Day 7 – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Today we woke with the roosters, and for a good reason! We were off at 5:45am to go hike in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest to find the mountain gorillas :)

The road to the forest was rough and muddy. For all of you Disneyland fans out there, it felt JUST like the Indiana Jones ride! It was a long ride and there were a couple of times I didn't think we were going to make it through the road in our SUVs, we were slip sliding everywhere!

Once we finally arrived we got out of the cars and noticed that we were missing one person. One of our colleagues had missed the cars because he was checking his email.  I felt so bad that he wouldn't be able to make it to the trip that he payed $500 to participate in (we paid for this ourselves as it was a personal activity). We had checked that everyone was with us a few moments before getting into the cars...but then instead of staying with us he had headed up to his room to spend some time with his beloved computer :) That was apparently a mistake.

We had a 30 minute orientation and information session before leaving for our trek.  When we got back to the cars to continue driving to the trail head there was a filthy little car waiting for us.  Who was inside?  Our missing colleague, Yiwu!  I was so extremely excited that he made it that I was jumping up and down screaming 'Yiwu, Yiwu!'

Oh my gosh, I couldn't believe that he convinced a taxi driver to take him all the way up the mountain in that little car....roads that our 4 wheeling SUVs could hardly even make it up!

During our drive to the trail head Yiwu told me his story.  He had left us just before we got into our cars to download something to his computer. When he came back down stairs 5 minutes later we were gone.  He immediately asked the super awesome girl at the front desk, Winnie, to help him find a taxi.  They called 3 taxis, all of which told him that he was crazy and tha they wouldn't take him up the mountain.  Finally, after 1 hour of asking different taxis they found one young driver who was up for the challenge.  Once they got to the really rough roads the car got stuck.  The whole thing was quite a specticle to the local villagers.  They were observing the situation. 

Yiwu got out of the car and asked if they would help him push the car out of the mud.  They said no, and that they would require payment for their help.  He offered them $30 to help him get it out of the mud.  After the villagers helped him he got stuck 2 more times, both of which times they helped him get the car out again!  By the time Yiwu and the taxi got to the entrance of the gorilla park the car was completely covered in mud...you couldn't even see the windows. LOL!

After arriving at the trailhead we started our trek up the mountain hills.  We walked past some of the most beautiful vistas* I've ever seen. There were green hills with cows and goats crazing on the sloap.  The valleys were filled with a gentle mist and small villages.  Wow, it took my breath away!

After hiking for 30-45 minutes we crossed into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. For some reason I've been slightly obsessed with the rain forest since I was in 3rd or 4th grade and was so so so excited to be in the forest, let alone tracking the gorillas!

We hiked within the forest for about an hour before our guide let us know that the trackers had found the gorillas.  This is when we went off the path and into the unkempt bush.  Our guide (Wilber) hacked through the trees and vines with his small sickle. We ended up going straight down an extremely steep hill, walking on dead vines and trees the whole time.  This was the craziest hiking I've ever done! Many times we had to hang out to the giant fern trees for support, with their prickly stalks.

After plunging deep into the crevace of the forest (there was a little bit of uncertainty in everyone's eyes about how we would get back UP the cliff) we slowed down and were told to keep our voices lower. When I turned the next corner there he was!  Mishaya, the silverback of our gorilla group.  He was within 5 feet of me with no glass or fence between us! Holy cow, it was super duper crazy.

Once he got a little more comfortable with us ** the silver back walked back into the group of gorillas and began to eat from the surrounding trees. We saw a baby and two female gorillas also.

After a few minutes we were standing behind the silverback and he decided that he was ready to move past us because there were some bushes he was interested in behind us.  At this point he turned around and pulled hard on a vine.  He then came up right next to us (withing 2 feet) and showed his huge fangs.  Holy crimany...I don't know if I've ever been so scared in my life!  The guides told me after that this was his 'friendly' way of letting us know to get the 'H' out of his way. After that encounter I kept my distance, a nice big gap between the silver back and me!

A while later, Mishaya ended up in a tall tree.  I don't know how he balanced on such small branches, as he weighs over 300 pounds, but he did.  I also don't understand how an animal with almost a complete vegetarian diet can be soooo huuuuuge!!!

Apparently all of the babies in the group are the children of Mishaya, that's the way it works with the silver backs. One little guy was particularly attached to his dad and followed him everywhere he went. When Mishaya climbed into the tree the little guy wanted to follow.  Unfortunately, the trunk of the tree was too big for him to grip and he kept falling down from 5-8 feet up.  Soooo cute!

After an hour we had to leave our new gorilla friends and head back to the cars.  During our walk back it started to downpour.  What would a walk in the rain forest be without any rain?!? The way back was slippery and difficult.  We were all completely tired and fatigued, but it was worth every moment.

*vistas meaning views. I just thought it sounded cooler and more exotic to say vistas :)  That's what all the apartment complexes and hotels do, so I thought it might work for me too.

**The gorillas know that the guides are friendly and recognize their uniforms.  The guides also communicate with the gorillas with a deep gargly sound in their throats, letting them know that we're just there for a little visit, nothing too crazy.

Day 6 - Musanze, Rwanda and Kisoro, Uganda

This morning we had some time to walk to the market.  I went to a little craft store and got some gifts for friends and family.  My favorite purchase was a little African doll that I got for my niece.  I hope she likes it :)

After a lunch of pizza and pop we went to the hotel to collect our stuff.  Today is the day that we will be crossing the border to Uganda.

Crossing the border by land was super trippy. The Minister of Security in Uganda provided a letter to the border to make sure that our crossing went well (oh the craziness of working for the foundation). We walked from Rwanda to Uganda.  It’s fun to walk in no man’s land (I did a little dance).

In Rwanda they drive on the right side of the road, speak French,* the streets are impeccably clean**, the houses are mainly made of stucco, all motorcyclists wear helmets and it's illegal to pick up people who refuse to wear a helmet.

The changes were evident the moment we crossed the border. In Uganda they drive on the left side of the road, speak English, their is trash everywhere, the houses are made of wood, mud or brick. The motorcycle drivers did not wear helmets. There was even a 1 hour time change!

Wow, what a difference a few hundred yards can make!

After getting to the hotel I headed across the street to a local coffee shop run by some German ex-pats. After a couple of minutes there was a commotion outside and the German lady told me that the president of Uganda had come to Kisoro to thank the population for voting for him.  I said 'Wow, he's going all around the country doing that?' The German lady replied, 'Didn't Obama do that?'

LOL - no, he didn't go to every city in the US to thank us...but he did do a television broadcast :)

My favorite quote of the day was after my boss had ordered the goat skewer at the local restaurant.  We were waiting for the food to be prepared (it usually takes at least an hour).  When my boss saw a dog in the yard he said 'There's the goat skewer walking towards the kitchen now'.

hahaha.  Of course Ugandans don't actually eat dog...but it was a funny joke anyways :)

*they switched to English speaking earlier this year, but still most people speak French
**I found out that in Rwanda they have a national cleaning day every third Saturday of the month.  Everyone in the country is required to clean the streets and towns for 4 hours!  Super cool!!

Day 5 – Burera, Rwanda (again)

Today was a little more of the same. Instead of going to the cooperatives, we went to the homes of the Community Health Workers (CHWs).  These CHWs are elected volunteers. They are elected by a vote through their communities and are responsible for looking after the health of those in their community. If someone is sick they will treat them with simple solutions or refer them to a Health Center where they can see a doctor.

While we were walking to the village we saw children running and playing.  I always love it when I see kids being kids, because I think this is a sign that a country is doing well.  If a child can act like a child with few worries the things under the surface are probably all right (ish?).

The small village, that could only be reached by foot, was so clean I did not see even one piece of garbage in the walkways. The homes had fences made of cactus or sticks and the homes included little pins for their animals.  All of the cows that I saw were well fed, fat and happy!

Both of the CHWs that we visited were beaming with pride.  The first was a gentleman who has been serving as a volunteer since 2003. He put on his best sport jacket and welcomed us to his home.  He stood there and spoke about how proud he was to help the children and families of his village and was very excited to tell us that they have not had any child deaths from disease in the recent past (he couldn’t remember the last time). The second CHW that we visited was a women who had been volunteering for a couple of years.  The people of this region depend on agriculture for their sustenance. As one of our friends said:

‘Here the soil is so fertile.  You put a seed right here and in 2 weeks you have a tree.’

We asked this CHW how many hours a week she spent on the volunteer work and she told us that she couldn’t give us an amount of time.  She said that the amount of time required is increasing and that when she gets to the field she often gets an SMS (text) and has to turn around to see a patient. So, she is not spending all of her time helping people, but the ask for help is so inconsistent she can rarely commit any time to her personal work.

We followed that information with the question of if she is still happy that she is a volunteer even though it takes up so much time.  Her answer was definitive. She values her position because she gets to help the children and families of the community and she is happy to keep learning.

These kinds of programs have begun to spring up in many countries, but few have been as successful as here in Rwanda. Much of this is probably because of the cohesive workings of the government.

On the way out of the village we passed a church.  The doors were closed, so I couldn't see what was going onn inside.  But I could just imagine.  The singing, clapping and stomping was a wonderful sound.  I wish I could have stopped and joined in the worship, but this isn't that kind of trip :)

After the field visits we went to the new district hospital.  It was a super amazing building, although possibly out of place and obnoxious. It lookes like something you might see in a US city and made the rest of the surrounding seem even more poor. The average person in Rwanda lives on less that $1.25 per day.

Day 4 – Burera, Rwanda

We’re driving out of the city today to visit the villages.  While driving out of Kigali its evident how much hills have impacted the culture. We are surrounded by them. It’s lush and beautiful with tons of people walking the streets. The soil is this wonderful red color…their pottery must be red.  The homes are mostly white stucco or cement with a thin layer of red dust.  There are some brick buildings, but they are less common.

I love the way the women dress, in colorful and beautiful fabrics. Please don’t be surprised if I come home with some ridiculously bright blouses and skirts…who cares if they match. 

After driving a while we run out of pavement and continue on gravel roads.  It’s foggy in the hills.

I was AMAZED at the beautify of the country side. The hills were covered with different levels of flattened fields, they looked like steps that a giant would use. In some areas there were field of tea growing. And everything was sooooo green.  Amazing! There were so many farmers actively working. Both men and women (in many African countries the farming is mainly done by the women) maybe this is a trickle down effect of the obvious respect of women in the government.

I haven’t seen any stray dog…that’s weird now that I think of it. In all other countries I’ve been to stray dogs run in packs!  I have literally not seen one dog here, very strange.*

Once we reached Burera, we had a meeting with the Vice Mayor and other officials of the district (like a county in the US).  We met with them to hear about the health work in the district and the statistics.  After this meeting we grabbed our packed lunches and ate in the cars on our way to visit smaller villages and their cooperatives.

The cooperatives that we visited are opportunities for Community Health Workers (CHWs). These CHWs are elected volunteers. They are elected by a vote through their communities and are responsible for looking after the health of those in their community. If someone is sick they will treat them with simple solutions or refer them to a Health Center where they can see a doctor.  The cooperatives that we visited are opportunities for the CHWs to buy shares of this small business; this is one of the perks of being a CHW.

The particular cooperative that I visited had 120 members with 75% or the membership being women. When we entered the small building (which did not have electricity) they offered us seats and many people piled into this space for our meeting. The meeting began by the President of the cooperative talking to us about the status of the business.  He told us about where the cooperative used to be and where it was now.  How many members there are, what they sell, etc. My favorite part of his speech was when he started listing the assets of the company.  With the profit they have made over the last year they have purchased:

‘2 houses, chairs (you are sitting on them), tables, scale (even bigger than we need!), paper, pen, staple and 1 stamp.’

I love that he included the stamp and staple in his assets J

*Later I found out the answer to this. It turns out that during the genocide the stray dogs were feeding on the dead bodies in the streets.  Since then the Rwandans have had a very negative feeling towards dogs (rightly so!).  They do not have them unless they are very rich and use them as guard dogs.

Day 3 – Kigali, Rwanda

Wow!  What an amazing day. There are nine of us traveling from the foundation and then a few people from our local grantee, JSI. Today we had meetings with the ministry of health, learning about their health, vaccine and essential medicine programs.

Our first meeting was with the Minister of Health, she is awesome!  If I had the chance, I would intern under her. She seems demanding, funny and energetic…just like my boss now J. At one point in the meeting she ran out of coffee and signaled to one of her staff that she needed more. Her staff started to get up to tell the secretary that we needed more coffee and the minister said:

‘Sit down. What is this technology of using the foot? Send an SMS’ (an SMS is a text message)

This was so funny to me it took all my effort to not laugh out loud.

The ministry of health has been working with vaccines since 1998 and they are at iover 90% coverage!  This is completely unheard of in most countries. We got a chance to visit their vaccine storehouse; 4 large refrigerators and 1 large freezer that keep all of the vaccines for the country. They also have a huge back-up generator to keep the fridges going when the electricity cuts out (which happened 3 times when we were there for 15 minutes).  They are even already starting their HPV vaccination campaign for all girls in high school. This is soooo far ahead of most developing countries.

Rwanda is one of the only countries that are on track to meet all of their MDG goals.

While meeting with the minister she told us that she is personally responsible for answering to the president about the health goals. The president takes two entire days out of each month to meet with his ministers. Wow!  That’s a lot of time.  The CEOs of companies rarely meet with all of their leaders more frequently than once a month, and they’re just running companies, not entire countries.

Another interesting thing about the Rwandan government is that it has the highest percentage of women in office than any other country in the world. After meeting the minister of health it is obvious that women can be just as rigorous and hard hitting as men.

We also got a chance to visit the central warehouse of all of the medical supplies for the entire country.  The fact that they even have a central warehouse for the country is fantastic. We saw antibiotics, latex gloves, family planning supplies and many other things.  The districts of Rwanda put an order in every month and the supplies are then brought to them by a truck that drives all the way to them, which is also extremely unique. The warehouse is efficient and well organized, more so than most places I’ve worked.

After our meeting for the day, we had a 30 minute break and then we hosted a reception for the Minister of Health and 35 other partners in the area. It was a good event and after it was finished my stress level went down about 105%

It’s a good trip so far!!  Woohoo!

Day 2: Kigali, Rwanda

Please note that this post is just my thoughts.  If you would like to confirm the facts, please do your research.  These are my feelings and how I interpreted what I saw.

I woke up at 8:30am after getting 4.5 hours of sleep.  It was already warm out (actually it never quite got cool) and there was some humidity in the air. I headed down to breakfast and met up with two of my colleagues who were also already here.  The three of us were the first of the group to arrive.

After breakfast, we got out of the hotel for the early part of the day to explore the city a bit.  We started our day at the National Museum of the genocide that occurred in 1994. This is when the Hutu tried to exterminate the Tutsi from the country of Rwanda. The museum was really well done, informative, but not too gory (it’s always a fine line of how much the public can actually handle). Two sections of the museum stood out to me, in particular. 

The first was a video of one of the Hutu perpetrators who had been a ‘genocidaire’ in the massacre.  It was a video of his trial. He was explaining all of the murders that he had been involved in, including the names of the individuals.  He was so matter of fact, and even continued to crack jokes as the judge tried to get information from him. As far as I could tell (and I have about 2 hours of training on this…just what I saw and read in the museum) the way they dealt with the ‘genocidaires’ was in the culturally appropriate method of public confession and forgiveness.  This means that the Hutu who were involved in the killings are still in the same cities and towns where they committed the murders…living right next to the family members of those they had killed.

The second section that hit me hard was a room that was dedicated to the children who were killed in the genocide. The information provided was given by the living family members of these children, mothers, fathers, sisters and grandparents. There was a picture, the age of the child, some small facts, and the way they died.  For instance:

**Age: 4

Favorite food: Chips and soda

Favorite activity: singing and dancing

Best friend: His mum

Death: Hacked by a machete

This made it so real to me.  This little kid sounds just like my niece or nephew!  How awful to watch someone you love killed right in front of you. And the reason? They were born into the ‘wrong tribe’?!?!?!

Some other things that I learned, which I had not known are:

·         These groups were one people until Rwanda was colonized.  The Europeans were obsessed with differentiating social classes and therefore separated these groups into tribes that they created, the Hutu, Tutsi and Twa.

·         Many of the people killed knew their killers personally.  They were neighbors, priests and ‘friends’.

·         This only happened 16 years ago!  Meaning that people my age were teenagers when they witnessed their families being murdered!

After our time at the museum we headed over to have lunch at the Hotel des Milles Collines. We know this as the ‘Hotel Rwanda’, where Paul Rusesabagina boldly saved many from the genocide.

We were sitting at the ‘Hotel Rwanda’ in the beautiful sunshine.  All of a sudden the dark clouds rolled in and the downpour began.  There we sat, under the bar with a grass roof eating our lunch and watching the massive drops fall into the nice clean pool. The rain comes and goes.

While eating lunch our colleague told us of his experience in Rwanda just after the genocide.  He was here in 1995 to help put organizations back together after the tragedy.  I heard stories from him of colleagues who hid in the ceiling of their building for weeks, waiting for a chance to escape.

It’s amazing to think that it was only 16 years ago that this country was torn apart by the genocide of the Tutsi. Today the streets are so clean and crisp, all motorcyclists wear helmets (which is unheard of in Africa).  The rain comes and goes.

**This is a fictional child.  I did not write down the information of one particular child, but I did see all of these entries on at least one plaque…these are just jumbled.

Day 1: Rwanda/Uganda

Lufthansa has been trying to get on the foundation’s good side for years.  Which is why we get free upgrades to first class all the time.  Crazy, I know. 

The super crazy thing is that today I was sitting in the first class lounge in Frankfurt and who sits down across from me?  Will.i.am.* I didn’t get a photograph or autograph to post, but I DID get a conversation and a hand shake, which I very much prefer.

During my short layover in Addis I quickly remembered two of my favorite lingual things about the Ethiopian language: (not that I speak or understand it, but these are small things that you can pick up if visiting for a week like I did last summer). 

Their way of saying ‘Okay…yep…I get it…uh-hu’ is:  ‘Ishee…ishee…ishee…ishee’

They say it constantly and I love it. 

Another thing that makes me laugh every time I hear it (which is often) is when Ethiopians make short, sharp and audible inhalations during a conversation (similar to the sound an American makes if they hear something that surprises them).  This is like saying, ‘Oh, yes, I see!’ The first couple of times I heard it I thought that the person I was speaking to was shocked by something I had said, but then I realized that this is just to acknowledge that what was said is important and understood.

Flying out of Addis at 11pm local time I noticed that the ground looked like the night sky.  Some of the ‘stars’ were even twinkling.  After a couple of seconds to process it I remembered that the electricity is not consistent in Addis, and these lights were twinkling because they were blinking on and off randomly with the electrical inconsistency.

*When he first sat down across from me I had no idea who he was.  I had to wikipedia Black Eyed Peas after they mentioned that band name in their conversation.  Then when I was writing this post I first wrote 'sam.i.am' hahahahahah...what a dork!

Flight path

I’m currently flying from Frankfurt, Germany to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and then after a short layover will continue to Kigali, Rwanda. It will be difficult for me to keep myself in the airport in Addis, rather than running out and finding the friends that I made the last time I was there. We could do an impromptu dance party at and Ethiopian restaurant like last time…only many of my dear friends from around the globe will not be in Addis…so I suppose I will stay in the airport where I belong.

Just as we entered African air space I looked out the window and saw a glowing pink-lemonade patch of clouds, surrounded by the normal lamb tails (which are also beautiful). What is it making that beautiful patch? Just before the pink-lemonade phenomenon, I was looking down on the mountains of Athens.  I’ve never been to Greece, but after seeing those beautiful peeks from above, it’s been added to my bucket list.

Once when I was flying over the mid-west of the United States I saw out my window a billowing black/grey heap of clouds.  The rest of the sky was a blanket of pale gray and then there was one huge nob of black clouds rising higher into the atmosphere.  While watching this mound and contemplating, I suddenly saw the entire heap flash with light and turn completely white.  It continued like this for many minutes, I could even see the individual streams of lightning make their way down the cloud.

It was a seriously amazing thing to see a lightning storm from above. I could actually SEE the lightning where it was being created…AMAZING…and couldn’t help myself from picturing a mini-Zeus standing on a cloud forming the little bolts and plummeting them down to the Earth below.

I love to fly.  The sunrises and sunsets are always beautiful from the vantage point of a plane. This is why you will find me in a window seat on every single flight I take (unless it’s completely impossible and the person at the check-in counter is immune to my most pitiful pouty face). Learning how to fly a plane is on the verge of being on my bucket list but I hesitate to include it because I have such a big bucket already.

My bucket runeth over.

If I could choose a super power, it would definitely be flight.  And I would build some sort of a side car for Sophie (her super power would be getting over her fear of heights) J

Snarphplat (AKA my sister and I are ridiculously awesome)

(Liane) Movie night on Friday? Little Mermaid? Yes?
          (Sarah) I don't have that one!
Wha?!?! You don't have Little Mermaid?!
Does that mean Dylan has never seen it?
          I should get the Little Mermaid. Because she has neat stuff. Her collection's so complete.
          I think she has everything
Well...you would THINK it's complete
          Wouldn't u though?
I don't even know how much one cavern can hold!
          Dylan hasn't seen it I just asked her!!!!
Ummmm...that's ridiculous!  I'm reporting you to CPS
          No don't!!!  I can fix this!
Lololol
          I'm a big fan of her whosits
Not to mention her thing a ma bobs
          I hear she has plenty of those
Yeah...me too and whatsits
This conversation never gets old!
         This text convo should be published for its awesomeness
I know. I'm posting it to my blog
         LOLOLOLOL.

I have Beauty and the Beast on DVR
         I'm proud of you for that.  Is Flounder in that one?  I don't recall.
I sense sarcasm

Slapstastic

Saturday  night started out as any other evening out on the town with the ladies. 

At some point during the night I had mentioned hat we should keep each other accountable to not make the kissy face that drunk girls are commonly accused (rightfully) of doing.  Within a couple of seconds of my suggestion Tiffany deemed that the punishment should be a slap across the cheek.  I was still making the face as a deomnstration when my dear friend Staci thought that she should take that very early opportunity to start the night of slapping.

In the middle of the dance floor Staci slapped me across the cheek...I would call it a medium slap.  I could feel it, but it did not leave a mark or a sting.  My reflexes automatically took over and I returned her slap with a big juicy slapstastic slap. It was so hard that I've been told that you could hear it over the club music that was ringing in our ears.  This second and escelated slap caused one of the most ridiculous dance floor giggle-fests that I've ever been a part of (and I've been a member of many giggle fests).

Once we were out of the club, walking to the afterparty, Tiffany convinced me that I deserved another slap due to my unpredictable and uncalled-for follow-up slap,. Shortly after this was mentioned I felt if across my face.  Time went into slow motion while my face went one direction and my hair the other.  That was a good slap!  It left it's mark (not actually).

True story.

7 miles

Last night Carly and I ran 7 miles...OOOOWWW it was AWESOME!

The run started by heading down 'the hill' through Madison valley.  It's a pretty steep decline, so a fun way to start the run...feeling like a super hero (I really need a cape).  Then we turned left to head through the arboretum, around Lake Washington Boulevard, across the bridge to the UW and then onto the Burke Gilman trail. Then up a decent incline to the University bridge.

The city was so beautiful while heading over the bridge with the deep purple sky (indigo with a touch of plum) and the twinkling lights of the buildings in the distance.  The nice steady decline of the bridge marked the half way point of the run. 

Then we started the climb...what a climb it was.  Turn onto Shelby St. and see a wicked hill just ahead.  The promise was that I was going to keep running...but I never said how fast. After mastering the hill (and by mastering I mean anything better than passing out) we were rewarded with some sprinklers that welcomed us to the park, and then our good friend the water fountain.  Oh sweet water fountain how you love me so!

Properly hydrated, we left the park to start the 1 mile slow climb back to the top of 'the hill'.  By the top I was wheezing and felt like I almost couldn't catch my breath.  But THEN it was a slow downward hill to the Safeway on 15th and John.  We went quick and even had some gusto left to race to the finish.

The final count: 7.02 miles in 74 minutes 32 seconds.  10:32 minute mile. 
K!CK @$$!!

Today I feel strong and awesome, not even sore, just STRONG!

Treadmill

Oh my gosh.  I haven't run on a treadmill in soooo long.  Today during lunch I ventured down to the very posh basement gym here at work (we even have a towel service and showers for after the workout, NICE). I only ran 3 miles.

The machines have personal TVs with headphone plugs for your viewing enjoyment. During the run I was watching the world championships of track and field (a very inspiring and humbling experience).

Ummmm....yeah....running inside is a completely different experience than running outside.  There was no gentle breeze across my face and no smells of ripe blackberry bushes (bummer).  By the end of the run my entire body was SOAKED.  I don't think I've ever sweat so much!  It was disgusting!  Good thing we have showers and a towel service :)

Running - Training week 3

I don't mean to brag...but my run tonight kicked ass!!!  3 miles in 31 minutes with a cat 5 elevation gain rating.  It might not seem fast to some...but that is awesome for me.  Woohoo! 

Tomorrow morning will almost certainly bring a little soreness, but that's okay.  Now off to study while these endorphins are still rushing through my veins!

Woop!

Running - Training day 1

The run today was pretty frustrating.  I felt like I was moving boulders instead of legs (please keep your jokes to yourself ;-) How have I gotten so out of shape in such a short time?  My muscles didn't want to wake up and Sophie kept stopping to sniff things, apparently you can't completely train the hound out of a pup!

After 1.5 miles I wanted to stop and pout, but I didn't!  I switched my iPod to Matisyahu and grooved to the beat while running up hills back home.

When my run was complete I checked my time...2.5 miles in 26 minutes?  That's not bad at all!!!  I should stop being so hard on myself and enjoy the beautiful day next time ;-)

Ironic about perspective

It's so ironic (and frustrating) that within a week of posting the entry about perspective, I'm feeling quite the opposite.  I haven't been so negative, frustrated and angry in a really long time.  There is no specific reason for it, just that I have too much on my plate and keep adding more.

Why do I do this to myself?  Because there are endless things to be interested in in this world...but limited time to experience them.  When is there time to dance, run, study, work, communicate, love and laugh in the same life?  I'm lacking the communication and time for love and laughter right now...and it's wearing on me.

One of my favorite things is spending unconstrained and stress-less time with the friends and family that I love.  Right now I have NO TIME!  The allotted time with my loved ones has strict boundaries on it and that is one of my LEAST favorite things.  It's important to devote time to the relationships that you care about, and to allow that time to be free and giving...now those times are filled with thinking about the other things on my plate and I have nothing to give.

Like a good diet, in life balance is essential, and it is lacking in a major way.

I feel like I've gone to Zoopas and am only eating pasta.  Buttery, fattening pasta...when there are rows and rows of other amazing foods to be had...but I'm just concentrating on the pasta right now...which is good at first...but after the 4th plate it gets a little tiring.

Running - It's getting serious!

I'm once again training for a 1/2 marathon starting now(ish).  Sooo...there will once be much running and little sugar intake in my near future.  This year I'm commiting to expanding my strength training program and increasing the amount I stretch.  This combined with the possible weight loss expected with cutting out the sugar will decrease injuries...well...at least that is the plan.

It's a little nerve racking starting this process again.  I have a lot on my plate right now, and am worried that I'm overloading that plate to the point of breaking.  I will keep record of this experience on my blog. Who knows if it will be interesting (probably not :) but it will be on here none the less.

Perspective

I have a difficult time expressing my frustration about anything in my life.  With my expression of frustration comes much guilt.  I know that it's legitimate for me to be upset that the bus is late or that it's raining outside...or even that sometimes my friends make me upset.  But do I really have it that bad?  NO!  My life is blessed, compared to the majority of the world!

It's difficult for me to figure out how much expression of disappointment and frustration is appropriate and healthy.  When does it cross the line to just plain whiny-ness? I tend to lean to the side of not complaining because I feel guilt when I do...but then where does the frustration and disappointment go?

For instance:

Photo from PBS article 

I understand that it sucks that we are currently having crappy summer weather in Seattle and I also understand that we are free to express our frustration with the lack of sun. This article explains exactly how Autumn-esc our (supposed) summer has been this year: Komo New Article

However, when I opened this article about Somalia's current situation I was about 2 seconds from crying.

Our weather is not great, but we have food and we have blankets to wrap ourselves in at the park...and we have umbrellas and rain jackets when the water starts dropping.  We are not experiencing anything even close to what those in other parts of the world are enduring...heck...we aren't even having to put up with what many people in other parts of our country are experiencing right now.

When I find myself complaining (which is way too often...ummm...like---every day): I immediately don't understand myself because my life is so blessed!

• I'm tired because I'm taking classes while working full time: I can AFFORD to have the opportunity to go to college.
• I'm sick of being single: I live in a portion of the world where women are FREE to be single and make THEIR OWN decision!
• My pants are fitting a little tight: I have TOOO MUCH food (amazing!!!)

And the reason for many of the blessings in my life is the simple chance of location at birth...it's not because I'm better or more loved by God than those in other parts of the world.  It's a random fact...a fact that is quite convenient for my life...but quite inconvenient for millions of others.

So, Seattle friends, although you may continue to complain about our weather I will ignore you, if you don't mind. I will continue to be thankful for the fact that the temperature is not 125 degrees and that there is food on my table every meal of every day.

Rather than complaining about my frustrations and disappointment I will try to (but expect to fail often) give them to God! He is better at taking care of problems than I am anyway.

Art - Nick Cave Soundsuit

When I first entered the exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum I was not completely enthusiastic by the idea. I thought some of the suits went a little overboard...and didn't really understand the point. I was like:
'WTH man...there's a bear made out of sweaters?'

After some time of walking through the exhibit, I began to like the different suits that were surrounding me and finally fell in love with the concept. The change happened when I saw a plaque in one of the back rooms, with the original Soundsuits, which explained the idea and reason for the art.

The soundsuits originated in Nick Cave's mind, just after the beating of Rodney King in 1991. He was sitting under a tree in a park contemplating that perhaps if Rodney had been masked, and cops had not know that he was a black man, the beating might have never happened.

His first suit started by him picking up a twig from under the tree.  He made an entire suit out of the twigs,  suit that would have masked King’s identity as a black male. After completing the suit, Cave put it on and heard the twigs rubbing together, making quite a bit of noise...and the name Soundsuit was born.

Nick Cave has said the following about the concept: 'When someone’s gender, race, and class are masked others must look at that someone with new eyes. At a masquerade, for example, we have to decide about each figure we meet whether to run from it or hug it.'

I want to hug it!
Sometimes I struggle with the concept of art.  What makes something art? This is an age old question, and I'm not even going to try to pretend like I know the answer.  However, what I do (think) I know is that what is art to one person is not necessarily art to the next. I also know that the Nick Cave Soundsuits are art (to me). They touch something deep within my soul.  Perhaps it's because I understand the purposeful masking of onesself to trully express what is within.I relate to the soundsuits. 

A not-so-secret part of me is the part that enjoys dressing up in costume.  I take every chance I'm presented with to be a mascot or to wear a silly wig.  I enjoy expressing myself without words, and also enjoy that, when wearing a complete costume people  have no idea who I am.  It's so much fun to act like a complete goof ball with noone knowing that it's you (although I'm usually a goof ball even when I don't have anything covering my face).

In addition to the freedom of your identity, these suits also offer a ton of fun because the materials moves in a great way when you dance.  I've never worn one...but I'm pretty sure it would make my year if I ever got the opportunity.  In the exhibit there was a video with some of the suits dancing and watching it actually made me giddy...a reactiont that was not expected.
Nick Cave has said,  “Movement is a method of protest. Without movement there is no sound, but movement activates.”

Youtube video

I got the opportunity to see some of the suits dance while they were in Seattle, and took some quick photos :)

Sex trade - Soap box

***I have been reading and learning a lot about the sex trade industry (including porn, strip clubs and prostitution). I will be posting my thoughts about this as I learn.  Please note that I am LEARNING and although some of the posts in this series might seem upset or judgemental...I understand (and I hope you do too) that it's all part of the learning process and that I'm grappling with the issue....not passing judgement or assuming that I'm an expert***

Yesterday I started (and nearly finished) the book Renting Lacy.  This book is about the current situation of trafficked and prostituted women in the United States.  Actually, I should say: trafficked and prostituted GIRLS in the United States.  Did you know that the AVERAGE age of girls starting as sex workers (whether it be for prostitution or porn) is 12 to 14?!?!!? 

Do you realize that these girls would be in 5th or 6th grade? 

Do you realize that when you watch that porn that 'all guys watch' you are inadvertantly feeding this disgusting machine that steels girls from their neighborhoods and possible happy life? Do you realize that the demoralization of the United States is increasing the demand for young girls?

I'm so frustrated and flabergasted by this situation right now.  Thousands of our 12-14 year olds are being used to feed the sexual perversity and hunger that is present in this country.  Call me a prude if you like...but this is one major reason why I don't think porn is okay...it just feeds the cycle...and it makes me want to weep and vomit all at the same time.

Please - Let our children be children...not your way to get off.

• At least 100,000 American children are being used for porn or prostitution every year
• Investigative research reveals that pimps commonly sell minor girls for $400.00 on US streets
• 12-14 is the average age of entry into porn and prostitution, but their ages are often mislabeled
• 1 out of 5 pornographic images is of a child

HILL

'Mom....she couldn't even  make it up a hill.' When I was in sixth grade I overheard my sister say this to my mom after we had gone on a bike ride. Sarah didn't mean to embarrass me or make fun of me with the comment...I think it was more out of concern.

Perhaps this is the reason why I feel it necessary to participate in bike to work month now as an adult.  Every workday during the month of May I haul my ars up Capitol Hill. Although I sometimes have to stop before making it to the top and I am ALWAYS head-poundingly out of breath by the time I'm done, I'm always proud of myself.

When I was young I was so extremely frustrated with my chubbiness.  Now that I'm older I think that my chubbiness might have been a bit of a blessing.  While everyone else took it for granted that they were thin (and assumed that they always would be), I was forced to take action at a young age to battle against the bulge.  Now it's habit and I find myself thinking frequently 'this is the thinnest I've ever been as an adult'.

It's been a loooong up hill battle, but I'm happy to say that I am further up this hill of health than I was years ago.

Tap tap tipitty tap

HHOOOOHH my goodness!  Yesterday was my first tap dancing lesson since college. SOOO MUCH FUN!

Tap dancing makes me feel like my heart and soul are soaring.  I know that I dance nothing like the greats of the past like Sammy Davis Jr., Gene Kelly or Donald O'Connor, but I certainly have just as much fun.  Yesterday at my lesson I was all giddy and giggly and silly.  Whenever I messed up I would just start to laugh.  I know that sooner or later (probably sooner rather than later) I will have a practice day that is absolutely and utterly frustrating and overwhelming, but yesterday was SO great! We started learning the shim sham...OOOOW!


I'm extremely excited to continue my lessons and have decided that I'm committed to taking lessons for the next year.  Usually with dancing I do a class for one quarter and then decide that it's too expensive and stop.  After a couple of years I can't contain myself anymore and break down to buy another quarter of classes. Now I've decided that I love it so much that I need to make the sacrifices necessary to allow myself to do it for the next year.

WOOHOO!!!

Girls weekend

Oh my wonderful girls, I just love all of you so much!  There is much to be learned during a girls weekend, such as pateince flexibility and the ability to relax.  I was so relaxed this last weekend, I can't remember th last time I felt that way...it was great, but also very eye opening because I just SLEPT FOREEEEEVER!

I'm kind of overwhelmed with how much I appreciate the girls in my life.  I wish I could have a little town where all of my friends would be able to fulfil their life dreams...then I could live in the same place as everyone and stop by for casual afternoon tea.  I'm so over this big world where it takes me 45 minutes to 8 hours (+) to see my best friends.  Although I appreciate what Facebook has done to make the world smaller...it just isn't enough!  I want all of the jobs and opportunities to be in one place...then I wouldn't ever have to say goodbye and 4 days wouldn't seem like such a short time because I would be used to having people around all of the time.

The night that I get back home from a visit with friends is always a bittter sweet time.  I like having time to recharge and sleep, time to think and organize and be quiet.  But I instantly miss the faces that I love.  I miss the frustrations and arguments just as much as I miss the laughter and hugs.  I just miss the real relationships with people.   

Holding pattern

I haven't posted in almost a month!  WTH man!?!?!  There's not excuse and really no reason for it, I just haven't felt like typing something out I suppose.  I'm going through a bit of a difficult time right now.  I don't think that it's necessarily negative, just difficult.

After visiting Davis, CA for grad school interviews and meetings, I decided not to go there.  This means that I won't be going to grad school at all next year, ugh!  Going to grad school next year has been my plan for a really long time, and I'm having a hard time with the fact that my life is now up in the air.  I don't know what I'm going to do and what my life is going to end up looking like. 

I feel like I was on a spcific trojectory, and now the possibilities are endless.  This is REALLY exciting, but equally scarey.  I could end up as a researcher in the developing world, a nurse in the US, a bed and breakfast owner or a stay at home mom.  WHAT WILL IT BE!?!?  I don't know, which worries me.  I would like things to be figured out soon, but these are things that I can't actually figure out, they just have to happen and fall into place.

SO for now I'm in a holding pattern.  I will keep moving forward and will not push doors open that don't want to be opened...well...that's the goal at least.

Love me do

Running the risk of sounding very narcasistic I'm going to post this.

I was just clicking through photos from the last 2 years.  A photo of my best friend and me flashed on the screen, and I suddenly had a deep love for myself.  I have these moments frequently for the people that are in my life, those who give me the honor of allowing me to love them.  However, this is the first time that I've ever felt it for myself.

Seeing the picture of me and my best friend, I suddenly saw myself through her eyes.  I'm not going to go into too much detail...because that would make me feel weird...listing all of the things that I have just realized are so awesome about me.

Let's just say that I am in complete awe of what God has done with this broken piece of  a person that used to be me.  I have reasons, as many of us do, to sit around feeling sorry for myself; lost loves, broken relationships, snuffed out dreams.  But what would the use of that be?  God has MADE me.  HE wants me here and HE has a plan for my life.  I am allowed to think that I'm amazing because that in turn gives praise to the God that I love.

What would happen if we all lived our lives with the confidence that we are meant to be here?  Let's become bold with ourselves and our personalities.  It's a real shame to see people sitting behind a mask that they have made.  If we take off our masks and allow ourselves and God a real look at what's underneath we will change for the better (if we let Him have His way when He speaks to us).

Adventure

My heart always lifts during takeoff.  There’s something about flying over the earth that makes me feel at home.  Maybe it’s something about the fact that it’s always sunny up here.  More likely, it’s because most of my favorite memories have started with a ride on a plane.  I am currently surrounded by IT folk who are going to the video game convention in Boston…it kind of smells like a boy’s locker room in here. I’m not sure if the two are linked… I’m just sayin’.

I love the adventure that is at the other side of a flight.  Wherever I touch down, I know that I’m going to experience something that I never have before.  The question is: Why don’t I expect that of everyday life at home?  Each day is brand new!  Each day is like a new country, a new city, a new reality.  I will meet new people and go to new places every day of my life, whether it be in Seattle or across the globe. Wouldn’t it be great to feel the excitement of a trip every morning?  The possibilities are endless.

Perhaps the reason why I have great adventures and meet extremely interesting people while I’m traveling is because I have more patience, interest and excitement than in my everyday life.  I live on Capitol Hill …for goodness freaking sakes.  If I can’t find interesting people and adventure where I’m at then there is no hope for me!

On an average day I wake up, take Sophie out just long enough for her to stop jumping around and ‘pee already!’. Then I get in my car, trod to my desk in the office (sometimes I go to the communal fridge first to drop off my lunch).  I turn on my screen and settle in for the day, allowing my abs and back to relax into an unpleasant slouch that has proven rough on my lower back and hips over the last 3 years of this tired routine.  Depending on who is in the office, and my mood, I may say hello to people as my computer warms up, or I may not. For the following 9-10 hours I slouch at my desk, getting lower and lower in my chair as the day goes on.  If it’s an exciting day I may laugh a lot…or perhaps get in a fight with the Accounts Payable department, which seems to be my favorite self caused drama lately.

BUT – what if my day went a little ‘som’fin’ like this:

I wake up with no alarm set with a promising feeling in my soul. I say ‘hello’ to the one that created me when I wake.* After taking my lovely puppy for a wonderfully long walk, allowing her and myself smell the roses, and playing with her in an involved tug session I leave for work.  Upon walking to the bus station I notice that it is beginning to rain and I notice the smell of the rain, one of the reasons why I love living in Seattle.

On the bus I listen to my iTouch quietly and eavesdrop on the silly conversation of those around me who are also heading to work.  Soon they will all be expected to be extremely professional and adult, but there aren’t such rules on the bus. After walking the 10 minutes from the bustop to work I greet the secretary at the front desk with a smile before I head to the elevator. Once I’m upstairs I head straight to the kitchen where I put my wonderfully delicious homemade meal in the fridge for later consumption.

When walking to my desk I stop to say hello to people and I actually listen when they reply to my, ‘good morning, how be you?’ Once I reach my desk I light my soothing candle and make a design in my miniature zen sand garden.** I sit up straight with my abs engaged...looking quite elegant if I do say so myself. During the day when someone comes to my desk I put them first instead of the email that sits in front of me. I finish my work while it's still light out and head to the bus.

I get back on the bus to head home and fall in love with a man. We go live happily ever after...having tons of children. We live our lives out in a house in the country with a pottery studio looking out to a lake.  Our family takes extended vacations all the time to awesome places with great adventure...like Capitol Hill in downtown Seattle :-D

*I almost wrote ‘I say ‘hello’ to the one I created when I wake’….ummm…perhaps there will be a blog entry in the future about that unfortunate Freudian slip!

**LOL – just joking…I just thought that would be funny. (no offense if you have those things at your desk at work, I WISH I was that cool…)

Se la vi

I found out earlier this week that the second of the three schools that I applied to for grad school denied me....bummer.  There's only one option left, and the fact that I haven't heard any feedback from them makes me really worried that I'm not high on their list of possible students for next year.
The very strange thing about this situation is that I'm not overly anxious about being declined.  It was a blow to my ego but I have a real feeling of peace.  My  life so far has worked out when I trust God with the outcome and I don't know why I would change that now. He has always been faithful to me and I'm excited to discover the next adventure that He has for me.

Sex trade - introduction

***I have been reading and learning a lot about the sex trade industry (including porn, strip clubs and prostitution). I will be posting my thoughts about this as I learn.  Please note that I am LEARNING and although some of the posts in this series might seem upset or judgemental...I understand (and I hope you do too) that it's all part of the learning process and that I'm grappling with the issue....not passing judgement or assuming that I'm an expert***
It is absolutely crazy to me that there is such a silent problem of human trafficking in our modern world.  The craziest part is that most people don't even know about it...well that needs to stop! Here are some confirmed (and disturbing) facts about the sex trade in the United States*:

• At least 100,000 American children are being used for porn or prostitution every year
• Investigative research reveals that pimps commonly sell minor girls for $400.00 on US streets
• 12 is the average age of entry into porn and prostitution, but their ages are often mislabeled
• 1 out of 5 pornographic images is of a child

Earlier this month I attended a silent vigil at Westlake Center to raise awareness of human trafficking. The Washington State Attorney General, Rob McKenna, was there to show his support.  I'm very happy that he is the president-elect of the National Association of Attorneys Generals. His continued dedication and support to the issues of human trafficking and sex workers gives me hope that there might be a change in the future.

It may seem like this problem is far from us, but the closer you look the more disturbing it is that this is taking place in our local schools and street corners. Here are some resources on the subject/issue and ways to get involved in the fight against this ridiculous problem:

Article: Recent police activities
Organization: Seattle Against Slavery
Organization: Shared Hope Inernational
Short clip: Women to go
Upcoming documentary: Sex + Money

*Facts pulled from following this document 

Dear Cornell University and UC Davis.  Please accept me...I promise to be a good grad student...honest.

Perscription: snuggle with your baby

In the United States (or any developed country) you can go into a hospital at any time and see babies under warming lights and incubators.  In developed countries these are a great idea because we have the resources to keep them hygienic.  However, in developing countries the tools and supplies are not available for the proper maintenance of such technologies.  As my boss put it, 'they quickly become dangerous petri dishes for infection'.


The very simple, natural and innovative solution that has been found is called Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).  This is called a health interventions, but it is simply the mother (or another relative) holding the premature infant skin to skin on the chest.  When this intervention was introduced it was solely to keep the infant warm.  After studying the reaction of the baby more closely it was discovered that the contact did way more than just warm the infant.  The babies heart beats began to regulate, their immune systems were stronger and they were more calm and content.

It's funny to me that we need to be told to do what should come so naturally, just lay down and snuggle with your sweet baby!  There is not strong evidence that the KMC is a better choice than incubators when they are kept clean and germ free.  However, it is definitely a better choice than the very scary petri dishes in the developing world.

If you are interested, here are some more resources to educate yourself about KMC.

Inspiring video:
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/videos/Pages/default.aspx#video=/livingproofproject/Pages/kangaroo-mother-care-malawi.aspx&pager=0&filter=&autostart=true 
How-to guide from WHO: http://www.who.int/making_pregnancy_safer/documents/9241590351/en/
New York Times Article:
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/13/the-human-incubator/?hp
Cochran Review:
http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab002771.html
KMC info site:
http://www.kangaroomothercare.com/index.htm

New Month Resolution

Why do we keep all of our goals for the beginning of the year?  This practice reminds me of how home owners frequently procrastinate the updates to their house until are about to put in on the market.  I would like to make changes to myself thorughout the year, rather than wait until I feel crappy about things at the beginning of the year...and then do an overhaul.

My New Month Resolution for February is to start a budget and really keep track of what I spend.  I trully believe that what Dave Ramsey says is true 'if you don't control your money it will control you'.  In the past I succeeded with a budget and I want to do that again. 

Also, in the month of February I am going to explore the Seattle surroundings.  I often get bored and want to go away to some far off place for vacation...why do I do that?  There are so many things right here in Washington that I've never done.  Some things that I want to do but never have are:

• See an Orca Whale, it has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember
• Spend a whole day at the Native American museums on the peninsula, what a fascinating history that we're surrounded with!
• Go to Mnt Rainier
• Go to Mnt Saint Helens
• Ride the Duck, the people are loud and obnoxious and I LOVE IT!
• Use the gift card I have for Jazz Alley
• Use the swing dance lessons that I have on account at Century Ballroom

These might not all get done during the month of February, but I will get them all done eventually!

Sparkly night

I love the snow every time it shows up.  It is magical, beautiful, fun and intrusive.  I love that it makes you stop and reconsider your plans (at least it does in Seattle because it's hard to get anywhere in the snow).  Tonight I was supposed to go out to dinner to celebrate a birthday and then go swimming with a friend, which I would have really enjoyed but instead I'm forced to stay here at home.

Tonight I have cleaned my kitchen, made a pumpkin pie, watched 3 episodes of Lost, worked on my niece's hat and took Sophie on a long walk in the snow.  What a great night...the only thing that could make it better would be to have someone to snuggle with :-)

Taking Sophie on walks in the snow is one of my favorite things to do.  She puts into action the way that I feel about the snow.  She sprints, jumps, runs in circles and looks like a complete goofball doing it.  I think I need to be more like my puppy when I grow up.  What's the reason for me not running, jumping and looking like a fool?  There is no reason.  Maybe I will leave this computer to do that right....NOW!

The fog is gentle yet intruding
Beautiful yet dull
Fascinating and ordinary
Walk through the curtain of mist and feel the contradiction

Dye lot

'I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down
 *Abraham Lincoln*

It is truly a wonderful thing when you find a friend who was cut from the same cloth.  I am so very blessed to  have friends who understand me fully and love me anyway.  These friends and I do so many things together; laugh, sit in silence, hike, triathlon, marathon.

I have learned from, and been blessed by, my friends more than can be expressed (so I don't know why I'm trying!). These people have made me who I am.  Without them I would not know how to solve conflicts,  dance, knit, make hot buttered rum, communicate effectively, identify random plants in the forest or make gingerbread pieces of art :-)

From my very first friend until now I hold every single person close to my heart.  There are many people who have left over the years whether by natural drifting or altercation.  I have learned to look past these situations to find the good in the memories (some days it is more possible than others.)  Although there have been some tough endings to friendships...and most I wish had not ended...I do not regret one smile, tear or word that has been said. These relationship have truly made me who I am today.  I know that in the future there will be more new friendships and more that come to an untimely end, but I will continue moving forward and holding each in my heart like a small light that brightens every day.

This may be one of my posts that is a little too warm and fuzzy...but if I'm being overtaken by love and joy...why not share it?  If you are reading this and you are a past, current or future friend please know that you are treasured and that you were made to be the exact person that you are.  You have touched at least one person's life, MINE!

Food for thought

During the spring of last year I did a 3 week cleanse diet through my chiropractor.  The cleanse consisted of a protein drink, fruits, vegetables and chicken/fish.  For the entire time I was not allowed to have any kind of grain (other than 1/2 cup rice per day) and definitely not anything processed.  After the diet I started eating 'normally' again and immediately experienced shortness of breath (something that I've been experiencing for years) as well as indigestion and headaches.  After explaining this to my chiropractor she referred me to a great naturopathic doctor, Kim Celmer, for some allergy testing.

I had a blood test done as well as a funky test that had to do with energy flows in my body. After the tests I started an elimination diet and took out 15 things (pretty much everything) for over 1 month. After the month I began to work the foods back in 1 by 1 and kept a detailed log of my body's reactions to these reintroduced foods. The whole process took about 2.5 months. I had my days of extreme frustration with the strict diet, but I think that understanding my body is completely invaluable.

I found out that I'm mildly sensitive to corn (it hurts my throat), gin and red wine (they turn flush) and onions (they give me heart burn). I also have a more extreme sensitivity to wheat (not gluten), chicken eggs and whey protein (which means I can still have cheese...AWESOME).  I know that I have an extreme sensitivity to these things because when I put them back into my diet I gained 12 pounds in 10 days...which is pretty impossible especially due to the fact that I was training for a marathon and running 25 miles per week when this happened.  It turns out that when I ate those things, my body went into an inflammation response and held water all over.  So, I was bloating and puffy and unhappy.

The good news is that I'm fortunate that I have easy alternatives.  I am NOT sensitive to gluten...it's wheat.  This means that I can still cook with barley, rye and spelt* (yummmmm....spelt!).  Also, I can have duck eggs, so I often make cookies with spelt flour and duck eggs and they're still pretty yummy.

A couple of days ago I went to my amazing chiropractor, Katherine Ellison, because my mid back was hurting really badly.  Once I laid down she did her assessment on my body and said 'well, this middle back section is where all of the stress is expressed when your digestive tract is inflamed...have you been eating something you aren't supposed to?'  Well yes, yes I had!!!  I had a tortilla and some cookies made with wheat the day before.  The milk, eggs and wheat in those foods affected me more than I would like to admit.  It's amazing to me what alternative medicine doctors know just from feeling your muscles and pressure in between your bones.

So, lesson learned, I do have to be strict and obnoxious at restaurants. It's so frustrating that I can't eat anything I want at any time, but what I feel when I do eat them just isn't worth it. I'm super duper thankful for the entire process of this food sensitivity testing.  I haven't felt better in years.  My breathing is better, I've lost a ton of weight, my mood is better and I'm less cranky.




*BTW: the blogger spell check does not recognize the word spelt...so it's not just my friends that have no idea what it is ;-)