Why Don't I Feel Full?

Today, I'm writing about two topics that have brought me some concern over the past month. One of them I found to be challenging, yet rewarding and doable. The other is still a concern.

On nutrition:
Over the past month or two, I've experienced a day or two per week during which I could not get full. It seems like no matter how much or what type of food I eat, my blood sugar is still low. It's not just hunger pangs; it's more like I can't regulate my blood sugar or fill my stomach sufficiently. Finally, I decided it was bothering me enough to see my PCP about it.
I'm not a big fan of going to the doctor, particularly when needles are involved. I don't have a fear of needles, per se, but they give me the willies. So you can imagine I am not stoked for an appointment before which I cannot eat (yikes!), and at which I know beforehand they will be drawing blood. Double yikes!
I'm a little worried about what my doctor will say, but I'm armed with lots of possible causes (e.g. returning to omnivorism, frequent cardio exercise, "lady business" troubles and comorbid recurring BC problems [which could contribute to anemia], insufficient protein and/or iron consumption... the list goes on). Truth be told, I'm kind of terrified that my doctor will tell me that all of my hard work, meticulous planning, and expensive health-conscious purchases aren't doing my body good. That, or that I have actually been harming my body...
Both Ian and my mom, in their infinite wisdom, have offered tons of helpful suggestions and assured me that I'm doing the right thing. My appointment is Friday at 9:00. Fingers crossed for good news!

On planks:

Remember when I challenged myself to complete a plank a day for the month of September? Well, my blends, I did one plank every single day for 27 days, and I forgot on the 28th day. Consequently, I completed two one-minute planks on Sept. 29th, and I rounded out the month nicely. Obviously, I can't report that I've sprouted a six-pack, but I can say that planks get easier the more you do them. The first few days, I thought I was going to collapse. I've done planks sporadically before, but doing one a day seemed like it would be the death of me when I first began. Now, I'm thinking that making a plank-a-day part of my daily routine isn't a half-bad idea! It's an easy way to throw some ab work as well as some controlled breathing into my day without really having to plan.

I'll be back tomorrow with updates. As my dad says, happy teeny-Friday!
P.S. Countdown to the Vinton 5k: 9 days!!

HTP Martini Monday

Yesterday was a fantastic, wonderful, incredible, amazing, beautiful day in A.K. World. Not so much literally. It was foggy and drizzly all day. But inside, things were cheery and inspiration-fueled.

For one thing, it was my last day of my first year of graduate school. There was just one Ethics exam and one "practice" counseling session self-critique to be turned in standing between freedom and me. I surprised myself with how incredibly prepared I felt for my Group Therapy final last Thursday and my Ethics final. Never in my life have I put in more time or effort studying for exams. I really went above and beyond what I knew I was capable of, and it showed through my lack of pre-exam freakouts and in my confidence as I took the tests.

After Ethics, I jetted off to Robin Alexander for celebratory martinis with Amy, Jennifer, and Kristin (from left).

One whole year of grad school, done, just like that! Of course, it won't feel that way until I receive my final grades...

First there was the Sour Straw:

Then I tried the Andes Mint:

Both were irresistible, and both will be repeat offenders.

I washed those down (wait...) with the Tuscan Chicken and the sweet potato fries:

Though my bank account objects profusely, it's safe to say I've found a new favorite local spot.

So, what else was I celebrating?

Well, one of my favorite bloggers in the world, Caitlin Boyle over at Healthy Tipping Point, had emailed me to let me know that I was being featured on her blog as part of her "Success Stories" showcase this week, promoting the release of her new book:

I was beyond thrilled. Being recognized by Caitlin is a big deal to me; her blog serves as daily inspiration to better myself mentally and physically. In case you aren't familiar with Operation Beautiful, head over to her blog and check out her empowering work. I was cheesin' like a fool for hours on end. I called my mom and Ian as soon as I received the email. I emailed the link around. I told the ladies over martinis. I grinned and giggled through a phone convo with Dad. To be honest, I haven't stopped smiling since :)

On top of everything, Monday nights are Make It or Break It nights, and last night's episode did not disappoint. I must say, I'm pretty pleased with the start my week has had. Today, I'm off to my sister's college to help her pack up and move out. Wish us luck!

Finally!

It's official, ladies and gents -- Make It or Break It is back again!

Tonight's episode was every bit as thrilling and dramatic as I've been hoping it would be.

Payson, Lauren, and Kaylie are up to their usual teenage antics, gymnastics woes, and girly soblems (sobs + problems). There's no denying that I love this show. I'm obviously no athlete phenom myself, but hey, can't I be passionate about someone else's talent? Bad acting and ridiculous dialogue aside, it's an inspiring show.

Emily Kmetko, Kaylie Cruz, Lauren Tanner

Even though I'm not a gymnast, sometimes I feel as though my journey and theirs aren't so different. These girls have been in training since they were toddlers; I've been laboring through school since the same age, and I still have at least two years ahead of me. Focus is paramount in gymnastics; studying hard and smart is paramount in counselor education. These girls are keeping that age-old dream alive: if you work hard enough and believe in yourself, anything is possible. My stress about this semester's classes and workload can't rival competing for a spot on the Olympic team, but this isn't a competition. I'm simply inspired by seeing others pursue their dreams so wholeheartedly and with such vigor... even if it is a TV show!

My analogies may be ludicrous and corny, but sometimes watching a show like Make It or Break It is perfect for getting me out of my own head for a little while.

Source

P.S. Do you have a favorite show? Does it relate to your life (or do you draw laughable connections between fictional characters and yourself like I do)?

Just What I Needed

This weekend was exactly what the doctor ordered. Not literally.

Prepare for a full synopsis!

Friday, Ian and I dined at Buffalo Wild Wings. I tried the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich, and I subbed a side salad for fries (pats self on back). I was still craving a little something sweet afterward, so I ordered a scoop of vanilla ice cream from the kids menu. Mmm, mmm, mmm! Later on, we ventured down to one of Ian's best friend's dorm complex for some adult beverages, card games, and camaraderie. We even indulged in 2:00 a.m. Sheetz sandwiches. Oops!

Saturday, I relished the luxury of sleeping in, though Ian had to be up and at 'em before the sun awoke for an open house event for prospective students and their families. He rejoined me around 12:30, and we hit the gym. Hampden-Sydney has one of the most beautiful college gyms I've ever seen, though all I needed was a treadmill. Thankfully, there was hardly anyone else working out to see me huffing and puffing my way through my longest run yet -- 45 minutes! That ended up being almost 3.5 miles, which felt like a heart attack and light-headedness afterward, but which felt like pride and accomplishment later :) We grabbed lunch at T-Bell, and I tried the Soft Taco Supreme, which I haven't eaten since I was in middle school. Beef still isn't my thing in this whole meat experimentation process, but those tacos sure were tasty after such a difficult workout.

After a short nap, some March Madness, and a bit of Bo Burnham's stand-up routine, we showered and dressed for the evening. I tried the Tiger Inn's (HSC's student center and cafe) finest -- the tuna melt sandwich, onion petals, a Vitamin Water, and a Kit Kat bar. We spent Saturday night with our Friday night crowd. I may be 23, but Kings and $%#@ the Dealer have yet to get old, especially when paired with hilarious people. What a weekend!

This afternoon, we enjoyed the dining hall's brunch spread, which I always enjoy. I'm very much a creature of habit, so I always snag fresh-squeezed OJ, French roast coffee, low-fat granola with skim, an egg white omelette with veggies and cheese, fruit cocktail and cottage cheese, and a donut hole or three. Ian had a busy afternoon ahead, and I needed to get back to work on a project, so unfortunately we parted company around 3:00.

This weekend was just what I needed to clear my head, relax, spend time with close friends, try a new workout in a new place, and laugh until I couldn't breathe. I hope your weekend was equally as excellent :)

P.S. Tomorrow night, Make It or Break It returns full-force, and I could not be more excited! I've never been busier or more stressed with all that's due in the next few weeks, but I absolutely love this show!

Lip Syncing My Way Through College

Sorry I've been MIA from the blog scene this week! Things have been more than hectic between grad school, weekend scheduling with Ian, schoolwork obligations and scheduling conflicts, and stress, stress, stress!! I've also been suffering from a bit of writer's block -- the kind where I write half of a post, suddenly lose all interest in my topic, and end up with a list of drafts.

Wednesday night, I was able to blow off a lot of steam by visiting my ADPi sisters at Longwood for Greek Lip Sync Spring 2012. It's always a very adrenaline-fueled affair, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to surprise my sisters and watch them win Best Appearance! Congratulations again, ladies! :)

Who do I think I am, a turtle? Who sticks her neck out that far?

Our beautiful and strong Epsilon Chi chapter <>

Of course, all of the pictures I took brought back (laughable) memories of my own Lip Sync, so very many years ago, in the spring of 2008, while I was yet a freshman...

And also of one of my favorite Lip Syncs of all time, spring 2009 featuring the Alpha class Meant to Be 14:

As I was listening to a few seniors tell me how excited they are to graduate and be done with activities like workshops they've been through a million times, or long chapter meetings when they'd rather be doing something else, my heart and soul longed to be back at Longwood, participating in those same activities. As I listened to my close friends talk about the newest initiated class of sisters, I realized that there were about 15 unfamiliar faces in the sea of ADPis, whose names I didn't know.

I even texted Ian, "Why didn't I do that Victory Lap?"

All those times I thought to myself, I wish we didn't have a recruitment workshop, or Please let this ceremony be over soon, I would take back in a heartbeat. I realized during the last semester of my senior year at Longwood that I had lip synced my way through so much of college. I was going through the motions, but I wasn't always participating wholeheartedly. There was still so much time left for all of that! ...right?

As a lowly freshman, I only wanted to be a sophomore. As a sophomore, I knew junior year had to be greater. But as a junior, I began to dread becoming a senior. Being a senior meant preparing for graduation, and grad school, and Big Girl World. I took for granted so many nights with my incredible sisters. I skipped parties in favor of watching movies, I slept in instead of seizing the day, I ate Taco Bell in place of enjoying the dining hall atmosphere, I complained instead of relishing the rituals and ceremonies, and I missed opportunities I'll never be able to relive.

If you're still an undergrad, I implore you not to take a single moment for granted. There aren't as many as you think there are, and they'll all be used up before you even realize what's happened. Graduation day, when you're sitting on the lawn in your itchy cap and gown, I pray that your thoughts are of excitement and promise. When you've moved on with your life and accepted a job in some city, I pray that you think of your fellow Greek brothers and sisters and wonder what they're up to. When you revisit your old college campus and bring your children to run around (as my parents did with Caroline and me), I pray that your memories are of laughing until you cried, hilariously drunken nights, intensely deep late-night conversations with your roommate, stolen property from some forbidden frat house, and walking the halls of education that molded you into who you are. Yeah, I'm a pretty corny girl, but these are my memories, and I wouldn't trade a single one.

First. Finest. Forever.

<> Alpha Delta Pi <>



Fiesta Weekend

What a wonderful relaxing, productive, exciting, smile-filled weekend it was :) I was so blessed to be able to spend it in the company of family and good friends.

Friday held so many new things (i.e. my accidental 5K), I couldn't help but celebrate!

I demolished this little gem at TGI Friday's before Kristin and I made our way to AA. This go-round, I selected more wisely: the Classic Wedge Salad, the Chicken Piccata Pasta, and this, Oreo Madness. Again, I didn't finish the pasta, and the delicious left-overs are still waiting for me.

Saturday, after my new favorite healthy Subway find (a 6" Veggie on wheat bread = provolone, lettuce, tomato, pickles, banana peppers, cucumber, Chipotle Southwest sauce, and oil and vinegar), I treated myself to a phenomenal Starbuck's cake pop.

Saturday evening, Caroline, Ian and I rang in St. Patrick's Day with two friends, Phil and Bekah, and a lot of some very green beer at Macado's!

After so much indulgence, I declared today that I'm in official Detox Mode. Lauren asked me about my "plan of attack," but the truth is, I don't have one. I just have a crying need to OD on fruits and veggies. Somewhere between the pasta salad and St. Patty's Day coconut cake I swallowed whole last night and the 2 cinnamon rolls I wolfed down this morning, I lost sight of my body's needs.

Ergo... I've been excited to make and to blog about vegetarian Burrito Bowls for literally days!

I got the idea from one of my favorite blogs, A Healthy Slice of Life.

What I Used:

- Refried pinto beans

- Hard taco shell bowls (a.k.a. Tostada Bowls)

- Baby spinach leaves

- Tomato

- Avocado

- Sprinkly nacho/taco cheese

- Light sour cream

- Wholly Salsa

(I wasn't able to find fresh cilantro at my local Kroger last week)

(I ended up skipping the brown rice; I'm thinking I'll use it for a meal later this week)

(I didn't add sauteed onion as I had planned because I was super hungry... and eager!)

What I Did:

- Coated the inside of the bowl with hot refried beans

- Diced a handful (each) of tomato, avocado, and spinach

- Layered all veggie ingredients

- Added sour cream, salsa, and cheese

- Added dollops of beans

And there it is -- my very first homemade burrito bowl!

I munched on a handful of almonds and a Chobani instead of giving in to the idea of fixing another Burrito Bowl. I'll be enjoying one again soon; one of the great things about this meal idea is that the ingredients suffice for several meals.

Well, my blends, it's time for me to get back into my school routine. T-minus 44 days until the semester is over, but it sure doesn't feel like it! I've got a lot of work--hence, a lot of stress--ahead of me, so a detox goal of ODing on fruits and veggies ought to help me cope. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!



Expect the Exceptional

This post is going to be a very long rave review like you never saw!

Thanks for sticking around through my absence -- I elected not to write from Mexico because my only means of accessing the Internet was via my tiny iPod screen. I was able to check emails, but that was about it. I also wanted to actually utilize my time away from everything that stresses me out during my daily life (e.g. email, Twitter, homework, studying...)

So now I can finally tell you all about our Spring Break in Playa del Carmen!

We flew out of Richmond at an unholy hour last Saturday. It is weird that I get quite excited for airport Starbuck's and breakfast sandwiches? Who cares!

We flew from Richmond to Washington, D.C., and from there to Cancun. Immediately upon exiting the airport, alcohol was available cheap. I knew we'd come to the right place ;)

A one-hour van taxi ride later, we arrived at the Royal Playa del Carmen,

with this guy waiting to welcome Caroline and me to our Junior Suite:

Let me tell you, there was nothing "Junior" about it! The Playa del Carmen is an all-inclusive resort, so of course, I took full advantage:

I drank more mojitos this week than I ever have in my life, plus there were the requisite tequila shots and pina coladas, and mango daiquiris, Tom Collinses, gin and tonics, Bahama Mamas, local beer, moscatos, and more. We only sampled the bottles of liquor available in our suite once, because there were so many other drinks to try so many other places! The resort refuses to allow guests to go thirsty, and it does not limit guests in their consumption.

It seems I have a very forgiving liver.

My sister and I ordered room service for a late dinner our first night in Mexico, because we arrived at an odd time:

 Obviously, Caroline was too excited about her steak for a normal expression...

I experimented with foods this week that I had never tried before (or haven't tried in the past 9 years of vegetarianism), such as shrimp flautas,

lamb,

duck,

grouper,

escargot (somehow forgot to snap a pic of the presentation), guava,

ham,

breakfast sausage (not a fan),

and some of the most decadent desserts I have ever had the pleasure of meeting:

I think it's pretty safe to say that my lacto-ovo-pescetarianism fell by the wayside in Mexico...

I also experienced some activities I probably wouldn't have in Virginia, such as Mom taking a tequila shot at lunchtime,

being asked to dance in front of everyone by a member of the very talented and very handsome entertainment staff, "sexy Omar," during Caribbean Night,

seeing an honest-to-goodness Mariachi band play live,

getting in a great gym workout in the resort's gym,

absolutely loving my first hour-long, professional, full-body spa massage,

sunburning on one side of my body more than the other while lounging in complete shade,

and truly relaxing my worries and stress away.

I was so disappointed about leaving after only 6 days, but this gem in the duty-free airport shops cheered me up a bit:

Check the sunburn -- only on my face, and worse on the right side than the left!

Does anyone else remember the coffee-flavored Chup-a-Chups from years ago?! These could have fed a family of four...

The Royal Playa del Carmen's slogan is "expect the exceptional," and my expectations were met vastly exceeded. I will be going back to Mexico! Like, as soon as possible...

P.S. If you're on Spring Break, what are you up to? If you've already had Spring Break, what did you do? If you don't get Spring Break anymore, what's your next big vacation?