tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30596733321978261772024-03-13T05:22:38.564-07:00Sara's Primal JourneySara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-34621134686038602832014-12-16T16:05:00.000-07:002014-12-17T11:31:49.113-07:00Gratitude<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Who says Thanksgiving is the only day to publicly display our gratitude?!</span><br>
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<a href="http://payload160.cargocollective.com/1/2/66131/5503938/friendsbunny2%20copy_860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://payload160.cargocollective.com/1/2/66131/5503938/friendsbunny2%20copy_860.jpg" height="248" title="" width="320"></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">For anyone who knows me well...this is for you. </span><br>
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I wanted to thank you for all the help and kindness you have shown me, especially over the past year. Please know that you have made a lasting impression--an impression that will help make me a better friend and person.</span></font><br>
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You've helped me learn some valuable lessons about life and myself. I've learned to recognize some of the </span></font><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); line-height: 16.5pt;">mistakes I've made so hopefully I won't repeat them in the future. I've learned to forgive others and myself for our mistakes and confusions...or at least forgive myself if I'm not quite ready to let go. I've learned to appreciate the little things because those make such a big difference in the day to day...and they are what I miss the most when they're gone. I've learned it's ok to say no. I can't make everyone happy all the time, especially at the expense of my own happiness. I've learned it's ok to be sad...there is no shame in crying. I've learned that it doesn't make me weak to ask for help</span><font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7019607843137254)" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392);">. I've learned that even after heartache, I will open my heart completely and without hesitation to new love and happiness. I</span></font><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); line-height: 16.5pt;">'ve learned what amazing friends I have that know me and love me despite my flaws. You have taught me how to find patience, forgiveness, and strength even in the moments when it feels like the floor has fallen out beneath me. You have helped me feel happier and freer than I have in years. </span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); line-height: 16.5pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); line-height: 16.5pt;">So to all of you...my sincerest thanks. I hope that someday I can be that voice of reason, that pillar of strength, that brutal honesty that will help keep you moving forward with hope. Love you all.</span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); line-height: 16.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); line-height: 16.5pt;"><br></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliL7laIVFMES6WJTC6XdpPBBA5t6hZ1fp2k698-YevjgYmjrUn-wnSiOMaMc2WnrofjdpQV06muq9T1-q8e34U2sSBuFB8SKVBkUVegdlvKFXzDlfIhdaQvmLxE2qk0pzsgio2dgoY6Y/s1600/pandarain+copy2_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliL7laIVFMES6WJTC6XdpPBBA5t6hZ1fp2k698-YevjgYmjrUn-wnSiOMaMc2WnrofjdpQV06muq9T1-q8e34U2sSBuFB8SKVBkUVegdlvKFXzDlfIhdaQvmLxE2qk0pzsgio2dgoY6Y/s1600/pandarain+copy2_o.jpg" height="320" width="213"></a></div>
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<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); line-height: 16.5pt;"><br></span>
<span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); line-height: 16.5pt;">Also...check out http://www.sebastienmillon.com/ Love me some drunky bear and psycho ducks</span></div>
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Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-65368394953703609002014-06-12T16:48:00.000-07:002014-06-12T17:06:06.537-07:00Brazilian Influence<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In honor of the World Cup starting, here are a few of my favorite Brazilian exports:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">1. The concept of <i>Saudade</i></span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The term has no direct translation in English. There are various definitions <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">including a bittersweet nostalgia for something lost or that perhaps has not even happened. At its most basic, saudade is a <span class="size12 Helvetica12" style="min-height: 18px;">feeling, a longing for someone, something or some event that one is fond of, which is gone, but might return in a distant future--although the term</span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> often carries a fatalist tone that the object of longing might never return no matter how great the desire. So when someone says, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"<i style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tenho saudades de você,"</i><span style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> it's more than "<i>I miss you</i>." It means a longing, a reveling in the pleasure of having loved and felt the warmth of another, all while dutifully accepting the emptiness and pain of loss. Truly a beautiful and complicated concept. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;">2. Paolo Coehlo. </span></b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Alchemist was given to me by someone special and has been a great source of inspiration. The concept of loving even while letting go to pursue our dreams resonates deeply, especially now. Like Fatima, I also believe in the idea of "'Maktub," which translates to, "it is written." Basically the idea is that fate will unveil itself and if someone or something is really part of your treasure or personal legend then they will appear or return.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAUF4H8jo4Yw22SzKBHK7GrqGjkbH_ARRUJCeycKfNjhZ4Ghcrv2RZm8dUNGcyRtdZrYMADAjrDWP5slhwTDDfzfZom4GjtW6lVJ71tCIpkFnwTHOWNoNPmI9hQ0p5YNUUMTA8gcSn3Y/s640/blogger-image--1009065491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAUF4H8jo4Yw22SzKBHK7GrqGjkbH_ARRUJCeycKfNjhZ4Ghcrv2RZm8dUNGcyRtdZrYMADAjrDWP5slhwTDDfzfZom4GjtW6lVJ71tCIpkFnwTHOWNoNPmI9hQ0p5YNUUMTA8gcSn3Y/s400/blogger-image--1009065491.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, as the Alchemist points out, we never lose control of our own destinies...fate and the universe will send omens and the right people into our lives, but ultimately it is up to us to determine our own paths. Our choices, our ability to not lose sight of the little elements that make up the grand scheme, and always listening to our hearts even if it means suffering are what will ultimately lead us to our treasure...our personal legends. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsPMfm1wMfM8398eKWTnaHPZmn46hxXOOXj3-nZO1ZgKTjh00AUMb65_syyHXCjigtufnxEb2262IBLfzXSd_cu2Yl8iKtfjLYUvhbGpokE6iltGaoooDVaVLDMlfUtVQ5-mW1cSs-MA/s640/blogger-image--1173072335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsPMfm1wMfM8398eKWTnaHPZmn46hxXOOXj3-nZO1ZgKTjh00AUMb65_syyHXCjigtufnxEb2262IBLfzXSd_cu2Yl8iKtfjLYUvhbGpokE6iltGaoooDVaVLDMlfUtVQ5-mW1cSs-MA/s400/blogger-image--1173072335.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And to lighten the mood...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. </span></span><a href="http://saragoesprimal.blogspot.com/2011/09/day-12-experimenting-in-kitchen.html" target="_blank"><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Pão de queijo</i></span></span></u></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><i style="font-style: normal;">I've written about this yummy little concoction before but cannot praise its perfect blend of crispy savory goodness enough. It's my go-to gluten-free biscuit/bread of choice. It can be somewhat sticky and tricky to make, but it's definitely worth your time. You can use my recipe or try to find another one online...if you do...make sure to send me your pics and the <a href="http://saragoesprimal.blogspot.com/2011/09/day-12-experimenting-in-kitchen.html" target="_blank">recipe</a>. I'm always looking to improve.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<i style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.internationalrecipes.net/recipes/pics/f5543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.internationalrecipes.net/recipes/pics/f5543.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><i style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Right...well on that note...</span>FORZA AZZURRI!!!</span> Looking forward to a great World Cup 2014! </i></span></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"> </i></span></span></u></span></div>
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Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-2592235082909953452014-05-08T18:11:00.000-07:002014-05-10T14:07:27.840-07:00Turning 30 and moving on<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Officially two weeks into my 30s, and it's been a strange but wonderful ride so far. Today marked the end of paramedic class. As much time as it took, I should be a doctor instead of just a paramedic "candidate!" Today also marked probably the last time I'll spend with some great people I've met along the way. Well I guess there is always graduation on Monday, but today was the last day in class, and it won't ever quite feel the same after that. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I've learned a lot over the course- a little about how to be a paramedic and a lot on how to reach out when times get hard or when I need a quick laugh. I learned that I can come across as a jerk at first, but eventually people see beyond that and see me for who I really am...fun, goofy, generous, easy to talk with, and still a smartass, but a harmless one. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wrapping up the last 16 months of school made me realize I still have that <a href="http://saragoesprimal.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=25" target="_blank">30 Before 30</a> list lingering. As I look at it now, it seems like a whole world away from when I wrote it. Hard to imagine where I was in October of 2011! So many things have changed...so many of my priorities have shifted. I didn't accomplish nearly what I thought I wanted (not even half!), but maybe that's not such a bad thing. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Don't think I'll be making a new list anytime soon other than to take some time for me...find my feet before jumping too far ahead. I better tie my shoes extra tight if the rest of my 30s is anything like the first two weeks! Just hope more amazing people continue to cross my path along the way...no matter how brief...no matter how bad their timing. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cxqNdUY5ibpxsvUPyykG5TRSI5lNIbkXvoEGA5MEsJcm9ruUFY0pmMjN6Y5ASWJhbxeVraoHFotGQwNkdV15Opte7a5EM_I59NJ7YMUFEgKqj1lW47CvlHcjlY-M77DKddeamDyHi_4/s1600/tumblr_inline_n1cqj7szOw1qmgrv7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cxqNdUY5ibpxsvUPyykG5TRSI5lNIbkXvoEGA5MEsJcm9ruUFY0pmMjN6Y5ASWJhbxeVraoHFotGQwNkdV15Opte7a5EM_I59NJ7YMUFEgKqj1lW47CvlHcjlY-M77DKddeamDyHi_4/s1600/tumblr_inline_n1cqj7szOw1qmgrv7.jpg" height="246" width="400"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So here's what I did accomplish from the list...</span></span><br>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Take dogs camping to Carsbald (Condo on Dog beach totally counts)</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Become a paramedic. (Need to pass Nat registry but still counting it)</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Break the World Police & Fire Games Women's Open Hammer Record</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Take a wine class </i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Be nicer to Thomas (you know you're my favorite German!)</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Pay off one of my credit cards or student loans</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Grow my own vegetables </i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Pick up a random person's tab</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Do enough legit strict pull-ups so I can start kipping again at Crossfit Southwest </i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Go to Ireland </i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Perfect my Mandeltårta</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Throw a theme party </i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Treat my parents to dinner</i></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span>Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-58242940595257661562014-03-23T19:20:00.001-07:002014-04-13T23:11:54.361-07:00Embracing Perspective<div style="border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I recently came across a post by Luminita over at <a href="http://www.purposefairy.com/" target="_blank">Purpose Fairy</a>. Reading through it, numbers 5, 10, and 11 really struck a cord with me. </span><br>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.purposefairy.com/68032/15-things-you-should-start-doing-today/" target="_blank">15 Things You Should Start Doing Today</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit;"><b>5. Don’t settle for anything less than you’re worth</b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dream boldly, act fearlessly. Build your life as if there were no limits to who you could be, do and have. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Don’t settle for anything less than you’re worth. The day will come when your whole life will flash before your eyes, and when that will happen, you will realize that you could’ve done it all, you could’ve achieved it all.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Live life fully. Dream boldly and act fearlessly. Make no room in your life for regrets.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Do not worry if you have built your castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” ~ Henry David Thoreau</span></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">10. By letting go it all gets done</span></b></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Learn to laugh in the face of chaos. Stress less, live more. Detach from all the drama that your mind is constantly trying to create. Let go of all the to toxic thoughts, things, people and past experiences that are holding you back in life. <a href="http://www.purposefairy.com/68032/15-things-you-should-start-doing-today/www.purposefairy.com/3308/15-things-you-should-give-up-in-order-to-be-happy/" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Let go and be happy.</a></span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning.” ~ Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>11. Surrender to what is</b></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Learn to be soft like water. Let go of fixed plans and concepts. Allow events to follow their natural course. Don’t fight life, don’t resist it. Surrender to what is. Accept whatever comes your way with grace and appreciation. Trust the wisdom of life.</span> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“Acceptance of one’s life has nothing to do with resignation; it does not mean running away from the struggle. On the contrary, it means accepting it as it comes, with all the handicaps of heredity, of suffering, of psychological complexes and injustices.” ~ Paul Tournier</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am about to face some
major milestones in my life and have spent many sleepless nights anticipating
what these changes may bring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A</span>s I lie there watching the minutes turn into hours, i</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">t finally dawned on me: </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have
lost perspective.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have lost sight of the
present by fearing the uncertain road ahead and dwelling on what might have
been under different circumstances. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The past was beautiful,
tragic, and at times, a bittersweet intermingling of love and loss. In its
true nature, however, the past is fleeting<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">. </span>Today I am a woman molded by my past but not so rigidly defined by
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I will grow stronger from both the love and conflict I endured but not give into self-pity for dreams dashed out of my control. </span>It is time, as she pointed out above,
to let go and be happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The future, as always, is
unpredictable. I can prepare and plan, but in the end, life is an
adventure. My best course is to live fearlessly and graciously.
Thanks to some persistent and friendly reminders that I am indeed wicked and
worthy of happiness, I have found a renewed sense of hope and confidence. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My future is no longer bound by my own
perceived limits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Time to focus on the
present. In this moment, as I sit here watching my fingers quickly peck
away at the keys, I pause to breathe deeply and listen to sound of the air
rushing in and out. In this moment, I am healthy, I am happy, and I am
loved. Surrendering to and embracing change, I can find solace in my
thoughts and sleep well tonight. </span></div>
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Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-563660004615629872013-12-10T19:12:00.001-07:002013-12-10T19:12:53.264-07:00Bacon bacon bacon<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1c2A8aypUQIIAbxSRE9xOprWZ69WQkEo90xPOqqZaHrXp-1Bttz7-W0pRTOdbXiRSfTj3aNy06gf-d5Fae0_3IEqqVJ0BldY1JRKqtPt-uAgLxSci0sfIslLDUGtN6qIGY561gNH5U0/s640/blogger-image--2083867933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1c2A8aypUQIIAbxSRE9xOprWZ69WQkEo90xPOqqZaHrXp-1Bttz7-W0pRTOdbXiRSfTj3aNy06gf-d5Fae0_3IEqqVJ0BldY1JRKqtPt-uAgLxSci0sfIslLDUGtN6qIGY561gNH5U0/s640/blogger-image--2083867933.jpg"></a></div>Had to post some pics & the recipe (more like guideline) I used for a scrumptious low carb dinner. <div><br></div><div>Basically I made my favorite meatloaf (thanks Gramma...secret is mustard!) and wrapped it in a lattice of bacon! What? Bacon?! Yes...delicious center cut bacon wrapped around an already amazing meatloaf. Oh and did I mention I stuffed the meatloaf with cheese? Yeah...this meal just got better. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJvL5NPwKpPf9Zi9-F1ULr1p4pyget-BhJRpxpFqfhg_oscY2AC_7LJY9-oJ21ty3Wj83Bq33lXFJRCSJz1mA0yS6RIpwuKNheMieDGW3OR35b5D81L_PRDTxEI-HxRXy6kE4nrXcTFw/s640/blogger-image-1625478588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJvL5NPwKpPf9Zi9-F1ULr1p4pyget-BhJRpxpFqfhg_oscY2AC_7LJY9-oJ21ty3Wj83Bq33lXFJRCSJz1mA0yS6RIpwuKNheMieDGW3OR35b5D81L_PRDTxEI-HxRXy6kE4nrXcTFw/s640/blogger-image-1625478588.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cook this bad boy at 300°F for an hour then crank heat up to 350° for another 15mins or so until the bacon crisps up & the internal temp is greater than 160°. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Notice the sweet Magyver-esque use of tinfoil sjnce my grill grate has gone missing. Also take note of the zucc's in the background...had to add some veggies somewhere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHQ2re9xwI5KxpHvgBGBx-FHk9917yISxaP1EJpnRuxkCEkMOzaopMkGauzWZ4Hc8d-lMs4uxnceIzuN33lcZyPTWu22W7llaGxET9Ga68MYxv5dpkzZWf8Kr92Uh7t7k4MI2FPouvKs/s640/blogger-image--2027004593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHQ2re9xwI5KxpHvgBGBx-FHk9917yISxaP1EJpnRuxkCEkMOzaopMkGauzWZ4Hc8d-lMs4uxnceIzuN33lcZyPTWu22W7llaGxET9Ga68MYxv5dpkzZWf8Kr92Uh7t7k4MI2FPouvKs/s640/blogger-image--2027004593.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Mmm...crispy melty goodness. Thanks to Craig at ruled.me for the idea. Check it out at </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">http://www.ruled.me/low-carb-bacon-meatloaf/</div><br></div>Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-35007844918442672932013-11-03T14:23:00.001-07:002013-11-03T14:23:38.449-07:00Going back to the beginning? So this week I had my work physical and it brought into reality exactly where I stand...healthy and above average in all aspects. I should be happy with that, but frankly, I'm not. Despite my body weight only going up one pound and my treadmill test remaining the same, my body fat is up from 19 to 22-23%. A lot of that stems from a less-active lifestyle. My days off, which normally consist of running the perros and hitting crossfit have been replaced with eight-hour days at school or 12-hour clinicals. The diet has taken a huge hit as well: convenience eating (dining out or processed pre-made meals) and snacking on sugary sweets to stay awake in class or fight the boredom. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNYO4TX3w-TcPTVJZ6pj1dYyvnEgVKV3Oj8y3z71Nnp02zidjr0WnxKKcwQZ2P5_i-a8UWcTt41RZz6Y4h1irrjPzfrtERWQrzkXzI-ITue2BZVnW5q54UpyPKaxcRjr5u2JoBQ8tSts/s1600/ideal-body-fat-percentage-chart3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNYO4TX3w-TcPTVJZ6pj1dYyvnEgVKV3Oj8y3z71Nnp02zidjr0WnxKKcwQZ2P5_i-a8UWcTt41RZz6Y4h1irrjPzfrtERWQrzkXzI-ITue2BZVnW5q54UpyPKaxcRjr5u2JoBQ8tSts/s640/ideal-body-fat-percentage-chart3.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This week was the eye opener I needed. Time to re-evaluate what my goals are and how to reach them. Lots of people have New Year's Resolutions, well I'm not waiting another two months to get back on track. Looking back at earlier blogs, time to re-up my commitment to a healthier and happier life. So today I'll tackle the goals:<br />
<br />
Goals:<br />
1. Lean up. My<a href="http://saragoesprimal.blogspot.com/2011/05/day-1-reflection-of-why.html" target="_blank"> first blog ever</a>, I set the goal for 15%...this time around I would like to just get back below 19% and stay there.<br />
2. Start running again. I would like to run 4-5 times a week and get my <a href="http://saragoesprimal.blogspot.com/2013/10/holy-crap-its-already-been-two-years.html" target="_blank">5K time below 25min</a>. I don't have any races in near future, but that shouldn't stop me from hitting the pavement. I know the pups would sure appreciate it. Besides, nothing beats breathing in the cold morning air and feeling the lungs start to burn.<br />
3. Make smarter food choices. Time to go back to primal and dump the processed semi-food. Also time to listen to my body and feed it what it needs to excel not what I can get my grubby hands on at the time.<br />
4. Get back to my gym roots. I feel like total outsider since I basically went MIA from<a href="http://www.crossfitsouthwest.com/" target="_blank"> Crossfit Southwest</a>. I really miss my family there. Strangely enough, I miss getting my ass kicked by Ken too.<br />
5. Be happier with myself. This might be my loftiest but also most important goal--to change from the inside out.<br />
<br />
So what are your goals? Any tips on how you reached them or will reach them?<br />
<br />
Next time, I'll talk about setting out a plan...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-44362676488111872892013-10-21T16:27:00.002-07:002013-10-21T16:37:56.948-07:00Holy crap it's already been two years and I'm almost frickin 30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZaMHm9TxJSra9Q5i3Hwbeh8fMIducNw-F7aM8ilfcyKWTkFSjE8sIDmCzrn92hDRoeUWbTSOZcGEZkevOI4p8s8hEPGWJGxXmd51Am9mssWXUfGTMR6rOag24My-Gb82zNqNeZiIgxY/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZaMHm9TxJSra9Q5i3Hwbeh8fMIducNw-F7aM8ilfcyKWTkFSjE8sIDmCzrn92hDRoeUWbTSOZcGEZkevOI4p8s8hEPGWJGxXmd51Am9mssWXUfGTMR6rOag24My-Gb82zNqNeZiIgxY/s320/IMG_0943.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">It's hard to believe two years have passed since I initially started my 30 before 30 list. Even harder to believe that 30 is right around the corner. Not sure I'm ready for full-spinster mode.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">On less depressing note...I've managed to knock some more stuff off the list! The new accomplishments are highlighted:</span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Finish an Olympic or Half-Iron Man Triathlon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Take the dogs and my HLP camping at Carlsbad in a vintage trailer--<i>hint hint Dad!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Become a paramedic<b> (working on it...will be done just after bday but I'm thinking it'll count!)</b></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><strike>Break the World Police & Fire Games Women's Open Hammer Record.</strike> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> done and done! </b></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Put a glass mosaic back splash up in my kitchen without hiring anyone (<i>offer to the lion tamer aka architect is still on the table)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Watch the Denver Broncos play at home</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Go back to Italy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Backpack the Grand Canyon<i> (overnight!)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Finish my associates in Nutrition and Personal Training</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Take a wine class<span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Finish a 5K under 24 minutes</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> <i>(Getting closer! Ran 24:42 in Ireland)</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Take a short immersion class in Spanish or at least another Spanish class</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><strike><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Be nicer to Thomas (you know you're my favorite German!) </span></strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Hike Camelback wearing a weighted vest</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Rent a ridiculously over-the-top and expensive car just for the weekend </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></li>
<li style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strike><span class="Apple-style-span">Pay off one of my credit cards or student loans</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Do a muscle-up</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Take an art class </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Trace back my dad's side of the family</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><strike><span class="Apple-style-span">Grow my own vegetab<span style="background-color: lime;">les</span></span></strike></span> </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i> <b>Actually did this last spring but forgot to update. DIdn't last long thanks to dogs but goal was to grow not to create a self-sustaing farm.</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><strike><br /></strike></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Take dance lessons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pick up a random person's tab (it's happened to me and made me smile the rest of the day)</span></li>
<li style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strike>Do enough legit strict pull-ups so I can start kipping again at <a href="http://www.crossfitsouthwest.com/">Crossfit Southwest</a> </strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Make my own stepping stones</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Visit <a href="http://azstateparks.com/parks/kaca/">Kartchner Caverns </a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><strike>Go to Ireland</strike><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><b><i>Northern Ireland totally counts!</i></b><span style="background-color: lime;"><strike><br /></strike></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Scuba dive (what's the point of having a cert if I never use it!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><strike>Perfect my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Mandeltårta</span> (naturally gluten-free Swedish almond cake)</strike><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><i>Maybe not perfect but delicious!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><strike>Throw a theme party</strike><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><i>Pretty sure our annual ugly sweater party counts! <b>Keep December 18th open btw!!</b></i></span></li>
<li style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strike>Treat my parents to dinner</strike></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">So for those keeping track...I still have 21 things to go. Ruh roh. Guess I better start cranking some of these out...<br /><br />Oh and special thanks <a href="https://audioboo.fm/boos/1532674-jennifer-kowacz-sara-shisslak-usa-firefighters-wpfgsocialteam-2013wpfg">Jen</a>, <a href="http://www.crossfitsouthwest.com/">Ken</a>, Erik, <a href="http://urbankstrong.com/">Lindsey</a>, and everyone else who helped me train or support me in my efforts. Big shout out to those who helped <a href="http://www.facebook.com/arizonafirefighterathletics">Arizona Firefighter Athletics</a> raise money not only for our trip but for Arizona Burn Camp and our fallen brothers, FF Harper & Ofc. Raetz.<br /><br />Looking back at my older posts...think it's not only time to knock some stuff off the list but also get refocused and start living a healthier life...more on that next time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis-WXyhz-IK24zrLheL71Nw12BckNivoXdf-xKuy2q7tQKt4cq2OMf-lw_fReZFNZ4WTWzmhe9WcBLGuyPtlT-rTTZT41Af5opn7HucEB5nSipK3MJ3HCK5z4D4q-V2oBzarJ5fqFzCM/s1600/IMG_0933.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhis-WXyhz-IK24zrLheL71Nw12BckNivoXdf-xKuy2q7tQKt4cq2OMf-lw_fReZFNZ4WTWzmhe9WcBLGuyPtlT-rTTZT41Af5opn7HucEB5nSipK3MJ3HCK5z4D4q-V2oBzarJ5fqFzCM/s200/IMG_0933.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb_teqlGc1ZVSchHHFrQ9tNVRM5bkrOp30URcszlzKslVolLfRszB-HupCt3jkh64mP-cO5Z9YqyRh3KEO5_udXQbfB0pkLkApMOXX7k4pw6uQjqS9HEm4R-IKOWf9Rr-CqMyNU1oMfQ/s1600/IMG_0949.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb_teqlGc1ZVSchHHFrQ9tNVRM5bkrOp30URcszlzKslVolLfRszB-HupCt3jkh64mP-cO5Z9YqyRh3KEO5_udXQbfB0pkLkApMOXX7k4pw6uQjqS9HEm4R-IKOWf9Rr-CqMyNU1oMfQ/s320/IMG_0949.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1V3GR-JEMcVo-XM7rYCJdmxP54kFCZ85RlwotMT7HDxKnNWD-tK9ESh9QDlVNSfJkjdLuVoFfc3fkeCX6RoyB2St0-etggdXEzX2J_eIdUeLZ_SCWDVpE0nWFFQBfW3B6flZMofO8aI/s1600/IMG_6248.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1V3GR-JEMcVo-XM7rYCJdmxP54kFCZ85RlwotMT7HDxKnNWD-tK9ESh9QDlVNSfJkjdLuVoFfc3fkeCX6RoyB2St0-etggdXEzX2J_eIdUeLZ_SCWDVpE0nWFFQBfW3B6flZMofO8aI/s320/IMG_6248.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhFxK7JhCkECuYl5lPYsIohxKkNT5xbeSVkT5b1fgoBKc-ZsbqJK6pb-uIRU-_jjTnjshNnTtT1P3a1B8_YSNjdcfXrtp7SsRvV3UauhXjEfeMZ1DOChLTywMM0_1AOaE79_mAzSUA1s/s1600/IMG_0938.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhFxK7JhCkECuYl5lPYsIohxKkNT5xbeSVkT5b1fgoBKc-ZsbqJK6pb-uIRU-_jjTnjshNnTtT1P3a1B8_YSNjdcfXrtp7SsRvV3UauhXjEfeMZ1DOChLTywMM0_1AOaE79_mAzSUA1s/s320/IMG_0938.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></span>Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-20014600514314256732013-05-06T21:28:00.000-07:002014-05-08T18:13:12.247-07:00Less than 100 days until 2013 WPFG!Check out the new blog/website all about pimping out the newly branded "<a href="http://azfirefighterathletics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Firefighter Athletics</a>"<br />
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Or check out the Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arizona-Firefighter-Athletics/575453592475279?notif_t=page_new_likes#" target="_blank">Arizona Firefighter Athletics on Facebook</a><br />
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There are a few fundraisers coming up...so stay tuned!<br />
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<br />Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-75623115503269868382012-07-19T12:06:00.003-07:002012-07-19T12:07:21.371-07:00Back on the Wagon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the last few weeks, I have taken some much needed time off from working out, worrying about nutrition, and just enjoyed myself. Perhaps, I enjoyed the alcohol a bit too much but somewhere I'm sure there's a <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-07-10/three-drinks-weekly-may-halve-arthritis-risk-study-says" target="_blank">study</a> about a drink or three a day keeps the doctor away.<br />
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<a href="http://www.crossfit757.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Filthy-Fifty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://www.crossfit757.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Filthy-Fifty.jpg" width="320" /></a>Well now that my vacations are officially over, it's time to get back on the wagon. What better way to start than the "<a href="http://www.crossfitsouthwest.com/" target="_blank">Filthy 50</a>." (thanks Ken! It's been a while since my hands felt this raw). I was pleasantly surprised at how well I did...finished as RX'd (for chicks) in 24:43. The last time I tried this was before I got hired (so over four years ago), and I'm pretty sure my time was somewhere in the 40minute range. So even with taking some time off and imbibing in the spirits, I still cut my previous time in half. Imagine what I could do if I was 100% back on the fitness wagon!<br />
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So as another Paleo/Primal challenge looms in the near future...I am feeling excited and motivated. I set a goal to compete in my first olympic lifting meet in September, and despite the short amount of time, I am excited to jump head first into training and see what kind of numbers I can put up.<br />
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But for now, it's time for a well deserved nap...Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-48733898861364058322012-06-27T17:52:00.000-07:002012-07-19T12:07:37.901-07:00Knockin things off the listSo last October I created a "30 before 30" list and am finally knocking some of those goals off the list!<br />
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In case you need a reminder...here's the list (the ones crossed out are the ones I've accomplished):<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Finish an Olympic or Half-Iron Man Triathlon</li>
<li>Take the dogs and my HLP camping at Carlsbad in a vintage trailer--<i>hint hint Dad!</i></li>
<li>Become a paramedic</li>
<li>Break the World Police & Fire Games Women's Open Hammer Record. <i>Ireland 2013 is my last chance before I move into the Senior division</i></li>
<li>Put a glass mosaic back splash up in my kitchen without hiring anyone (<i>unless a certain former lion tamer wants to lend a hand...in which case, I pay in wine</i>)</li>
<li>Watch the Denver Broncos play at home</li>
<li>Go back to Italy</li>
<li>Backpack the Grand Canyon. <i>Mom, I would love to do this with you since we couldn't at 13</i></li>
<li>Finish my associates in Nutrition and Personal Training</li>
<li>Take a wine class<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Finish a 5K under 24 minutes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Take a short immersion class in Spanish (or at least another Spanish class)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></li>
<li style="background-color: white; color: #073763;"><strike><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Be nicer to Thomas (you know you're my favorite German!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></strike></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Hike Camelback wearing a weighted vest</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Rent a ridiculously over-the-top and expensive car just for the weekend </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></li>
<li style="color: #0c343d;"><strike><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Pay off one of my credit cards or student loans</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></strike></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Do a muscle-up</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Take an art class </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Trace back my dad's side of the family</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Grow my own vegetables</span> </li>
<li>Take dance lessons</li>
<li>Pick up a random person's tab (it's happened to me and made me smile the rest of the day)</li>
<li style="color: #0c343d;"><strike>Do enough legit strict pull-ups so I can start kipping again at <a href="http://www.crossfitsouthwest.com/">Crossfit Southwest</a> </strike></li>
<li>Make my own stepping stones</li>
<li>Visit <a href="http://azstateparks.com/parks/kaca/">Kartchner Caverns </a> </li>
<li>Go to Ireland</li>
<li>Scuba dive (what's the point of having a cert if I never use it!)</li>
<li>Perfect my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Mandeltårta</span> (naturally gluten-free Swedish almond cake)</li>
<li>Throw a theme party</li>
<li style="color: #0c343d;"><strike>Treat my parents to dinner</strike></li>
</ol>
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The first thing I knocked off the list was #16...I paid off one of three student loans! I went from being $24K in debt to less than $10K! Well...at least as far as my student loans are concerned. My credit card is a different story and is pretty much holding steady at, "Holy Crap! We're about to max these babies out!" The goal, however, was to pay at least one thing off...which I did. The rest will follow...soon-ish.<br />
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Second accomplishment was #13...Be nicer to Thomas. I won't explain, but he knows.<br />
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The third and forth things were accomplished on my recent trip to San Diego with my family while my bro and I competed in the US Police and Fire Games...<br />
#23- During the TCA (toughest competitor alive), I knocked out 11 strict pull-ups. These weren't Crossfit or firestation pull-ups...these were legit no-kip (thanks to the anti-kipping device 9" away from the bar) and from a dead-hang (thanks to the 3second count required for each pull-up). I had set a goal to hit 10, the magic number needed for guys at Crossfit Southwest and beat it by one! Needless to say, I now want to hit 15! Guess it's time to drop some lbs and get my ass back on the bar. <br />
#30- After I won the Women's Open Hammer throw and broke the old record by over 20ft, I took my parents out to eat at the Point Loma Cafe. It wasn't anything fancy but it was time spent with my loving and supportive family, which was what really mattered. <br />
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Hopefully I'll have some more goals crossed off the list shortly. Just wanted to thank everyone who has supported me and helped me reach my goals so far.Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-78695208984362503842012-02-21T20:07:00.000-07:002012-02-21T20:07:27.867-07:00Under the weather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So this is completely based on unscientific data, but eating crappy makes me feel crappy.<br />
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After I completed my 28 day clean living challenge...I allowed myself to eat corn, sugar, dairy, alcohol, and pretty much whatever else I felt like for the next few days. What resulted was lower energy (read missed or piss-poor workouts), an increased craving for sugar, and weakened immune system! I started to feel sick a few days ago, and it has turned into a full-blown sinus infection. <br />
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Looks like I'm jumping back into clean living and eating with a few minor adjustments. I'm going to keep some dairy (yogurt, full-fat cheese) and some wine/alcohol in moderation. I like the idea of 80-90% clean living with the occasional indulgence. The plan is also to keep my carbs around 100/day for now. There will be some modifications in the very near future (so excited to start Indigo!). <br />
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Also, I am looking for some new ideas for recovery. I loved<a href="http://flooidyoga.com/home.html" target="_blank"> Flooid Yoga</a> but my membership expired. Anyone know of any places offering discounts?<br />
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For now, it's back to the couch with a cup of <a href="http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/GypsyColdCare" target="_blank">Gypsy Cold Care</a> to cuddle with my perros and get over this damn cold.<br />
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<br />Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-71296575696399102432012-02-12T20:20:00.000-07:002014-05-08T18:13:42.446-07:00Day 28- Completing the Clean Living Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is the final day of <a href="http://www.crossfitsouthwest.com/" target="_blank">Crossfit Southwest</a>'s Clean Living Challenge!! I am proud to say I made it through without cheating the program or myself. I ate clean, worked hard, and focused efforts on rehabbing injuries and recovery.<br />
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<u>So what are the benefits I have noticed? </u><br />
<ul>
<li>I have loads of energy in the afternoon</li>
<li>I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go</li>
<li>Finally sleeping better (Thanks Danielle!) </li>
<li>Lost about 5lbs and 3.5" from my hips/abdomen</li>
<li>My um...digestion is more regular than normal</li>
<li>I have increased my mobility and range of motion in my shoulders and hips</li>
<li>I reconnected with some great friends and made new bonds with fellow challengers</li>
<li>My culinary prowess has increased...hello kohlrabi and bacon! </li>
</ul>
<u>What were some of my challenges?</u><br />
<ul>
<li>The first week I had nightmares about baked goods. I can't even eat pie without it messing me up but for some reason I was craving cake, cookies, and pie</li>
<li> Finding healthy snacks...too often I turned to nuts or fruits which either put me over my carb goal or left me hungry later on</li>
<li>Explaining my diet to everyone at work and getting crap for it</li>
<li>Planning all my meals ahead can be exhausting</li>
<li>Being sober for the Super Bowl. Lame.</li>
<li>Missing my Dutch Bro's skinny latte</li>
</ul>
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<u>What happens now?</u><br />
<ul>
<li>I'm going to enjoy some little cheats (skinny Margarita from Ajo Al's, some Valentine's chocolate)</li>
<li> I'll slowly bring back some "forbidden foods" like yogurt and protein shakes</li>
<li>I plan to keep my carb intake around 100g for now...allowing for some movement depending on my activity level</li>
<li>Continue taking time to recover...AM sun salutation, yoga few times a week, going to bed early</li>
<li>Keep pressing forward</li>
</ul>
Thank you everyone for supporting me through this. It has been a great learning experience.Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-67015534097334001812012-02-06T21:10:00.000-07:002012-02-06T21:10:07.608-07:00Day 22- In her honor<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezlZpWhRCSfTc7F6pZWM5TlV-IascPOTz2Z4m42-0dHC4W48gQ2UyxPBx4JMesKQx9NyJO-qVBiVnWyeHaCCpFFFXJfgLwr6h3UAy3E5OoNOcyJw0MlAvv1q0UTLpWOO_-kMZ0kWZt4le/s1600/Do+not+stand+at+my+grave+and+weep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezlZpWhRCSfTc7F6pZWM5TlV-IascPOTz2Z4m42-0dHC4W48gQ2UyxPBx4JMesKQx9NyJO-qVBiVnWyeHaCCpFFFXJfgLwr6h3UAy3E5OoNOcyJw0MlAvv1q0UTLpWOO_-kMZ0kWZt4le/s400/Do+not+stand+at+my+grave+and+weep.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today is a very special day- it has been one year since my gramma passed away. Today, like much of the past year, was filled with tearful moments while feeling the void she left behind then bouts of laughter and a deep sense of calm and serenity as I reveled in the love and strength she gave me. It warmed my heart to hear others speak so kindly of her and honor her today. She is missed greatly. I think of her often and wonder if I am making her proud.<br />
<br />Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-64297735566579033802012-02-01T22:55:00.000-07:002012-02-01T22:55:34.996-07:00Day 17- “Nimble thought can jump both sea and land.” - William Shakespeare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://under30ceo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Visualize-090604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="329" width="500" src="http://under30ceo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Visualize-090604.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Here is a great video that shows how will, imagination, and courage can help us overcome great adversities. By tenaciously visualizing skills, we have the potential to achieve greatness.<br />
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<embed allowscriptaccess="never" id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-3032994272684681390&hl=en" style="height: 420px; width: 550px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
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<i>"Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop the picture...Do not build up obstacles in your imagination."</i><br />
<b>Norman Vincent Peale</b><br />
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<i><br />
"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world."<br />
</i> <b>Buddha </b><br />
<br />Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-29755174844242006342012-01-30T21:26:00.000-07:002012-01-30T21:26:46.451-07:00Day 14- 2 weeks down 2 more to go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sommerleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/keepgoing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://sommerleigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/keepgoing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Just a quick update...today marks the halfway point in the <a href="http://www.crossfitsouthwest.com/" target="_blank">Crossfit Southwest Clean Living Challenge</a>!!<br />
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<u><b>Here are a few positives I've noted:</b></u><br />
<ul><li>more energy in the AM</li>
<li>down some lbs</li>
<li>runs feel easier</li>
<li>yoga has become part of my morning routine (the sun salutation is like my 1st cup of java now!)</li>
<li>the support has been amazing and motivating</li>
<li>my skin feels softer/smoother</li>
<li>my cravings have greatly diminished (but still there...grr)</li>
<li>my recipe repertoire has vastly increased</li>
</ul><u><b>A few kinks to straighten out:</b></u><br />
<ul><li>still not sleeping all that well (not sure if it's over training, work, or eating later)</li>
<li> finding snacks that are not carb-rich, made with soy, or processed</li>
<li>energy wanes in the PM</li>
<li>getting more protein and healthier fats</li>
</ul>Oh, and did I mention I'm still 100% paleo?! This is the first "challenge" I've successfully been entirely strict. I credit that to all the amazing support from family and friends. Thanks everyone!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cfnaptownpaleo.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/notthathardpeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://cfnaptownpaleo.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/notthathardpeople.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-4651275535151160792012-01-27T21:46:00.000-07:002014-05-08T18:14:10.732-07:00Day 12- Confucius Say... Butcher who back into meat-grinder, get a little behind in his orders.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGwkfocRT3AizrIHe1gAnOySFNEDuFccBKCTi2Byzv0HBbqdfirwW1ehuD_vgI3djU6pofVhy_u_N7ovwq1aivcyXuEE0M1dvuZ0j4Zrh-k7Y6D5msvz00Ic7iFHnLaNb5qxhwjy8E3g/s1600/photo-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGwkfocRT3AizrIHe1gAnOySFNEDuFccBKCTi2Byzv0HBbqdfirwW1ehuD_vgI3djU6pofVhy_u_N7ovwq1aivcyXuEE0M1dvuZ0j4Zrh-k7Y6D5msvz00Ic7iFHnLaNb5qxhwjy8E3g/s320/photo-12.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwvN39B1P6ZwiRjymzLNp7LVDsRdjhs_coCBJuKGE5MbitL6gGtOnnycYCfjh-dKV2j5xbDpge06_R0fWh1NeM0FyitphTKvtmgPqXf9S77mHsA2eOZNrsBDTiGwJiTeLLL9jw_uwqJc/s1600/photo-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwvN39B1P6ZwiRjymzLNp7LVDsRdjhs_coCBJuKGE5MbitL6gGtOnnycYCfjh-dKV2j5xbDpge06_R0fWh1NeM0FyitphTKvtmgPqXf9S77mHsA2eOZNrsBDTiGwJiTeLLL9jw_uwqJc/s320/photo-9.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I busted out the meat grinder (on loan from my Dad) and whipped up some <i><b>Elk/Beef Paleo Meatloaf</b></i> thanks to a recipe from <a href="http://civilizedcavemancooking.com/entrees/beef/paleo-meatloaf/" target="_blank">Civilized Caveman</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I ground up almost 2lbs of elk and mixed it with 1lb of organic ground beef from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sky-Island-Brand-47-Ranch/154889279668?sk=info" target="_blank">Sky Island / 47 Ranch</a>. I made a loaf in a 9x13 pan and 12 mini meatloafs with this amount. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Servings: 16-18</b><br />
<b>Prep Time: 15 Minutes</b> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<b>Cook Time: 50 Minutes</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">1.5 Cups Almond Flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">2.5lbs to 3lbs Ground Meat, your choice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">2/3 Cup Coconut Milk (can not carton...look in aisle with Thai/Asian food)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">2 Cloves of garlic, minced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">8-10 Baby Carrots, shredded or minced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">3/4 Onion, minced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 Large Zucchini, minced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">2 Eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">4-5 Tbsp Italian Seasoning</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Salt and Pepper to taste</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGj6KC1NE9xxoYCU0OYVnkNG5XGKr8Vmed4LOyU3wZWi0_pPoJwyjdMd7o1Hk93knInV9kkECt5lI_7pQVFffoFHjubpd40cO9Q3gELUK-AHBy7qjY2bHTV4MyG32J4QBSclVg-nKwIuU/s1600/photo-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b>Process:</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VN4300HrqgR3F3CHvsUnHJ4W9vRFxfihsm153Zn7tm-4hwD_uk-L5eEW-njvbzq9URFF5S8aQMFoPdfmgX7bLFvmYKnfKzpmRc4dYdlCIXCU_afr7E3lumVKg-wlAXFibV0aEwcO5ik/s1600/photo-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VN4300HrqgR3F3CHvsUnHJ4W9vRFxfihsm153Zn7tm-4hwD_uk-L5eEW-njvbzq9URFF5S8aQMFoPdfmgX7bLFvmYKnfKzpmRc4dYdlCIXCU_afr7E3lumVKg-wlAXFibV0aEwcO5ik/s320/photo-14.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sauteed veggies mixed with almond flour and coconut milk</span></span></td></tr>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat your oven to 350 Degrees F</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Combine your almond flour and coconut milk in a bowl and mix well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Heat a saute pan on medium heat and saute your onions, carrots, and zucchini stirring often until cooked.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">With about a minute left of sauteing add in your garlic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Take your sauteed vegetables and combine them in the bowl with the almond flour and coconut milk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Add in your grass fed ground beef, egg, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper and using your hands mix well</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Place your loaf in a greased loaf pan (use rest for 12 mini meatloafs)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Bake in the oven for 50 minutes (bake muffins 20minutes)</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For added flavor...you could top it with an over easy or sunny side up egg. Super yummy! </span></div>
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Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-69467447165911587542012-01-25T20:48:00.000-07:002014-05-08T18:15:01.850-07:00Day 10- Chuck Norris once took a nap. The result was the Great Depression<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was the first "day off" I have had in over a week. As part of the <a href="http://www.crossfitsouthwest.com/" target="_blank">Clean Living Challenge</a>, I made it a goal to give my body at least one day a week to recovery so I don't hit a plateau. Between the serious nap, delicious paleo meals, and the supplements <a href="http://fitnotesfromdani.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dani</a> sent me...I think I'm going to tackle the rest of the week like a NFL linebacker at a pop warner practice.<br />
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By the way...how freaking funny but ingenious is this pillow hat?! Bulk order anyone? :)Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-79045104484922228152012-01-23T15:49:00.000-07:002012-01-23T16:29:57.718-07:00Day 8-Planning meals and PMF's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/dms/lowres/dmsn72l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/dms/lowres/dmsn72l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Day 8- Spending a day looking up recipes makes me hungry!<br />
Today I decided to start looking up some tasty meals to add to my arsenal. Here are a few that caught me eye: <br />
<ol><li>A break from the breakfast rut...<a href="http://www.modernpaleowarfare.com/2011/11/goin-cottaging-aka-mini-primal-cottage.html" target="_blank">Primal Cottage Pies</a>. These guys at <a href="http://www.modernpaleowarfare.com/" target="_blank"><b>Modern Paleo Warfare</b></a> are worth reading for their great ideas and hilarious comments</li>
<li><a href="http://www.paleoplan.com/2011/06-09/roasted-beets-with-balsamic-glaze/%20" target="_blank">Roasted Beets with Balsamic Glaze</a> (anyone have a "paleo" alternative for maple syurp??) </li>
<li><a href="http://cfaddikt.blogspot.com/2011/05/orange-zest-pork-loin.html" target="_blank">Orange Zest Porkloin</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/aida-mollenkamp/pan-roasted-chicken-with-oranges-and-rosemary-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Pan-roasted Chicken with Orange</a></li>
<li>Another breaskfast switch-up...<a href="http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/aida-mollenkamp/eggs-in-purgatory-shakshuka-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Eggs in Purgatory</a>!! yum!</li>
</ol>If you have cable...watch the Cooking Channel. "Ask Aida" and "Bitchin' Kitchen" are entertaining and offer up some yummy meals that can be tweaked to fit the paleo/primal lifestyle. Way better than that hack, Rachel Ray.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.taste.com.au/images/articles/agt0405-43cc-main10201531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.taste.com.au/images/articles/agt0405-43cc-main10201531.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Oh and if you were wondering why so many citrus recipes...it's because I had a discussion earlier about how orange zest can actually increase your insulin sensitivity. Why is that important? Well being <a href="http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/insulinresistance/" target="_blank">insulin resistant</a> (<i>opposite of sensitive</i>) means the insulin in your body is actually less effective at lowering blood sugars than someone who is insulin sensitive. Long term...that means your body has to produce more insulin than normal to do the job. Too much insulin will increase your fat storage and risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes! Check out this article at <a href="http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/5_ways_to_improve_insulin_sensitivity" target="_blank">T-Nation on 5 simply ways to improve your insulin sensitivity.</a><br />
So start using those orange peels!! They contain polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) that not only can improve your insulin sensitivity, but studies have shown they can reduce <a href="http://www.nutritionj.com/content/7/1/16" target="_blank">osteoarthritis</a> and even <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17979096" target="_blank">kill breast cancer cells</a>! <br />
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Ok...guess it's time I start making a shopping list.Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-46537048676784504102012-01-22T19:36:00.000-07:002012-01-22T19:36:47.527-07:00Day 7- one week inDay 7- <br />
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Just a quick update on my progress. I am feeling some definite benefits after staying strict paleo for the last week. I'm finally sleeping better and waking up feeling refreshed. The first few days I was extremely moody, cranky, tired, & hungry. I think yesterday was the first day I felt normal. Today has been even better. <br />
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I am not craving sugar like before. I do really miss dairy though. I watched the guys kill a gallon of perfectly chilled milk during dinner, and it looked so good. On the plus side, my crew went paleo (minus the milk and biscuits) tonight. <br />
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The support has been amazing. From the great advice from everyone & the workshop yesterday on finding & fixing our imbalances. I'll delve deeper in that another time, but the experience was great & I want to thank Crossfit Southwest for setting this all up. <br />
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I also want to thank my mom & dad for sending up a care package for me...elk meat, grass fed local grown beef, a meat grinder, and of course a well-worn & loved "yoga for runners" book-- complete with the tabs and underlined sections from when my mom used it. Thanks guys. Love you!<br />
Ok, back to foosball !Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-80084235302345435862012-01-20T20:59:00.000-07:002012-01-20T23:04:01.597-07:00Day 5- Vitamin D deficiency in AZ?Day 5<br />
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As part of the CFSW clean living challenge, I have been keeping a food log. I started it primarily to keep track of my protein, fat, & carb intake. One of the extra benefits of the app I'm using is it keeps track of vitamins and water intake too. <br />
Much to my surprise, I have found out that I am not getting the "suggested" amount of Vitamin D. I have cut out many of the sources- dairy, "fortified" & processed foods, and egg yolks. Even my avid use of sunscreen lowers my numbers. I started taking fish oil pills to help increase my levels since fatty fish are a great source. I also did a little browsing to learn more about vitamin D. <br />
Some of the best sources are:<br />
1)shiitake mushrooms<br />
2)herring<br />
3)sardines<br />
4)mackerel<br />
5)sockeye salmon<br />
6)egg yolks<br />
7)sunshine<br />
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I also found this interesting post about female athletes and vitamin D deficiencies even in sunny climates. Women with malabsorption issues like Crohn's & Celiac's (that's me!) are at even more risk!<br />
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So what are signs & symptoms to look for?<br />
1)fatigue<br />
2)Depression<br />
3)chronic back pain (especially lower back)<br />
4)obesity<br />
5)osteoporosis <br />
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What can adequate intake do for an athlete?<br />
1)increase VO2 max<br />
2)strengthen bones (important for runners!)<br />
3)Improved immunity<br />
4)Reduced inflammation<br />
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For more information check out this article: http://running.competitor.com/2010/10/nutrition/vitamin-d-and-endurance-exercise_6776Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-11961077899702933012012-01-19T20:44:00.000-07:002012-01-19T20:44:07.207-07:00Day 4- Rubber duckyFirst off, let me say thank you to everyone for their suggestions after yesterday's post on recovery. It left me feeling all warm and fuzzy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://allkindsofgoodiesdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/2010-12-bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://allkindsofgoodiesdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/2010-12-bath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
One comment in particular, from Heather at <a href="http://www.crossfitsouthwest.com/" target="_blank">CFSW</a>, made me want to educate myself more on the connection between Epsom Salt baths and an increase in ATP production/function. I remember as a little kid my mom using Epsom Salt in baths for soreness after runs or for soothing itchy skin but I had never heard of using it for increased energy/recovery through the ATP cycle.<br />
<div style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">Here's a super dumbed down explanation of the ATP cycle thanks to <a href="http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/exercise/sports-physiology4.htm" target="_blank">Discovery Health</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Atpadp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Atpadp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><ul style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><li>When a cell needs energy, it breaks this bond to form <strong>adenosine diphosphate (ADP)</strong> and a free phosphate molecule. It can further be broken down to form <strong>adenosine monophosphate (AMP)</strong>.</li>
<li>When the cell has excess energy, it stores this energy by forming ATP from ADP and phosphate.</li>
</ul><div style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">ATP is required for the biochemical reactions involved in any muscle contraction. As the <a href="http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/exercise/fpte4.htm">work</a> of the muscle increases, more and more ATP gets consumed and must be replaced in order for the muscle to keep moving.</div><div style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">Because ATP is so important, the body has several different systems to create ATP. The interesting thing is that different forms of exercise use different systems, so a sprinter is getting ATP in a completely different way from a marathon runner.</div><br />
If you have no idea what I am talking about, check out this video!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/bbtqF9q_pFw/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bbtqF9q_pFw&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bbtqF9q_pFw&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
<div style="background-color: #ead1dc;">Ok so what does this have to do with Epsom Salt (aka-magnesium sulfate)? </div><ol style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><li>Magnesium plays a crucial role in over 300 bodily functions including protein synthesis & multiple pathways to create ATP- glycolysis, krebs cycle, etc... </li>
<li>ATP is always found with magnesium since it provides stability and aids in the transfer of the extra phosphate group to convert stored energy into kinetic energy.</li>
<li>It helps convert stored creatine kinase into useful phosphocreatine that turns ADP back into ATP to be used for energy cycle again</li>
</ol><div style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:lABNDBW6twUJ:www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/articles/report_on_absorption_of_magnesium_sulfate.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjcazS_Q4Tyo58ptO3KJVWsn_r7pNnSTEJYhyGKp7WvxNHujSENPgJuWN1QgUMDT4lk4YiDHV2Wp0N5uNVPI42W3HhyFWifz-Uy_Yn8vYpXLdmCax3ldHQxDJpfDOJ1wxIMJcwj&sig=AHIEtbQCU-jAJ5boxOKTLpp7XFSSqIuHDA&pli=1" target="_blank">Studies</a> have shown that taking 2-4 baths for 12-15 minutes a week in 1% Epsom Salt will increase blood concentration of magnesium thus aiding in the ATP cycle and other biochemical functions. </div><div style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">A few benefits of a bath versus taking magnesium orally are: </div><ul><li style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"> lowered risk of too much magnesium in the body, which can affect the kidneys</li>
<li style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">taking it orally can have an <u>undesired</u> <b>super</b> <b>laxative</b> effect</li>
<li style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"> muscle relaxation (by closing Calcium channels to slow down nerve impulses)</li>
<li style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">skin exfoliation</li>
<li style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">relief for dry/itchy skin<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"> </span></li>
<li style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">lowered blood pressure</li>
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If you want more information on Epsom Salt or ATP, here are some useful sites:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/">http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/use-epsom-salts-13-wonderful-ways.html">http://www.care2.com/greenliving/use-epsom-salts-13-wonderful-ways.html</a></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.weightrainer.net/physiology/fatigue.html">http://www.weightrainer.net/physiology/fatigue.html</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp">http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp</a></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/bf9d7rSf_Ks/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bf9d7rSf_Ks&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bf9d7rSf_Ks&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-69375964263972672642012-01-18T20:18:00.000-07:002012-01-18T20:18:33.760-07:00Day3- Recovery<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;">"The cyclone drives its powers from a calm center. </i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;">So does a person." <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">-</span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;">Norman Vincent Peale </span></span></span></b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.selfhelpdaily.com/cyclone.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.selfhelpdaily.com/cyclone.gif" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div>Today's "assignment" was aimed at recovery, which is fitting since I learned that my hips and glutes are all kinds of tight and generally out of whack. I'd like to think that my muscles are just so strong that it makes them inflexible, but in reality, I don't put in even half the time to properly stretch, roll, and recover from workouts, stress, or whatever else makes me tense.<br />
<br />
<b>Some of my techniques to aid in my recovery are:</b><br />
<ol><li>Take los perros for an easy relaxing walk everyday</li>
<li>Take 10 minutes to stretch each night (especially my hammies & butt)</li>
<li>Do the <a href="http://www.mobilitywod.com/" target="_blank">Mobility WOD</a> of the day (this guy is great!) </li>
<li>Turn off the electronics at least an hour before bedtime (I rarely get a good/full night's sleep)</li>
</ol>If anyone has some suggestions, I am all ears. This isn't just about muscle recovery--it's about recovering my peace of mind and finding calm when life can seem so stressful. As anyone who knows me can testify, I tend to put a lot on my plate (figuratively and literally...damnit delicious carbs), and learning some techniques to find quite will be essential.Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-52506870469720901242012-01-17T17:01:00.000-07:002012-01-17T17:01:48.207-07:00Day 2- Busy but I'm learning to plan ahead<b>Day 2: Clean Living Challenge</b><br />
Today has been extremely busy and productive. I started my class on cardio fitness & training. It seems fitting to start class during this challenge. Hopefully this class/degree will help me continue to educate myself and live a healthier life.<br />
I also got back into the pool after a lot of months off. It felt great to glide through the water and it helped loosen up my back which has been bothering me as of late. Rehabbing is definitely going to be a priority during this challenge.<br />
I also prepared a favorite dish of mine with a few tweaks to provide yummy snacks throughout the week. <u><b><br />
</b></u><br />
<u><b>Clean Living Swedish Meatballs </b></u>(or as the Swedish Chef would say, "bjork, bjork, bjork, bjork!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tkevathe.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/bjork-bjork.jpg?w=500" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://tkevathe.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/bjork-bjork.jpg?w=500" width="213" /></a></div><ul><li>1lb ground elk</li>
<li>1lb ground beef</li>
<li>4 egg yolks</li>
<li>1 medium yellow or white onion (grated, not diced)</li>
<li>1 tsp butter or ghee</li>
<li>1 tbsp pepper</li>
<li>1 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 tsp cardamon</li>
<li>1 tbsp nutmeg</li>
<li>1 tbsp allspice</li>
</ul>Heat butter in medium sauce pan. Add grated onion (use either food processor or cheese grater) and pinch of salt to butter. Cook approx 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring frequently. You don't want to caramelize the onion, just cook it through.<br />
<br />
Add onion to meat, spices, almond flour, and egg yolks. Mix thoroughly (by hand is most fun and therapeutic.) Measure approx 1/4 cup of meat mixture or less and place on lined baking sheet. (This is messy so tinfoil is your friend.) Bake at 400 for 20-30. <br />
<br />
Yields approx 26 meatballs. <br />
Per meatball: 89 calories, 5g fat, 1g carbs, 9g protein<br />
<br />
I used 1lb of ground elk (thanks Dad for actually killing one this year) and 1lb free range ground beef (again, thanks Dad for the hookup.) You can use whatever type of ground meat you have around. I get a lot of my meat from a rancher down in McNeal area (think Douglas). He delivers up here if you don't happen to have a family connection. The ranch is called Sky Island Brand / 47 Ranch. You can contact them at: <a href="mailto:crossu@vtc.net">crossu@vtc.net</a> or 520 642-9368.<br />
<br />
They also have a facebook page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sky-Island-Brand-47-Ranch/154889279668?sk=info" target="_blank">Sky Island Brand Facebook</a>Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-59249422678821746402012-01-16T22:09:00.000-07:002012-01-16T22:09:22.477-07:00Start of Clean Living Challenge 2012 at CFSW!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2963592522_0ebf55f033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2963592522_0ebf55f033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Today starts the four week "Clean Living Challenge" presented by Ken at <a href="http://www.crossfitsouthwest.com/" target="_blank">Crossfit Southwest</a>. We had an informative meeting tonight, and I was inspired and awed by the amount of people that showed up to participate. Granted this is day 1 of 28 but the enthusiasm was high!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are the basics:<br />
1) Eat real food (lean meat, veggies, fruit, & nuts/seeds)<br />
2) Avoid crap food that makes us unhealthy (grains, dairy, sugar, processed food, alcohol, & legumes)<br />
3) Recover (heal wounds...make imbalances balanced, etc...)<br />
4) Set goals and create action plans on how to achieve them both for the challenge and the long haul <br />
5) Exercise & be fit<br />
<br />
I actually started the process this morning by purging the house of "unfit" food. Luckily for me, the house is not filled with cookies and cakes but it was hard to get rid of the oatmeal, honey, and the booze!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKZCRAzypIxWWog2pPJvGl0SstRyl5Rg9HwlMIZsGjAHvREA-ukfteoUNmVRVaYw15ZZeKso99u0h1SkmxOFDFbiRFOE36COowztNxro6oVs00y4s1zJJSp4QGM2Xfu5HWyjc112UDKw/s1600/purge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKZCRAzypIxWWog2pPJvGl0SstRyl5Rg9HwlMIZsGjAHvREA-ukfteoUNmVRVaYw15ZZeKso99u0h1SkmxOFDFbiRFOE36COowztNxro6oVs00y4s1zJJSp4QGM2Xfu5HWyjc112UDKw/s320/purge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey's & Goose, I'll miss you most of all!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After I was done with purge, I rewarded myself with some delicious egg muffins. The recipe is super simple, and they store fairly well if you make a bunch in advance.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz4qBkIJXV2U8QnQEfwY5GP4VjMAKlDvhQgCHKuT9GlS2dpZeclMIMxyir_SOIhYxiW36Cj1-AleBmPfARUTvwd21lnvqLGBQHJm16jFII5dQLYsrsZgvmD8Di-BxC9rTcnTGAI8mLnM/s1600/eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz4qBkIJXV2U8QnQEfwY5GP4VjMAKlDvhQgCHKuT9GlS2dpZeclMIMxyir_SOIhYxiW36Cj1-AleBmPfARUTvwd21lnvqLGBQHJm16jFII5dQLYsrsZgvmD8Di-BxC9rTcnTGAI8mLnM/s200/eggs.jpg" width="200" /></a><u>Ingredients:</u><br />
<ul><li>5 slices nitrate free/organic bacon (diced and cooked ahead of time)</li>
<li>10 eggs (beaten)</li>
<li>1 cup already cooked spinach (you can use frozen)</li>
<li>3 green onion stalks (diced) </li>
</ul><u>Method: </u><br />
Mix all ingredients together. Either line muffin tins with paper or grease heavily (I'm so investing in silicon baking cups soon!) and evenly distribute mixture. Bake at 350 for approx 20-25 minutes, depending on oven. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<u>Nutrition:</u> (Per muffin)<br />
<ul><li> 72 cals<u> </u></li>
<li>4g fat</li>
<li>1.25g carbs</li>
<li>6.25g protein </li>
</ul>After the meeting, I had a meal fit for a primal queen-- free range top sirloin and organic greens. Yum! Guess I should start tackling the "initial assessment" and figure out what exactly I want out of this challenge... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBI1cLmV75nYvKuo5BCsGbDmufHRUmG5njT4qDh7w0CcCuFh7WIpXnsj-zIWcRgrUtdND0vUwvbR05qoQcKz8ztFKdrC6z9iBiXbMF5-82ux66WPZhUwtFMbiyeA-dTP-7N0ucsWDgyCo/s1600/steak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBI1cLmV75nYvKuo5BCsGbDmufHRUmG5njT4qDh7w0CcCuFh7WIpXnsj-zIWcRgrUtdND0vUwvbR05qoQcKz8ztFKdrC6z9iBiXbMF5-82ux66WPZhUwtFMbiyeA-dTP-7N0ucsWDgyCo/s200/steak.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3059673332197826177.post-18162417758256359442011-12-31T19:21:00.000-07:002011-12-31T19:21:14.469-07:00Finishing what I started...As the hours tick down until the new year, it's about time that I finish my <u><b>30 Before 30</b></u> bucket list. <div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2ioMConvqMaq3XJkNd4fZkCf6GRn18_BYwU3pYnZCNcLt_ly3jymkWYNduXsEmB6dI1oclPgLBaoRhq4ij0grmomzuMXuD1q3ZmGUV6bnqrnb_zfvyIb0n5y0X5m3ZRNaXQQ5vc81e1L/s1600/30_before_30_bucket_list_birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2ioMConvqMaq3XJkNd4fZkCf6GRn18_BYwU3pYnZCNcLt_ly3jymkWYNduXsEmB6dI1oclPgLBaoRhq4ij0grmomzuMXuD1q3ZmGUV6bnqrnb_zfvyIb0n5y0X5m3ZRNaXQQ5vc81e1L/s320/30_before_30_bucket_list_birthday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><u>The Final 10:</u></div><div><u><br />
</u></div><div>21. Take dance lessons</div><div>22. Pick up a random person's tab (it's happened to me and made me smile the rest of the day)</div><div>23. Do enough legit strict pull-ups so I can start kipping again at <a href="http://www.crossfitsouthwest.com/">Crossfit Southwest</a></div><div>24. Make my own stepping stones</div><div>25. Visit <a href="http://azstateparks.com/parks/kaca/">Kartchner Caverns </a></div><div>26. Go to Ireland</div><div>27. Scuba dive (what's the point of having a cert if I never use it!)</div><div>28. Perfect my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;">Mandeltårta</span> (naturally gluten-free Swedish almond cake)</div><div>29. Throw a theme party</div><div>30. Treat my parents to dinner</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.all2need.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Happy-new-year2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.all2need.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Happy-new-year2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>It's time to get ready for the big night. Hope everyone has a great New Year's!</div><div><br />
</div>Sara Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833986758770213046noreply@blogger.com2