Aimee's Nasty Fruit Blog

Hello Fellow Fruit Lovers!

2010-10-22T02:23:00.012-04:00

Today is a Celebration!
*

Believe it or not, this blog has 500 days of fruity meals posted. I've learned so much on this fruity journey! I have grown in so many ways & have new ideas that I want to explore.

This will be the end of The Nasty Fruit Blog. But, it is just beginning for what is next!

My life is lived like the seasons. Sometimes I'm overzealous about fruit, other times it might be an intense yoga challenge or working on a new creative project. And every now & then I like to take a complete break from everything by fasting for a while. It changes from time to time, but the things I love pretty much stay the same.

Right now my focus is on my Sunday Is For Lovers blog. It has a new update every Sunday & it is filled with positive news. :) Check it out!

So my friends, I hope you will continue to share the journey with me. Thank you for being so generous & open with your support on this blog. :) I really appreciate it. - I'll see you over at Sunday Is For Lovers!

... PS! :) If you still want daily updates, I'm on Twitter [aimeelovesyou] & Facebook [aimeelovesyouxo] sharing inspiration & news daily! ♥ Xx!

Today

2010-10-20T22:22:00.000-04:00

Water- 0.5 liter, I know, very little, will do better.
Sun- Outdoor walks & workout.
Sweat- Ran almost full-out (faster than usual) from El Cerrito to Berkeley.
Strength- Long walk with heavy fruit load.
Stretch- Nothing yet. maybe tonight...
Sweets- Liter of fresh OJ / Hachiya persimmons / Tuscan melon / Fresh figs / Passion fruit (-My first time trying passion fruit! I loved it. It was like eating dinosaur eggs. In an erotic fruity sort of way.)
Veggies- None.
Courage- Going to SF often when it costs me more money (that I don't have). I don't care! I'll take the chance. I'm having a ball! :)
Creativity- Created a new format for my fruit blog. Starting tomorrow it's going to be a BEING blog. :) It can be a Fruity Being blog. But it will be other things too. More to come on that!
Bliss!- Feeling feminine. :) / Sitting outside looking at the SF bay waves & ferryboats, feeling cool air, listening to Philip Glass & working on laptop. -Orgasmic bliss! ;) / A really fun call with one of my old-time NYC friends. / My dad & I have the same fav fruits. (Hachiya persimmons ..& fresh figs ..& avocados) - I love that! / Helping a friend in need.

Today

2010-10-20T01:24:00.002-04:00

Water- 1 liter

Sun- Outdoor walks & workout.

Sweat- Ran from El Cerrito to Berkeley. / Long walk with fruit load.

Strength- 4 rounds, of 10 exercises, 20 reps each: loop runs, vertical stairs, dips, push-ups, single leg step ups, hop ups, j-jacks, modified pull ups, hanging leg lifts.

Stretch- 2 yoga poses (cobra & wheel).

Sweets- Hachiya persimmon / Papaya (large one) / Sweet lemonade

Veggies- Big bowl of mixed veggies with avocado & dill. / Broccoli with blended dip.

Courage-Doing my strength training in the park with people watching. Grrr... I wish they didn't watch me, but I went ahead with it anyway.

Creativity-Nope. Just creative thoughts.

Bliss!- Discussing reading, theories & books with my dad. / Seeing a really-really beautiful movie. I enjoyed it so much. It was called Undertow. Please see it if you can...

Today

2010-10-18T23:28:00.001-04:00

Water- 1 liter.
Sun- Good times spent outdoors. The sun & the breeze make for great play mates. :)
Sweat- Ran from El Cerrito to Berkeley. / Long walk with fruit load.
Strength- Nothing.
Stretch-Nope.
Sweets- Hachiya persimmons / Fresh figs / Fresh grapefruit juice / Guava
Veggies- Raw pattypan squash noodles with avo-cilantro sauce.
Courage- Putting even more personal info on my new website. (*gulp*)
Creativity- I re-worked the new AimeeLovesBeing page on my website. Take a look! Tell me if you find mistakes or have feedback (by sending a private email from the website contact page, or you can comment on this post). -Thanks for your help! :)
..You also have the option of leaving a comment on one of the website pages if you like.
Bliss!- Seeing little birds in the neighborhood. They are so cute, colorful & small. / Seeing my mom happy. / Talking to a friend in NYC & missing home, -but knowing I have a plane ticket back & I'll be there soon. / Being able to be me. :)

Today

2010-10-16T21:40:00.000-04:00

Water- 1 liter.

Sun- Walking & running outdoors.

Sweat- Ran non-stop from El Cerrito to Berkeley.

Strength- Not really.

Stretch- Nope.

Sweets- Hachiya persimmons / Fresh figs / Fresh O.J. / Cherimoya / Dried cherries & raisins (with nuts).

Veggies- None.

Courage- Doing a a few push-ups in front of my dad & mom. (They were having a strength training conversation. The topic of push-ups came up.)

Creativity- Re-working a few of my internet projects.

Bliss!- Feeling at home. :) I was near the ocean today. When I'm near water that moves I feel like I'm back home.

Today

2010-10-15T22:09:00.000-04:00

Water- 1.5 liters.

Sun- Walking outdoors. / Exercising in the park.

Sweat- Exercising in the park.

Strength- 4 sets x 20 reps of 10 different exercises; run A, run B, dips, elevated push-ups, modified chin-ups, j-jacks, hanging leg-lifts, vertical stairs, single leg side hops, double leg hop-ups.

Stretch- Nope. (I know, it's bad.)

Sweets- Hachiya persimmon -First one of the season for me. I was so excited while eating it I think I accidentally ate the produce sticker! I'm not sure. Maybe it didn't have one, I don't remember. It all happened so fast. Persimmons are my favorite fruit. So you can see why after a whole year of not having one I might get a little carried away. :) / Frozen apple-pears & baby banana smoothie. (-super sweet!)

Veggies- Pattypan summer squash & red shredded cabbage mixed with cilantro dressing.

Courage- Not allowing my over-thinking about things (mostly future things which is even more silly) to hinder my moving forward & being productive.

Creativity- Spent time re-writing part of the AimeeLovesBeing page on my website. I will keep you posted for when the revision will be posted. I'm crossing my fingers for Monday morning.

Bliss!- Feeling a cool breeze on a sunny day.

Today

2010-10-14T22:46:00.003-04:00

Water- 1.5 liters.

Sun- Walking outdoors.

Sweat- Nope. Just walking chop-chop, but not fast or long enough for a good sweat.

Strength- Nope.

Stretch- Nope.

Sweets- Jujube & baby banana smoothie. (-super sweet!)

Veggies- Lots of pattypan summer squash dish mixed with pesto-like avocado basil dressing & red shredded cabbage / A spoon of almond butter.

Courage- Sharing a story from my past with my creative coaching group.

Creativity-Working on an AimeeLovesYou internet art project. :) -Exciting...

Bliss!- Feeling the energy & the love in my creative coaching group. (-Sometimes I just adore people & think that they are the best thing ever!)

Today

2010-10-14T00:43:00.000-04:00

Water- 1 liter. Tomorrow I will drink more. I was thirsty today, so I know 1 liter is not enough.

Sun- Running in full sun. / Eating lunch outdoors.

Sweat- Walked a long walk hauling a fruit load. / Ran at a good pace with no stopping from El Cerrito to Berkeley (California). Not that far, but far compared to my usual quickie runs.

Strength- Nope

Stretch- Nope.

Sweets- Two small melons. Not sure of the type. One was really-really good!

Veggies- Pattypan summer squash dish mixed with dressing & red shredded cabbage. / Sample platter of three different veggie salads shared at a restaurant.

Courage- Reaching out to people that I don't know. I really want to branch out & be brave! The world is getting smaller & I want my circle to become bigger. :)

Creativity- Exploring new ways to grow & meet new people. Being creative with the opportunities & the access I have to live a fuller & more adventurous life.

Bliss!- Being acknowledged for my work. :) Yay!

Today was fantastic. I enjoyed every minute. :)

2010-10-12T00:13:00.000-04:00

Being selective - doing less - is the path of the productive.

Focus on the important few, and ignore the rest.

Lack of time is actually a lack of priorities.

- Tim Farriss

TODAY

Water- Only 0.5 liter.

Sun- Piers! Had a great time sitting outside on the piers in San Francisco.

Sweat- Worked up a good sweat strength training in the park.

Strength- 5 sets x 20 reps of the following; modified pull-ups, j-jacks, leg-lifts, vertical stairs, hops-ups.

Stretch- Hanging from a bar.

Sweets- Watermelon / Orange melon smoothie / Lemonade

Veggies- Patty pan summer squash dish with basil-tomato sauce.

Courage- Writing what my heart felt. Sometimes you have to be brave when you're being honest with yourself.

Creativity- Working on ads for new clients & re-working my AimeeLovesBeing page on my website.

Bliss!- Sitting in front of a HUGE window facing the beautiful San Francisco bay working on my laptop. / Spending time with my mom watching the waves & chatting about life.

Today

2010-10-11T02:17:00.000-04:00

Water- Drank 1 liter.

Sun- Lunch in the park.

Sweat- During a long walk carrying a heavy fruit load. / During a short run.

Strength- 20 leg-lifts, 20 elevated push-ups, 20 dips.

Stretch- Forward bends, side twists & back rolls.

Sweets- Banana-papaya smoothie / Orange honeydew melon / Fresh figs / Jujubes (with a spoon of almond butter) / Banana-papaya-nectarine smoothie

Veggies- None.

Courage- Working on ads for new clients.

Creativity- Working on my AimeeLovesYou website.

Bliss!- Taking time to watch a hummingbird. / Walking past a huge jasmine bush. -Smelled amazing!

What is this fruit?

2010-10-10T19:40:00.002-04:00

It grows in abundance here in Northern California on pretty trees that bloom with pink flowers. I think it's Asian, but I can't find any information on it. It tastes fantastic! Like a ball of apricot jam with many textures. It's hard to describe the taste, the appearance is easier to write about. The outside is completely round, yet bumpy to the touch. The bumps are right red dots with a translucent background that reveals the inside color. The inside is a bright orange. My snap shot above does not show it's beauty. It's quite beautiful in person.

TODAY:
Water- 1 liter
Sun- Outside workout.
Sweat- During the 4th & 5th round of exercises.
Strength- 100 (5 sets x 20 reps) of the following; step hops, (jump up) pull-ups, stair climbs, hanging leg-lifts, clap jump-jacks.
Stretch- Nothing yet. I'll it something tonight.
Sweets- Lemonade / Bowl of mashed peaches & Mystery fruit!
Veggies- pomegranate seeds mixed into sliced cucumber & zucchini with raw tomato-basil sauce
Courage- Posting my new website on Sunday Is For Lovers. -Eek!
Creativity- Working on my AimeeLovesYou website & blogging.
Bliss!- Strength training in the park with my nephew. -Yay!

UPDATE:
My friend Anne solved it!
Here is a link to the info on the mystery fruit...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbutus
Thanks Anne! :) Xo!

Today

2010-10-09T23:06:00.000-04:00

Water- 1 liter.

Sun- Walking outside. / Eating lunch outside.

Sweat- Sweated while walking with produce loads.

Strength- Nope.

Stretch- Nope.

Sweets- Mixed figs (Adriatic, Kadoka, Candy Stripe, Turkey) / Lemonade

Veggies- Sliced Fennel, carrots, celery with dressing & fresh corn.

Courage- Taking out time for restful moments when I knew I had work to do for myself.

Creativity- Blogging for "Sunday Is For Lovers", -preparing for tomorrow.

Bliss!- Being in the sun's warm rays.

Today

2010-10-08T01:24:00.000-04:00

Water- 2 liters at least.

Sweat- Sweated while exercising intensely for 20 minutes.

Strength- 20 minutes of elevated push-ups, plank walk-ups, floor get-ups, dips, squats, leg lifts.

Stretch- Back rolls, forward bends, side twists.

Sunshine- Sat outside in the sun for 15 minutes.

Fruits- Watermelon / Date bar (with nuts)

Veggies- Shredded carrots & broccoli stalks, with mashed avocado, tomatoes, mixed herbs & lettuces / And a mixed salad made by my mom.

Courage- Attempting to get a project done in 1/4 of the time I scheduled for it.

Creativity- Creating sketches for a client.

Bliss ;) - Hearing & feeling people's excitement on a group conference call today.

Today

2010-10-06T19:46:00.000-04:00

Water- 1.5 liters so far.

Sweat- Sweated while exercising in the sun.

Strength- 2 x 50 j-jacks, 4 x 12 stair-climbing sets, 4 x 25 modified pull-ups (bar jump-ups), 4 x 25 stair hop-ups.

Stretch- Hung off of the bars for a few seconds & stretched my shoulders against a wooden beam.

Sunshine- Ate lunch outside in the sun & worked-out in the park.

Fruits- Watermelon / Mango / (Lemonade, maybe later tonight)

Veggies- Shredded carrots & broccoli stalks, with mashed avocado, micro greens, mixed herbs & mixed lettuces.

Courage- Taking on a brand new project & client.

Creativity- Project research & sketches.

Bliss ;) - Seeing a rose that was the almost the size of my head (-And that's BIG!) while walking home from the store. It was a textured pink color, soft & floppy, with a fuzzy yellow center.

Last Day of Creativity & Courage, & the Beginning of Aimee Loves You

2010-10-04T20:20:00.005-04:00

Day 14!

“Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Don't wait. The time will never be just right.”- Napoleon Hill

TODAY...

Water- I will drink one liter before the day is up.

Strength- 2 sets x 20 reps of the following; elevated push ups, dips, modified pull-ups, hanging knee-lifts / ran 3 sets x 5 reps small laps / 2 sets x 100 reps of jumping jacks.

Sweets- Watermelon / Watermelon

Courage- Releasing AIMEELOVESYOU out into the world! I finally got the website to a good place. I will continue to work on it. There is still lots to do, but it has enough content in place to share. It's really tough for me to put it out there. I feel totally exposed & vulnerable! :) Thanks for waiting everyone. And thanks for being part of it all. I'm so happy to have you all in my life. You really keep me going. :) Thank you!
Here is a link for you to check out the site--> AIMEELOVESYOU LINK.

Sunshine- Got some outdoors while exercising.

Sweat- Sweated while exercising at the park.

Greens- Big salad; shredded red cabbage, shredded fennel, mixed lettuces, chopped cherry tomatoes, mashed avocado & fresh cut corn.

Creativity- Finding ways to make everything work.

Bliss- Thinking that my push-ups are looking cleaner. / Finally launching my new website. / Getting a gift (a ticket!) from a friend. / Finding a mysterious deposit in my account. / Feeling like my jumping jacks are getting easier. / Catching up on bills & my to-do list.

Day 12 & 13 of Creativity & Courage

2010-10-04T01:42:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I was traveling to Northern California.
I went nuts at the airport. :) Ate several nut bars. Even before I got to the airport I was munching on my friend's trail-mix. So it was a very nutty day. That morning I did a core work out & 20 push-ups on my knees. Drank about 2.5 liters of water throughout the day. All went well. No complaints. Just happy to be able to travel & get to my destination.

Today:

Water- Eek! Very little today. :(

Strength- 20 push-ups on my knees & plenty of core exercises.

Sweets- Watermelon / Fresh figs / Mangoes / Peaches / Jujubes

Courage- Asking for help on something / Saying what works for me.

Sunshine- Nothing. Indoors all day.

Sweat- Nope. :( Will do better tomorrow.

Greens- Big green salad with tomatoes & avocado.

Creativity- Just blogging.

Bliss- These are from yesterday; Sitting in a rocking chair & feeling the breeze blow through the window. / Seeing the San Francisco fog roll in. / Seeing my mom & hanging out with her. / Getting home safely. / Having a great morning with my friends in Los Angeles.

Day 11 of Creativity & Courage

2010-10-01T12:19:00.000-04:00

"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about. " — Charles Kingsley

Water- One liter, maybe two.

Strength- 100 jacks, 20 elvtd push-ups, 20 dips, 100 stair hops, & 100 bkwrd step-ups.

Sweets- Lemonade / Jujube-banana smoothie / Raisins (with cranberries & nuts)

Courage- I launched my new site! Yipee! But I won't totally release it until this weekend.

Sunshine- Got some sun outdoors while exercising.

Sweat- No sweat today.

Greens- Romaine lettuce with guacamole.

Creativity- Worked on my blog post for Sunday Is For Lovers. It will post this Sunday.

Bliss- Having fun with three friends. We saw the movie The Social Network & had a fun time.

Day 10 of Creativity & Courage

2010-09-30T21:46:00.001-04:00

"This is the true joy of life, the being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one." - George Bernard Shaw

Water- 2 liters so far.

Strength- A session of all core exercise, plus 20 push-ups on my knees.

Sweets- Blended bananas / Pineapple / Raisins (with cranberries & nuts)

Courage- Woh, a super great day today because I was brave enough to do something I wanted to do verses something I should do. I also made a way for things that are important to me to happen regardless of the unpredictability of the day.

Sunshine- Absolutely none. Can you believe it?

Sweat-I got slightly sweaty during the core workout. It was short in duration. If it was longer, it would have been more sweaty. But I was in a time crunch, so I had to make it short but sweet.

Greens- Same big bowl of cucumber noodles, except no nappa cabbage or tomatoes this time.

Creativity- Magic. Pure magic. I met with my new coaching group today. A two hour call about creative projects. Pure bliss I tell you. I felt like I was in the mothers womb. I was swimming in my element.

Bliss- Being excited about life's possibilities & perfection. But also my responsibility to create that.

Day 9 of Creativity & Courage

2010-09-29T23:07:00.001-04:00

"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent van Gogh

Water- One liter first thing in the morning & more as the day went on.

Strength- 20 elevated push ups, 20 dips, 70 stair hops, & 100 jacks.

Sweets- Lemonade / Honeydew melon! / Raisins (with cranberries & nuts)

Courage- Oh my. I think my website is ready to launch. :) I'm waiting for my green light. It might shine for me later this week. I'll keep you posted.

Sunshine- A bit while exercising outdoors.

Sweat- A bit while exercising outdoors.

Greens-Not ready green because I peeled them, but I made a big bowl of cucumber noodles with cherry tomatoes & sliced nappa cabbage.

Creativity- Working on my internet life & new website. It's so close to launching!

Bliss- Listening to classical music while working. Such a gift. :) It makes me really happy.

Day 8 of Creativity & Courage

2010-09-28T00:37:00.002-04:00

“Action expresses priorities.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Water- Maybe 2 liters.

Strength- 20 elevated push ups, 20 dips, & 100 jacks.

Sweets- Lemonade / Banana / Fresh figs / Raisins / More lemonade

Courage- Doing my strength exercises in an odd area in the public. I had to make it work. It was my only chance to do them.

Sunshine- Lots today, another hot day in LA.

Sweat- Sweated a little while exercising & being in the sun.

Greens- Nappa cabbage wraps (avocado, sprouts, scallions & blended cherry tomatoes)for lunch & dinner.

Creativity- Project work & creative coaching preperation.

Bliss- ~~Finding~~ Making the time to do what is important to me.

Day 7 of C & C ...(Creativity & Courage)

2010-09-27T21:09:00.001-04:00

"What is a rebel? A man who says no." - Albert Camus, L'Homme revolte (The Rebel), 1951

Water- 2 liters so far.

Strength- Exercised in a sunny park: push ups on knees, dips, jacks, ran fast lap, & misc. movement on bars.

Sweets- Watermelon / Mixed raisins & unpasteurized almonds

Courage- Going to a (last minute) dinner party with friends tonight. Sitting there not eating or drinking (alcohol) takes courage. I will bring some raw snacks & water just incase I need something.

Sunshine- Lots today, it's super hot.

Sweat- Sweated lots exercising in the sun.

Greens- Nappa cabbage (guac & salsa) wraps

Creativity- Ugh. Nothing yet.

Bliss- Sitting next to a turtle pond. It was a red-eared slider turtle filled pond with a fountain & cascading water. It was so cute to see turtles basking on rocks. I was nearby on the grass basking in the sun too.

Day 6 of C & C ...(Creativity & Courage)

2010-09-26T20:57:00.000-04:00

Today was great. I went to two farmers markets. Bought lots of figs, fennel, cucumbers, watermelon. A small bag of almonds (not pasteurized yay!) & mixed raisins.

Water- Only one liter so far.

Strength- 20 push ups on knees, & 20 dips.

Sweets- Fresh mixed figs (4 pints!)

Courage- Wearing my friends bikini that is one size too small for me. / Buying as many fresh figs as I wanted at the farmers market.

Sunshine- Lots of sun at the beach & the farmers markets.

Sweat- No really. Kind of a lazy day. Some sweat from the hot day, but that is about it.

Greens- Savoy cabbage wraps with seaweed salad, salsa, mungbean sprouts & guacamole inside.

Creativity- Not really. Just a lazy day with friends.

Bliss- Being able to just tag along.

Day 4 & 5 of Creativity & Courage

2010-09-26T00:35:00.002-04:00

YESTERDAY:

Water- One liter first thing in the morning, & more in lemonade.

Strength- About 25 minutes of various exercises like; push ups, dips, core exercise, etc.. I set the timer 5 times for 5 minutes each time. The 5 minute blocks were focused on either upper body, lower body or core. I loved it. The time flies by when it's divided into sections.

Sweets- Watermelon / Blended bananas / Lemonade

Courage- Wearing spandex! Today I wore a stretchy top & bottom & I thought to put a bigger looser tank top over it. Then I thought, "Who cares? I'm probably the only one criticizing my shape!"

(I accidentally erased the last half of the day. Ugh. I can't write it over. It was too long & I don't remember everything. Bummer, it was such a beautiful day & I was happy to share it with you.)

TODAY: (Flying to Los Angeles)

Water- A super-big lemonade liter first thing in the morning, & 2 bottles of water at the airport.

Strength- 15 minutes of various exercises like; 20 push ups, jumping jacks, & lots-n-lots of core exercise.

Sweets- Fresh figs / Raisin-chia bar / Date rolls / Sweet cherry tomatoes

Courage- Coming to Los Angeles! Planning a week in LA even though I know nothing about babies & have no extra money to be here with. (I'm here to be supportive & help a friend who is giving birth this week.)

Sunshine- Just a short walk to the train station & walking to the store.

Sweat- Sweated while walking & doing the strength routine.

Greens- Nappa cabbage leaves with guac & salsa.

Creativity- Only blogging.

Bliss- Being here in LA with my friend & her husband, feeling totally at home with them. I love them so much.

Day 3 of C & C ...(Creativity & Courage)

2010-09-23T22:28:00.000-04:00

"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest." - Maya Angelou

Water- One liter first thing in the morning, & more water in the lemonade throughout the day.

Strength- 20 elevated push ups, 20 dips, 100 j-jacks, incline running intervals, 20 modified pull-ups, & 20 hanging knee lifts.

Sweets- Lemonade / Mango / Grapefruit / Watermelon

Courage- Saying what is there takes courage, it's always worth the effort.

Sunshine- Strength workout in the park.

Sweat- Worked up some sweat at the park. -Yay!

Greens- Big mixed green salad with shredded red cabbage & red radishes.

Creativity- Major work done & two projects I'm working on.

Bliss- Being honest. I love when I say what is there, & others do too. Open conversations are so important. I'm grateful when they happen.

Day 2 of C & C ...(Creativity & Courage)

2010-09-22T20:02:00.000-04:00

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” -Tennessee Williams

Water- 2 liters (some in lemonade).

Strength- 20 minutes in a sunny park: elevated push ups, dips, jacks, & misc. movement on bars.

Sweets- Lemonade (twice) / Fig puree / Almond butter (almonds always taste really sweet to me).

Courage- Money concerns surfaced today & I didn't let them bring me down. I decided to take action on them or drop them. As they say, "The opposite of worry is action".

Sunshine- Park exercises in full sun.

Sweat- (The plan is to go for a super-fast-walk at 6ish tonight.)

Greens- Mixed greens, radish & red cabbage salad with a saucy-dip made by my mom.

Creativity- Worked on the project I'm doing with my sister. / Blogged a bit too.

Bliss- Sharing my nervousness (about my LA trip) with my friend & hearing her kind response. Sometimes she can be such a wordsmith. / Sharing my ways of how to save money this week with my nephew & hearing him say, "Auntie, would you like me to lend you $11 dollars so that you can buy fruit? I want you to have enough food for the week". -Ahw, what a sweetheart. I told him that the offer means a lot to me. That it alone helps a lot.

[Sweet picture of kitty & friend by Kate Magic]

Day 1 of C & C ...(Creativity & Courage!)

2010-09-22T18:58:00.004-04:00

Yesterday (Not the best start, but oh well. I will be better prepared for tomorrow.)

Water- Only one liter (-wasn't even first thing in the morning cause I had to run out the door early.)

Strength- 20 push ups on my knees.

Sweets- Cherry Juice (1 liter) / Dried cherry-date bar.

Courage- I wanted to get my cardio in so I went for a walk late, too late for my taste because I could barely see the sidewalk on the way back. I also had the courage to get out of my bed (all cozy with eyes closed in the dark) and do 20 push-ups on my knees after realizing that I hadn't done any strength training. I was already in my bed half asleep before I made myself get up & do them.

Sunshine- Spent 1 hour working outside.

Sweat- Did a little bit of running on my evening fast-walk.

Greens- Romaine hearts (with guac dip) / Mixed veggie salad & dip that had chopped broccoli in it.

Creativity-Started my new 14 day program to create the next two weeks. / Worked on updating an online portfolio & got heaps done on it. It's looking good!

Bliss- Sitting next to a water fountain. It was a silly lion head with water coming out of its mouth. The look of it wasn't bliss, but the sound was. The sounds of ocean waves, rivers running & fountains pouring always make me happy. A very meditative & timeless sound.

Something New, ...sort of.

2010-09-20T22:32:00.003-04:00

I'm at it again! Another little program to explore daily. Having a new program will inspire & keep me on track while traveling next week. When in unpredictable environments it helps to have a list of things that I will do each day. (Like I've done in the past.) This will be from Tuesday the 21st to Monday the 4th. Fourteen days of consistent bliss & bravery! (It's all a mind game. But a fun one!)

Here is what I will be exploring on a daily basis;

Water- One liter first thing in the morning & more as the day goes on.

Strength- Push ups, dips, core exercise, something challenging.

Sweets- Juicy fruits, citrus juice, anything sweet that hits the spot.

Courage- Saying what's there, doing what scares me, whatever's uneasy.

Sunshine- Some quality time spent outdoors while working or exercising.

Sweat- Jumping jacks, running in place, anything that does the trick.

Greens- Something green & water rich, like green juice or green salads.

Creativity- Making progress on my projects & boldly designing my life.

Bliss- Being open & relaxed enough to enjoy life's subtleties.

Tomorrow is day one. See you then... :) Xx!

I Went Blackberry Crazy

2010-09-18T17:36:00.002-04:00

My trip to Oregon was great. Almost everyday I went on a blackberry hunt! I was foraging berries non-stop. :) Most of the trip was spent in two places (not including the car of course): Rogue River & Champoeg. Both of them were blackberry meccas! The other treats that delighted my taste buds were from Oregon shops that we found on the drive; Market of Choice & Zupans. Outside of the tasty food, it's hard for me to express the connection I felt with the trees & the sound of the river. I loved being near them & I long for the day when I can spend even more time being near the water's waves or in the fresh air of the forest.

GONE CAMPING

2010-09-09T02:31:00.004-04:00

Hello Fruit Lovers! I will be away for one week. I'll be camping in a yurt! :) Yipeeee...
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Today

2010-09-07T21:40:00.006-04:00

“Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.”- Margaret Lee Rumbeck
Sleep & Rest: Maybe 7-8 hours of sleep. I'm not sure cause I had a hard time falling asleep.

Yoga Practice: Does a "Zen mind" count? This guy at the produce shop (literally) snatched a bag of baby bananas out of my hand (that were discounted because they were ripe, which means they are like GOLD!). At first I was shocked that he took my bananas, but then I laughed about it. He is either a bit crazy, ..or a monkey. Who else would get that excited about bananas?! Besides me. :) (hee..hee..) I'm "bananas" for bananas too I guess. Wouldn't snatch for 'em though! Maybe if it were a bag of Candy Stripe figs. Then I might have to get wild. The animal side would come out. -Rarrrrr! (They are that good!)
Sun & Air: Went for a run/walk/climb/carry outdoors.
Sweat & Fun: Went for a 2 hour combo; "chop-chop" walking, a lil' jogging, stair climbing/running (2 sets x 15), carried a heavy fruit load home for 45min-1hr (-ugh!).
Fruity Meals: Banana-strawberry-apple smoothie / Bag of mixed figs (including Candy Stripe!) / Frisee salad with mixed fruit-veggies mashed in / (Not sure what's next!)
Creative Work: A little of everything. But definitely got webwork in.
Brave Move: Buying a last minute ticket to Los Angeles. Ugh. Totally don't have the time/money to go. But my friend needs my support. She havin' a baby! I gotta be there to see it come into the world. I just gotta.
Give * Share: Bought a tix to LA to be there for a friend. Gave a listening ear & some feedback. Offered to share my veggie-fruits (avocado, tomatoes, cukes, etc.). Gave forgiveness to the rude banana guy (or gorilla!).
Incorporeal Bliss: Color is always a big one for me. Feeds my eyes & soul. Saw lots of fuchsia & violet today. Also, washed my hair with cold water. Bliss! So refreshing.

Today & Yesterday

2010-09-07T02:51:00.001-04:00

Monday

Sleep & Rest: About 8.25 hours of great sleep.
Yoga Practice: Nope.
Sun & Air: Went for a run/walk/jump outdoors & worked on my laptop & on some other stuff in the garden. -Woohoo!
Sweat & Fun: Went for a 45 minute combo; walking warm-up, push-ups, dips, running, jumping jacks. Had a blast & definitely worked up some sweat.
Fruity Meals: Seeded watermelon / Grape-banana-strawberry-spinach green smoothie / Veggie melange on romaine hearts with fennel-tomato sauce / Frisee salad with mixed veggies on top & a blended fennel dressing
Creative Work: Dedicated the day to starting a little vintage business with my sister. I'm basically starting two online businesses this autumn I guess. :) Life is crazy.
Brave Move: Starting a business with my sister. Totally unexpected. But what the hell, might as well give it a go.
Give * Share: Gave something a shot.
Incorporeal Bliss: Listening to relaxing happy music. A full day of swing & big band singers! All little Dean Martin & Ella too!

Sunday
Sleep & Rest: About 9.5 hours of sleep. -Woh! And it was filled with really intense dreams with lots of symbolism.
Yoga Practice: Nope. (I'm so tired of saying no lately. Gotta get it going again.)
Sun & Air: Another packed day. Family BBQ & final day to give the website a HUGE push. I didn't wake up early enough too make a sweaty work-out happen. Ahh… discipline. Where are you buddy?
Sweat & Fun: Nope. And I feel guilty about it. I also miss it like an old friend. Very few things feel as good as working up a nice sweat. Soon, soon...
Fruity Meals: Seeded watermelon / Veggie salad with too much avocado! / (I forget if I had anything else after, I might have had more of the same salad if anything.)
Creative Work: Dedicated half-day(?) to working on my website. And a few hours in the evening to looking for vintage images with my sister.
Brave Move: Spoke up for myself. Said "Hey family, I love ya, but I made plans already. I have to work this weekend. So I will be dividing my time at the BBQ between the two; lil' work & lil' family"
Give * Share: Gave family some of my time & gave work that's really important to me some of my time.
Incorporeal Bliss: Believing in myself & my choices. Ahhhh… what a feeling it was to plow through & move forward on a few things that are important to me today. Yay!

Today

2010-09-04T22:28:00.001-04:00

Sleep & Rest: About 7.5 hours of sleep.

Yoga Practice: Same as yesterday. Nothing.

Sun & Air: Set up my laptop in a garden & worked outside. Did a tiny bit of yard work too.

Sweat & Fun: Same as yesterday. Nothing.

Fruity Meals: Seeded watermelon / A "super-loaded-ate-too-much" veggie salad with a side of zucchini-lemon-mint puree -Oof! I over did it.

Creative Work: Dedicated another full-day to working on my website. Got major stuff done. Yay!

Brave Move: Pushed through with ideas even though they sound crazy & I have no idea how they will work. Who cares! If it sounds great to me & I'm passionate about it, I'm doin' it!

Give * Share: Helped out in anyway I could. Everything from yard work to being a good listener.

Incorporeal Bliss: Working on my computer outside under the sun with a cool breeze.

Today

2010-09-03T23:19:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: About 8.5 hours of sleep.

Yoga Practice: Nothing today.

Sun & Air: Quick walk to the bank. That's all for the day. :(

Sweat & Fun: See above.

Fruity Meals: Hami melon / Red cabbage-fennel-spinach-cucumber salad with celery-avocado-lemon dressing / Left-over mixed salad with lots of lettuce from yesterday

Creative Work: Dedicated the day to working on my website.

Brave Move(s): Scheduled a meeting with someone I'm totally afraid to meet with. I also had requests for 3 different people regarding money or better communication, which are scary topics for me.

Give * Share: Shared salad with my mom.

Incorporeal Bliss: Making progress on my website. What a relief moving forward is.

Ju Ju Bean?

2010-09-02T19:59:00.012-04:00

TODAY

Sleep & Rest: 8 hours of sleep.

Yoga Practice: (Nothing yet.)

Sun & Air: 2 hour round trip walk to the fruit market. I like to call them "work-walks". I go over ideas & plans for the week as I do it. It's good for examining what's working & what's not in my life/work. These work-walks are my most clear thinking & productive time.

Sweat & Fun: I sweated & had fun during my work-walk. I also jogged a bit & stair climbed a bit.

Fruity Meals: Mikeylee watermelon / Fresh grapefruit juice / Halawy dates / Bag of fresh figs / Red cabbage & red radish salad / (I will have more salad tonight, lettuce will be the main ingredient on the next one.)

I saw some "Ju ju beans" next to my Halawy Dates at the market. (But now I find out it's "Jujubes" after researching on Google, I will have to go back and check the sign at the market to see if I read that right.) I bought one lonely one. I am clueless about it. I will have to do some research on the internet before I bite into it!

Creative Work: Lots of brain storming, notes taken & progress made on new ways for me to make a living. Change is coming!

Brave Move: I decided to add a new item to my daily routine. It will be called "Brave Move" because I want to work at getting over my fears & releasing the blocks in my life. Some years ago I made a list of my fears & checked them off one by one. It transformed my life! Imagine if I conquered a fear daily. -I could transform the world! Basically, I'm just thinking positive & doing whatever I can to take myself to the next level of peace & happiness (& accountability for it). I believe being responsible for your part in creating a wonderful world is the best way to create an amazing life & a peaceful planet.

Give * Share: Shared what I am committed to with my soon to be (again) creative coach Jamie Ridler.

Incorporeal Bliss: Knowing that I can't be held back. I, am my spirit more than anything else. No body & no thing can hold a spirit down. You can't touch it! It is powerful beyond measure. We all are!

YESTERDAY

Sleep & Rest: About 7 hours of sleep.

Yoga Practice: Nope. See below

Sun & Air: About 7 hours of standing around & walking around (& climbing stairs) in the sun. I had two french friends visiting. So I did the tourist thing & showed them around town.

Sweat & Fun: Nope. See above

Fruity Meals: Black grapes blended with banana / Red bananas / Dinner?…. Food became problematic while being out all day. I got hungry & I had little to chose from on a street filled with sandwich & pizza shops. My bright I idea was to order all side orders at a mexican restaurant (like guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce & cabbage, sliced red radishes, etc. ), problem was, I didn't expect it some of it to be super-salty & doused with vinegar! But I ate it. :( As I type this I am all "puffed out". [Written yesterday.] I have a feeling I will wake up tomorrow even puffier. [I did.] I wish I would have held out till I found a healthier place to eat like a produce store or home. Note to self: Please hold out for better options. Wait for the best, there is no rush.

Creative Work: Dedicated the day to keeping my word. I promised to show a friend around town & that I did.

Brave Move: Didn't worry when I knew I had/have stuff to worry about. I trusted the universe & moved forward. Decided to live as if I was loved & supported unconditionally.

Give * Share: Shared my red banana & city sights.

Incorporeal Bliss: Being next to the ocean & its salty air for a good part of the day. I just loved it!

Today

2010-08-31T03:31:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: About 8 hours or a little less.

Yoga Practice: Nothing.

Sun & Air: 3? hour meeting with my brother in a garden.

Sweat & Fun: I sweated a little because it was hot today when I was busy doing something, but not because I exercised. The day flew by today. Not enough time (more like not enough discipline! we always have time, it's a mater of choice) to make a workout happen.

Fruity Meals: Black grapes / Black grapes blended with banana / Big bag of mixed fresh figs / Raw tomato stew with shredded red cabbage / A few almonds

Creative Work: Lots of brain storming with my brother. He gave me some great feedback. Before & after that I worked on something to get my new website moving forward.

Give - Share: Shared my figs. Including a new favorite fig! (*drum roll*) The Candy Stripe Fig. Not joking. It tasted like whipped cream & jam. Super buttery sweet taste. They were very expensive, I only bought 3 small ones. My brother & I split each one. We couldn't believe how good they were!

Incorporeal Bliss: Sharing a "fig-a-licious" moment with my brother. Sharing ideas with my brother. Sharing laughs with my brother. Later my nephew joined us, then we were sharing funny moments & ideas with our nephew!

Today

2010-08-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. - Joseph Campbell

Sleep & Rest: About 8.5 hours or a little less.

Yoga Practice: I'm going to do some spinal breathing before bed.

Sun & Air: Lunch outdoors.

Sweat & Fun: 15 minutes running stairs & 45 minutes run/walk combo outdoors.

Fruity Meals: Bag of mixed fresh figs / Lots of little blonde grapes (champagne grapes?, not sure what type) / Raw tomato stew with chopped avocado on nappa cabbage leaves / Raw tomato stew with chopped fennel & red cabbage

Creative Work: Got good work done today. A little of everything. Things are moving forward! yay!

Give - Share: Shared my thoughts & opinions with my nephew, shared great news with my sister, & shared my artwork with someone I just met.

Incorporeal Bliss: I was hearing this beautiful chime sound as I walked today. I was so eager to find the source. I kept walking & walking and the sound never stood still anywhere. I kept thinking that I would eventually pass the house that had the wind chime. I would see the the chime blowing in the wind & leave the sound behind me as I walked away. But the house never revealed itself. I eventually discovered that the chime was really a few small bells attached to an "icee" cart. The icee vendor was rolling their cart a block in front of me. I had no idea it was them until I eventually passed them. The mysterious sound was fun to be around. Fun while it lasted.

Today

2010-08-29T02:18:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 7 hours or a little more.
Yoga Practice: Nothing.
Sun & Air: Spent time on a boat cruise with my family for my dad's birthday. Definitely got some fresh air & a little sunshine on the windy sun deck.
Sweat & Fun: Nothing sweaty. :( I missed my workout. Can't wait to exercise tomorrow. :)
Fruity Meals: Papaya / Melon / Tamarind & a few medjool dates / Cucumber noodles with chunky sauce (blended; celery, tomatoes, persian cucumbers, red pepper, lemon juice) on top / Some of the tomato sauce from lunch with chopped avocado on nappa cabbage leaves

I did super good considering I was on an "all you can eat" buffet cruise & did not even have one thing, except water. Then after that, I watched hours of cooking shows with my mother while spending time with her. Temptation was high today, but obviously not tempting enough! My raw food was super satisfying & well worth the wait after the cruise.

Creative Work: Nope. Spent the whole day hanging out with family.
Give - Share: Shared my tomato sauce on raw cucumber noodles with my mom, and a tinsy bit of my tamarind with a few brave souls.
Incorporeal Bliss: Watching the sun reflect & twinkle on the water during the cruise. Being proud of my nephew & his new job. Feeling inspired by my sister & her work. I really like this little video she made of her jewelry that she posted on her blog. Lots of bliss today. :) I'm grateful.

Today

2010-08-28T22:12:00.005-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 9 hours or a little more.
Yoga Practice: Haven't done any yet. I plan on meditating & doing one kriya for better communication before bed.
Sun & Air: Spent time with the trees, wind & sun for several hours.
Sweat & Fun: Some running & lots of walking with two heavy fruit loads.
Fruity Meals: Fresh OJ / Papaya / Fresh figs / Grapes / A super good tomato gazpacho! Very easy; celery, tomatoes, persian cucumbers, red pepper, lemon juice
Creative Work: Got super good ideas while walking today. Running & walking always clears my head so that I can think bigger. :) When my brain is busy & full, there isn't room for much else. It's so important to empty out. I also wrote my post for Sunday Is For Lovers, which I will post this evening, so that it's ready for sunday morning.
Give - Share: Gave thanks for public toilets! So happy to have 'em available when I need 'em.
Incorporeal Bliss: Laughing at something that I saw. I swore I saw a tree dancing with it's arms (limbs) up. It looked just like a woman dancing in the wind. It was such a funny sight. I laughed out loud. It made me happy.

Today

2010-08-27T22:44:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 8 hours.

Yoga Practice: Kundalini yoga & meditation

(Didn't check or record time for any of my exercise today. -But had a good time.)

Sun & Air: Yes lots! Was in the sun for several hours.

Sweat & Fun: Little bit of running & lots of walking.

Fruity Meals: Fresh figs / White peaches / Blended white peaches & baby bananas / Chopped fresh okra & brussell sprouts -bad idea! I was chewing forever. Didn't like dinner.

Creative Work: Today was productive. Not super creative, but productive.

Give - Share: Shared some of my peach with the lil' bugs I saw on a grassy field.

Incorporeal Bliss: Knowing that everything will be OK. Whenever I start to stress too much, I always remind myself that whatever it is, it will work out. There is nothing to fear. :) (repeat..repeat..repeat..)

Today

2010-08-27T00:03:00.001-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 9 hours.

Yoga Practice: Kundalini yoga & meditation for 45 minutes.

Sun & Air: Nope.

Sweat & Fun: Nope.

Fruity Meals: Watermelon / Watermelon (again) / White peaches / Various types of baby lettuce heads & romaine with almond-pepper-tomato dressing

Creative Work: Dedicated the whole day (more or less) to catching up on work projects.

Give - Share: Shared tweets on twitter.

Incorporeal Bliss: Finding people who think like me & want what I want. Sometimes I feel alone in my dreams & desires, but then I connect with other like-minds on the internet & I feel at home. Like I'm "normal". That might be stretching it! ;)

Today

2010-08-26T00:40:00.000-04:00

One of my best days in a while. :)

Plus, I have a new fav fruit. Adriatic figs. (*swoon*)

Sleep & Rest: 7.5 hours.
Yoga Practice: see below
Sun & Air: 60 minutes of reading in the sun, followed by 22 minutes of meditative kriyas (for better communication & goal fruition), still in the sun. Then 30 minute run & 30 minute walk in the sun. Another 60 minutes of reading in the sun, followed by another 60 minute walk. Woh! A super outdoorsie day!
Sweat & Fun: see above
Fruity Meals: Orange honeydew melon / Fresh figs (3 lbs of Brown Turkey, Mission, Adriatic, & Kadota) / Fresh orange juice / Halawy dates / Bites of misc. fruits (Mango, Orange, Tomato, Avocado)
Creative Work: Creative research.
Give - Share: Gave thanks for the access I have to good fruit. Pretty amazing. No complaints from me.
Incorporeal Bliss: Noticing is bliss. Wow, so many things; the way the breeze lifts my hair in funny directions, the lightness of delicate flowers, pine needles collecting in piles & sticking together as it rolls in the wind, bees entering flowers for nectar, warm sun rays on my arms, juicy clear liquid in my Brown Turkey figs, a woman's excitement & eagerness as she buys her grapes that will soon be out of stock & out of season, the smile of a cashier to a customer in front of me, the tenderness of my mother as she speaks, the calmness in the air as it settles down & gets dark, the subtle vibration my laptop makes, the healthy sheen on my skin, the slight soreness in my quads, the contentedness I felt today when I focused on just being, the freedom I feel when alone yet in public places surrounded by people, the stiffness of the yellow tinted pages in the book I was reading, I was afraid they would tear or crumble....so many things today. I've already forgotten a lot.

Today

2010-08-24T22:35:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 10 hours! I have a new trick for better sleep. -Get to bed early!

Yoga Practice: Kriyas (for neck & shoulders) & mediation for 30 minutes.

Sun & Air: A little sunbathing jogging/walking outdoors for 45 minutes. And more walking after that.

Sweat & Fun: Super sunny 45 minute jog/walk outdoors & 15 minutes of stretching indoors after.

Fruity Meals: Orange honeydew melon / Mixed salad with lots of red romaine & baby lettuces / Mixed veggie salad at restaurant

Creative Work: Website work.

Give - Share: Gave thanks for my life & all of its blessings. ;)

Incorporeal Bliss: Being outside. Wow, what a difference it is to spend most of the day outside. Sunshine & fresh air are so important.

Today

2010-08-24T00:41:00.003-04:00

Sleep & Rest: I'm not sure, but it was enough. Maybe 9+ hours. I went to bed early last night.

Yoga Practice: Kriyas & mediation for 20 minutes.

Sun & Air: A little sunbathing while drying my hair outside. Plus plenty of sun while walking outdoors.

Sweat & Fun: 45 minute walk outdoors. And a sweaty 20 minutes of mixed exercises. Some of them were inspired by Suzana. (video posted below)

Fruity Meals: Mikeylee watermelon / Mikeylee watermelon (again) / Grapes / Fresh figs / Shredded red cabbage & baby spinach mixed with spinach dressing & bits of other veggies

Creative Work: Working on things right now.

Give - Share: Gave myself a new start. Gave loved ones another chance.

Incorporeal Bliss: Being at a fruit market. Being in nature. The feeling of life all around me is divine! I love it when it is nature or produce because it is just being. It's not talking to me, doesn't want anything from me, doesn't have have a complicated past or future, it's just being itself. Just being, and in simply being it is magnanimous ...& magnificent.

Yesterday

2010-08-23T12:01:00.003-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Probably 7-8 hours. I can't remember.

Yoga Practice: Not really, just meditative moments

Sun & Air: A very sunny & airy day. Lots of time outdoors.

Sweat & Fun: 60 minute super fast walk.

Fruity Meals: Watermelon / Grapes / Watermelon / Mango / Romaine lettuce with almond-cucumber dressing

Creative Work: Nope, spent the day with family. Celebrated my brothers birthday. :)

Give - Share: Shared time with my family.

Incorporeal Bliss: Salty ocean air. Smells & feels amazing.

Today & Yesterday

2010-08-22T01:53:00.002-04:00

"The more you know, the less you need" - Aboriginal Saying
*

Sleep & Rest: 1 hour of sleep, plus 2 naps. (-long story)

Yoga Practice: 15 minutes of meditation

Sun & Air: Nope, complicated day.

Sweat & Fun: Nope, complicated day.

Fruity Meals: Mangoes / Bananas / Mixed lettuces with almond-lemon-tomato dressing / A little fresh okra (Today was unusual, not much to choose from & not my typical day.)

Creative Work: Nope, complicated day.

Give - Share: Shared love & time with my nephew. Shared my okra & most of my day with my sister.

Incorporeal Bliss: Silence. I relish it. It feels like home when I have it.

Sleep & Rest: 9 hours I think.

Yoga Practice: A little pranayama.

Sun & Air: A little off & on.

Sweat & Fun: 75 minute walk outdoors. A little sweat. ;)

Fruity Meals: One mango / Fresh figs / Halawy dates / Mixed lettuces with almond-carrot-tomato dressing

Creative Work: Working on things this evening. Getting back on track.

Give - Share: Shared my feelings.

Incorporeal Bliss: Deciding what I need in order to be happy. Making choices & moving forward. Always a good thing.

Today

2010-08-19T22:15:00.000-04:00

Quality Rest: Probably 8 hours of sleep, I felt rested when I woke up.
Yoga Practice:30 minutes of kunadlini yoga
Sun & Air: Got some during my outdoor workouts.
Sweat & Fun: 20 minutes of stair climbing & 60+ minutes of walking.
Fruity Meals: Watermelon / Pineapple & Korean melon blended / Grapes & bananas blended / Brown Turkey figs/ Halawy dates (will be my dinner)
Creative Work: Worked on website. Yay!
Giving & Sharing: Gave time to my family.
Incorporeal Bliss: Colors are amazing. They make life beautiful & fun.

Today

2010-08-18T23:35:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Didn't check the clock, maybe 7 hours of sleep.

Yoga Practice: 30 minutes of kunadlini yoga

Sun & Air: A little bit during a walk & stair climbing.

Sweat & Fun: Nothing sweaty. But did exercise a little.

Fruity Meals: Grapes / Pineapple / Grapes (again) / Halawy dates / Blended Asian pears & dates / Big chunks of heirloom tomatoes with avocado, celery & romaine lettuce

Creative Work: Worked on website.

Give - Share: Gave a helping hand to my nephew.

Incorporeal Bliss: The sweetness of Halawy dates.

Today

2010-08-17T00:45:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 7.5 hours of sleep.

Yoga Practice: 45 minutes of kunadlini yoga

Sun & Air: 2 hour walk to buy fruit (jogged part of the way there & carried a heavy load on the way back).

Sweat & Fun: Sweated a bit during my run & while doing kundalini yoga.

Fruity Meals: Watermelon / Pineapple, banana & blueberry smoothie / Small piece of Jackfruit / White nectarines / Blended Asian pears & Halawy dates with a bit of fresh ginger / Zucchini noodles with raw tomato sauce

Creative Work: Just blogging.

Give - Share: Gave it a rest. Someone over charged me for something. I totally want to drop it. Don't feel like going back to sort it out. Too much time & effort, not worth the few bucks.

Incorporeal Bliss: Hearing baby birds chirp in a tree. Feeling a fuzzy plant. Seeing the wind blow & tickle leaves.

Today

2010-08-16T01:01:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 8 hours of sleep.

Yoga Practice: Nothing :(

Sun & Air: Worked outside. :) Found an outdoor outlet for my laptop.

Sweat & Fun: Nothing :(

Fruity Meals: Oranges, nectarines, & peaches / Blended asian pears & dates / Mixed veg juice / Mixed veggie salad / Fresh fennel with a little almond butter

Creative Work: Blogging & a bit of website work.

Give - Share: Gave thanks. Gave a tip.

Incorporeal Bliss: Feeling content after a meal. My asian pear & date blended in a bowl was heaven. I felt so complete after eating it.

Today

2010-08-14T22:35:00.001-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Maybe 9 hours of sleep?

Yoga Practice: Nothing yet.

Sun & Air: Walked outdoors. 60 minute walk with mom.

Sweat & Fun: Nothing sweaty today. :(

Fruity Meals: Watermelon / Koren melon / Peaches / Veggie salad at restaurant (with family)

Creative Work: Helped my nephew shoot a video.

Give - Share: Gave a 2 dollars to someone selling Street Sheet. (A homeless newspaper? Not sure. Didn't take a copy, just gave a donation.)

Incorporeal Bliss: Getting things done. Ahhh... feels good to get things out of the way.

Today (..another early post)

2010-08-13T18:08:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Maybe 8 hours of sleep. I forgot to look at the clock before bed. Woke up a little before 8am.
Yoga Practice: (Planning on doing some pranayama after my run.)
Sun & Air: (Planning on a 30-60 minute run at 4pm.)
Sweat & Fun: (see above) :)
Fruity Meals: Blended seeded watermelon / Durian / (Maybe a big salad for dinner tonight)
Creative Work: Day 2 of website work at a cafe. I like being alone but having the buzz of people around me. Lovin' it.
Give - Share: Shared my thoughts. (And I plan on making dinner for my brother, sister & mom.)
Incorporeal Bliss: Having time to myself. Boy oh boy, do I love my alone time.

Today (Early Post!)

2010-08-12T17:11:00.003-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Almost 8 hours of sleep.

Yoga Practice: (I plan on going to a 7:30pm 75 minute yoga class)

Sun & Air: Walked outdoors.

Sweat & Fun: (The plan is to jog to/from yoga class tonight.)

Fruity Meals: Blended Charentais melon / Peaches / Durian / (Maybe foraged apples later)

Creative Work: Website work at a coffee shop while listening to classical music. Happy me!

Give - Share: Gave a big tip to a super helpful server. Gave clarity to a situation that was unfair, (a check-out person was being bullied by a customer for a reason that wasn't so).

Incorporeal Bliss: Good smells. Although I don't drink coffee anymore, it smells good when I'm around others who do. I also got a compliment on an essential oil I was wearing today, they said it smelled good. I think it smells good too! Today was filled with good smells.

2 Days...

2010-08-12T01:57:00.003-04:00

Yesterday-

Sleep & Rest: 7 hours of sleep? Not sure.

Yoga Practice: Nothing.

Sun & Air: Outdoor walk.

Sweat & Fun: 2 hour walk.

Fruity Meals: Watermelon / Charentais melon / Figs (foraged during walk) / Mangoes / Avocado, fresh basil & heirloom tomatoes / Spinach salad & mixed chopped veggies

Creative Work: Only blogging.

Give - Share: Bought succulents for my moms garden, bought her a book too.

Incorporeal Bliss: Spending time in nature. It always blows my mind & reminds me to see the bigger picture.

Today-

Sleep & Rest: 7 hours of sleep.

Yoga Practice: 30 minutes of kundalini yoga

Sun & Air: 45 minutes outdoor walk

Sweat & Fun: No sweating, but the walk was fun.

Fruity Meals: Yellow (seeded) watermelon / Burro bananas / Durian / Guacamole with jicama, lettuce, cucumbers & tomatoes

Creative Work: Brain storming & notes for new website.

Give - Share: Bought my brother a snack. Duplicated a key for my dad. Gave thanks many times, mostly for food. :)

Incorporeal Bliss: Feeling relaxed. It feels so good.

Today

2010-08-10T00:35:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Maybe 8 hours of sleep.

Kundalini Yoga: Nothing yet.

Sun & Air: Not really.

Sweat & Fun: Pilates workout (Crunch video)

Fruity Meals: Mickylee watermelon / blended frozen bananas, plain (-amazing, so creamy tasting!) / Mixed veggie fruits & fennel with chopped romaine / Medjool dates & cucumbers

Creative Work: Only blogging.

Give - Share: Shared my blended bananas

Incorporeal Bliss: Seeing my mom happy & full of life. She said she feels a new inspiration for life right now.

Day 21 of Mono Madness!

2010-08-09T00:40:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Almost 8 hours of sleep with a couple of interruptions. Then a relaxing "veg" moment in the bed for a bit after a long trail walk.

Kundalini Yoga: Meditation kriya.

Sun & Air: Another outdoor workout. Yay!

Sweat & Fun: 2.5 hour trail walk with my mom. We had a great time in Strawberry Canyon.

Mono Meals: Mickylee watermelon / Mickylee watermelon (again) / Wild cherries & blackberries (found on trail) / Chopped fruit veggie salsa with plain cucumber & heirloom tomatoes (not a mono meal)

Creative Work: Only blogging.

Give - Share: Shared my thoughts. Bought food for others.

Incorporeal Bliss: Falling in & out of a long nap. Ahhh...

This mono experiment has been fabulous. I didn't stick to it like glue, I was pretty open & loose about it. But now that I see how amazing & tasty it is to eat most of your meals mono I'm going to keep it up. I will definitely keep this as the daily goal from now on. ;)

Day 20 of Mono Madness

2010-08-08T03:04:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 8 hours of perfect sleep.

Kundalini Yoga: Nope. Waited too long & now I am too tired.

Sun & Air: Outdoor workout. Yay!

Sweat & Fun: 75 minute run with my mom.

Mono Meals: Mickylee watermelon / Peaches / Persian cucumbers / Chopped fruit veggies on romaine hearts (not a mono meal)

Creative Work: Only blogging. :)

Give - Share: Shared my food. I also made food for others.

Incorporeal Bliss: Feeling one with others. I love when there is no judgment & no separation. It's usually only for a few seconds, but it's bliss.

Day 19 of Mono Madness

2010-08-07T02:21:00.001-04:00

Super quick post!

Long day... (Just arrived in Northern California)

Sleep & Rest: Maybe 2 hours of sleep. Long day.

Kundalini Yoga: Nope. Traveled all day.

Sun & Air: Nope. Traveled all day.

Sweat & Fun: Almost missed my flight & had to run for it this morning. Definitely worked up a sweat. But it wasn't fun.

Mono Meals: Bananas & more bananas / Strawberries / Figs / Guacamole on a plain salad & several romaine hearts (dinner was not mono)

Creative Work: Nope.

Give - Share: Gave lots of hugs hello & some goodbye hugs too. Gave some fruit to my bro. :) Treated my mom to a movie.

Incorporeal Bliss: Everything working out even when you think it's not possible. Not giving up mixed with surrender is bliss!

Day 18 of Mono Madness

2010-08-06T00:39:00.001-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Maybe as much as 9.5 hours of sleep. Yay! Blacking out windows works wonders.

Kundalini Yoga: Just 30 minutes of stillness. Not really as a kundalini practice. But I have a feeling that I am about to go "yoga crazy" for the rest of this month & beyond. So stay tuned...

Sun & Air: Only running errands outdoors.

Sweat & Fun: Lots of sweat & exercises from running errands, moving out of my place & getting it ready to sublet.

Mono Meals: (2 mono meals & 2 mixed meals)

Xigua melon / Sharlynne melon / Blended strawberries & apricots / Red leaf lettuce with blended veggies & fruit-veggies on top

Creative Work: No.

Give - Share: Gave helpful instructions. Gave work tools to a friend.

Incorporeal Bliss: Today was like a tornado. Lots of stuff to handle back to back, non-stop. Over 12 hours of constant movement & work. But there was a moment where I made the choice to turn off all things (music, A/C, phone, etc.) & spend 30 minutes in silence & stillness. -It was bliss!

Day 17 of Mono Madness

2010-08-04T23:27:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 7.5 hours of sleep.

Kundalini Yoga: Nope.

Sun & Air: 60 minutes of bright warm sun, & an outdoor workout.

Sweat & Fun: Walked stairs for 30 minutes & walked streets for 60 minutes. Needed a meditative workout today. I wanted to hash-out creative ideas in my head & de-stress.

Mono Meals: (all mixed food today, but not too bad, all pretty simple)

Lemonade / Blended bananas with carob / Chopped cucumbers & mixed lettuces with avocado & carrot-tomato-basil sauce on top

Creative Work: Worked on new site.

Give - Share: Gave a suggestion. Gave someone an ongoing paying job. Yay!

Incorporeal Bliss: Had the best feeling while eating dinner tonight. It really was bliss. A big smile came across my face & my heart felt wide open. I just had this feeling of loving myself. Felt love for simply being me at my most basic self. Love for being simple. For being imperfect & vulnerable, for being human. :)

Day 16 of Mono Madness

2010-08-03T21:26:00.001-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Wow. I got lots of sleep. Maybe as much as 10 hours. I really needed it.

Kundalini Yoga: Nothing yet. But I may mediate tonight.

Sun & Air: Outdoor workout.

Sweat & Fun: I'm getting better! Today I ran (stairs) as usual, 3 sets (3 levels up & down) x 10, but I added 5 more reps/rounds. So now I am at 15. It felt great. [Below is a pic of the stairs.] I will be leaving for California soon. So no more stairs after this week. Not sure what is next. We will see!

Mono Meals: Lemonade / Plums / Blended bananas with mixed berries (not mono) / Baby bananas

Creative Work: Yes. Worked on artstudio inspiration wall, & met with a friend about new business ideas.

Give - Share: Gave permission for someone to use something that I wrote. Gave several hugs & kisses on the cheek. Gave myself the opportunity to sleep as much as needed & gave myself the support to make it happen, like turning off the phone & blacking out the windows.

Incorporeal Bliss: Over hearing someone's conversation to an exercise partner while cooling off. She said, "Shake out your arms & legs. While you shake them out, shake off everything that you don't want in your life. Everything that doesn't serve you or suit you".

Day 15 of Mono Madness

2010-08-03T11:55:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Maybe 1.5 hours of sleep. (I was on like a lightbulb that wouldn't turn off last night! Then I had to be up at 6am for an 8am appointment.)

Kundalini Yoga: Not today.

Sun & Air: Walking outdoors & lying around in the park.

Sweat & Fun: Not today. Another day of goodbyes & appointments. Intense exercise & yoga didn't make it on the schedule. I wish it did.

Mono Meals: Fresh OJ / Dates / Raw gazpacho / Mixed lettuces with cherry tomatoes, blended avocado & sundered tomatoes (last 2 meals not mono obviously)

Creative Work: Yes. Lot's of thinking & sketching.

Give - Share: I gave time to a friend.

Incorporeal Bliss: The warmth of the sun. The resilience of half-dead flowers when brought back to life. The idea of jokes or playful words. The flow of extemporaneousness, improvisation & winging it.

Day 14 of Mono Madness

2010-08-02T00:40:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 8 hours of sleep with a couple of interruptions.

Kundalini Yoga: Nothing to report.

Sun & Air: Only walking outdoors.

Sweat & Fun: Nothing sweaty, but I did walk a lot.

Mono Meals: Mixed melons / Watermelon / Bananas / Avocado & mixed lettuces

(2 meals were not mono, but not too bad. Less than 3 ingredients)

Creative Work: No. :( Busy day seeing friends, saying goodbyes.

Give - Share: Gave a friend a birthday gift, gave lots of hugs, a few kisses, & shared many thoughts.

Incorporeal Bliss: Feeling like I am enough. Being able to feel that is bliss. I had a few moments today of feeling like I am not good enough, not yet "there", not presentable, not meeting the standards. But then I snapped out of it and realized that I am a living spirit. Not just a body, not just some-thing, but a holy being full of infinite possibility & grace. Why would that not be enough? It's limitless & perfect.

Day 13 of Mono Madness

2010-07-31T17:56:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 8 hours of sleep with a couple of interruptions.

Kundalini Yoga: 30 minutes of core exercises, meditation & kriyas.

Sun & Air: Super fun sunbath.

Sweat & Fun: Ran stair repeats (3 sets x 10). Almost everyday has been a stair workout because it's a good stress reliever for me & I need it these days. Getting ready for 2-3 months of travel is overheating my brain. :) Counting & running steps is a great way to take a break from thinking too much.

Mono Meals: Korean melons / Durian / Raisins / Bananas

Creative Work: Yes. Creative favor for friend,.

Give - Share: Bought a durian for a friend. But then I ate it! I will try to get them another & bring it to them tonight.

Incorporeal Bliss: Bliss is still on the way. :) It's early. The day has been wonderful though. So far so good. Watching this video & smiling was definitely bliss. :)

Day 12 of Mono Madness

2010-07-30T22:49:00.001-04:00

Sleep & Rest: About 9 hours of sleep with a couple of interruptions.

Kundalini Yoga: About 30 minutes of meditation & kriyas.

Sun & Air: 45 minute sunbath, & lunch outside.

Sweat & Fun: Nope. Didn't get around to sweating. Had to focus on art stuff all day. Did walk quite a bit though.

Mono Meals: Watermelon / Durian / Fresh corn

Creative Work: Painted & decorated a wall, contributed a few ideas & sketches to a gallery.

Give - Share: Donated money to "30Bananas-a-Day". Gave an idea. Gave about 5 smiles. Gave 2 hugs.

Incorporeal Bliss: Believing that nothing is mine & that I am everything is bliss. Pure bliss. When I think like this it's heaven on earth.

Day 11 of Mono Madness

2010-07-30T00:09:00.001-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 7 solid hours.
Kundalini Yoga: nope.
Sun & Air: Fun air bath :) & lots of sunshine, also exercised in the park.
Sweat & Fun: Ran stair repeats (3 sets x 10) in the rain!
Mono Meals: 1.5 watermelons, the rest was not mono. I wish it was... Young coconut & mixed berry smoothie for lunch, & dinner out with a friend, I had a raw veggie pie on mixed greens. :( Ugh. Was tasty, but now my belly aches & my nose feels stuffy. I can't breathe fully. All I know is, I'm going right back to where I left off. Back to what works.
Note to self: Slip-ups are never worth it.
Another note to self: Mono fruits meals are always my best meals.
Creative Work: Only brainstorming.
Give - Share: Shared my thoughts. Gave a movie ticket. Gave a compliment. Gave a hug. Offered to share my food. Gave advice. Gave a smile.
Incorporeal Bliss: being spontaneous is bliss. Been making last minute plans left & right. Feels amazing.

Day 10 of Mono Madness

2010-07-28T22:08:00.001-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 8 solid hours. :)

Kundalini Yoga: I might skip it today, or I might do some meditating. Not sure yet.

Sun & Air: Exercised in the park. Yay!

Sweat & Fun: Ran stair repeats (3 sets x 10) & walked alternate steps (3 sets x 5).

Mono Meals: Watermelon / Durian / Fresh Corn

Creative Work: Lots of brain storming & reaching out to folks that could help with projects.

Give - Share: Gave awareness & compassion. I picked up some broken glass on the steps in the park. Didn't want anyone to hurt themselves.

Incorporeal Bliss: Trust. Trusting is awesome. It feels so damn good.

Day 9 of Mono Madness

2010-07-27T16:00:00.001-04:00

"I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends." - Abraham Lincoln

Sleep & Rest: Almost 9 hours of sleep with only 2 interruptions. Woohoo! Happy me!
Kundalini Yoga: 20 minutes of kriyas.
Sun & Air: Outside exercise session & lots of walking.
Sweat & Fun: Ran stair repeats (3 sets x 5) in the park & ran around the park for a tiny bit, then ran home.
Mono Meals: Watermelon all day so far. Not sure what's for dinner.
Creative Work: Not really.
Give - Share: Gave someone a chance.
Incorporeal Bliss: Oooo… Loved looking at light play while running in the park. Really beautiful shadows in different shades & shapes coming from the trees. Lots of flickering lights & highlights on various things creating various colors. All a joy to see. Like magic.

Day 8 of Mono Madness

2010-07-26T21:45:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: 6 hours of sleep & 2 much needed naps!
Kundalini Yoga: 30 minutes of spine & core exercises.
Sun & Air: Outside exercise session!
Sweat & Fun: Ran stair repeats (3 sets x 10)
Mono Meals: Watermelon / Baby bananas / Blended young coconut, black berries & baby bananas (obviously not a mono meal, but I didn't feel like making my dinner out of only one of them & it's all I had here at home, so I ate them mixed, wasn't too bad, tasted like a berry yogurt), But! shortly after that I was hungry again & went to the store & bought ears of organic corn & loose baby greens that were grown in my neighborhood. I ate them plain, as is. I enjoyed them. :)
Creative Work: Yes! Did several things to help my new business & I worked on a drawing for the new website.
Give - Share: I shared my day with friends. (Including the friends here!) I also said thanks (gave thanks) to 3 people via email.
Incorporeal Bliss: The wind. I am speechless when it comes to the wind. It's bliss for me. The best feeling ever. Especially a cool breeze on a warm day. And if I am a little sweaty after exercise, even better! It makes me feel so alive.

Day 7 of Mono Madness

2010-07-25T13:31:00.000-04:00

Early post today, it's only 1:30pm....

Sleep & Rest: Only 4 hours of sleep. :(

Kundalini Yoga: Nothing yet.

Sun & Air: Fresh air & sunshine on my friends roof. Yay!

Sweat & Fun: Nothing yet.

Mono Meals: Baby bananas for breakfast & Watermelon for lunch, not sure what's for diner.

Creative Work: Worked on art studio

Give - Share: Gave 2 hugs!

Incorporeal Bliss: Happy thoughts about seeing my mom in two weeks. I'll be popping in right before her birthday. I can't wait.

Day 6 of Mono Madness

2010-07-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: About 8 hours of sleep.

Kundalini Yoga: Nope.

Sun & Air: Lots of sunshine this afternoon walking around & a good rooftop sunbath this morning.

Sweat & Fun: Lots of hauling & working in the heat. Non-stop sweating, but not very fun. It's OK though. I was happy to get exercise while working & I was happy to sweat. So it all worked out.

Mono Meals: Durian / Lots of coconut water / Baby bananas

Creative Work: No, worked on preparing for my trip.

Give - Share: Gave a panhandler a dollar.

Incorporeal Bliss: Believing that I am completely taken care of by the universe & all is well is bliss.

Day 5 Mono Madness

2010-07-23T20:55:00.003-04:00

:)
Sleep & Rest: About 9 hours of sleep.
Kundalini Yoga: Yes, meditation & kriyas.
Sun & Air: Rainy day today.
Sweat & Fun: 30 minutes of mixed exercises. Some were from Zuzana's site & others were from various methods.
Mono Meals: Watermelon all day, & a mixed salad in the evening. I know! It's not a mono dinner. So it's considered a cheat. But it was a really simple mixed veggie-fruit salad on a bed of simple lettuces. Very light & earthy. Nothing fancy. No avocado or any thing fatty. Just veggie-fruits, roots & shoots.
Creative Work: Worked on artstudio clear-out & a little on website.
Give - Share: Gave advice to a friend's friend who is ill. Gave encouragement to my nephew. Gave myself "a good-talkin' to" & told myself not to stress about the future. It's wasted energy & usually negative thinking.
Incorporeal Bliss: Meditating & feeling what it feels like to just be. Love it.

Day 4 of Mono Madness

2010-07-22T21:59:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Maybe 6 hours or less of sleep. I did spend time resting & taking it easy today because I was tired.

Kundalini Yoga: Only meditation.

Sun & Air: Lots of sunshine & fresh air today. Yay!

Sweat & Fun: Just walking today, no serious sweating or working out. Too tired for a workout. I felt spent. No enough sleep this week. I need to catch-up.

Mono Meals: Watermelon all day, blended plantains in the evening.

Creative Work: Nope. Same as yesterday.

Give - Share: Gave my opinion & personal experience.

Incorporeal Bliss: Sitting in the sun & feeling content. Content with nothing. Nothing but the sun on my back & the wind in my hair. Bliss.

Day 3 of Mono Madness

2010-07-22T00:21:00.000-04:00

Sleep & Rest: Maybe 7 hours of pretty good sleep & lots of meditative moments.

Kundalini Yoga: Again, sorry to say, "not today".

Sun & Air: Lots of hanging out outdoors, running errands & fast walking.

Sweat & Fun: Only a little (see above).

Mono Meals: Mangoes for breakfast & lunch, blended plantains for dinner.

Creative Work: Nope. Same as yesterday. Just lots of things to prepare for my 2 month trip.

Give - Share: Treated a friend to a concert.

Incorporeal Bliss: Feeling free & unlimited after being able to easily send mobile phone text messages to Ethiopia.

Day 2 of Mono Madness

2010-07-20T23:53:00.003-04:00

Sleep: I can't remember. It wasn't enough, I'll tell you that.

Kundalini: Nothing nothing. :( No mediation or asanas.

Sun: 45 minutes of sunshine.

Sweat: Not really. I did exercise though. Plenty of walking.

Fuel: Nothing but Haitian Mangoes all day. :) Yay!

Work: Only errands & appointments.

Give: Bought a coconut water for a friend.

Bliss: Hearing Rufus Wrainright live tonight. Concert in the park under the stars.

Last day of "Happy Sol" Fiesta - Let the Mono Madness Begin!

2010-07-19T21:16:00.003-04:00

I'm stopping the clock. This is the last day of the "Happy Sol" fiesta. I'm switching gears again. Let the mono madness begin! I'm going to eat only mono style for 3 weeks. Did I not say, "until the next challenge comes up. Aimee-craziness is always in the works". I live for this stuff! It's so silly & so much fun. It gives me a boost & I always learn from it. OK, so anyway, I'm shooting for 21 days, starting today, of only mono meals. That means one type of fruit or veggie at a time. I'm totally open to eating them back to back. Like a pint of cherry tomatoes followed by a bunch of baby spinach, etc. In different forms is OK too. Like fresh orange juice or lettuce juice. As long as it stands alone for a bit in my belly it's good to go. :)

Day 1

Sleep: 9.5 solid hours. Yay!

Kundalini: Not really. Only some meditating while sunbathing,

Sun: Yes! 2 hours of sunshine & fresh air.

Sweat: Sweated all day clearing things out of the apartment. Lots of hauling & stair climbing.

Fuel: Nothing but watermelon all day.

Work: Worked all day on clearing out my art studio.

Give: Donated 3 boxes & 1 bag full of stuff to the Salvation Army.

Bliss: Watching the clouds move. They were so majestic today. Full of contrast.

Day 12 "Happy Sol" Fiesta

2010-07-18T21:49:00.001-04:00

"The best way to predict your future is to create it!" - Abraham Lincoln
Sleep: Another long story. I took my A/C out of my bedroom to go "natural" & eco-friendly & it was a disaster. Mosquito bites that woke me up & unpleasant heat that kept me up. Terrible. The A/C is going back in the room. I need some sleep.
Kundalini: Amazing meditation session at 5am. (I couldn't sleep, so I settled for meditation.)
Sun: Super sweet sunbathing sessions in the early morning & evening.
Sweat: Walked stairs. 3 sets x 10. Too tired to run them since I barely slept at all last night.
Fuel: Mixed mashed banana, soaked chia, soaked raisin / Bananas / Arugula & romaine salad with cherry tomatoes & avocado with sun dried carrot-tomato sauce. (I should have left out the avocado. It was better without it.)
Work: Cleared out art studo closet. I only made a large dent! I have to continue tomorrow.
Give: Lots of things bagged & boxed for charity. I will begin dropping them off on Monday.
Bliss: Ahhh... finding a house music party in the park. There was also a drumming circle. Such beautiful, free & natural people. Dancing like pure spirits. It was lovely to feel & to watch. I was inspired.

Day 11 "Happy Sol" Fiesta

2010-07-17T18:44:00.002-04:00

:)
Sleep: 10 hours in bed, 9 hours asleep. -Yay!
Sun: Will be heading over to the park in about 30 minutes.
Kundalini: I did asanas & kriyas this morning. Hoping to do meditation & pranayama tonight.
Work: Worked on subletting my place for 2 months while I travel & work on new ideas. Posted an Ad.
Give: Gave my 2 cents. I said how I felt. :)
Sweat: Will be heading over to the park to do another stair climbing session. I can't wait. Sweat city!
Fuel: Mint-carob-banana smoothies (fresh mint, dates, banana, raw carob) / Shredded callaloo & cabbage smothered in sun sauce (sun dried tomatoes, fresh cilantro, carrot, cucumber, red bell peppers)
Bliss: Watching, reading or listening to Ram Dass is bliss for me. In him I find such connection & peace. Or should I say, in being with him I am better able to be with me. To find connection & peace with me. Or rather, within me.

Day 10 "Happy Sol" Fiesta

2010-07-16T20:56:00.002-04:00

Sleep: No comment, long story. :(

Kundalini: No yoga today.

Sun: Super sunny outdoor workout.

Sweat: Super sweaty outdoor workout. Ran to the park, then ran stair repeats in the park (3 sets x 10).

Fuel: Mint-carob banana smoothie / Bananas (two types, minis & cavandish) / Haitian mangoes / Callaloo fruit stew (<-- the Callaloo was grown by my neighbors!)

Work: Yep. Worked on my new business.

Give: I supported 3 local business that I believe in today.

Bliss: The best feeling today. I bought loads of veggies from a new farmer's stand that I found. This stand only sells food grown in my neighborhood. All grown & picked by the hands of my neighbors. Wow! What a gift. I will try to shop there every chance I get! I'm so glad I found it. I saw them last week as I was walking to the park. I've never seen them before. Not sure if this is new or not, but who cares. -I'm excited!

Day 9 "Happy Sol" Retreat

2010-07-15T18:27:00.004-04:00

OK, I'm changing things again. New format. And the "Happy Sol" retreat will be an active one, not filled with reading & resting like I thought. It needs to be filled with work & fun instead! :) Also, it will be for 21 days instead of 11. And there won't be a part 2. This is it!
...Until the next crazy Aimee plan of course.
Sleep: 7.5 hours
Kundalini: Nothing yet. I will meditate & do some kriyas tonight.
Sun: Worked-out in the park in full sun.
Sweat: Ran stair repeats, 3 sets x 10.
Work: Worked on paperwork & web stuff.
Give: Donated 2 boxes of stuff to the Salvation Army.
Bliss: Being home alone with wacky music playing & feeling breezes blow through the window.
Fuel: Limeade / Chia-blueberry-lime drink / Blended veggie gazpacho / Raisin-celery drink

Day 8 "Happy Sol" Retreat

2010-07-14T22:06:00.002-04:00

:) !
Wake Up Early: Nope. But I did get a super-lovely 8.5 hours of sleep. Yay!
Sun & Fun: I got some sun walking around town with friends.
Kundalini Yoga: Not today. But I did climb LOTS of stairs & work up a super sweat. I didn't run them, just walked 'em. :) Did 3 sets x 20 of stair repeats in the park & climbed about 15-20 flights in various locations throughout the day today.
Read & Study: I read a little about kundalini yoga.
Creative Work: A little on my new website (coming soon).
Everyday Bliss: So many! I loved working out at sunset & seeing the light change so many times & various ways, I loved the feeling of plush grass & spongy dirt as I walked across fields in my vibrams, I loved giving my best friends (that I haven't seen in over 6 months) hugs & hugging their friends goodbye that I just met, and... the serene feeling when it rains & the city is covered with grey soft light. I love it.

Day 7 "Happy Sol" Retreat

2010-07-13T23:30:00.001-04:00

"Infinite love is the only truth. Everything else is illusion" - David Icke
Wake Up Early: Woh. This was crazy. I went to bed at 5 or 6am & woke up with no alarm clock at 9 or 10am. Not the best, not part of the plan. I'm workin' on it. More quality Zzzz coming soon.
Sun & Fun: Super humid rainy cloudy day.
Kundalini Yoga: Not today. I decided to skip it & go with the flow of the day. I did sweat like crazy running errands & doing laundry. So I did get some exercise.
Read & Study: A little.
Creative Work: Worked a little on my new website.
Everyday Bliss: Having fun with my friends, chatting about feelings & life with my brother, starting over, giving myself some slack, hearing the rain, listing to music, watching the wind, getting things done, being me, loving it all, living for today. All bliss. All bliss.

Day 6 "Happy Sol" Retreat

2010-07-12T23:09:00.000-04:00

*
Wake Up Early: Yep, woke up at 5am again with no alarm. Put on my morning chant CD & went right back to bed & slept like a baby! I woke up later with a huge smile on my face.
Sun & Fun: Yes, sun bathing & lots of fresh air!
Kundalini Yoga: Practiced asanas.
Read & Study: A little.
Creative Work: A little.
Everyday Bliss: Laughing. Heard a few funny things today. I would share them, but I can't remember what they were. I just remember laughing. :)

Day 5 "Happy Sol" Retreat

2010-07-11T19:28:00.001-04:00

:)
Wake Up Early: I did. It was a little past 5am. But I basically put on a relaxing chant CD & went back to bed.
Sun & Fun: Nope. :( Too busy.
Kundalini Yoga: Practiced my asanas & kriyas. Hope to do my meditation & pranayama later.
Read & Study: Nothing yet.
Creative Work: Sorry to say, not yet. :( I had to take care of some important things (time sensitive) that came-up out of the blue before beginning my work today.
Everyday Bliss: I noticed that the cold showers aren't so shocking anymore. Kind of the norm. Regardless it's still a wonderful feeling & a great ritual.
*
HAPPY SOLAR ECLIPSE EVERYONE! Xo!

Day 4 "Happy Sol" Retreat

2010-07-10T21:01:00.003-04:00

:)
Wake Up Early: Nope.
Jeesh. I think I need to go on a media fast. I was so tired last night but wouldn't let myself sleep. I couldn't stop watching a (long) David Icke video. Anyway, I woke up rested this morning, but believe me, it wasn't before 7am like I wanted.
Sun & Fun: Worked out in the park. Stair repeats (3 sets x10).
Kundalini Yoga: Had a super good time doing my asanas, meditation, pranayama & kriyas. Yay! I also did some skin brushing & took a cold shower before I started my yoga practice. Oo la la. Bliss!
Read & Study: No & yes. I did study, but not my Natural Hygiene manual.
Creative Work: Yes. A little. Same as yesterday.
Everyday Bliss: Someone helping you just when you need it.
*
Super BIG-heart-felt-thanks to the FedEx delivery man that brought my new futon mattress upstarts (3 flights) without saying a word. What a sweetheart! I didn't even ask him. I came outside of my apt after he rang my bell & saw him making his way up. I'm so grateful. :) "Thanks Mr. FedEx Guy!"

Day 3 "Happy Sol" Retreat

2010-07-09T22:57:00.002-04:00

:)
Wake Up Early: Yes! Up naturally at 5:45am, no alarm clock. But went back to bed later because I was still sleepy. Went to bed way-way too late last night. Note to self: Getting up early is best when getting to bed early!
Sun & Fun: Yes, spent a few hours in the park. :)
Kundalini Yoga: No. :( I ran out of time. I spent way too much time today watching TED videos. [one is listed below]
Read & Study: A little.
Creative Work: Worked on some creative crafty projects & some website/business development.
Everyday Bliss: Listening to early morning chants in the quiet early morning hours. I played my Amrit Vela CD.
*
Here is one of the many videos I watched today...

Day 2 "Happy Sol" Retreat

2010-07-08T20:38:00.001-04:00

:)
Wake Up Early: Not exactly. Went to bed late last night.
Sun & Fun: YES! Spent lots of quality time in the park sunning, breathing & being.
Kundalini Yoga: I did about 1 hour this afternoon, I plan on doing more tonight.
Read & Study: No, but I will before bed.
Creative Work: Only blogging. Tomorrow I will do more.
Everyday Bliss: Feeling an energetic tingle in my hands & a happy warmth in my heart after doing a kundalini kriya.

11 Day "Happy Sol" Retreat (Part 1 of 2)

2010-07-07T23:08:00.002-04:00

I have a new adventure. The next 11 days I will create a super positive transformational retreat for myself. (-Then I have another plan for the 11 days after that!) This 1st part of the retreat will be foodless, after it's over I will go back to posting my daily eats.
*
Here is the daily plan....
Wake Up Early: Before 7am would be grand. Before 5am would be out of this world!
Sun & Fun: Fresh morning sun bathing & fresh air breathing before 10am.
Kundalini Yoga: Daily practice of meditation, pranayama & kriyas.
Read & Study: Finish reading TC Fry Natural Hygiene manual (2,500 pages!).
Creative Work: Work on creative projects, especially new website I'm developing.
Everyday Bliss: Record & share a blissful moment. Or even better, moment-s!
*
Here is what happened today...
Wake Up Early: Sorry to say I didn't even sleep last night. I was up all night at a darshan event with the "hugging saint" Amma. I was there from 6:30pm to almost 6:00 am the next day.
Sun & Fun: No sunbathing. Day got off to an odd start because I got home so late.
Kundalini Yoga: Nope. See above for explanation.
Read & Study: Nope. See above for explanation.
Creative Work: Work on my blogs.
Everyday Bliss: Had this really fun moment soaping my hands & forearms. :) I just got so present to the feeling of it. Felt amazing. How come washing my hands isn't bliss all the time? Looks like I need to be open, grateful & present more often.
*
Here is a video of Amma...

THE HUG I got this morning....
I didn't cry at all or feel super-moved.
But I have to say. Amma smelled SO GOOD! Wow! (Maybe the flower garland?)
And during the hug I felt this deep dark expansiveness in her bosom. Felt like true space, like supreme spaciousness.
:)

Hello You! ;)

2010-07-05T12:02:00.000-04:00

I have had some busy days. It's been fun. Haven't been able to post the long "check-ins" that I usually do. But starting tomorrow I have a new plan. Another crazy challenge that I want to try. :) It will be for 11 days. -More on that soon!

Yesterday I ate Orange wedges, Haitian mangoes & Watermelon. Today I am having a fruity lunch picnic with a friend, & before I meet them I may have some Mangoes or something. I'm a little hungry right now.
:)

Quick Post :)

2010-07-03T18:19:00.002-04:00

Ate mangoes & oranges for breakfast & lunch. And a big arugula-napa cabbage-tomato-avocado chopped salad with gazpacho soup as dressing for dinner. (I repeated "thank you thank you thank you" as I ate it!)

Last few days...

2010-07-03T00:50:00.003-04:00

Wow. The last few days were really busy and flew by. It's been mostly orange wedges & Haitian mangoes. Durian a few times. And a new veggie meal I really like, napa cabbage with carrot & avocado. The napa cabbage is great plan too! Sweet, juicy & crispy. I like it very much.

Today

2010-06-29T19:54:00.003-04:00

Get Good Sleep: 7hrs.

Drink Enough Water: Not really.

Take Brisk Shower: I did.

Soak Up Sunshine: 60 minutes of sunbathing.

Breathe Fresh Air: While sunning & walking.

Pray Before Meals: Yes! Before my durian lunch.

Drink/Eat Light Foods: Banana-water smoothie / Orange wedges / Haitian mangoes / Durian / Napa cabbage wraps

Wear Bright Colors: Yes, lavender shirt & light green beaded necklace.

Practice Kundalini Yoga: 22 minutes of meditation & kriyas.

Sweat & Have Fun: 30 minutes of "tomfoolery", 30 minutes of core exercises done in the sun, and modified push-ups & dips.

Experience Everyday Bliss: Not giving up is bliss! It feels so good to really want something & to make it happen. Or even making mistakes & not letting them take you from where you want to be. Just keep at it & make it work for you. All of it. Doesn't matter what, just have a good time creating what you want with what you've got.

Today

2010-06-29T00:19:00.002-04:00

Get Good Sleep: 7hrs.

Drink Enough Water: I don't I did.

Take Brisk Shower: I did. twice!

Soak Up Sunshine: 30 minutes of sunbaking.

Breathe Fresh Air: While sunning & walking.

Practice Kundalini Yoga: 33 minutes of mediation & kriyas.

Sweat & Have Fun: 30 minutes of dancing around (plus, lots of walking on a hot day).

Pray Before Meals: Once, but it was during, not before. I said, "thank you thank you thank you" as I ate my durian.

Drink/Eat Light Foods: Liter of fresh OJ / Bananas / Durians

Wear Bright Colors: I wore a white cotton scarf with a neon green pin.

Experience Everyday Bliss: Seeing someone happy. It's contagious. :)

Today

2010-06-27T17:15:00.003-04:00

:)
Get Good Sleep: 8hrs.
Drink Enough Water: I think so.
Take Brisk Shower: I did.
Soak Up Sunshine: 30 minutes of sunbaking.
Breathe Fresh Air: While sunning & walking.
Practice Kundalini Yoga: 33 minutes
Sweat & Have Fun: 30 minutes of core exercises & 30 minutes of dancing.
Pray Before Meals: Forgot again. :) But thought about being really thankful while making my banana smoothie. I was so close!
Experience Everyday Bliss: The vibration I felt from my canvas cotton handbag as a drummer about 50 feet away from me played his congas on the subway. So weird how the vibration travels. Maybe it was because I had an empty glass bottle in my bag? Cotton usually doesn't vibrate. :) Also, the bond I felt with my older brother as we talked. The excitement I felt from my mom as we discussed plans for later this summer. And the enthusiasm I felt for my plans to work on a drawing today.
Drink/Eat Light Foods: Lemonade / Banana smoothie / Durians
Wear Bright Colors: I wore red head to toe. With funny looking shoes.

Today

2010-06-26T23:01:00.001-04:00

Get Good Sleep: 8hrs.

Drink Enough Water: I think so.

Take Brisk Shower: No. :( Sort of warm. I missed the excitement of the cold.

Soak Up Sunshine: 60 minutes of bright sun.

Breathe Fresh Air: A little while sunning & walking.

Practice Kundalini Yoga: 33 minutes outdoors.

Sweat & Have Fun: 30 minutes of core exercises in the sun.

Pray Before Meals: I finally remembered! Only once though. I said, "Thank you thank you thank you", then smiled and ate. :) Check out the comments for yesterdays post for more info on this whole "pray before meals" thing. It will make more sense if you get the back story. I did feel a difference when I did it (once) today. I will be happy when it's automatic & I do it without a second thought.

Drink/Eat Light Foods: Lemonade / Liter of fresh OJ / Bananas, strawberry green tops & fig smoothie / Cantaloupe-mint-orange juice-lemongrass soup

Wear Bright Colors: Wore red, head to toe.

Experience Everyday Bliss: Painting flower silhouettes while listening to lectures from Himalayan swamis. It felt like a meditation. The hours flew.

Today

2010-06-25T22:09:00.002-04:00

:)
Get Good Sleep: 6hrs.
Drink Enough Water: Nope. Will drink more.
Take Brisk Shower: I did.
Soak Up Sunshine: 30 minutes of sunbaking.
Breathe Fresh Air: Yes, a little while sunning, & exercising in the park.
Practice Kundalini Yoga: Yes, 50 minutes.
Sweat & Have Fun: Yes, ran stairs in the park.
Pray Before Meals: No. I keep forgetting!
Drink/Eat Light Foods: Liter of fresh OJ / Banana-stawberry smoothie / Gazpacho puree with chopped avocado & romaine lettuce
Wear Bright Colors: I wore white & red.
Experience Everyday Bliss: So much bliss today!
Getting an unexpected hug request. The kind act & good energy of that hug stayed with me all day. A gift to the giver & to the receiver. And it's free!
I saw an amazing-super-beautiful tree I had never seen before (after 16 years of walking in this lil' neighborhood).
I saw a small upright piano painted orange in the middle of the park. Little kids were playing it. It sounded so good. I asked them when the piano got there. They said it's new & it belongs to the park. The park placed it there. Wow, so cool. :) It made me smile.
I saw an african drumming band. Totally by chance. I heard the music & followed it. It was coming from a tiny cafe. Barely enough room for the band & its admirers. Today was great.

Today

2010-06-23T20:09:00.001-04:00

:)
Get Good Sleep: 8.5hrs.
Drink Enough Water: Yep.
Take Brisk Shower: I did.
Soak Up Sunshine: Another full hour! 2 days in a row!
Breathe Fresh Air: Yes, pranayama outside.
Practice Kundalini Yoga: Yes, 22 minutes.
Sweat & Have Fun: Sweated like crazy walking 3 boxes, a suitcase & a garbage bag full of clothes over to the Salvation Army.
Pray Before Meals: Not once! Hard to remember.
Eat Light Foods: Liters of fresh OJ / Banana-basil smoothies / Strawberry-banana smoothie
Wear Bright Colors: Nope.
Experience Everyday Bliss: Sunbathing while doing pranayama (breathing exercises) on my back. Ooooo…it was bliss, bliss, bliss. It felt amazing. All elements working together. Just like nature intended. And one more thing, the feeling of closeness or relatedness. I had a great conversation with my brother via email. Warmed my heart & lifted my spirits.

Today

2010-06-22T19:11:00.000-04:00

:)
Get Good Sleep: 6hrs.
Drink Enough Water: I think I need a bit more.
Take Brisk Shower: I did.
Soak Up Sunshine: Yay! A full hour! Sunbathing with a book.
Breathe Fresh Air: Yes, plenty of walking, (and see above).
Practice Kriyas & Meditation: 2+ hours (Thankful for a quote given to me by my new kundalini teacher, "I tell you today & I'll tell you tomorrow & I'll tell you everyday: You have only one friend - your discipline, which will give you all that you need. The rest are all promises." -Yogi Bhajan)
Sweat & Have Fun: 21 minutes of exercises (like assisted push-ups, seated-tucks, etc.)
Pray Before Meals: Only after one meal. I remembered to "give thanks" as I was eating it.
Eat Light Foods: Fresh OJ / Amasake green smoothie / Blended bananas / Blended figs & bananas
Wear Bright Colors: I did. White & yellow.
Experience Everyday Bliss: Meditating outside. Towards the end the wind picked up & little drops of rain started to fall. My shirt began to blow & the sky's water tapped gently telling me it's time to go. It was all beautiful. The sun, the clouds, the rain, the wind, the warmth, the coolness, the gentleness. -Bliss!

Today

2010-06-21T22:10:00.001-04:00

Get Good Sleep: 7 hours

Drink Enough Water: I did.

Take Brisk Shower: I did.

Soak Up Sunshine: 30 glorious minutes of sunbathing

Breathe Fresh Air: Did while walking outdoors.

Practice Kriyas & Meditation: 80 minutes in total

Exercise Heart & Lungs: 30 minutes of jumping & dancing

Pray Before Meals: No, totally forgot. :(

Eat Light Foods: Lots of Fresh OJ / Green smoothie / Mixed vegetable juice / Fresh cherry juice / Strawberry-mango smoothie

Wear Bright Colors: Wore all white. :)

Experience Everyday Bliss: Had the courage to wear white spandex pants. As silly as that sounds, it's big deal for me. I wore them because I was brave, not cause I'm in good shape. Wearing or doing whatever you want & not caring what others think is bliss!

Today

2010-06-20T23:18:00.002-04:00

Ahhhh... today felt great. It was a complete day of rest. I spent the afternoon napping & the early evening doing a kundalini kriya & listening to kundalini yoga lectures. I decided that I want to reestablish the habit of a daily kundalini yoga practice. I also want to lighten up my wardrobe by wearing more white & bright colors, drink more water, have super-juicy meals & get plenty of sunshine and more...
I feel like I know what makes me happy. Now if I could only make it an effortless habit!

I want to do the following daily;
Get Good Sleep, Drink Enough Water, Take Brisk Showers, Soak Up Sunshine, Breathe Fresh Air, Practice Kriyas & Meditation, Exercise Heart & Lungs, Pray Before Meals, Eat/Drink Light Foods, Wear Bright Colors, Experience Everyday Bliss

For the next 40 days I'll be working on making these a priority. Making my health & happiness a daily priority. -Sounds good to me!

Yesterday

2010-06-19T10:29:00.000-04:00

:)
Sleep: 6.5 hours
Sunshine: Got a little sun walking outdoors.
Gratitude: Grateful to be surrounded by walking birds while eating my lunch. I was alone, then 20 minutes later they all showed up. I don't think it was my food. I was eating durian.
Bliss: Having a staring contests with birds. ;) It was so cute. There was this one light brown & white pigeon that kept making eye contact with me.
Juicy-lusciousness: Orange wedges / Haitian mangoes / Durian / Biter melon stew