First Book of 2013

My First Book is going to be Wuthering Heights. My oldest son has to read it for British Literature. I'd like to read it while he does. I'm sure I've read it before, but that was 30 years ago.

Wow. What a year and a half.

The timing of this blog corresponds with the the final semester of my Master's degree. And the beginning of a medical nightmare for my husband, which soon became a lifestyle nightmare for our family.

Life has changed dramatically. I am resurrecting this blog in order to participate in a Reading Challenge.

I'm also considering a weight/health challenge, a writing challenge, and a reduction in spending/budgeting challenge.

Maybe something will stick. I *like* reading and writing, so if I were a betting woman (which I am, if you consider poker gambling), I'd wager on the reading and writing.

New Culinary Heaven

I finally found the "right" coconut milk. In the Asian section of the grocery store, in cans. Coconut milk and guar gum.

I opened the can to find the "cream" already separated. I transfered to another container, and put in fridge at work to chill.

A bit of the coconut cream and milk over slightly thawed mixed berries = heaven. Really.

Happy 4th of July!

A week or so ago, I got bad news. The good news is that the last time I got the same bad news, my spiritual life plummeted, my financial life tanked, and I didn't see hope for a long time. So, I'll settle for a few days of off plan eating.

We just got back from a weekend in hill country, Texas (north of Austin). I was not able to plan for healthy eating. I got back on track today.

I am going to accept the Whole 30 challenge of not weighing during the whole 30 days. I weighed today, so I know my starting point.

Primal Law # 7 Is Play

I'm a fan of parodies, anyway. I liked Weird Al when he was first popular. My 12 year old was stunned when I told him Weird Al was part of my young-personhood.

In any case, this parody is not Weird Al, but it's brilliant and fun anyway.

Primal Parenting

Tying my early childhood parenting focus and current adult health endeavor, Primal Blueprint offers a wonderful summary of primal life. Author Sisson uses the name "Grok" as an archetype for early human living. On page 40, he depicts Grok's family. Grok's youngest child, 1 year old eats

"the most nutritious food ever known to humankind-breastmilk. The baby will begin to eat solids within a few months but will continue to rely heavily on breast-feeding for three years. This not only will provide nutrition for physical growth but will giver her immune system a head start dealing with potential health issues her mother has already overcome."

and, page 41, Grok's infant daughter dozes in the "carrying sling" as the family heads off.

Reading. Always Reading.

I am reading Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson. His blog is "Mark's Daily Apple" in my links on your right. He offers 10 Primal Laws (because commandments have already been taken.) I'm familiar with a lot of it from having read about low carb over the years. The exercise information is of particular interest to me. His theory is that the "chronic cardio" offered as healthy is actually counter to sustained health and weight, in part due to elevated cortisol levels and appetite. This ties in with Gary Taubes, who bifurcates exercise from weight loss.

The first law is "Eat Lots of Plants and Animals".