Am I cleansed???

So that is the question isn't it?? Am I cleansed??? :)

I did the 10 day cleanse (see two entries below if you don't know what I'm talking about....) It was great and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. Not only to get the crap out of your body...it also teaches you a lot about yourself. I learned that I do have willpower and that food doesn't have to control me. I also was amazed to realize how much our world revolves around food. Whenever you get together with a friend, what do you do? You go eat. And how do we plan our days?? They are usually structured around our meals.

Since coming off the cleanse I've been cooking more and really trying to focus on when and why I eat. I'm *mostly* vegan...but not completely. I'm just trying to eliminate things that are bad for my body, especially processed foods...and eat more fruits and vegetables (yes - believe it!!!) I make a mean smoothie, let me tell you.

So yeah, I'm not perfect...but at least I'm trying!!!!

Day 5 of The Cleanse

I am almost halfway through my cleansing...yep that's right, I, Reba So, have not eaten since last Saturday (it's Thursday). I am doing what's called The Master Cleanser (google it to find out more about it). Anyway, it's a cleanse program that's been around since the 70's. Basically, what you do is drink 6-12 glasses of "lemonade" a day...and by lemonade I mean: 10 oz water, the juice of a lemon, 2 T pure maple syrup, and a teeny bit of cayenne pepper.

The concept is that it cleanses you, detoxifies your body. (ie. It gets all the nasty crap out of your body!!!). My plan is to eat much more raw fruits and vegetables after this is over. It's 10 days by the way. I'm also going to cut dairy and eggs out of my diet. I won't be a strict vegan I don't think, but I do hope to try lots of new foods that are better for you. And quit eating processed and refined foods - ick!

So you can see, I'm going to be a health nut! :)

For those of you who read that I haven't eaten in 5 days, please don't freak out! It's completely healthy and I've done lots of research! Believe it or not, maple syrup has all the vitamins and minerals we need! Plus I have 2 of my favorite people doing it with me, so we're all giving each other moral support.

Wireless Internet - the Best Invention Ever

Picture this:

8:00 pm
All-day meeting, still meeting
WIRELESS INTERNET

Sound good??? Hell yeah it does!!!! I must say I'm an excellent multi-tasker - you know it....so I'm TOTALLY paying attention AND updating my blog at the same time (Jennifer, if this doesn't warrant a comment, I don't know what does!!!!) I'm updating my blog while in a meeting :)

Who doesn't love wireless internet???

Wireless internet has allowed me to stay sane today...plus keep in touch with important people - you know who you are ;)

In other news - should I join Facebook?? It's trendy, and I don't like to be trendy....but sooo many people that I'm hanging out with right this moment are soooo into it - and I'm starting to feel like I need it (just like I did when I started this silly blog in D.C. - thanks Jennifer :) Please - if you are reading this let me know if you have Facebook so I can decide if I should take the plunge!!!!!

No comment?

Ok, well I guess I must write about boring things....since NO ONE wants to comment on my entries!!! :) I know I haven't written much lately....just hasn't much "blog worthy" stuff happening ( I thank Elizabeth for that phrase ;)

See....this blog is so boring, you can't NOT comment!!!! :)

V-Day....and Chocolate

Oh yeah baby it's the big Valentine's Day today. Life is good though - I just found out that not only is chocolate good for me - it's also good for the environment.

Check it out: http://www.nrdc.org/thisgreenlife/

Yummy

On a Caffeine High

Pretty sure I don't have anything to write right now....but it's 11:45 pm here in Chi-town, a time I would normally be asleep, or thinking I'd better get to bed. But not tonite.

Why you ask???

Because I was at Starbuck's all afternoon, chugging down lattes. BIG mistake!!!!!!

I am SOOOO tired, but I literally can't stop moving, nor can I shut my eyes. Oh yeah, I tried. I laid in bed and realized it was a complete waste of my time.

So why was I at Starbuck's indulging myself in all this caffeine?

I WAS FINISHING MY ESSAYS FOR GRAD SCHOOL!!! AND I DID FINISH THEM!!

Whew. All I have to do is print them and send them off. I should be excited shouldn't I? Relieved? Like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders??

Maybe the reason I don't feel all that is because I'm drugged up from all the caffeine. Did I really NEED all that caffeine to keep me going? Did I really NEED to get that 2nd and 3rd coffee???

Don't get me wrong, I'm psyched that my stuff is done. And I even think it's pretty decent.

But I must admit I'm pretty terrified as well (Wow I feel like this might be too much information for my innocent little blog!!!) :) hehehe you've been warned.

I'm applying to 3 schools. 3 schools in completely different areas of country. 3 schools each with tons of pros, but each has their cons as well. I really like all 3. I have absolutely NO IDEA where I'm going to be in 5 months!!!

Hmmm...maybe it's not the caffeine keeping me awake. Maybe it's my own crazy self.

Other than that, everything is fabulous!!! :)

Save Grizzly Bears!!

Bush and his cronies are trying to take grizzly bears off the endangered species list!!! However, there is still only a small number still living in the Yellowstone area, and taking them of this list would also make it legal for hunters to shoot and kill them.

Please go to the following website: http://www.savebiogems.org/bears/takeaction.asp to learn more and sign a petition! It only takes but a moment...

Knitters Unite!

Virginia let me know about this website:

http://www.wisforwomen.com/

It is fabulous!! Everyone knows where I stand politically...and everyone knows that I'm a knitter....

Are you confused yet?? Politics?? Knitting?? All together??

Check it out :)

It's Been a Long Time

Well, after the last month of travelling I am psyched to be settled back in Chi-town again!!! Not to say the travels weren't awesome...but living out of a suitcase gets old after awhile. In case you aren't up to date on where I went (and some of my fave pics):

Home - for Christmas of course! It went quickly, and I had the Gathering looming over my head the whole time...but it was still nice to be home for a few days.

San Diego - the LSM National Gathering...it was fabulous!!! Since it was my second year doing it, I was so much more relaxed, and had more time to hang with new and old friends. It really couldn't have been any better!


(New Year's Eve on the balcony with my hot new pals) (me and Elizabeth - taking a break!)

Jamaica mon - Oh yeah baby - even though we missed our flight, we still got there ok a day late. It's the only time I've ever gone anywhere without ANY obligations. The main goal of each day was to lay out on the beach as much as possible! We did spend one day doing a waterfall hike - meaning we just hiked right through the water. Pretty sure I don't know the last time I did something that cool!! I have a nice tan - wait, I mean had...it's already faded in this lovely Chicago weather. :)


(after a sunset) (me and Heather - hotties chillin')

South Carolina - first half of the week for a meeting, second half fun times with Virginia, Michael, and Kat!!! We spent some time in Charleston, mostly walking around and eating/drinking a lot!! (Wet Willie's I will be back!!) ;) A lovely day of watching football, eating pizza, and drinking margaritas on Sunday.


(me and Virginia - hotness!!!) (me and Kat - more hotness!!!)

So that's my trips in a nutshell!! I was in Chicago a total of 2 days in over a month!! Fun Times! Next trip??? Hmmm definitely Minneapolis to see all my peeps in the hood. Peace out y'all.

Jamaica, Here I Come!!!

Ok, so maybe my flight was SUPPOSED to be today...and maybe I DID sleep through my alarm this morning. But praise the Lord, Heather and I are still on our way to Jamaica, mon - only a day late.

Not that I didn't have a good excuse for sleeping through my alarm...probably got about 12 total hours sleep in the last 5 days!!! But the National Gathering in San Diego is officially over, and I survived it. I think it went well, and it sounds like the participants had a great time. I spent New Year's Eve on the balcony of my hotel with several great new and old friends, overlooking the San Diego bay - couldn't really ask for better than that!!

Peace out friends - I will post some pics from my Jamaica trip when I return (IF I return - did I mention when we missed the flight they also cancelled our return trip?!)

KC

Hi, My name is Becky and I am addicted to Kettle Chips.

(Funny how often this blog is where I write about food....) Hmmm

If you haven't tried Kettle Chips recently, and you're looking for a new food to make you fat, check out Kettle Chips. Plain old "lightly salted" flavor. I think I've eaten at least 10 servings in 2 nights. Wonder what I'm going to wear on New Year's Eve since I won't be able to fit into my dress because I'll have gained 10 pounds in chips (not to mention all the Christmas treats)

Yummy!

Am I really in Minnesota??

It is snowing like a mo-fo here in Chicago. It's our first "real" snow and everyone forgot how to drive. Luckily, I took the bus today and didn't have to deal with all the crazy drivers. HOWEVER, I was on a 3 mile bus ride for over an hour, and it was crowded and wet and smelly. Eew.

The forecast is for up to 9 inches - and wind chills 0 to 10 below.

Just in case you don't believe me, here's a picture of my car parked outside my building:



It doesn't look too bad though, does it? It's only supposed to snow another couple hours...

Turnips - my new favorite veggie

Jennifer likes to write about her cooking "experiments" in her blog, so I wanted to join the party. :)

I get a produce box full of organic fruits and veggies at a local co-op every week. I tend to get a lot of items I would never have purchased individually, or that I had never heard of before.

I had a turnip the other week and I thought, what the heck am I going to do with a turnip??? Pretty sure I've never eaten a turnip before....

...until TONIGHT. Yes, I tried Jennifer's recipe and they were GOOD!! Why?? Why is a turnip good?? I wish I would have taken a picture. But definitely check out Jennifer's blog if you're interested and feelin' brave.

This week I got "sunchokes" in my box, along with beets and several heads of broccoli - I think it's winter and they don't know what to do, because Becky So is not so happy with this week's box. Prize goes to the first person who can tell me what the hell sunchokes are :) (Jennifer, you don't count, I already told you!)

Buddy got cuter

Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but Buddy is growing up and getting cuter every time I see him! He likes getting his picture taken and always looks right at the camera. I even entered him in a "cutest kitty" contest. :)



As you can see, he also has a big beautiful bushy tail. I never woulda thunk I'd love a kitty cat so much - I've always been more of a dog person myself.

Speaking of, I really think Buddy needs a puppy playmate. My dad wants a golden retriever but wants to wait til their in the new house - but I'm of the opinion that they should train a new puppy in the old house...oh well.

Homework

I'd forgotten what it's like to have "homework." As I sit here, thinking of any possible things I could do to procrastinate (eating being top on my list), I should be writing my entrance essay for candidacy. Hey, maybe I'll write here all about what I want to do next in my life, and when everyone asks me, I can just direct them to my blog!! :)

At the moment I'm torn between just packing up in May when this job ends, moving back to MN and finding a job for a year (maybe McDonald's would hire me??) OR my other option is actually getting my darn essay done, and applying for school so that I can do something worthwhile (Something tells me this is probably the better option).

Here's what I have to write about (in a condensed nutshell): 4-6 pages about
1. events, circumstances, and people who've affected my faith and sense of call, and how others encouraged me to explore "theological study."
2. my family of origin and how it shaped who I am
3. current life situation, including marriage situation (nonexistent), physical, spiritual, and emotional health (all excellent of course...except for those 3 buttery biscuits I just ate in 5 minutes), and financial situation (poor)
4. reflect on my personal journey of faith
5. reflect on understanding of ministry I feel called (diaconal ministry - I want to get a dual degree in social work, and see where that takes me. I don't feel called to be an ordained pastor at this time in my life.)

Whew!!! Soooo apparently I will have no trouble with the length. I've determined that I could write a book about this (I didn't say it'd be an *interesting* book...just a long one!!)

Don't even ask me which schools I'm applying to....but if you're interested, I'm probably applying to schools in: Chicago, Philadelphia, Berkeley, and St. Paul. Hmmm....

HELP!!

Where, oh where are my Packers?!

Last night on Monday Night Football, the Packers got beat yet again. Oh so sad. Not only did the Packers lose the game - they lost it to the stupid Vikings!!! And not only did they lose to the Vikings but I lost a bet as a result!!

Matt bet me a bottle of vodka that the Vikings would win. I'm thinkin' it should be a teeny bottle because the Vikings only won off a field goal in the last few seconds....

I know none of you reading this probably care about football even. Oh well, you'll have to hear me lament anyway. I will stand by my Packers always!!! And I will always bet bottles of vodka on them!! It's a win-win situation ;)

Countdown to Harry Potter 4

Only FOUR more days til the release of Harry Potter Goblet of Fire. Here in Chicago it will be playing at the IMAX at Navy Pier. An expensive yet so cool way to see the movie. Who's going with me???

I'm excited for it, however I was disappointed with Harry Potter #3. It was my favorite book, but the movie just wasn't what I expected. I wonder how this 4th one will be???

Subscribe to my blog!

Oh yes, you can now SUBSCRIBE to my blog!! Only ONE email will be sent on the days I update my blog, letting you know that I've updated. How cool is that?? Just go enter your email over there on the right side of my blog...

You may also notice that I now have a counter on my blog, wayyyyy at the bottom. It will be necessary for you to come back often so that I have a high count!!!

Please use recycled toilet paper!!

I'm sick and have no voice today, so I am FORCED to hang out on the internet and write a new entry in my blog!!!

I would like to quote a recent email from the National Resource Defence Council:

You can help save trees by purchasing recycled tissues, toilet paper, napkins and paper towels.

(did you know that if every U.S. household replaced just one roll of virgin fiber toilet paper with a 100%-recycled one, we could save *423,900* trees?).

NRDC has made it easy for you -- just visit our new consumer guide and learn which brands are the most (and least) forest-friendly: http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp

We've even created a printable wallet card that you can easily bring with you when you shop:
http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/tissueguide/walletcard.pdf

Friends, please check this out!!! Go to their website and read all about environmental news and even sign up for environment action emails that only come about once a month!

Candy Corn

I'm on a role...might as well procrastinate a bit more...

What the heck is candy corn made out of?????

I recently saw a candy corn package that said "Made with real honey." Yummy I thought!! However, does that mean all other kinds of candy corn are made with fake honey? No honey at all??? What is IN candy corn? (I'm guessing I don't really want to know...)

I don't even like candy corn really, but once I eat one, I can't stop. These particulary candy corns were excellent though, I must say, so I'm thinking the real honey had something to do with it.

They were Brach's brand. If you are a candy corn fan, this is definitely the brand to get.

Happy Fall!!