Mar 26, 2014
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| I don't understand |
Sure, there is a lot of dumb information out there and the health industry makes money off of offering people addictive foods and making claims about losing weight. This is because as an industry, it makes money keeping people from succeeding and keeping them addicted to unhealthy amounts of things they provide.
Sometimes it's a food product and sometimes it's concept or idea - like workout videos or gym membership or. . .whatever these things are:
Sometimes it's a food product and sometimes it's concept or idea - like workout videos or gym membership or. . .whatever these things are:
You can check out my post, The Food Industry & Being an Adult for more rant.
Rant over.
Since I am basically living the life of a vegan who can eat meat (because saying I can't have dairy or eggs is too confusing to people) I often miss pastries. I love a good cinnamon roll so I went off to find out if something exists that I could eat.
I found this blog, This Rawsome Vegan Life - and had to make this Cinnamon Rolls with Coconut Frosting and Caramel Raisin Filling. I have never really done much "raw" stuff, other than throwing a salad together or what I eat off the floor - so, I guess we all have eating a "raw diet" but, to make a pastry that is raw? Intriguing!
While I looked over the ingredients wondering how complex it was going to be - it dawned on me, raw basically means "easy."
I did a little research, of course.
While I looked over the ingredients wondering how complex it was going to be - it dawned on me, raw basically means "easy."
I did a little research, of course.
Raw Diets
A raw diet or raw foodism is the dietary practice of eating only uncooked, unprocessed foods. You never cook anything. In this way, it's hard to mess up something that is raw. It's like messing up trail mix. If you like all the stuff, you can't really mess it up - you just put in too much oats or chocolate or something. But you don't overcook it or undercook it.You can also eat any part of it at any time.
No more, "don't eat that batter, it has raw egg in it and you might get sick." Just eat it.
The concept behind the raw diet is that food loses nutrients when cooked. And anything processed is bad. It's cool to blend things like smoothies and dehydrate things - you just never saute anything. Most raw diets don't contain meat because a lot of meat you find in stores can be contaminated with junk that would be killed during cooking. However, there are those who do, like Derek Nance.
And like. . .probably our ancestors.
Making the Rolls
Right - down to the business. Here is the recipe as presented by Emily the Rawsome Vegan:
Dough:
- 3/4 cup gluten-free oats
- 3/4 cup buckwheat groats
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 3/4 cup dates
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon water
- Dash of cinnamon
Caramel raisin filling:
- 1 cup dates
- 1/4-1/2 cup coconut water
- Cinnamon powder, to taste
- 1/4 cup raisins
Blend all the ingredients together - except the raisins - until smooth and thick like a paste. Set aside.
Coconut frosting:
- 1 heaping cup young coconut meat
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 4 tablespoons agave syrup (or other preferred sweetener)
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Water, as needed
Blend all the ingredients together until it's smooth and drizzly. Set aside.
Assembly:
Once chilled, the dough is much more manageable. Cut the dough into strips and spread the filling evenly on each one, then sprinkle on the raisins and gently roll the strips up. Cover with the frosting.
What I Did
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| Total cost - $17 for 5 batches |
You need to know what goes into a recipe - and it's not just the assembly. You have to squire the stuff, right?
I headed to Whole Foods to get the stuff I needed. Mostly the dates and buckwheat groats. My Whole Foods has a bulk section where I get most of my stuff. A lot of things in Whole Foods is very expensive - but normally the bulk section is a steal. In general, bulk sections are always cheaper.
I headed to Whole Foods to get the stuff I needed. Mostly the dates and buckwheat groats. My Whole Foods has a bulk section where I get most of my stuff. A lot of things in Whole Foods is very expensive - but normally the bulk section is a steal. In general, bulk sections are always cheaper.
For example, I got a pound of buckwheat groats for about $2 when a pound Bob's Red Mill Brand would cost about $5.
I did not make the coconut frosting - and I think I am happy without it. I couldn't actually find a green coconut (green coconuts, not the brown ones, are the young ones with the softer meat inside. Coconuts have meat? Yes, the flesh of any animal, plant or fruit is called its meat.)
I also decided to do all thiscooking rawing at my parents house. Good thing, too. They have more space in their kitchen and if I break things - well . . .
I also decided to do all this
I think I broke my Mom's blender, by the way. It stopped working when the dates from the dough got caught in the base and wouldn't move. The dates and raisins act as the binding agent and really BIND.
Do this in a good food processor. You want something with a wide blade base. Or if you have a really powerful extractor thing, use that. Most conventional blenders require liquid to work. I found the food processor easy to use and clean. The only downside, it's smaller and I had to do things in two batches.
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| Filling next to a strip of the dough |
However, it took no time at all to process the dough - it turned lumpy pretty quickly and was easy to handle. I threw it down on our bakery board and began to roll it out and all that.
And by "all that" I meant I started to eat it. It's good, people.
And by "all that" I meant I started to eat it. It's good, people.
Since I was eating as I was going and very impatient, I didn't refrigerate anything. That's for losers and people who passed Kindergarten.
The filling was pretty easy, too. Much easier for the food processor to process. This time, I chopped up the dates more (two got in there with seeds - you want to get those seeds out before you put the stuff together). I actually didn't read the instructions too well because I made my filling by blending the dates AND raisins. If you want to have some raisins in there for texture, do that. If not, no big deal. I liked not having whole raisins in it.
The filling was also delicious. I can't even tell you how sweet it was - a perfect sweet, not a processed, refined sugary sweet, the type of sweet that makes your body happy because it's so good.
Next came me putting the thing together. I think the presentation was really close:
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| Mine on the right, Emily's on the left |
Aftermath
I ate them all. Seriously. This might be the best thing I have made in a long time. They are crunchy, dense, sweet and flavorful. And filling! I saved a couple for breakfast and even after I stuffed myself silly on what I had left, my stomach was happy and I didn't feel greasy or disgusting.
Me having a happy tummy and no hives is basically the best thing that can happen to me after eating.
Me having a happy tummy and no hives is basically the best thing that can happen to me after eating.
My Dad ate a little and shrugged and went back to making bullets which is about the best you get from the guy. My Mom confessed she doesn't like dates or raisins or. .food. (True story) and when I tried to give some to my friend, Tee, he found he was allergic to buckwheat. He had a feeling he was since his father is.
That meant - ALL FOR MANDA.
That meant - ALL FOR MANDA.
I do think I will make these as squares going forward with the filling sandwiched in-between to layers of the dough. It's easier for me. But, you really could do anything with them. The second batch I made the next day, I added a little coconut oil and that was a pretty nice flavor addition.
When you are mixing raw stuff together, it's really easy to substitute. You could totally not use the dates but use another dried fruit. You know, anything.
When you are mixing raw stuff together, it's really easy to substitute. You could totally not use the dates but use another dried fruit. You know, anything.
For storing them - like you didn't eat them all - you probably want to refrigerate them because of the dates. Dates normally should be refrigerated. Or you can store them in my belly.
Image Credit
The machine from greatist.com
The machine from greatist.com
Mar 19, 2014
I created this little. . thing for myself - logo, icon. . thingy. I was having some pretty bad neuropathy and feeling crappy in general, so, I decided to distract myself.
I think it would be really cool if I could do something creative like this for a living. Building images and skills. At first I wouldn't pursue it because I wasn't very good at it and the people I would need to think I was good at it didn't think I was. Writing, creating doodles, teaching, communications, making life better - always something to reach for.
I think it would be really cool if I could do something creative like this for a living. Building images and skills. At first I wouldn't pursue it because I wasn't very good at it and the people I would need to think I was good at it didn't think I was. Writing, creating doodles, teaching, communications, making life better - always something to reach for.
Mar 12, 2014
My sweet new Droid Razr Maxx came with a this weird game called Ingress. And, I made it a mission to get addicted to it. It's going ok.
What is Ingress?
Ingress is a global, multiplayer, real-time game you play on any Droid. And soon on any Apple type phone.
You start by picking a faction to join - there are two: Enlightened (green) or Resistance (blue). You don't know much about either when you first load up the game, you have to pick one and you can never switch factions.
The goal of the game is to find portals of Exotic Matter (XM) which can be used to. .well. .do stuff. Portals are generally public places like historic sites, arty-farty things, train stations or houses of worship.
How Do You Play?
By walking around. You actually need to be close to the object. You can't play from a couch or something unless you are lucky enough to be close to a portal.
You will mostly be walking around with the game loaded on your phone watching yourself (represented as a little triangle on a map) toward these bright gray, blue and green sprout like things known as portals.
When you find a portal, you hack it. Hacking it is how you get inventory items to play. The core inventory items are resonators and xmp bursters. You deploy resonators on portals - up to 8 of them - to claim a portal and secure it. Then you use xmps like bombs to destroy the other factions' resonators.
You get some other cool types of weapons and then items you can put on your portals like shields and turrets and whatnots to make it harder for the other faction to destroy your stuff and claim the portal.
You also want to link portals together - you can do this when a portal has all 8 resonators attached and you have a portal key. When you have linked portals making a triangle shape, let's say, you have created a control field - which is super awesome.
You can also use a computer to check out portals that are in your area to figure out what you want to do or how good your faction is doing in a certain area by going to Ingress.com/intel
Is it Complicated?
Not really. The game has a built in tutorial that gives you the basics.
If you need a little more complexity to keep you going, there is a whole community around the game - a mythology and story. You can dive as deep into that world as you want.
What Have Your Learned?
It's really cold out.
I learned there is an intense community around this game. They all hang out on G+, of course. There is an in-game communication system that lets you send messages to anyone playing the game. (So much good banter!) and it's pretty safe because you only have a handle or In Game Name (IGN) which doesn't identify you with anything beyond your faction and agent statistics.
People actually have formed real-life communities and work on how to work together to take over portals and cities.
I actually was surprised about the intense community around this game and the way people mobilize. I think at one point, one faction had covered all of Norway or something with a control field. Impressive. I think it's a cool way to meet people - if you are safe, of course. It's a fun hobby and it does get you out there walking around and discovering gems in your community and others.
Never know where there is a portal.
It's not complicated at all and nor is it winable. If you ever do any reading up on successful games, the ones most likely to have long-range success are the ones that have no way to win. There are two factions going back and forth in an endless trench-warfare type game. Even if you claim all the portals around, they will decay over time and revert to an "unclaimed" status or the other faction will come in and take it over.
Are You Addicted?
I think the social aspect would require an addiction. I enjoy walking around and having something to do - getting items and blowing up stuff and whatnot. I wanted to join some of the groups at the start, then I remembered, I don't like fun or people that much. I just want to get imaginary junk.
I also got agitated when people were trying to be "helpful" by telling me very basic things like, "Have you turned on your phone?"
Then I had more fun talking to the people on the other side - some nice banter - that never happened with those on my faction. I don't want to meet people.
I'm not addicted - but I am curious and I want to become a Level 8 player. I'm currently a Level 6.
Image Credits
Ingress images from news.cnet.com/
The Adventure Continues
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something and write about it? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
What is Ingress?
Ingress is a global, multiplayer, real-time game you play on any Droid. And soon on any Apple type phone.
You start by picking a faction to join - there are two: Enlightened (green) or Resistance (blue). You don't know much about either when you first load up the game, you have to pick one and you can never switch factions.
The goal of the game is to find portals of Exotic Matter (XM) which can be used to. .well. .do stuff. Portals are generally public places like historic sites, arty-farty things, train stations or houses of worship.
How Do You Play?
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| Phone view |
You will mostly be walking around with the game loaded on your phone watching yourself (represented as a little triangle on a map) toward these bright gray, blue and green sprout like things known as portals.
When you find a portal, you hack it. Hacking it is how you get inventory items to play. The core inventory items are resonators and xmp bursters. You deploy resonators on portals - up to 8 of them - to claim a portal and secure it. Then you use xmps like bombs to destroy the other factions' resonators.
You get some other cool types of weapons and then items you can put on your portals like shields and turrets and whatnots to make it harder for the other faction to destroy your stuff and claim the portal.
You also want to link portals together - you can do this when a portal has all 8 resonators attached and you have a portal key. When you have linked portals making a triangle shape, let's say, you have created a control field - which is super awesome.
You can also use a computer to check out portals that are in your area to figure out what you want to do or how good your faction is doing in a certain area by going to Ingress.com/intel
Is it Complicated?
Not really. The game has a built in tutorial that gives you the basics.
If you need a little more complexity to keep you going, there is a whole community around the game - a mythology and story. You can dive as deep into that world as you want.
What Have Your Learned?
It's really cold out.
 |
| Looking for portals |
People actually have formed real-life communities and work on how to work together to take over portals and cities.
I actually was surprised about the intense community around this game and the way people mobilize. I think at one point, one faction had covered all of Norway or something with a control field. Impressive. I think it's a cool way to meet people - if you are safe, of course. It's a fun hobby and it does get you out there walking around and discovering gems in your community and others.
Never know where there is a portal.
It's not complicated at all and nor is it winable. If you ever do any reading up on successful games, the ones most likely to have long-range success are the ones that have no way to win. There are two factions going back and forth in an endless trench-warfare type game. Even if you claim all the portals around, they will decay over time and revert to an "unclaimed" status or the other faction will come in and take it over.
Are You Addicted?
I think the social aspect would require an addiction. I enjoy walking around and having something to do - getting items and blowing up stuff and whatnot. I wanted to join some of the groups at the start, then I remembered, I don't like fun or people that much. I just want to get imaginary junk.
I also got agitated when people were trying to be "helpful" by telling me very basic things like, "Have you turned on your phone?"
Then I had more fun talking to the people on the other side - some nice banter - that never happened with those on my faction. I don't want to meet people.
I'm not addicted - but I am curious and I want to become a Level 8 player. I'm currently a Level 6.
Image Credits
Ingress images from news.cnet.com/
The Adventure Continues
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something and write about it? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
Mar 5, 2014
Thanks Ashes to Go for making this Lent pretty easy for me. Sure, as a Catholic a lot of other Catholics say you need to go to a full mass on Ash Wednesday - but it's not actually a sacrament, it's a sign of devotion.
I got my ashes from a nice Episcopalian at the train station. I felt less guilty since last year I was in a bind and unable to leave work early - and when I ran out of there to church, there was actually no mass. I felt bad. I like to kick some things off right.
Personal feelings aside - it's nice to see something like faith in the streets away from stone walls and away from awkwardness. While everyone should make time for whatever faith they believe in, it can be hard to coordinate such things. In this way, I cause no disruption to those who relied on me and still was able to practice a bit of what I believe.
Pretty sweet deal!
How long did it take to get your ashes?
As long as it took me to park my car and walk up to the minister and say, "I'm here for my ashes!" and him to say, "Remember you came from ashes and to ashes you will return." (or close to that).
How long do you keep your ashes on?
I kept them on for about 3 hours. Then I felt self-conscience. Not because I didn't want people to know I am of a Christian faith but I believe (and was raised) you should not use you faith to draw attention to yourself.
What did you give up for lent?
Alcohol, chips and other luxuries. I will do my best to think well, speak well and do good.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Adventure Continues
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something and write about it? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
What to do about Lent. . .that’s right: Lent: March 5th to April 17th.
Here was my brainstorm - my brainstorms, by the way, are normally around food. I think because food is something I seem to have more control over because it is something that is entirely my choice from start to finish - and entirely necessary.
Giving Up Food Things
I was originally going to go vegan – until I mentioned this to my devastatingly handsome fiance, Bob. He brought up a point best show in a list of what I could eat if I went vegan.
Going to have to toss that idea. Sticking to a pescatarian diet involves eating fish – which is doable. Since I will be in training, I’m going to have to up my food intake.
Giving up Spoons and Forks
Using just chopsticks or hands? I’m embarrassed to admit how much I use my hand when eating. I also drink a lot of stuff out of the Nutribullet.
I am also not sure how this will go over at restaurants or with my family – one of the big points of Lent (that I was taught) is your actions during lent should not call unnecessary attention to yourself or make other people uncomfortable.
Then I came across this calender from BustedHalo.com that offers a suggestion of what to fast, give and pray for each day. For example, on one day you would:
Here was my brainstorm - my brainstorms, by the way, are normally around food. I think because food is something I seem to have more control over because it is something that is entirely my choice from start to finish - and entirely necessary.
Giving Up Food Things
I was originally going to go vegan – until I mentioned this to my devastatingly handsome fiance, Bob. He brought up a point best show in a list of what I could eat if I went vegan.
Wheat.Beans.Soy.- Fruits.
- Vegetables.
- Nuts.
Going to have to toss that idea. Sticking to a pescatarian diet involves eating fish – which is doable. Since I will be in training, I’m going to have to up my food intake.
Giving up Spoons and Forks
Using just chopsticks or hands? I’m embarrassed to admit how much I use my hand when eating. I also drink a lot of stuff out of the Nutribullet.
I am also not sure how this will go over at restaurants or with my family – one of the big points of Lent (that I was taught) is your actions during lent should not call unnecessary attention to yourself or make other people uncomfortable.
Then I came across this calender from BustedHalo.com that offers a suggestion of what to fast, give and pray for each day. For example, on one day you would:
- FAST from watching or streaming television shows today.
- PRAY for a sign of God’s presence when you’re being tested today.
- GIVE everyone you encounter today an encouraging word or smile.
Solicitation
If you have any idea of good things to give up or give to for Lent, let me know! I basically have until I wake up this morning to decide!
The Adventure Continues
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something and write about it? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
Mar 3, 2014
I am currently working on my third journal - believe it or not. I have a solid month or so of not doing it, then I normally have some good stuff to record or tape in there.
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| New journal made by this company |
I read that someone got into journaling by buying one of those page-a-day planners and stapling receipts and the like to the pages - corresponding dates, of course.
I don't think I found any deep spiritual connection in journaling, but, I don't seek depth or force it. I think it settles immediate anxiety - if it's a frustration I need to get out or the need to preserve a memory should I forget.
See my past posts on journaling:
See my past posts on journaling:
The Adventure Continues
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestion.
Feb 26, 2014
Yeah, Bob and I were there.
How Was It?
It was great. I don't have a lot of pictures, though. My guy, Bob, is a super-MacGyver fan so we were busting through all the exhibits - in a good way!
Most of the exhibits were tables with actual hands-on things based on MacGyver episodes. MacGyver is rich is science, actually, and while what the show showed seemed like magic, it had a good grounding in real things - real like science.
I read some people saying the science was "dumb" - I would be cautious about using such a word. The science was accessible and hands-on. Sure, there was nothing very advanced about setting some helium on fire, but how often do you see that happen? I don't think it was meant to be intense or that in-depth - it was meant to be fun and interesting.
They had a guy picking locks. Whoa. Not really that advanced, but, you could try it yourself. They had a guy making sugar-glass (and giving out some recipes for peanut brittle) that you could smash and eat. It was interactive and there was free booze - and you could see how MacGyver did what he did. Or rather, the science behind the production of everything.
You can read a more professional view of this fun stuff here in the Philly Magazine
Future Plans
To be honest, in checking out everything the Franklin Institute has going on, I sort of want to go back and check out other things. I can't believe I missed a live heart dissection - but, there is a exhibit about the science behind carnivals coming up in April I really would love to go to.
Woot!
The Adventure Continues
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something and write about it? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
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| The official ad |
How Was It?
It was great. I don't have a lot of pictures, though. My guy, Bob, is a super-MacGyver fan so we were busting through all the exhibits - in a good way!
Most of the exhibits were tables with actual hands-on things based on MacGyver episodes. MacGyver is rich is science, actually, and while what the show showed seemed like magic, it had a good grounding in real things - real like science.
I read some people saying the science was "dumb" - I would be cautious about using such a word. The science was accessible and hands-on. Sure, there was nothing very advanced about setting some helium on fire, but how often do you see that happen? I don't think it was meant to be intense or that in-depth - it was meant to be fun and interesting.
They had a guy picking locks. Whoa. Not really that advanced, but, you could try it yourself. They had a guy making sugar-glass (and giving out some recipes for peanut brittle) that you could smash and eat. It was interactive and there was free booze - and you could see how MacGyver did what he did. Or rather, the science behind the production of everything.
You can read a more professional view of this fun stuff here in the Philly Magazine
Future Plans
To be honest, in checking out everything the Franklin Institute has going on, I sort of want to go back and check out other things. I can't believe I missed a live heart dissection - but, there is a exhibit about the science behind carnivals coming up in April I really would love to go to.
Woot!
The Adventure Continues
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something and write about it? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
Feb 19, 2014
Hey, I got a new look to my blog - it was about time.
So, listen, I have totally been slacking and out of it when it comes to working on this blog. Sure, I posted some thoughts, but, with a couple other people saying they need to get back into this sort of stuff, I think I need to give it a try again.
I am using what I learned about what I can and cannot do to make this blog somewhat better than it has been.
I have learned that my life is not that exciting - I am going to reduce the amount of posts to one a week on Wednesdays. That'll help keep the content coming at a consistent rate and help me actually generate some good stuff.
I hope you think about following me or giving me some tips. Keep a look out for me on Wednesdays!
The Adventure Continues
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something and write about it? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
So, listen, I have totally been slacking and out of it when it comes to working on this blog. Sure, I posted some thoughts, but, with a couple other people saying they need to get back into this sort of stuff, I think I need to give it a try again.
I am using what I learned about what I can and cannot do to make this blog somewhat better than it has been.
I have learned that my life is not that exciting - I am going to reduce the amount of posts to one a week on Wednesdays. That'll help keep the content coming at a consistent rate and help me actually generate some good stuff.
I hope you think about following me or giving me some tips. Keep a look out for me on Wednesdays!
The Adventure Continues
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something and write about it? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
Feb 5, 2014
A wealthy king was touring his kingdom alone on his finest horse. Along the way, he was beset by a band of thieves. They robbed him, stripped him of his finery and ran off with his horse. He began the long walk home and found himself lost. Hungry, thirsty and tired he came across a well. He eagerly pulled up the bucket for a drink – and to his dismay, he found only beautiful. gold.
People are obsessed with beauty. Or rather, they hear enough about beauty to become obsessed with it. Everything needs to be beautiful and you can never call anything that could be defined as a noun anything but beautiful.
And here’s the problem.
When everyone uses the term “beauty” or “beautiful” they mean “has value.” Try it. Take anything that has the word “beauty” in it and replace it with “has value” and it will mean the same thing.
Because only beautiful things have value so we need to tell everyone and everything they are beautiful.
I think it’s a problem. And I think it’s very defeating.
When someone asks if something is beautiful, we know what it means. It is a question - Do you think this item is visually appealing – or appealing to your senses? Because we are all human, some things are not appealing.
I’m sorry, I don’t find baby’s beautiful. I don’t find certain art beautiful. I don’t think some people are beautiful.
But I still value them.
We are building campaigns like stairs, one on top of another trying to make the word “beautiful” mean “valuable.”
Maybe we should stop convincing ourselves we find things “beautiful” and start the thought process that beauty doesn't mean value.
Listen, World: I value you for so much more than just your ability to please my senses. I will not be ashamed when my senses are pleased but I will not be callus when something doesn’t please them, either.
Beauty does not equal value.
People are obsessed with beauty. Or rather, they hear enough about beauty to become obsessed with it. Everything needs to be beautiful and you can never call anything that could be defined as a noun anything but beautiful.
And here’s the problem.
When everyone uses the term “beauty” or “beautiful” they mean “has value.” Try it. Take anything that has the word “beauty” in it and replace it with “has value” and it will mean the same thing.
Because only beautiful things have value so we need to tell everyone and everything they are beautiful.
I think it’s a problem. And I think it’s very defeating.
When someone asks if something is beautiful, we know what it means. It is a question - Do you think this item is visually appealing – or appealing to your senses? Because we are all human, some things are not appealing.
I’m sorry, I don’t find baby’s beautiful. I don’t find certain art beautiful. I don’t think some people are beautiful.
But I still value them.
We are building campaigns like stairs, one on top of another trying to make the word “beautiful” mean “valuable.”
Maybe we should stop convincing ourselves we find things “beautiful” and start the thought process that beauty doesn't mean value.
Listen, World: I value you for so much more than just your ability to please my senses. I will not be ashamed when my senses are pleased but I will not be callus when something doesn’t please them, either.
Beauty does not equal value.
The Adventure Continues
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something and write about it? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
Jan 29, 2014
We teach others and convince ourselves that if the right thing is done, there will be a reward.
Sometimes you can do everything right and get no reward. Sometimes you can do everything right and get hurt. Sometimes you can do everything right and be punished.
Maybe it's better to do things for the right reasons, regardless of the outcome.
Sometimes you can do everything right and get no reward. Sometimes you can do everything right and get hurt. Sometimes you can do everything right and be punished.
Maybe it's better to do things for the right reasons, regardless of the outcome.
Jan 22, 2014
The food and diet industry has played a trick on everyone. It told us that every food we eat has to taste amazing all the time and if it doesn't, it’s not our fault we don’t eat it. Everything has to be chocolate and bacon and smothered in cheese sauce.
Listen, adults, sometimes we are going to have to eat foods that are good for us for no other reason than they are good for us. Managing choice is part of being an adult – and the bulk of the time we need to be doing things because it's the right thing rather than the easy thing or the thing that seems popular or the thing we think we deserve without consequence.
Let’s all be around for the next generation and start making choices that are good for us.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
Listen, adults, sometimes we are going to have to eat foods that are good for us for no other reason than they are good for us. Managing choice is part of being an adult – and the bulk of the time we need to be doing things because it's the right thing rather than the easy thing or the thing that seems popular or the thing we think we deserve without consequence.
Let’s all be around for the next generation and start making choices that are good for us.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
Jan 17, 2014
I'm not actually dead. The news of my (blog) death have been greatly exaggerated.
[The expression derives from the popular form of a longer statement by the American writer, Mark Twain, which appeared in the New York Journal of 2 June 1897: ‘The report of my death was an exaggeration’. The correction was occasioned by newspaper accounts of Twain’s being ill or dead. At the time, Twain’s cousin James Ross Clemens was seriously ill in London, and appears that some reports confused him with Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain).]
So. .what happened? Not a lot of adventuring has been happening, really. Nothing that is terribly interesting or that I could find a ton of incite about.
I did adopt Lucky - by the way. He's my full-time cat.
Oh, and upgraded my phone to a Motorola Droid Razr Maxx
Let see - oh, and this happened in the middle of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada.:
I need to decide if I want to keep going with this blog or not. While writing is great fun to me, I don't always have topics. And I often get lazy and choose not to do anything with it.
So, while I debate the future - you go back to surfing.
[The expression derives from the popular form of a longer statement by the American writer, Mark Twain, which appeared in the New York Journal of 2 June 1897: ‘The report of my death was an exaggeration’. The correction was occasioned by newspaper accounts of Twain’s being ill or dead. At the time, Twain’s cousin James Ross Clemens was seriously ill in London, and appears that some reports confused him with Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain).]
So. .what happened? Not a lot of adventuring has been happening, really. Nothing that is terribly interesting or that I could find a ton of incite about.
I did adopt Lucky - by the way. He's my full-time cat.
 |
| Lucky |
 |
| *Angels singing* |
 |
| I did say "yes" by the way |
So, while I debate the future - you go back to surfing.
Oct 31, 2013
There is always something to be said for those adults who are "into Halloween" who don't have kids. I mean, if you have kids it's ok, you have to be into it for them. If you don't have kids - I know how you look at us with your sympathy.
So, let me tell you what Halloween is.
Halloween is when you decide about what you want to be. Not be when you grow up, not be in 5 years - just what you want to be because we are human beings. Suddenly, nothing is off limits, nothing is forbidden - crafty, sexy, gory, inspirational, funny - everything is ok. You can be a character, you can adventure into stories, stores and shoes you might never wear again. But, what's really cool, sometimes you find something there - a look, a pose, a color - that never leaves.
Halloween is more than candy and kids and scary movies - just like Christmas is more than cookies, presents and jingle bells.
Halloween is when a child is told to dress as a hero and the child chooses Chris Hadfield. Halloween is when you take a perfectly normal, dirty squash you picked from a field and turn it into a masterpiece. Halloween is when people come together and help each other out with gusto just to be a group of Smurfs or a bunch of flappers. Halloween is when you can see horror, we've all seen horror, and suddenly it's just a little bit more ok because we all jumped when the killer was behind the door.
Halloween is about being more than in or out of the comfort zone. Halloween is about finding objects and people and things and making them more real. Halloween is about looking horror in the face with a laugh.
I have had Halloweens that have stayed with me ever since.
Like this tube of red lipstick (and I never wear lipstick), which frankly, looks stunning on me!
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
So, let me tell you what Halloween is.
Halloween is when you decide about what you want to be. Not be when you grow up, not be in 5 years - just what you want to be because we are human beings. Suddenly, nothing is off limits, nothing is forbidden - crafty, sexy, gory, inspirational, funny - everything is ok. You can be a character, you can adventure into stories, stores and shoes you might never wear again. But, what's really cool, sometimes you find something there - a look, a pose, a color - that never leaves.
Halloween is more than candy and kids and scary movies - just like Christmas is more than cookies, presents and jingle bells.
Halloween is when a child is told to dress as a hero and the child chooses Chris Hadfield. Halloween is when you take a perfectly normal, dirty squash you picked from a field and turn it into a masterpiece. Halloween is when people come together and help each other out with gusto just to be a group of Smurfs or a bunch of flappers. Halloween is when you can see horror, we've all seen horror, and suddenly it's just a little bit more ok because we all jumped when the killer was behind the door.
Halloween is about being more than in or out of the comfort zone. Halloween is about finding objects and people and things and making them more real. Halloween is about looking horror in the face with a laugh.
I have had Halloweens that have stayed with me ever since.
Like this tube of red lipstick (and I never wear lipstick), which frankly, looks stunning on me!
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
Sep 25, 2013
It’s Century Week! That magical week of rest, eating, anticipation, relaxing, looking backing – you know, tapering.
Tapering is the practice of reducing exercise in the days just before an important competition. Tapering is customary in many endurance sports, such as the marathon, athletics and swimming. For many athletes, a significant period of tapering is essential for optimal performance. The tapering period frequently lasts as much as a week or more.
The MS City to Shore ride is this Saturday and I, along with my team, are booking 100 miles in one day. It should be a good time. The MS Society puts on a good tour and raises a lot of money.
#CenturyWeek
I feel a little guilty this century week due to my lack of discipline and training this year. Century week is supposed to be the reward for hard work and I feel like I didn't work hard enough. Things that didn’t happen were me riding to the Rocky Statue and hitting my 60 mile long rides.
I do plan to continue riding throughout the fall and winter – both outside and on my bike trainer at home.
New This Year
This is my second year riding the century (I documented last years training and ride in a series of posts located on my Manda's Century page.) My training program was not as intense as last year as evidenced by me not having a full-blown adrenal crash mid-way through. I am a little disappointed in myself, still. I wanted to do more. My bike training is full of inner turmoil.
Additionally, I have a team to look after. I did my best on prepping them and encouraging training. Most of it fell by the way-side but my super-ridiculously-handsome man-friend came along with me for some long rides – the most we did was 51.1 miles. A good distance.
I feel a sense of responsibility toward my team because last year I had to learn and do all this biking stuff on my own. I didn't want to abandon anyone or lead them down some type of wrong path. Some of my frustration was due to anxiety in prepping them correctly and some of it was because I really love doing this but I had to tone myself back because you don’t go all athletic cray-cray on newbies.
Future Plans
Since I only participated in two biking events this summer, I’m hoping to book at least one more this fall.
If you remember, I had my whole year planned out with biking events, documented in my My Year In Biking post. While I respect myself's passion, I whack myself's with a rolled-up newspaper for over-estimating my abilities.
I did participate in Girls with Gears - wrote about that in my Sports Weekend: 5Ks and Bike Rides. Other than that, this century is all I got going on so far. I do plan to do the Covered Bridges Ride in October - maybe someone will even want to come along with me. Once you make someone do a century with you, expectations for participation sort of go way down.
Winter biking is not something I did last year, it feels like a new frontier that I’d be interested in learning about.
Go fitness! But, you know, after century week.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
Tapering is the practice of reducing exercise in the days just before an important competition. Tapering is customary in many endurance sports, such as the marathon, athletics and swimming. For many athletes, a significant period of tapering is essential for optimal performance. The tapering period frequently lasts as much as a week or more.
The MS City to Shore ride is this Saturday and I, along with my team, are booking 100 miles in one day. It should be a good time. The MS Society puts on a good tour and raises a lot of money.
#CenturyWeek
I feel a little guilty this century week due to my lack of discipline and training this year. Century week is supposed to be the reward for hard work and I feel like I didn't work hard enough. Things that didn’t happen were me riding to the Rocky Statue and hitting my 60 mile long rides.
I do plan to continue riding throughout the fall and winter – both outside and on my bike trainer at home.
New This Year
 |
| Biking |
Additionally, I have a team to look after. I did my best on prepping them and encouraging training. Most of it fell by the way-side but my super-ridiculously-handsome man-friend came along with me for some long rides – the most we did was 51.1 miles. A good distance.
I feel a sense of responsibility toward my team because last year I had to learn and do all this biking stuff on my own. I didn't want to abandon anyone or lead them down some type of wrong path. Some of my frustration was due to anxiety in prepping them correctly and some of it was because I really love doing this but I had to tone myself back because you don’t go all athletic cray-cray on newbies.
 |
| Resting |
Since I only participated in two biking events this summer, I’m hoping to book at least one more this fall.
If you remember, I had my whole year planned out with biking events, documented in my My Year In Biking post. While I respect myself's passion, I whack myself's with a rolled-up newspaper for over-estimating my abilities.
I did participate in Girls with Gears - wrote about that in my Sports Weekend: 5Ks and Bike Rides. Other than that, this century is all I got going on so far. I do plan to do the Covered Bridges Ride in October - maybe someone will even want to come along with me. Once you make someone do a century with you, expectations for participation sort of go way down.
Winter biking is not something I did last year, it feels like a new frontier that I’d be interested in learning about.
Go fitness! But, you know, after century week.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions
Sep 20, 2013
A friend's infant girl of just a year or so old in a pretty pink dress was clumsily playing with a boy of about the same age, “He better keep away from my princess,” her dad knowingly told the boy's father. Everyone laughed and complimented him for being such a good father of such a pretty princess.
A lot of fathers say they protect their daughters. The image of a young girl dressed in a pink dress with her hair and makeup all done, and normally a decided frown, while her father chases off boys is the archetype of fatherly love. A lot of fathers raise their daughters like untouched princesses – and in this way, her value and what the world wants of her is located only between her legs and in the impression she gives to her father. She knows she is a princess, her existence alone is a gift to everyone but she lives in fear of the unknown world outside the range of her father’s shotgun.
My father never did that.
He told me about boys and men and the games and tricks they play. He didn't pretend I would never have sex or would never have my heart broken. He didn't pretend these tricks and games weren't fun, either, he taught me how to protect my body, my heart and my mind. There are temptations and there are consequences and he knew I would experience both.
He never failed to acknowledge my failures with encouragement or my successes with pride – if not a pinch of caution when my ego got to big. He bit his tongue when I engaged in less-than-perfect relationships, career choices or friendships. When the dust settled, he also told me when he was scared for me because sometimes even he could not prevent the worse-case scenario.
My father never sat on the porch with a shotgun. He taught me how to use the shotgun, how to spot the douche and let me deal with him myself. He taught me whenever I was in trouble, he would stop the world to help me – but stupidity and inexperience leave justifiable bruises that I need to learn from sometimes. It was more important for him to develop within me a good character not worry about my reputation.
He taught me every guy-trick and guy-skill he knew. He invited me into the boy’s club, to the shooting range, the garage and the basement. He taught me just as women have things that are sacred, so do men and I needed to respect both places equally. He taught me life isn’t fair, you don’t always get what you want.
He never failed to open a door for me, to carry a bag for me or tell me I was wrong. And even in the darkness of my mistakes, he always treated me with respect, love and understanding.
My father taught me some males only want what is between my legs and some want more and it was up to me to decide how much I give or how much I ignore. And at the end of the day, I must deal with the consequences of my decisions. But a consequence would never be the loss of his love.
My father sat on the porch with a gin and tonic and invited whoever I thought was worthy in. You see, he knew if he was the gatekeeper of my life, eventually someone would get past him and once that happened, I would be in serious trouble. So, he armed me with knowledge to make my own decision and keep myself safe. He taught me one day he would not be there and being without him would not result in my demise.
My father didn't protect me by deflecting the evil of the world away from me; he protected me by opening up the world to me. He didn't raise me as a princess sitting in a gilded cage, he raised me to be a citizen of the world – to give a little more than I think I could, to always be grateful, to stand up for myself and others, to cry and laugh without shame, to be quiet and listen, to admit when I am wrong, to know what the high-road is in every situation and understand the choice is mine to take it.
When I think about it all, I think my father raised me to be a queen – to rule my own world, to make decisions, to dress in the riches of my own work, to be humble and grateful for what I have. I’m not always a perfect steward in the lessons he taught me. But, being perfect was never the plan.
A friend’s infant girl of just a year or so old in a pretty pink dress was clumsily playing with a boy of about the same age, “He better keep away from my princess,” her dad knowingly told the boy’s father. Everyone laughed and complimented him for being such a good father of such a pretty princess.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions.
A lot of fathers say they protect their daughters. The image of a young girl dressed in a pink dress with her hair and makeup all done, and normally a decided frown, while her father chases off boys is the archetype of fatherly love. A lot of fathers raise their daughters like untouched princesses – and in this way, her value and what the world wants of her is located only between her legs and in the impression she gives to her father. She knows she is a princess, her existence alone is a gift to everyone but she lives in fear of the unknown world outside the range of her father’s shotgun.
My father never did that.
He told me about boys and men and the games and tricks they play. He didn't pretend I would never have sex or would never have my heart broken. He didn't pretend these tricks and games weren't fun, either, he taught me how to protect my body, my heart and my mind. There are temptations and there are consequences and he knew I would experience both.
He never failed to acknowledge my failures with encouragement or my successes with pride – if not a pinch of caution when my ego got to big. He bit his tongue when I engaged in less-than-perfect relationships, career choices or friendships. When the dust settled, he also told me when he was scared for me because sometimes even he could not prevent the worse-case scenario.
My father never sat on the porch with a shotgun. He taught me how to use the shotgun, how to spot the douche and let me deal with him myself. He taught me whenever I was in trouble, he would stop the world to help me – but stupidity and inexperience leave justifiable bruises that I need to learn from sometimes. It was more important for him to develop within me a good character not worry about my reputation.
He taught me every guy-trick and guy-skill he knew. He invited me into the boy’s club, to the shooting range, the garage and the basement. He taught me just as women have things that are sacred, so do men and I needed to respect both places equally. He taught me life isn’t fair, you don’t always get what you want.
He never failed to open a door for me, to carry a bag for me or tell me I was wrong. And even in the darkness of my mistakes, he always treated me with respect, love and understanding.
My father taught me some males only want what is between my legs and some want more and it was up to me to decide how much I give or how much I ignore. And at the end of the day, I must deal with the consequences of my decisions. But a consequence would never be the loss of his love.
My father sat on the porch with a gin and tonic and invited whoever I thought was worthy in. You see, he knew if he was the gatekeeper of my life, eventually someone would get past him and once that happened, I would be in serious trouble. So, he armed me with knowledge to make my own decision and keep myself safe. He taught me one day he would not be there and being without him would not result in my demise.
My father didn't protect me by deflecting the evil of the world away from me; he protected me by opening up the world to me. He didn't raise me as a princess sitting in a gilded cage, he raised me to be a citizen of the world – to give a little more than I think I could, to always be grateful, to stand up for myself and others, to cry and laugh without shame, to be quiet and listen, to admit when I am wrong, to know what the high-road is in every situation and understand the choice is mine to take it.
When I think about it all, I think my father raised me to be a queen – to rule my own world, to make decisions, to dress in the riches of my own work, to be humble and grateful for what I have. I’m not always a perfect steward in the lessons he taught me. But, being perfect was never the plan.
A friend’s infant girl of just a year or so old in a pretty pink dress was clumsily playing with a boy of about the same age, “He better keep away from my princess,” her dad knowingly told the boy’s father. Everyone laughed and complimented him for being such a good father of such a pretty princess.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions.
Jul 31, 2013
This is sometimes how it goes.
Loving lifted from the Oatmeal - you can view the whole pannel in all it's amazingness at Some Thoughts and Musings About Making Things for the Web
I have been writing more fiction lately - not really blogging more. And, you know what, I'm ok with that!
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions.
Loving lifted from the Oatmeal - you can view the whole pannel in all it's amazingness at Some Thoughts and Musings About Making Things for the Web
I have been writing more fiction lately - not really blogging more. And, you know what, I'm ok with that!
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions.
Jul 10, 2013
Sorry guys, I have no current adventures going on.
The most exciting thing is my trip to Canada – I leave on
Sunday!
Bike training is starting to happen, unless my body gives
out.
Otherwise, no adventures. No suggestions have been coming
in.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions.
Jul 8, 2013
No, I don’t have an eating disorder. I have a disorder with eating. I did have a food allergy/sensitivity test done about a year ago and through my own denial. .well. .that’s a strong word. Ignorance? Forgetfulness? The feeling is between denial and ignorance with a dash of forgetfulness.
Let’s review what I need to avoid at all times. The scale is 1-5, 5 being the highest.
Moo-ve Over
Anyhow, I have been eating a lot of dairy. A lot of dairy for me is about a tablespoon of Greek yogurt a couple times a week coupled with cheese at least once a week. I was getting into Greek yogurt as a way to get some more protein into my NutriBullet shakes and totally forgot I needed to avoid dairy.
Why? Because I normally don’t do anything with dairy - I don’t drink milk or eat cereal or use a dairy creamer in my coffee. I only like to snack on artisan type cheeses with wine, so, I don’t put cheese on any foods I make. Unless it’s really a slight amount.
Enter the issues.
Weed-whacker in my tummy plus fun-runs to the bathroom, brain fog, body pain - all this had me worried until I double checked my card and realized I was doing it all to myself.
Reasons
Most of this is my fault. I actually just went off living as a normal person because I thought I could.
I evaluated why – you know, in my brain. Since, in my world, a lot of people make fun of whatever health issue I am going through or look at me like it’s impossible I have the issues I have, it becomes very easy for me to convince myself I’m completely normal and nothing is wrong. A lot of this has to do with making other people feel ok to be around me and the other half is people trying to be “supportive” and telling me I can do anything. The truth is, I can’t. Sometimes, when everyone is convinced nothing is wrong with you, you start to believe it since no one is actually looking out for you.
I do my best to keep my sense of humor about being difficult but I know I’m a major bummer.
The Test
Not completely convinced – I did an experiment.
I should add, I thought maybe I was lactose intolerant even though my symptoms do not match up with it. My brother is lactose intolerant and responds to the tablets. I did not take any tablets. Some of this is because my blood test shows the issues with milk as a whole which is not the same as a lactose intolerance.
Anyhow - for science I ate an entire quart of Zhwahels Ice Cream – which is some of the best ice cream around. Additionally, it was the Black Raspberry Krisp that my friend Tee and I feel in love with 5 years ago that was never produced after. It delicious blackberry ice cream with these chunks of sweet oatmeal crisp clusters.
*drool*
I communicated to Zwahlens Twitter that I missed Blackberry Crisp and they said they can’t make it because of the lack of blackberries. However, black raspberries are pretty good, too, and Tee bought us like a gallon of the Black Raspberry Krisp.
So, I ate my quart.
Aftermath
I do not want to eat dairy anymore. Ever.
I think that was the fastest anything has ever moved through my system. Parts of my dinner didn't even get their full time in my digestive tract. I even had the awesome green stuff coming out my back-end - which is actually bile - proving:
You know what, padre? Everyone poops and those who do not poop probably wish they did. People are all supportive and happy about what goes in the front end but never pay attention to the back-end. I am here to educate you - your body can send you thousands of signals through poop in how it is processing food, using food and if you have anything from dehydration to an allergy to cancer.
Ever seen undigested food in the bowl, paco? That means your body is revolting it back-end style and can't digest it. That tells you a lot.
Respect the poop! Learn about your body. Make poop you are proud of!
Anyhow. . .
Lucky, my foster cat, summed up how my soul felt the rest of the night and into the next day.
Future Plans
Cheese will have to be sheep's milk from now on. It's ok, I like cheese and sheep's milk cheese. I just have to be careful and check it to make sure.
I will miss ice cream (not for a little while, though) so my friend Tee gave me tons of thoughts about coconut milk ice cream, sheep's ice cream (I wanna try it, but, hard to find) and other types of ice cream. I might have to give them a go.
Anyhow, lesson learned.
I will be sticking to my little chart and avoiding those things that bother me. I have a feeling I will be much happier in many ways. Since my totally desirable man-friend, Bob, also needs to avoid some food after he had the same test done, we can do this together.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions.
Let’s review what I need to avoid at all times. The scale is 1-5, 5 being the highest.
 |
| Oh. Right. |
Anyhow, I have been eating a lot of dairy. A lot of dairy for me is about a tablespoon of Greek yogurt a couple times a week coupled with cheese at least once a week. I was getting into Greek yogurt as a way to get some more protein into my NutriBullet shakes and totally forgot I needed to avoid dairy.
Why? Because I normally don’t do anything with dairy - I don’t drink milk or eat cereal or use a dairy creamer in my coffee. I only like to snack on artisan type cheeses with wine, so, I don’t put cheese on any foods I make. Unless it’s really a slight amount.
Enter the issues.
Weed-whacker in my tummy plus fun-runs to the bathroom, brain fog, body pain - all this had me worried until I double checked my card and realized I was doing it all to myself.
Reasons
Most of this is my fault. I actually just went off living as a normal person because I thought I could.
I evaluated why – you know, in my brain. Since, in my world, a lot of people make fun of whatever health issue I am going through or look at me like it’s impossible I have the issues I have, it becomes very easy for me to convince myself I’m completely normal and nothing is wrong. A lot of this has to do with making other people feel ok to be around me and the other half is people trying to be “supportive” and telling me I can do anything. The truth is, I can’t. Sometimes, when everyone is convinced nothing is wrong with you, you start to believe it since no one is actually looking out for you.
I do my best to keep my sense of humor about being difficult but I know I’m a major bummer.
The Test
Not completely convinced – I did an experiment.
 |
| This is about 1,040 calories |
I should add, I thought maybe I was lactose intolerant even though my symptoms do not match up with it. My brother is lactose intolerant and responds to the tablets. I did not take any tablets. Some of this is because my blood test shows the issues with milk as a whole which is not the same as a lactose intolerance.
Anyhow - for science I ate an entire quart of Zhwahels Ice Cream – which is some of the best ice cream around. Additionally, it was the Black Raspberry Krisp that my friend Tee and I feel in love with 5 years ago that was never produced after. It delicious blackberry ice cream with these chunks of sweet oatmeal crisp clusters.
*drool*
I communicated to Zwahlens Twitter that I missed Blackberry Crisp and they said they can’t make it because of the lack of blackberries. However, black raspberries are pretty good, too, and Tee bought us like a gallon of the Black Raspberry Krisp.
So, I ate my quart.
Aftermath
I do not want to eat dairy anymore. Ever.
I think that was the fastest anything has ever moved through my system. Parts of my dinner didn't even get their full time in my digestive tract. I even had the awesome green stuff coming out my back-end - which is actually bile - proving:
- I eat a lot of greens (less likely, by the way).
- Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Cow's milk being one of the causes.
You know what, padre? Everyone poops and those who do not poop probably wish they did. People are all supportive and happy about what goes in the front end but never pay attention to the back-end. I am here to educate you - your body can send you thousands of signals through poop in how it is processing food, using food and if you have anything from dehydration to an allergy to cancer.
Ever seen undigested food in the bowl, paco? That means your body is revolting it back-end style and can't digest it. That tells you a lot.
Respect the poop! Learn about your body. Make poop you are proud of!
Anyhow. . .
Lucky, my foster cat, summed up how my soul felt the rest of the night and into the next day.
 |
| Shame |
Cheese will have to be sheep's milk from now on. It's ok, I like cheese and sheep's milk cheese. I just have to be careful and check it to make sure.
I will miss ice cream (not for a little while, though) so my friend Tee gave me tons of thoughts about coconut milk ice cream, sheep's ice cream (I wanna try it, but, hard to find) and other types of ice cream. I might have to give them a go.
Anyhow, lesson learned.
I will be sticking to my little chart and avoiding those things that bother me. I have a feeling I will be much happier in many ways. Since my totally desirable man-friend, Bob, also needs to avoid some food after he had the same test done, we can do this together.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions.
Jul 5, 2013
The birth of our county was not a quick thing - it really took a couple days to get the whole thing out and all that. So, you know, you really can celebrate America from like June 14 to July 5.
Anyhow, yesterday, I celebrated my country with family, friends, steak and beverages. Today. . .I am the only one who made it to work in my department.
Holla at this hard-working American lady, here.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions.
Image Credit
Decal from 123rf.com
Anyhow, yesterday, I celebrated my country with family, friends, steak and beverages. Today. . .I am the only one who made it to work in my department.
Holla at this hard-working American lady, here.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestions.
Image Credit
Decal from 123rf.com
Jul 3, 2013
Bob, my hot tomali man-friend, and I journeyed to his brother’s house for dinner on Saturday night. I did not pass any United States Post Offices. I should also make it clear that it was Bob’s brother’s finance who made dinner. And it was fan-damn-tastic.
If you don’t know, I love me some good chicken and rice. And it was a strewed chicken over rice and I was the only one who ate two platefuls. I actually have traded out the rice in my diet for quinoa because I don’t @#$% it up as much so some good ol’ rice was super delicious.
The Background
Bob’s family play games. This is very alien to me because my family does not play games. Traditionally, we hunt and drink. And shoot guns. And eat. Debate. Mostly drink. Before I met Bob, I think the last time I even played a game was Apples to Apples in 2003. Before that, it was probably when my age was a single digit.
In college, when people wanted to play drinking games, I would totally laugh at them. Why am I playing a game to dictate when I drink? I’m just going to finish my beer like an adult.
Anyhow, Bob’s world is all about games.
This isn't a bad thing – he taught me how to play Rummy 500 and pinochle. I love 500. I do not love pinochle.
[Sorry babe, I love you a great deal but I don’t think I will ever enjoy pinochle.]
The Game
I only played dominoes once. It was a long time ago and there was also food around so I was really more interested in the food.
My first thought was there were a lot less dominoes than I remembered. I think we were playing some other type of game. I also remember in kindergarten was had a big box of dominoes o build things with. I assumed that was the game.
The game was pretty fun. We played in teams and the game involves strategies like counting and suits and stuff. I didn't really pick up on that. As with most games, at certain points someone would call out how they knew what everyone had or how my love or I screwed someone. I couldn't figure it out too well. But, with good people, it was fun.
Future Plans
I bought a pack of dominoes.
For reals.
Since I spend Sunday mostly alone, I tried to get the cat to play with me.
Then I learned how to play Castle Rock. I found trying to read the instructions more confusing for other games. Ahh well, it will be something fun my man-friend and I can play.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestio
If you don’t know, I love me some good chicken and rice. And it was a strewed chicken over rice and I was the only one who ate two platefuls. I actually have traded out the rice in my diet for quinoa because I don’t @#$% it up as much so some good ol’ rice was super delicious.
The Background
Bob’s family play games. This is very alien to me because my family does not play games. Traditionally, we hunt and drink. And shoot guns. And eat. Debate. Mostly drink. Before I met Bob, I think the last time I even played a game was Apples to Apples in 2003. Before that, it was probably when my age was a single digit.
In college, when people wanted to play drinking games, I would totally laugh at them. Why am I playing a game to dictate when I drink? I’m just going to finish my beer like an adult.
Anyhow, Bob’s world is all about games.
This isn't a bad thing – he taught me how to play Rummy 500 and pinochle. I love 500. I do not love pinochle.
[Sorry babe, I love you a great deal but I don’t think I will ever enjoy pinochle.]
The Game
I only played dominoes once. It was a long time ago and there was also food around so I was really more interested in the food.
My first thought was there were a lot less dominoes than I remembered. I think we were playing some other type of game. I also remember in kindergarten was had a big box of dominoes o build things with. I assumed that was the game.
The game was pretty fun. We played in teams and the game involves strategies like counting and suits and stuff. I didn't really pick up on that. As with most games, at certain points someone would call out how they knew what everyone had or how my love or I screwed someone. I couldn't figure it out too well. But, with good people, it was fun.
Future Plans
I bought a pack of dominoes.
For reals.
Since I spend Sunday mostly alone, I tried to get the cat to play with me.
 |
| Your move, buddy! |
Then I learned how to play Castle Rock. I found trying to read the instructions more confusing for other games. Ahh well, it will be something fun my man-friend and I can play.
Be Part of the Adventure
Do you have a suggestion or want to see me attempt something? Drop me an email at AdventuringAmanda@gmail.com with your suggestio
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