The Porcupine Theory

My mom sent me this story & I loved it & so now I will share it with you...


Fable of the porcupine


It was the coldest winter ever. - Many animals died because of the cold.
The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions even though they gave off heat to each other. After awhile, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth. Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. This way they learned to live with the little wounds that were caused by the close relationship with their companion, but the most important part of it, was the heat that came from the others. This way they were able to survive.

Moral of the story: The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but the best is when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.

The Moral of the story!..........LEARN TO LOVE THE PRICKLY PEOPLE IN YOUR
LIFE

You always see firemen at burning buildings, but that doesn't mean they caused the fire...

Have you ever heard the saying "You are what you eat"? Well I believe it. I believe that what we put into our bodies; food, thoughts etc affect us. I love to study the body and how it works. There are so many ideas, theories and hypotheses out there, so many truths. All pieces of the puzzle of how we work and still so many left undiscovered. One of the things I have studied that is very exciting to me is The Germ Vs Terrain Theory of disease. The terrain theory gets very deep on very small, microscopic, world and it really explains how & why we get sick. I want to share a story from an e-book I read years ago and am currently re studying to share the difference between the two schools of thought.

Let us proceed by setting the stage. Let’s go back in history a little over 100 years. We’ll go back to the days of the great debate between the “Terrainist School” and the “Microbiologists.” The setting is late nineteenth century France. The two great figures in our discourse are Louis Pasteur and Antoine Bernard (Bechamp). Both of these gentlemen were researchers and scientists. Louis Pasteur was a veterinary and chemist, while Antoine Bernard (Bechamp) was a medical doctor. They were both studying the cause of disease and each had a particular interest in the microbes that make up the vast flora of living systems.

Louis Pasteur believed that the microbe is the cause of all disease. He theorized that each disease had a particular microbe specific to itself. If one could identify the microbe and destroy it, one could cure the disease. This is the basis of the germ-theory.

O.k. Let’s pretend that you are a member of your city council, and you have hired me to recommend a course of action for the council to take in order to clean up the horrible trash problem. So, in I come, you have paid me millions of dollars, because of my degree and my years of experience, and this is my assessment –

“I have observed that your problem is not trash at all, it’s a rat problem. In observation of your fair city I find that where there is trash there are also rats. What’s more, where I have found many rats, I have observed more trash, and where I have found no rats at all, there has also been no trash at all. Therefore, rats cause trash. It is good that you came to me, because how else would you have understood that what you supposed was a trash problem, was actually a rat problem? For a fee, I will kill the rats in your city, and then all of your trash will simply go away.”

The Germ Theory of Louis Pasteur is precisely the same as the Rat Theory proposed by Dr. Bernard Jensen. Rats and germs have one thing in common – they are both highly opportunistic. In other words, they seek environments that meet their needs. Rats like garbage and germs do too.

Bernard (Bechamp) believed that disease is caused by dysregulation of the body terrain. That the state of the whole organism dictates whether an individual becomes ill, or manifests a set of symptoms, or whether they remained well and fight off the diseases around them. This is the Terrainist Theory of disease. The Rat Theory in reverse really applies here. Clean up the trash and the rats simply go away.

Bernard said in 1879 that, “It is the fixity of the milieu interieur which is the condition of free and independent life.” In other words, it is the homeostasis of the internal terrain that is most important to health.

Their philosophy, however, was not the only difference between these two great scientists. Each of them looked at microscopic environments using different equipment. Louis Pasteur looked at things under bright-field microscopy and he developed stains in order to identify clearly what he was looking at. The stains killed and denatured the blood, tissues and other materials observed. He was more interested in identifying and killing the offending organism, you see, than he was in understanding the body itself.

Antoine Bernard (Bechamp) did not depend so heavily on bright field microscopy for his understanding of microbes.. He also looked at living systems using dark-field technology. This allowed him to watch the living system and see what developed there. What he saw under Darkfield microscopy formed the basis of the Terrainist School of Thought.

In the plasma of the blood, between the red blood cells, against a black field, he observed tiny living organisms that he named “Microzhyma”. He postulated that the microzhyma were the living seeds of life and that these organisms in regulation help to maintain the body in a state of health and wellness. He further postulated that the lifestyle of the individual, the physical environment, the diet, etc., causes him to get sick and die or to remain well.

Rabies
A story has often been told that illustrates the debate that raged between these two researchers. It involves two brothers who lived in France, one in Paris and the other outside of Paris. One of the brothers was a prominent baker who provided baked goods for high-class restaurants in Paris. The other brother was a poor farmer. These two men had daughters of about the same age. One day both of their daughters were playing at the home of the farmer. Into the courtyard came a rabid dog and bit both little girls. One of them became sick and died. The other little girl did not become sick at all.

Of course the famous scientist Louis Pasteur was immediately called on to examine the body of the little girl that died. He had already gained renown for discovering the microbe that caused Hydrophobia (rabies). Having examined the body of the little girl that died from hydrophobia, he declared that she had indeed died of rabies. When he was asked why the other little girl didn’t even get sick his response is reported to have been, “perhaps the mouth of the dog was so cleansed by the first bite that when it came time to bite the second girl there were no more microbes left on its teeth and gums and that’s why she didn’t get sick”.

Those of you who have dogs or have ever worked with dogs know that the dog’s mouth, like any other mouth, is a filthy environment and that one bite is not ever going to “cleanse” all of the microbes off of the dog’s teeth or out of the dog’s mouth. But this explanation was fine and adequate for the uneducated family of the two little girls.

Bernard (Bechamp) came on the scene later. There was no body for him to examine, there was only a family to interview. He talked with the mother and father of the little girl that lived and with the mother and father of the girl that died. What he found was significant. The little girl that died was the daughter of the baker. She had quite a high lifestyle. She lived in town. She had fine clothing. She had plenty to eat. The little girl that lived, however, was the farmer’s daughter, and lived a much different lifestyle. This intrigued him.

Could the diet alone make the difference between life and death in the case of hydrophobia? What is it that is so terrifying about rabies? It is that every person who contracts the disease dies? Even today the prognosis after actual infection is very low.



This is what he observed about the little girl that died.

• She lived in town.
• Air was polluted outside because of the predominant use of coal.
• Air was polluted inside because of the use of whale oil lamps.
• Water was polluted because it came from the river that also doubled as the sewer system.
• Her diet consisted largely of processed carbohydrates (white flour), meat and rich sauces.

This is what he observed about the little girl that lived.

• She lived in the country.
• Air was clean and pure.
• Water came from the well. It was not polluted with sewage.
• Her diet was high in garden produce and low in processed carbohydrates. They were poor. They probably couldn’t afford much meat, rich sauces, etc.


Bernard observed the difference between these two lifestyles and these two diets and postulated that the little country girl’s internal terrain was regulated and the micro-flora that lived there naturally prevented the rabies from taking hold and making the little girl sick.

Whether or not this story actually ever happened is irrelevant. The fact that it has been told and re-told many times indicates how really diametrically opposed to each other’s way of thinking the two camps of microbiology were at that time.


In a nut shell there are the two schools of thought. Over the years I have worked hard to improve my health; changing my diet, healing emotional wounds & feeding my spirituality. I have put the Terrain Theory to the test and know it as truth. I also can appreciate medicine. There are times when our systems get out of whack and we need medicine to help get us back in balance. Combining the two schools of thought and gleaning from the truths of each and using them to our advantage are great tools to help us achieve wellness.

If anyone is interested in exploring this topic in more depth I found a great website that is easy to understand and gets in pretty deep http://www.laleva.org/eng/2004/05/louis_pasteur_vs_antoine_bchamp_and_the_germ_theory_of_disease_causation_1.html

Help to Avoid the Ickies this Winter.

The "ick" season will soon be upon us. Our extended family has already had a few cases of the "ickies" and it is a good reminder to me to start supporting my families immune system to keep everyone healthy and well. A few simple things we do to stay healthy and have had success with are: Probiotics, fish oils & Vit C, taken daily and increased at first sign of illness. I also have found a few herbal remedies I absolutely LOVE. My favorite is Immunity Take Care by New Chapter. It is an elderbery lozenge that when sucked on gets into the blood stream in less than 30 minutes and begins fighting viruses. Last year "B"s class had an outbreak of swine flu along with a few boys on his football team getting it as well. He came home from school exhibiting all the symptoms and feeling miserable. I immediately started him on the elderberry lozenge along with vit C & another herbal remedy I like called Defence. I sent him to bed and by morning he was better. The elderberry lozenge can be taken as a preventative and if you have family members with weak immune systems I would recommend it. It can get pricey for a family of 7 so I typically just use it at first sign of illness or as a preventative when I know the kids have been exposed to a virus going around. Immunity Take Care can be bought online just google it or locally at Dave's Health & Nutrition (it is usually on sale this time of year which reminds me I need to stalk up) You can also go to their website at Daveshealth.com The other one I mentioned was Defence. It is a Native American herbal remedy made by Native American Nutritionals. I will put a link to their website below along with the info on its ingredients along with a little more info on the elderberry lozenge. I have a very smart health conscious friend. She has a lovely blog that I follow and can be found on my side bar "World of Wisdom" She just posted a great post on staying puke free this winter and keeping our families healthy. If anyone is interested in reading her suggestions go to: http://aworldofwisdom.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-i-achieve-flu-free-winters.html


How Immunity Take Care Works

Immunity Take Care, with the exclusive extract is the first all-herbal, natural therapeutic that acts to block viruses from entering human cells, therefore preventing them from replicating.*

A virus is much smaller than a human cell, but despite its small size can be very powerful, especially when allowed to replicate. When a virus gets into the nose, lungs or mouth it targets particular cells in the body and attaches to them in very specific ways. Once inside the cell, the virus multiplies rapidly to make copies of itself. These newly copied viruses escape the cell and enter the bloodstream to find even more cells to attach to.

The bioactive molecules in Immunity Take Care by New Chapter seeks out viruses, bind to them, and create a coating around them. This coating is like a fence around the virus that blocks its ability to attach to and enter cells.

The bioactives in Immunity Take Care actually bind themselves to viruses, coat the viruses, and block their ability to attach to and enter human cells.*

In-vitro laboratory studies of this patent pending extract have demonstrated up to a 100% success rate in inhibiting the entry of enveloped viruses (like influenza).
How Immunity Take Care Is Different

*

Acts Before the Virus Can Attack

Unlike antivirals that begin to work after viruses have begun multiplying, Immunity Take Care works to target and block viruses before they can replicate.*

*

Complete Herbal Bioactive Chemistries

Immunity Take Care is not a synthetic chemical isolate. Immunity Take Care is a 100% Herbal Virus Blocker that provides the full range of bioactive chemistries of the natural herbal source, thanks to the combination of supercritical extraction and a breakthrough technology for validating potency, called DART (Direct Analysis in Real-Time).*

While other commercially available natural products contain fewer than 150 components, Immunity Take Care contains over 1,000 natural chemistries and the key bioactives in each dose.

You can google elderberry health benefits to learn more about this great natural health inducing plant. Elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, hence the medicinal benefits of elderberries are being investigated and rediscovered. Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, to improve vision, to boost the immune system, to improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsilitis. Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with the flu who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not. It was used to treat the flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.

Defence:

It stands without question that if the immune system is strengthened, numerous ailments and illnesses can be aided and alleviated. The main ingredients in “DEFENSE” are Black Cumin, Stabilized Rice Bran, Muscadine Grape, the Native American Sacred herb “Tsi-Ahga” and the Heart of Garlic. Each one is demonstrated in scientific research to strengthen, support and modulate the Immune Response in different ways.

Black Cumin has impressive scientific research that shows it to have very beneficial anti-microbial properties. It has been demonstrated to have potent anti-microbial properties and science has demonstrated why it has always been the best bet to combat colds and viral infection. One of the most important components of Black Cumin Oil is known to be effective for bronchial asthma and respiratory allergies because of its ability to expand and relax the airways. It also reduces the release of histamines into the bloodstream and thus works against allergic reactions. Black Cumin has been shown to reduce allergy symptoms up to 90% over long term use.
Scientists know that Black Cumin stimulates the bone marrow to produce immune cells, increases interferon production, protects the body against viruses and inhibits infection. Black Cumin has also been proven effective against the development of cancer. The Cancer Immuno-Biology Laboratory of South Carolina ran a series of experiments in which mice were infected with tumor cells. Two thirds of the animals treated with Black Cumin oil were still alive thirty days after being infected. In contrast, ALL of the mice that did not receive Black Cumin treatment died within thirty days. It stands without question that if the immune system is strengthened, numerous ailments and illnesses can be aided and alleviated.

Stabilized Rice Bran is the result of the specialized processing of rice concentrates and extracts. Being an all-natural whole food, Stabilized Rice Bran works synergistically to restore optimal health. Consisting of perfect chains of essential fatty acids, trace minerals, amino acids, PhytoNutrients, glyconutrients, and over ninety powerful antioxidants including tocotrienols (which have been found to be 6000 times more effective than vitamin E) Stabilized Rice Bran provides the nutritional therapy and protection that our modern diets often lack.

Muscadine Grape contains higher levels of antioxidants than blackberries, black raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, red raspberries, and strawberries. This finding was established in the early 1990s by Mississippi State University, as well as by the National Institutes of Health. Because it is so much higher in antioxidants, Muscadine Grape protects and restores Immune Function resulting in a wide variety of protection throughout the body.

Tsi-Ahga is a Native American Sacramental Medicine derived from Conks that grow on certain cone-bearing trees. The 3-beta-D-glucans which make up part of the cellular structure of these Conks cause a pan-systemic modulation of T-Cells, Macrophages and Neutrophil White Blood Cells, when ingested. In fact, it has been established that the number and viability of these particular cells is increased by as much as 4000% within 20 hours after taking Tsi-Ahga! Macrophages and Neutrophils are the two cells upon which all other Immune Cells depend. You can have many viable B-Cells and T-Cells, but they will not be effective without the programming provided by these “Communicator” cells. Tsi-Ahga also contains bitter triterpene compounds that support the thymus and spleen (essential to insuring that immune cells are properly programmed), anti-tumor polysaccharides, blood pressure-reducing angiotensin re-uptake inhibitors, and perhaps the highest source of germanium in nature. Germanium is an oxygen catalyst and one of the most powerful free-radical scavengers found in nature.

Heart of Garlic contains the antimicrobial substance known as “Allicin” which is produced when the Alliin and Allinase of the garlic are brought together as a result of damage to the bulb or by microbial invasion of the plant. Allicin is the natural defense mechanism of the garlic plant that science has proven to be so effective as a defense for us as well. Some research-supported actions of Allicin are: reduces blood pressure, kills microscopic organisms, poisonous bacteria, parasites and fungal infections, aids in preventing neoplasm, reduces high blood cholesterol, removes heavy metals and other toxins, scavenges and removes free radicals, repairs immune system cells by providing high sulfur compounds, and increases blood circulation.
The chemistry of garlic is complex and even though Allicin was discovered in 1944, its volatility has resulted in very few supplements or garlic based products that contain any Allicin by the time they reach the consumer. In the past year alone, supermarkets and mass merchandisers in the United States have sold more than 5 million units of garlic. This makes garlic the most popular herbal product in America, according to Information Resources, Inc., and yet none of those consumers are getting what they actually need (Allicin) from the garlic products they buy. It is worth mentioning that with a new patented process for extracting and stabilizing Allicin from garlic, we can now offer people the product they thought they were buying.

For more information on this product you can go to: http://www.nativeamericannutritionals.com/Product_Desc.aspx?Inventory_ID=2 A bottle is $25 and taken regularly lasts a month. When I was unhealthy and my RA was flaring I took it regularly now we use it to quickly fight off illnesses. To order you can call 1-877-432-5446. You can set up your own account or order under my name.

I mention these things because they work for us & have helped us stay healthy when I remember to use them. I really like what Amy said on her blog and am planning to incorporate some of her ideas this winter as well. Time to order my thieves essential oil. Pure Elements (carried locally at Dave's) & Native American Nutritionals (where you buy defence) also have an oil combination equivalent to Theives for about $10 less. It is called Ancient Remedy. I put it in our diffuser so that we are are breathing the oils & put it in a small spray bottle about 10 drops of oil & fill the rest with water. This I will use to spray on feet like Amy recommends on her blog.

** and don't forget the disclaimer that I am not a doctor. nor am I giving medical advice...merely sharing things that help our family avoid the winter ickies ;D

Running my half marathon (13.1 miles)

I apologize in advance, this is long winded but I wrote it for me & wanted to remember what I was feeling so you get the long version ;D

Seven weeks ago I finished my second triathlon, BAM I posted about it a few posts ago. I was excited to accomplish my goal and was thinking about what I wanted to do next. I decided that a half marathon would be a good goal. I looked at the available races and decided that the SoJo Half was the one that I wanted to do. The only problem was that it was only 6 weeks away and I hadn't ran more than 4 miles ever. So I did the best thing I could think of... I asked my super savvy fitness junkie hubby for help. I told him what I wanted to do and how much time I had to get ready. He kindly wrote me a plan that would get me ready in time for my race.

During my training I ran a marathon relay and a friend said, "You must really love to run" My response: "No not really, I have to talk myself into it on every run and even then sometimes I hate it" Hmm so why am I running? It took me awhile to come up with an answer for that one. It is hard to put into words exactly why. It means something deep down that I don't have words for yet, but the simplest answer is I want to run because I can and because I can I will. I am so full of gratitude and appreciation that I CAN do this. That my body is physically capable of it. I love to accomplish goals. To decide in my mind that I want to do something and then create a plan and do it. Then to be able to set physical goals and accomplish them... I am amazed and awed at the human body and its potential!

Training was hard. I wanted to be prepared but I did not want to push too hard and end up injured and not be able to do my race. Long runs (7 miles and longer) the neuroma (tumor around a nerve) in my foot would ache and flare up. My ankle was sore from rolling it a few weeks before. Life is busy. We have dance, football and this year I am team mom & various other kid activities and commitments. But I wanted to reach this goal & I wanted it badly enough to stay committed and do the work. Plus when Josh takes his time to help me with the planning it strengthens my resolve to do it. He doesn't check on me but it somehow helps me feel more accountable for it.

Prep work done. Now for the test. Race day! Josh decided to run the half as well. We got ready and drove to the shuttle site. The race was to start in Copperton, a tiny town up by the Kennecott Copper Mine and finish in the river bottoms in South Jordan. We arrived at 6:40 the last bus was to leave at 7:15. I was surprised at how long the line was. There had to be close to 300 people in line. I was glad we had came early this could get messy. But no buses came. The first one came at 7:20 and quickly filled and left. The line hardly moved. We waited. Lots of people were grumbling and complaining. (What is it with me and standing next to a complaining lady psyching myself out before the start of a race?!) A couple people said they had it and that it wasn't worth it and left. We considered driving but were worried that they would not let us through- everyone was to be bused. So we waited & waited. Starting time came and went. Josh said they probably started because running races usually start on time. But then a race volunteer came by counting everyone in line and trying to call and find out what happened to the buses. She said "Don't worry they are holding the race, we will get you there!" Yeah! I was excited to start the race in a "mass start fashion." This was my first race and I was looking forward to the whole experience. Finally at 8:20 two buses came. We smashed 3-4 people a seat and the isle was crammed tight. Great fun for a lengthy 20 minute ride to the starting line. But we were on our way and anxious to get there. As we drove to Copperton we saw a pack of runners at mile 4. I was sad, got a little choked up. I had to have a chat with myself and get back on track so that I could run my race. Got out of the bus and started stretching. I thought that we would have a second mass start with the half of the runners who were on our 2 buses. It took me a few minutes to figure out that we just started whenever we were ready to go and our time started when we crossed the timing mat. Ugh! I stepped on that a few minutes ago stretching. So I turned on my garmin and started running.

Running downhill is nice. Can't train for it on a treadmill but very helpful to keep my pace moving along. I had a strange cramp in my right calf from mole 3 on. It wasn't a big deal and other than that I had no issues. My feet were strong and I was making great time. Beating even my shorter distance race times. Glen & Marye pulled along side me and cheered and took pictures around mile 8. It was fun to see them and feel their support. Marye ran with me for a few minutes and I laughed and enjoyed her support. Stacey, Emily & Porter waited to cheer further down the road. I ran a 9:30 pace up until mile 9. I did walk the aid stations and when I took a gel at mile 5 just like my hubby had told me to do. Even with that I was making a 9:30 pace. I was thrilled! At mile 9 my big toe on my left foot was killing. I stopped, took off my shoe & adjusted my sock. I was worried it was raw & did not want to see it so I put my shoe back on and ran. I ran on the grass in the park strip for a few minutes to soften the landing for my feet. I was afraid I would roll my ankle so I decided the flat road was probably the better choice. I slowed down a little bit but kept going until mile 10, had another gel & continued on. By mile 11 I was in the river bottoms and the downhill slope changed to a slight uphill. It felt good on my legs to not be going downhill and even though it was more work to run I was happy with the change.

Only 2.1 miles left! That is nothing! At least that is what I told myself to keep going. The last 2 miles I slowed more and alternated between a jog and a walk. A wonderfully sweet lady was doing the same and we talked each other into keeping it up. The finish line was in site. Hooray! The trail took us past the finish line a short distance and circled back. I had to fight the strong urge to cut through the grass and finish. I ran in, heard them call my name and saw my wonderful hubby and friends waiting & cheering me on at the finish. Hooray! I finished! Josh reminded me to stop my garmin and kept me walking for a few minutes so I didn't collapse.

My time 2:13:36 I did it and I beat my goal by 16 and a half minutes! I told myself I would be happy with anything less than 2:30. Secretly I wanted to run under 10 minute miles and finish around 2:10 but I didn't think that was realistic. Four months ago I couldn't run a 1/4 mile, 6 weeks ago 4 miles was my longest run and that included walking time. But I did it. I prepared for my race and I ran it well. I am thrilled! I am full of gratitude for my hubby who knows me and helped me prepare. Without his help I wouldn't have been able to do it.

I am sore. My toe is blistered, my abs feel bruised and my leg muscles are just about useless. They hurt to touch. I keep laughing. I am so grateful! My joints are strong, there is no inflammation. The kids watch me hobble and ask if I am ok. I swallow hard and try not to cry because I am so grateful. I remember when my muscles hurt this bad in addition to excruciating joint pain, fatigue & depression. I have been so greatly blessed in my life. I am overcome with joy at being able to walk and move let alone run a half marathon. So do I love to run?... I guess I do. Why? Because I CAN!


Thank you for your love & support. Thank you everyone who worked so hard to put the SoJo race together. This was the first year. What a huge undertaking! The course was great. The roads were swept and clean, traffic was stopped and volunteers were great. A great day to accomplish a goal & a memory I will cherish!

Hawaiin Haystacks...It's what's for dinner

a yummy delicious twist on summer salads for a nutritious easy meal

2-4 cups cooked brown rice
leafy green & an assortment of other vegetables
garnishes: pineapple, coconut, strawberries, mandarin oranges, slivered almonds, blueberries etc

Gravy: 6 cups water combined with favorite bouillon to taste, 1/2 tsp dry ginger, 1 cup coconut milk & 1/3 cup corn starch, and a pinch of salt.

Combine gravy ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to boil, stirring constantly. Place salad fixings, garnishes & gravy over rice. ENJOY

Recipe from Original Fast Foods by James & Colleen Simmons

This is a yummy salad that makes a nutritious, complete meal. I made ours with lettuce, spinach, celery, carrots, red peppers, cucumbers,green onion, strawberries, mandarin oranges, slivered almonds, shredded coconut, chicken and the gravy. The salad is good with regular dressing as well.

Tri Schedule

image from www.heleneboudreau.com
I have sorta, kinda, maybe wanted to do a triathlon for quite sometime but didn't have enough direction to get my body ready to do it. I would get excited and go exercise really hard, end up over doing it and then not doing anything for several more days while I healed. I wasn't building my endurance or getting any stronger. I decided to ask my sweet hubby for help. He is an avid athlete who has been doing triathlon for 4 years and has completed 2 Ironman races. We decided on a race I wanted to do and then he wrote me a training plan to get me ready to do it. Over the past 4 weeks I have been working out a lot more than I ever have in the past. Consistently 6 days a week! Huge for me. I have 1 week to go until my 1st sprint triathlon.

I am grateful for my hubby's help. He is a fabulous teacher in general and this is an area that he has excelled in. I started out barely being able to run a mile. One month later I can run a 5K (3.1 miles) and feel good after. He has giving me a couple of swim lessons and I am improving. I still need more lesson for sure but I am getting strong and I am happy about that.

I also learned something else over the course of this month. I learned to really enjoy exercise. I have been active and enjoyed active things like hiking in the great outdoors all my life. But exercise for the purpose of exercise ehh I'd do it but not for fun. I posted before about waiting, praying & having gratitude for my life while facing the unknown. We don't have resolve yet on what is going on with our child. Just more tests and more waiting. But I have found that when I am exercising it can be a time of release for me. I still worry. But the physical activity makes me feel better, it makes me stronger and helps me prepare to face my challenges. I now can appreciate exercise and enjoy it as something I do for me. It is also fun to go on exercise dates with my sweetheart and share his passion.

I have had a handful of friends ask what the training plan Josh wrote for me is. I am going to post it here. Mine is on a calendar starting on a Monday. I work out 6 days a week with Sunday's as my off day.

Day 1: Swim 20 min total warm up, drills, 4X50's drills, 50's, cool down
Day 2: Bike 30 min 5 min w.u., 5 X 30 spin ups, 2 min recovers, 10 min consistent,c.d.
Day 3: Run 30 min w.u. 5 min run/1 min walk then c.d.
Day 4: swim 20 min w.u. 4X50 multiple sets c.d.
Day 5: Bike 60 min
Day 6: Run: 5 min w.u. 15 min run 5 walk c.d.
Day 7: OFF
Day 8: Bike 1 hr or spin class
Day 9: Swim 35 min 2X100 2X50 multiple sets
Day 10: Run 30 min w.u. 7.5 min run 1 min walk repeat till cool down time
Day 11: Bike 30 min run 10 min
Day 12: Swim 25 min 2X100 2X50 multiple sets
Day 13: Run 30 min 5 min w.u. 20 min run 5 walk c.d.
Day 14: OFF
Day 15: Bike 30 min
Day 16: Swim 30 min 3X100 2X50 multiple sets
Day 17: Run w.u. 10 min run 1 min walk X3
Day 18: Bike 20 min Run 10 min
Day 19: Swim 30 min 2X150
Day 20: Run 35 min 5 min w.u. 25 min run 5 c.d.
Day 21: OFF
Day 22: Bike 1 hr
Day 23: Swim 4X100 multiple sets
Day 24: Run w.u. run 7.5 min walk 1 min X3
Day 25: Bike 30 min run 10 min
Day 26: Swim 30 min 2X200
Day 27: Run 40 min 5 w.u. 30 min run 5 c.d.
Day 28: OFF
Day 29: Bike 30 min easy steady pedaling
Day 30: Swim 10 min easy
Day 31: Run 20 min easy
Day 32: OFF
Day 33: Swim, Bike, Run 10 min each at venue
Day 34: Race!

So there is my schedule. Remember as with anything else I am not a dr and if you are concerned talk to yours and don;t mistake what I am doing as advice ;D Sometimes I flipped them around but I did all but 1 assigned workout and added a few pilates classes to the mix. I am stronger and excited to keep improving thanks to my hubby.

Coconut Crusted Tilapia

Coconut crusted tilapia is a favorite in our house. Here is the recipe I use:

1 cup coconut flakes, finely chopped
2 tbs flour
1 tbs creole seasoning
4 (approx 4 oz) tilapia fillets
4 egg whites
1/2 cup olive oil
cornstarch

Mix coconut, flour & creole seasoning. Dip fish in cornstarch, then egg whites then coconut mixture. Pack coconut mixture to fish. Fry in olive oil until golden brown & fish is cooked through.

Serve with mango salsa (you can google & make your own but costco has a yummy one that is already made)

Wheat Berries

For a family luncheon I was planning to make chicken salad. My Grandmother is allergic to rice so I was looking for something else to add to my salad mixture to add texture and to stretch it further for a large group. In the process I discovered a great new food to add to meals. Well technically since it has been around since, well forever I didn't discover it. But it has recently been brought to my attention. Wheat berries. Wheat berries are simply the whole kernel of wheat. If you have wheat in your food storage you have an endless supply of this great food and it is inexpensive. I always thought the only ways to eat it were to grind it into flour, sprout it and eat wheat sprouts or grow wheat grass and juice it. But cooking the berries is super easy and then you can add them to all kinds of meals or eat them plain. I added it to chicken salad, my turkey curry soup and ate some plain. The hubby added some to his yogurt for breakfast. They have chewy texture and slightly nutty flavor, very yummy. It would be great to add to meatloaf, hamburger patties, soups, stews, the possibilities are endless. Use it in place of rice in any recipe. They are also packed full of protein, fiber and iron. There have been many studies done showing the benefits of whole grains in our diets including lowering risks of type 2 diabetes and cardio vascular disease and the fiber increases digestive health. Here is the recipe I used to make wheat berries. You can also google "wheat berries" and find many more ideas on using them.

This recipe came from the book "I Dare You to Eat It" by Liesa Card

4 cup raw whole wheat
10 cup water
1 tbs salt

oil a large (4 quart or larger) slow cooker and fill with wheat, water & salt. Cover and cook on low all night, 8-10 hours. Cooked wheat may be bagged and stored in refrigerator for at least a week or in the freezer for months. A sandwich bag hold 2 cups.

* When I used this recipe I halved it and took about an hour off the cooking time. Next time I will just freeze individual portions to through in my recipes.

Once you have a small supply of cooked wheat berries prepared, try experimenting with adding a cup to your favorite soups, chicken salad, or casseroles. When combined with regular rice it makes a very simple but healthy pilaf. They work great in taco meat too. my using 1/2 wheat 1/2 meat it saves $$ and the family can hardly tell the difference.

Turkey Curry Soup

I borrowed this recipe from http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/4beachbabies/79995/ I wanted to make something with the ground turkey in my freezer and I was craving curry so I googled turkey curry soup and found this yummy recipe. It is now one of our favorites. It is easy to make and easy to make a lot of. I know I joke about my "good friend" google. But I have to say that it is one of the things I am grateful for. It can be such a great tool to help me in so many different ways.... enjoy the soup :)



Turkey Curry soup (This doubles well)
1/2 C butter
2 med. onions
4T flour
2t curry
6C chicken broth (use homemade, canned or boullion whatever you have)
2C potatoes (cut all veggies in small pieces, they cook faster)
1C carrots
1C celery
4T parsley
1t sage
4C turkey ( I use 1 pound of ground turkey cook it before adding to soup)
3C 1/2 & 1/2
1 Package frozen spinach (I use fresh and just tear it and throw as much in as you want it shrinks down fast)

Melt butter and saute onions until translucent slowly add flour and curry stir constantly for 2 minutes. Add 6 Cups of broth and all veggies, parsley, and sage. Bring to a boil and take down to a low simmer for 10 minutes. Add Spinach and turkey. When the spinach melts add the cream and re heat.

"Flower Power"

Today my parents sent me flowers and it got me thinking... I love flowers. I love to watch them bloom in the spring and enjoy their wonderful fragrances. I love to see the trees bloom and sing "Pop corn popping on the apricot tree" with my kids. I enjoy hiking in the mountains smelling the earthy woods and fresh pine scent, especially after a rain storm when everything is crisp and clean. I like to see the aspen trees "quaking and shivering" in the breeze. Oh I can't wait until spring to enjoy the beauties of the outdoor world! In the winter when it is gloomy and gray I can't pass up the urge to occasionally buy a mix of fresh flowers to add some color and beauty to our home for even a short time. Sometimes my sweetheart will bring them home to me :) I also recognize that there is more to my love of flowers than just their prettiness. Flowers and plants have healing properties. From biblical times until today plants have been used for healing. I know that when I spend time with Heavenly Father's creations I feel better. Just being in the great outdoors improves my health both physically and emotionally and I feel more grounded and connected to my Heavenly Father ~ my spirituality is on better ground.

I also love flower essences. In the early 1800's there was an English doctor by the name of Edward Bach. Dr Bach had a general practice, he was a surgeon, a pathologist, a bacteriologist and he studied vaccines and homeopathy. He was very successful with his medical practice but he was unhappy with the medical model of treating disease and ignoring the patients with the disease. So he left his practice and went in search of a better system which he believed existed in nature. His belief was that if you could treat an individual's feelings and personality and bring them into balance then it freed up the bodies own ability to heal itself and happiness and health would be restored in the body. He spent years studying plants and their effects on human emotions. Isolating which plant essence did what. In the end he came up with 38 plants that he believed could balance emotions and created the original flower essences . (There are more now as more research has been done but Dr Bach believed that these 38 addresses all emotional states) and promote healing and well being.

My first experience with flower essences took place many years ago. At the time I had never even heard of them. I was consulting with my local homeopath and he recommended that I take the flower essence of mustard. Just a few drops in my water. Wow did it make a difference! Here is the indications for mustard: "Those who are liable to times of gloom or even despair, as though a cold dark cloud overshadowed them and hid the light and the joy of life. It may not be possible to give any reason or explanation for such attacks. Under these conditions it is almost impossible to appear happy or cheerful." - Dr. Edward Bach I felt like I had came out of the gloom into the sunshine and there was happiness in the world again. Impressed by how effective a few drops of a flower preparation could have on me I started studying flower essences. I took Dr Bach's course and learned a great deal about the flower's and their properties. Here are a few examples of flowers and when they would be indicated:

Apen is taken when "Vague unknown fears, for which there can be given no explanation, no reason. It is a terror that something awful is going to happen even though it is unclear what exactly. These vague inexplicable fears may haunt by night or day. Sufferers may often be afraid to tell their trouble to others." - Dr. Edward Bach Think of an apen tree how the leaves kind of look like they are shaking and quivering in the breeze...

Mimulus also for fear but distinctly different is taken for "Fear of worldly things, illness, pain, accidents, poverty, of dark, of being alone, of misfortune. The fears of everyday life. These people quietly and secretly bear their dread; they do not freely speak of it to others." - Dr. Edward Bach The fear is of something very specific like the dog next door is going to attack them. To read about the 38 original Bach Flowers and how to use them go to http://www.bachflower.com/38_Essences.htm the official Bach site and look around. There is also a North American Flower Society with flowers indigenous to this part of the world. I am excited to share flower essences. They can be helpful in so many ways as we journey through this life. They are safe, non toxic, do not react with medications and can be taken by pregnant and nursing women and by children I even give them to my pets as I humanize them and see imbalances in them. I am grateful for the world Heavenly Father created for us and for the hidden helps all around us if we just look for them!

Here's the Scoop

picture from milkinmamas.org

OK Momma's here's the scoop. When I decided to donate milk I did two things. First I asked my good friend google about it. It is a great resource and usually leads me to good information. The other thing I did was call the NICU at a local hospital. I talked to the lactation specialist and she gave me the phone number for the milk bank that supplies their precious little ones with donor milk.

There are several different labs across the country you can donate to. The Mother's Milk Bank is in Colorado. They are the ones that supply the local hospital here (at least IMC) I contacted them. They take milk that has been frozen for less than 5 months and they retire their donors when mommy's baby turns one. I wanted to donate to them because they help my local community. To get more information on them and what their guidelines to donate are go to http://www.rockymountainhospitalforchildren.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=114

I also had a lot of milk stored (triple bagged at the bottom of my deep freezer, which is ideal) from before the 5 month mark. When I had my last baby I would pump and freeze my extra milk just in case my milk supply did not last so my baby would have a reserve. He is approaching the one year mark and will not need all this stored milk. With the first labs cut off date I did not want to just through this milk out so I found Milkin Mama's. They are located in California. They take milk up to a year old and will continue to take milk as long as you are nursing your own child. Their web address is http://milkinmamas.org/

Both labs have very similar guidelines; they both require doctor certification of your health & the baby you are nursing. They both have health forms to fill out & blood draws to be done. At first this seemed like a lot but it really only took a few minutes of my time and a trip to the lab for a blood draw. Milkin Mamas will actually send a phlebotomist to your house. They send you a cooler to ship the milk in and you overnight it to their lab frozen. I really like that they are thorough with their donor screening. If I had a sick baby who needed milk I would want to know that all precautions possible were taken to insure the safety of the milk they would receive.

The milk given to both of these labs goes to preemies & sick babies. As I googled I learned that there are also other uses for mommy milk. They are finding that liver transplant patients recover & heal better when given breast milk. I didn't look to far into it because I wanted my milk to go to the precious little babies who are in the greatest need. There are also websites where you can donate to individuals in need. You can look into it. I felt these were the best choices for me. Now is also a great time to donate because the labs are experiencing a shortage in part because of the flu season and the added strain of H1N1. Hope this helps...

Can You Say Moo?

I can and I am "udderly" excited (please pardon the pun) for my new stint at giving of myself. I recently learned of the need of milk donors for human milk banks. Sometimes babies are born too early, so early that their little bodies can not tolerate anything but mommy's milk. Other babies are allergic to formula and are in need of breast milk. Breast milk contains antibodies to protect babies immature immune systems and other goodness that science has yet to mimic. Ideally mommy supplies their babies with this precious life sustain elixir but what happens when mommy is unable. That is where donation helps. Milk banks exist to save tiny lives.

So health survey's, medical release forms to allow my doctor & pediatrician to attest to the health of myself & the infant I am nursing and a few vials of blood later (must be sure they are giving good milk to these fragile babies) I am officially now a donor! I am so excited to be helping these tiny babies. The Bank I chose to donate to supplies local NICU's and my milk will go to preemies.

The biggest reason I am posting this post is not too brag or put a spotlight on myself. For that purpose I would rather not say anything at all. It is to spotlight a great need. I know I have lots of Milking Mommy friends out there most probably aren't even aware that this is a possibility. With my other babies I ended up "dumping" expressed milk. What a waste when it could have been saving lives! If it is something you want to look into let me know and I will get you the information on what is required.