after my birthday that's calling my name.<br /><br />The moral of this month's story is that last year may not have been that fruitful, but there's a new one right around the corner. I can redo all the things that didn't go my way last year. And I'll give myself a few weeks to continue to reflect, but after that it's back to living my life to the fullest, embracing the possibilities.<br /><br />And as a treat, here's the song I've been humming to myself for the past few days: 'I'm Yours' by my fellow raw vegan, Jason Mraz...<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ki61e3zFPks&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ki61e3zFPks&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Smoni Smohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264031878076888292noreply@blogger.com