After a little recent trip to the ER for a seizure associated with severe IBS stomach pain and a visit to a gastroenterologist, I've been put on a Low FODMAPs diet. (A FODMAP is a fast-fermenting carb such as high fructose corn syrup, lactose, artificial sweeteners, and wheat. The low FODMAP diet requires avoiding consumption of those types of carbs for individuals who are sensitive to the way FODMAPs digest) But since I already follow that, it translates to "Ashlie, I guess you're going gluten free now!" It seems whenever I say something like "pshh... Gluten free, I'll NEVER go that far off the crazy train" or "community college is just a quick way to get a degree in using a highlighter (new post on that coming soon- JK;))". karma roundhouse kicks me like Captain Kirk taking out his evil clone. I am now officially a proud community college student and a gluten free vegan. Good grief!
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Wow! It has been like, a bazillion years since I last posted. Does anyone else get this feeling when you get in the habit of something then go 'cold Tofurkey' and stop, then you start to get dreams or spontaneous impulses to start again? No? Ok maybe I'm a little wacko... or under-carbed, perhaps (as Freelee would say)! I had been getting epiphanies of blogging in my sleep these past few months. Even more Deja Vu; my uncle came into town today and told me to "post something already because I'm tired of going through your old posts"! So... HERE IT IS GUYS AND GALS! Monday I gave up my lunch to walk my school's long hallway into the gym. I wasn't there to play a round of kickball either. I was on a mission shared by countless other students, teachers, and wonderful humans across the U.S. throughout the year to revive desperate individuals in hospitals.I gave my blood for the first time. It only took a few minutes- but to those who need blood, that few minutes is everything! I love the peace of mind I get from not eating the flesh of an animal. I get all the protein, fat, and carbs I need from wonderful plants God provides us! But what about clothes and cleaning supplies; don't they have animal products in them? There are plenty of cleaning supply alternatives in today's market for just about anything. Some of my favorite brands are Method and Seventh Generation- love their hand/dish soaps and bleach! Clothes, on the other hand, can be a bit more difficult. Sure you can say no to that cowskin biker chic jacket for a faux leather version, but what do you do if your job requires something made of animal? Have you ever said to yourself "From now on I'm going to change _____ about myself/habits"? It started out pretty good, you were on a roll, until "FORGET IT! I'll try this again next month". Guess what? you gave up on yourself too fast! and just because you mess up once does not mean you should completely toss out your goal. As an ethical vegan, girl in a judged world (that's the way it keeps spinning), there are lots of pressures on me; but it's not my job to be perfect about it, just the best I can be at it. God created us to be imperfect, to have choices and learn from mess-ups. These 5 tips will help you stay on track better. If I gave up on that goal, I would either be a.) stuck in the middle of an MTB trail, b.) stuck at home sleeping and missing out on nature, and c.) one goal shorter than my best effort. Think fast all you med students: what is the largest organ of the body? Answer- your skin! The integumentary system is the first line of defense for your body, covering it in an elastic supershield. Your skin protects all the muscles and other lovely organs inside from germs, scrapes, and the elements- even the things in the air. It allows sunlight to activate tons of vitamins in our blood too! Yes belles and blokes, that fashionable tanning you did this summer was essentially toasting the heck out of a wonderful vital organ. Thankfully it constantly sheds and regenerates, naturally keeping a fresh pair of you on all day! YOUR SKIN DESERVES AN END-OF-SUMMER VACATION. . . keep it working at it's best with a few ingredients and a new routine you'll love! Vegans are stereotypically 'preachy' folk. You're either completely on the bandwagon or a hypocritical animal lover. So if you sport the 'vegetarian' label, you'd best not be indulging in fish or turkey bacon even occasionally! I, however, see things differently. Story time! (Oh bear with me, would ya? You'll see where I'm going with this) Lots of my friends chose to work fast food during the school year. Lots of them regret it. My experiences and tips/horror stories from friends led me to compile some pointers for choosing a good job and loving the one you have. Fits of rage are not partial to my disposition, but on weekends and mornings I can be a pretty mean person! I need to stop. But every time I try to think positively or start over in a good mood something always pops up and flips the anger switch, ya know? I just want to relax without a mile long to-do list thrown at me, and don't talk to me until I've had some coffee, I beg you! |
Dangit jim, i'm aVegan gal (obsessed with Star Trek- in case you haven't bothered to glimpse at the screen yet) working through High School and enjoying the roller coaster ride of life. Sure, it's hard living in a small southern city that serves mac & cheese as the only vegetable on the menu. But I'm making it work and I want to help others enjoy the compassionate version of the world too. |