35 is here.
Ten years ago, at 25, I bought my first house. I filled it with things. Little things, big things, shiny things and soft things. And then, I bought a new car (it's still the one I drive today). After that, came the job. I mean - THE job. The opportunity of the lifetime, with the paycheck to match. A year later, came the wedding, with the husband, and the cat. And then another cat. I even owned a tennis racket.
And I thought - wow, imagine where I'll be when I'm 35.
I am 35. I don't own a home. I don't own things. I sold all that when I got divorced, moved across the country, and became a perennial renter in someone else's home. I shop second hand. I eat lots of left overs. I steal paper products. I work. I ration laundry detergent. I buy cans with dents. I even, on occasion, darn a sock.
And I'm in love.
I'm in love with my city. I'm in love with my social life. I'm in love with my friends. I'm in love with my boyfriend. I love the Farmer's Market, and the little theater, and the shop that sells useless Mexican memorabilia, and the consignment store down the road. My life isn't perfect, but it's pretty. And it's all mine.
When I look back at that 25 year old, I'm proud of her for doing all the things she *thought* she should do. I remember feeling accomplished, but lost. Why is it that I've done the "plan", and still feel empty? Why is it that everyone says I'm on the "right track", but I feel restless and lost? Where are my answers?
I didn't even answer them myself. Ex had to do that for me. He said "goodbye", and I said, "what now" - and away we go.
And so now I'm 35. What I don't have in tangibles, I've made up for with spirit. And that's all right by me.
XOXO
LuckyBroad
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Beat the Meat
I survived my meatless week.
It didn't quite go off as I'd hoped. I wanted to spend the week leafing through my vegetarian cookbook and selecting and cooking recipes at home. However, it turned into a very busy social week, and I'm not sure Zinc or I even ate in once that week.
I have some interesting observations about meatlessness. For one, my body *craved* sweets in a way that is very unusual for me. Considering the additional carbs I was ingesting, I found this to be rather odd. Second, I didn't lose *any* weight, but then again, my intake of vegetables didn't increase in the way that I'd hoped it would. Lastly, Mexican food is FANTASTIC for a meatless week! I had one of the best burritos of my life, sans my usual carnitas.
So, now that Meatless Week is over - now what? Well, for starters, it's a good time for me to review my diet and really consider everything that I am eating. I'm going to need to start with breakfast. Second of all, I really want to make an effort to incorporate greens in every meal that I eat. Third, I'm getting older! It's time to really review those diet supplements to make sure that I'm getting everything that I need.
In total, I wasn't terribly satisfied with this Quest. So, I'm going to schedule a round two in the spring to see if I can accomplish more the second time around than I did this week.
Now, on to Quest 3! Stay tuned for more details.
XOXO
LuckyBroad
It didn't quite go off as I'd hoped. I wanted to spend the week leafing through my vegetarian cookbook and selecting and cooking recipes at home. However, it turned into a very busy social week, and I'm not sure Zinc or I even ate in once that week.
I have some interesting observations about meatlessness. For one, my body *craved* sweets in a way that is very unusual for me. Considering the additional carbs I was ingesting, I found this to be rather odd. Second, I didn't lose *any* weight, but then again, my intake of vegetables didn't increase in the way that I'd hoped it would. Lastly, Mexican food is FANTASTIC for a meatless week! I had one of the best burritos of my life, sans my usual carnitas.
So, now that Meatless Week is over - now what? Well, for starters, it's a good time for me to review my diet and really consider everything that I am eating. I'm going to need to start with breakfast. Second of all, I really want to make an effort to incorporate greens in every meal that I eat. Third, I'm getting older! It's time to really review those diet supplements to make sure that I'm getting everything that I need.
In total, I wasn't terribly satisfied with this Quest. So, I'm going to schedule a round two in the spring to see if I can accomplish more the second time around than I did this week.
Now, on to Quest 3! Stay tuned for more details.
XOXO
LuckyBroad
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Mid-Week Meatless Check In
Update: Quest #2 Eat Meatless for One Week
If I listen closely, I think the Maple Cheddar Sausage Sandwich from Dunkin Donuts is calling me.
I made the mistake early on of going to Dunkin for my coffee this week (I usually got to Starbucks). This coincided poorly with the introduction of their seasonal breakfast sandwich, which has long since been one of my favorites. I avoided the monster displays and tried hard not to look at the special offerings as I ordered from Dunk's specialty healthy menu. But I swear - that sandwich was whispering.
It's Day 4 of the Meatless Quest, and this is the first day that I feel myself truly craving meat. Maybe it's because it's lunch time, and I'm hungry, but there's a part of me right now that would throw a whole turkey in the over if I had one at my disposal.
In truth, Meatless Week hasn't gone entirely as I've planned. I wanted an opportunity to make some delectable vegetarian dishes from scratch, but my schedule this week has been a bit hectic and I haven't been able to sit home for one meal thus far. I'm going to try the vegetarian lasagna tonight but I'm a bit disappointed that although I've been eating meatless, it's been a lot of veggie burger.
The first lesson in meatlessness is to watch out for the carbs! A carnivore like me could easily fall back on the ole potato when there isn't meat to be had. I've done my best to avoid pasta dishes (something I normally avoid anyway) but I have to say that the temptation is there. I did find a delicious pizza joint that specializes in gluten free pizza. I had a slice with spinach, squash and cherry tomatoes last night. It was DELICIOUS.
I'm off to find some lunch. Maybe a nice big salad? Who knows! I just hope I don't encounter a salami stick. There could be trouble.
XOXO
LuckyBroad
If I listen closely, I think the Maple Cheddar Sausage Sandwich from Dunkin Donuts is calling me.
I made the mistake early on of going to Dunkin for my coffee this week (I usually got to Starbucks). This coincided poorly with the introduction of their seasonal breakfast sandwich, which has long since been one of my favorites. I avoided the monster displays and tried hard not to look at the special offerings as I ordered from Dunk's specialty healthy menu. But I swear - that sandwich was whispering.
It's Day 4 of the Meatless Quest, and this is the first day that I feel myself truly craving meat. Maybe it's because it's lunch time, and I'm hungry, but there's a part of me right now that would throw a whole turkey in the over if I had one at my disposal.
In truth, Meatless Week hasn't gone entirely as I've planned. I wanted an opportunity to make some delectable vegetarian dishes from scratch, but my schedule this week has been a bit hectic and I haven't been able to sit home for one meal thus far. I'm going to try the vegetarian lasagna tonight but I'm a bit disappointed that although I've been eating meatless, it's been a lot of veggie burger.
The first lesson in meatlessness is to watch out for the carbs! A carnivore like me could easily fall back on the ole potato when there isn't meat to be had. I've done my best to avoid pasta dishes (something I normally avoid anyway) but I have to say that the temptation is there. I did find a delicious pizza joint that specializes in gluten free pizza. I had a slice with spinach, squash and cherry tomatoes last night. It was DELICIOUS.
I'm off to find some lunch. Maybe a nice big salad? Who knows! I just hope I don't encounter a salami stick. There could be trouble.
XOXO
LuckyBroad
Friday, October 8, 2010
Quest #2: Go Vegetarian!
This upcoming Sunday, I will begin my week of eating vegetarian.
What's the big deal, you ask? Well, for starters, I am a carnivore. I have successfully woven meat into three meals a day for pretty much the past 15 years. I once ate steak and cheese subs for dinner for an entire month. I have both bacon AND sausage for my breakfast. Meat products like turducken don't scare me and once, I ate SPAM just for kicks. My love of bacon is so legendary, that I can even accessorize in it.
I think you all get the picture.
Now, despite the above expose, I should mention that I love a whole lot more than just meat. But, I fall into what I'll delicately call "Lazy American" status; I'd eat healthy, if only someone else would make it for me. So, this is where the challenge arises from.
I am going to eat no meat for one week (this includes fish, which I don't much care for anyway).
There are some obstacles I expect to face. For starters, meal planning becomes an entirely different animal when this is not an everyday part of your existence. I will be having company toward the end of my challenge, and will have to carefully weave my vegetarian week into the agenda without interrupting their experience.
I anticipate that cost will be an issue: I'm not establishing a "go organic" guideline or the like, but when you revamp your cupboard like I'm about to do, there's surely going to be an increase in expenses (spices alone may send me over the top!). Additionally, Zinc will be doing this challenge with me. He is far more reticent to embrace veggies in his life, so this will compound the experience even further.
What do I hope to get out of this? Well, the challenge of being able to do it for one. It seems like such a minute task in the grand scheme of things, but if you were asked to revamp your diet, could you (or would you) do it? I also need to embrace a far healthier life style than I have been (I mean really, no one should eat as much bacon as I do). I'm hoping this week will provide the "inspiration" to add a little clean eating to my life. And lastly, I wouldn't mind losing a few pounds. We'll see if cutting meat out of my diet for one week results in any sort of weight loss.
So ... I'm preparing, and then I'm off! My guideline for the week will largely be the Meatlover's Meatless Cookbook but I am open to any recipes and ideas anyone would like to share! Oh, and can someone tell me what arugula is?
I'm off! And I leave you all with a recipe for Kale Chips:
Kale Chips
Inspired by a dish from Blue Hill New York
What's the big deal, you ask? Well, for starters, I am a carnivore. I have successfully woven meat into three meals a day for pretty much the past 15 years. I once ate steak and cheese subs for dinner for an entire month. I have both bacon AND sausage for my breakfast. Meat products like turducken don't scare me and once, I ate SPAM just for kicks. My love of bacon is so legendary, that I can even accessorize in it.
I think you all get the picture.
Now, despite the above expose, I should mention that I love a whole lot more than just meat. But, I fall into what I'll delicately call "Lazy American" status; I'd eat healthy, if only someone else would make it for me. So, this is where the challenge arises from.
I am going to eat no meat for one week (this includes fish, which I don't much care for anyway).
There are some obstacles I expect to face. For starters, meal planning becomes an entirely different animal when this is not an everyday part of your existence. I will be having company toward the end of my challenge, and will have to carefully weave my vegetarian week into the agenda without interrupting their experience.
I anticipate that cost will be an issue: I'm not establishing a "go organic" guideline or the like, but when you revamp your cupboard like I'm about to do, there's surely going to be an increase in expenses (spices alone may send me over the top!). Additionally, Zinc will be doing this challenge with me. He is far more reticent to embrace veggies in his life, so this will compound the experience even further.
What do I hope to get out of this? Well, the challenge of being able to do it for one. It seems like such a minute task in the grand scheme of things, but if you were asked to revamp your diet, could you (or would you) do it? I also need to embrace a far healthier life style than I have been (I mean really, no one should eat as much bacon as I do). I'm hoping this week will provide the "inspiration" to add a little clean eating to my life. And lastly, I wouldn't mind losing a few pounds. We'll see if cutting meat out of my diet for one week results in any sort of weight loss.
So ... I'm preparing, and then I'm off! My guideline for the week will largely be the Meatlover's Meatless Cookbook but I am open to any recipes and ideas anyone would like to share! Oh, and can someone tell me what arugula is?
I'm off! And I leave you all with a recipe for Kale Chips:
Kale Chips
Inspired by a dish from Blue Hill New York
If you cannot find Tuscan kale (aka dinosaur or dino kale) at your grocer, it's OK to substitute the recipe with another type of kale. Just make sure you remove the leaves from the tough parts of the kale. Don't discard the stem and ribs though — use them to make a veggie broth!
Ingredients
1 large bunch Tuscan kale (10 to 12 leaves)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sea salt to taste
Fresh ground pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 275°F.
- Remove stalks and ribs from kale. Rinse and dry leaves.
- Toss leaves in a large bowl with olive oil. Sprinkle leaves with sea salt and ground pepper.
- Arrange leaves in a single layer onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until crisp.
- Transfer and let cool onto a wire rack or paper towels.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
My Rock Gym Adventure
Yesterday, I completed my first Quest: To attend a rock climbing class at a rock climbing gym. For the "why this is a big deal" statement, check out my first blog post on the matter. I'm here to report back on the Rock Gym adventure.
I arrived at the gym in my typical fashion; having done very little research, but with an adventurous spirit and a can-do attitude. Zinc was with me, and we were both ready to begin. The class started off well. There were four couples, all about the same age and the same level of experience (none). We were learning our ropes and knots (NOT my strong suit, but I didn't do half bad) and taking some practice climbs up the wall. I didn't make it very far but I didn't care; I just wanted to be able to try and that was fun.
Then, the perky instructor did something kind of strange. Rather than partner us up with the people we brought with us, she decided to partner us with strangers. I'm not sure the reasoning for this, but it's where it lost me. You see, I'm petrified. I'm petrified, but I'm motivated, because I've brought my Rock with me to see me through this. The element of trust was a completely necessary factor in my success for this experiment. When it was requested of me to put my faith in strangers, it set me up for failure. How could I possible explain to them why this was such a big deal for me? How I have a crippling fear of heights and this is my attempt to overcome it? That I'm here but I'm really nervous? Zinc had already been well versed in what to look out for. It just wasn't feasible to do this with another member of the class.
So, at that point, I bailed out of the class. I just couldn't cover gracefully convey my road blocks to a complete stranger so that they would know what to look out for when assisting me. More importantly, I did not want to be responsible for their safety when I was terribly uncomfortable.
In the end, I wouldn't call the experiment a complete wash. I've got far more upper body strength than I realized, and there were other parts of the gym where you could do rock climbing without the requirement of knowing belaying and having a partner. Truthfully, if I'd known that in the beginning, I would have skipped the class from the beginning and just practiced on those walls.
This does pose a very interesting question: I still need to work on this fear of heights. Does anyone have any suggestions for a gradual, feasible quest that I could repetitively do to assist me with this fear?
So, I'm on to Quest #2: Eat Vegetarian! Stay tuned for more details later in the week.
LuckyBroad
I arrived at the gym in my typical fashion; having done very little research, but with an adventurous spirit and a can-do attitude. Zinc was with me, and we were both ready to begin. The class started off well. There were four couples, all about the same age and the same level of experience (none). We were learning our ropes and knots (NOT my strong suit, but I didn't do half bad) and taking some practice climbs up the wall. I didn't make it very far but I didn't care; I just wanted to be able to try and that was fun.
Then, the perky instructor did something kind of strange. Rather than partner us up with the people we brought with us, she decided to partner us with strangers. I'm not sure the reasoning for this, but it's where it lost me. You see, I'm petrified. I'm petrified, but I'm motivated, because I've brought my Rock with me to see me through this. The element of trust was a completely necessary factor in my success for this experiment. When it was requested of me to put my faith in strangers, it set me up for failure. How could I possible explain to them why this was such a big deal for me? How I have a crippling fear of heights and this is my attempt to overcome it? That I'm here but I'm really nervous? Zinc had already been well versed in what to look out for. It just wasn't feasible to do this with another member of the class.
So, at that point, I bailed out of the class. I just couldn't cover gracefully convey my road blocks to a complete stranger so that they would know what to look out for when assisting me. More importantly, I did not want to be responsible for their safety when I was terribly uncomfortable.
In the end, I wouldn't call the experiment a complete wash. I've got far more upper body strength than I realized, and there were other parts of the gym where you could do rock climbing without the requirement of knowing belaying and having a partner. Truthfully, if I'd known that in the beginning, I would have skipped the class from the beginning and just practiced on those walls.
This does pose a very interesting question: I still need to work on this fear of heights. Does anyone have any suggestions for a gradual, feasible quest that I could repetitively do to assist me with this fear?
So, I'm on to Quest #2: Eat Vegetarian! Stay tuned for more details later in the week.
LuckyBroad
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Quest #1: Rock Climbing
Quest #1: I will go to a Rock Climbing Gym.
Here's a couple reasons why this task is special.
First off, I'm not a small girl and not exactly in the realm of the "physically fit", but I'd like to be moreso. The "gym" bores me - the stale, sweaty air and the monotonous routines. I need to do something that challenges me in a different way. So, when a friend took up rock climbing last month, I figured this would be a good time to give this quest a try. When a Groupon.com offer provided a 58% off discount at the local rock climbing gym... I knew my time has come.
I'm not terribly afraid of the fact that I am somewhat out of shape. I'm also not afraid of my lack of grace or agility, inability to tie a rope, or the fact that I am going to be wearing borrowed shoes (think: bowling).
What I am afraid of is heights.Now, many people are "afraid of heights". Like many fears, it comes in varying degrees and capacities. I would put mine in the pretty bad, but hopeful category. To give you perspective:
As you can see, I most likely fall into the more extreme fear category. Combine this with some vertigo issues, and I'm a ton of fun on top of a tower.
So why rock climbing? Well, because I used to have some pretty awesome upper body strength in my teen years. I like the look and feel of the rock climbing walls I've tried out at the local playgrounds (yes, seriously). And, while my fear of heights is pretty extreme, once I have the support I need and do tasks in a repetitive manner, I find that it diminishes my fear over time.
You see, I don't want to be "that" girl. The one you can't take with you on certain trips and events because she's a big giant fraidy-cat who can't take an escalator. I don't expect that I'm ever going to love heights and go jumping out of airplanes, but I would like to get to the point where they don't hinder my every day activities.
I have my coupons for Quest #1: Rock Climbing. I'm bringing Zinc and my BFF. While they are both patient and understanding of my fear, I hope they bring some Valium. They are going to need it.
XOXO
LuckyBroad
Here's a couple reasons why this task is special.
First off, I'm not a small girl and not exactly in the realm of the "physically fit", but I'd like to be moreso. The "gym" bores me - the stale, sweaty air and the monotonous routines. I need to do something that challenges me in a different way. So, when a friend took up rock climbing last month, I figured this would be a good time to give this quest a try. When a Groupon.com offer provided a 58% off discount at the local rock climbing gym... I knew my time has come.
I'm not terribly afraid of the fact that I am somewhat out of shape. I'm also not afraid of my lack of grace or agility, inability to tie a rope, or the fact that I am going to be wearing borrowed shoes (think: bowling).
What I am afraid of is heights.Now, many people are "afraid of heights". Like many fears, it comes in varying degrees and capacities. I would put mine in the pretty bad, but hopeful category. To give you perspective:
- When attempting to go to the top of a light house last year, I hyperventilated
- I had a panic attack at a rock concert when my seats were up in the nose bleed section
- I couldn't utilize the gigantic escalator at the subway station near my home and ended up walking up and down 6 flights of stairs for 2 months
- Once, when going over a relatively high walking bridge, I broke down in a fit of hysteria and fell to my knees
As you can see, I most likely fall into the more extreme fear category. Combine this with some vertigo issues, and I'm a ton of fun on top of a tower.
So why rock climbing? Well, because I used to have some pretty awesome upper body strength in my teen years. I like the look and feel of the rock climbing walls I've tried out at the local playgrounds (yes, seriously). And, while my fear of heights is pretty extreme, once I have the support I need and do tasks in a repetitive manner, I find that it diminishes my fear over time.
You see, I don't want to be "that" girl. The one you can't take with you on certain trips and events because she's a big giant fraidy-cat who can't take an escalator. I don't expect that I'm ever going to love heights and go jumping out of airplanes, but I would like to get to the point where they don't hinder my every day activities.
I have my coupons for Quest #1: Rock Climbing. I'm bringing Zinc and my BFF. While they are both patient and understanding of my fear, I hope they bring some Valium. They are going to need it.
XOXO
LuckyBroad
What Is This Blog?
MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2010
I acknowledge that the concept for this blog is 100% recycled, but why not take a great idea and style it your own way?
In two months, I will be 35. You know- that "dreaded" age where you are told that your biological clock has expired.
Hogwash, I say.
Those of you may remember the days when I used to write a blog about my divorce. If you don't - that's OK. It's been an exciting two + years since those days and I have an entirely new life now that I am happily settling into. But, that doesn't change the fact that I am about to be a childless female at the age of 35. Mind you, this decision is largely by choice, but it's a decision all the same. So, I've decided to beat my non-existent Biological Clock Blues by challenging myself to do 20 new things this year.
That's right, 20 new things.
Now, you may ask why it is I don't choose to do 35 new things, and that is a very good question. I haven't yet mapped out what my "20 Things" are going to be, and I figure that a lot of them may cost money. I don't know this for sure yet, but they might. So, in anticipation of this (and in keeping my funds in check), I'm going to go ahead and start with my "20 Things" and go from there.
What are these things? Well, I don't fully know yet, but I hope they are things that will inspire me. Cause me to feel. Give me pride in myself. Open and broad my horizons. Allow me to meet new people. Inspire me to be a better person. Some of them will be superficial, some of them will not. I truly have no idea. But, I'm giving myself 14 months (until my 36th birthday) to accomplish these tasks.
I imagine some of them will be a success, and some will be a failure, and that's all part of the learning curve. The real challenge is that I grab ahold of the opportunity and take it.
I hope you'll follow along with me.
Stay tuned for my new adventures! I'll be posting my first one this week. It's a simple one, but a big deal for me.
XOXO
LuckyBroad
In two months, I will be 35. You know- that "dreaded" age where you are told that your biological clock has expired.
Hogwash, I say.
Those of you may remember the days when I used to write a blog about my divorce. If you don't - that's OK. It's been an exciting two + years since those days and I have an entirely new life now that I am happily settling into. But, that doesn't change the fact that I am about to be a childless female at the age of 35. Mind you, this decision is largely by choice, but it's a decision all the same. So, I've decided to beat my non-existent Biological Clock Blues by challenging myself to do 20 new things this year.
That's right, 20 new things.
Now, you may ask why it is I don't choose to do 35 new things, and that is a very good question. I haven't yet mapped out what my "20 Things" are going to be, and I figure that a lot of them may cost money. I don't know this for sure yet, but they might. So, in anticipation of this (and in keeping my funds in check), I'm going to go ahead and start with my "20 Things" and go from there.
What are these things? Well, I don't fully know yet, but I hope they are things that will inspire me. Cause me to feel. Give me pride in myself. Open and broad my horizons. Allow me to meet new people. Inspire me to be a better person. Some of them will be superficial, some of them will not. I truly have no idea. But, I'm giving myself 14 months (until my 36th birthday) to accomplish these tasks.
I imagine some of them will be a success, and some will be a failure, and that's all part of the learning curve. The real challenge is that I grab ahold of the opportunity and take it.
I hope you'll follow along with me.
Stay tuned for my new adventures! I'll be posting my first one this week. It's a simple one, but a big deal for me.
XOXO
LuckyBroad
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