Why Do We Have to Ask...

"Are you feeling okay?"

or

"Feeling sick today?" 

 

************************************************************* 

These common courtesy questions are actually quite the opposite, yet we ask them to friends, family members, classmates, and total strangers all the time.  The concept is fine.  I understand, we're concerned that someone is feeling ill, but far too often the person being questioned is feeling just fine and now they're wondering why they look like they're feeling sick.  Feeling a bit insecure and a bit irritated.  And that is just a great... No, super... No, FANTASTIC feeling, isn't it? 

I suppose I've been fairly sensitive to these statements because for the past month and a half I've had mono, which basically means you have no energy to do or care about anything.  The answer in this particular situation was: "Yes, I am sick; I have mono."  That situation tends to end with a mental confirmation that I do indeed look terrible and perhaps shouldn't have stepped out of the house (I just didn't have enough energy to care). But without a doubt, my favorite is when I get those same questions when I'm feeling healthy as a horse!  Hope you all can feel my sarcasm through your computer screens.  What's worse than being told you look sick when you are sick? Being told you look sick when you're totally fine.  I've gotten so fed up with it as of late that I've decided to take that phrase of out my vocabulary. 

Tip: Keep it general and simple.  If someone wants to share how they're feeling, they will. 

Happy Holidays, my sweet friends!  Sorry that I've been so MIA; like I shared, mono took out pretty much everything out of me.  I basically lived in a little black hole and slept all the time.  Enjoy those yummy meals and festivities! 

Until next time,
Renèe :)

^Me on the left with two of my vest best friends wishing everyone a happy Christmas!

The Perks of Being a Morning Person!

 

This is a bit different than my typical blog topic, but it's my blog

 and I can write about what I want, right??

 

Being a morning person certainly has it's negatives.  Actually, there are quite a few.  I have a difficult time truly staying up late (like past midnight) without getting a little grumpy.  People who are not morning people tend to get aggressive with you (especially before their morning coffee).  It's something that, as a morning person, you get used to; you definitely learn not to take it personally!

 

That said, there are some things that I believe only morning people thoroughly get to enjoy and take advantage of.  One of my most treasured things about mornings is the fact that simply get to wake up and start a new day.  I find it so exciting that mornings bring such a sense of renewal and a clean slate.  It's optimistic and a little too much for some people, that I truly understand, but it's a great mindset to have to approach the upcoming day. 

 

Morning people also have the perk of several different aspects related to just stepping out the door.  In the summer, we have the lovely opportunity to feel the sun as it also rises and enjoy that peaceful moment before the rest of the world has begun hustling round and round.  In the fall it is my favorite to hear the wind blowing leaves before I hear the cars down the street! Once winter hits it really depends if you are a morning person who enjoys the cold or hates it.  If you do enjoy it, like myself, then it's a bit exhilarating to step outside and feel the nip on your face (then it's freakin' cold and that moment passes... quickly).

 

I cannot NOT mention the fact that morning people have the bonus of getting everyone's day up and running!  Someone once said to me (on a morning I was being particularly perky) that they wished no one was a morning person.  My response: if we didn't have morning people, how in the world would anything ever get done before 11:00AM?  Starting up and getting going is one of my favorite things about being a morning person! 

 

Here's a more complete list of actual benefits can come from being a morning person!!

 

Are you a morning person and have any other perks that you love? Comment below!

 

Until next time, friends!

-RC :)

 

^ This one is for you, Mom :)

 

Why I Eat Dessert Every Day...

I honestly have no excuses as to why I have been so MIA these past weeks.  Life has been busy!  One big thing y'all may feel like congratulating me on is the fact that I ran a half marathon... So I guess I can check that off! :) 

Now, onto something much more interesting than running: dessert.  My one true love.  Kidding (kinda)!  Sweets and treats are just so wonderfully delicious and we can't help but want to indulge (desserts can refer to chocolate, ice cream, cake, cookies, pie, pizza, pasta, or whatever! I'll explain more further down).  They all make me smile!  This morning in the yoga class I was attending, the instructor starts on a bit of a tangent about how these upcoming months are so difficult because of Halloween candy, Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, Holiday goodies, Valentine's treats, etc. etc. etc.  The list can really go on because as Americans we can find any reason (good or not) to eat and drink too much... and it's awesome!  But her speech struck such a negative cord with me - it's not the desserts fault nor should we feel guilty about treating ourselves to a yummy little snack. 

Desserts are a tricky topic.  People tend to fall into four broad categories:
1) Eat ALL the desserts ALL the time with no second thoughts
2) No desserts, no not ever. Sugars and sweets are off the table (what a sad life...)
3) I feel shameful to eat this now, so if I workout or if I do X, Y, and Z I'll just have some later
4) Enjoy with moderation

My challenge to you would be to try and find your peace with desserts and find a way to fall into category four.  Dessert does not just mean all those sweets; it can mean the extra slice of pizza or seconds at the buffet.  It is whatever piece of food for that day that you just want to indulge on just a little bit.  You want to enjoy longer and treasure its yumminess. 

My philosophy on desserts is simple:

Eat one dessert EVERY day.

 

 

Now for some people's health, it is imperative to follow a strict regimen, and that I understand.  But to those of us with the privilege to really choose our food choices, we can easily fall into a trap of being consumed by our caloric intake.  The current trend is to track calories and measure meals meticulously, which is not a bad thing inherently.*  I will admit, from personal experience, it is a slippery slope.  How do you know when those numbers are consuming your every thought and making decisions for you?  One way to check is if you start avoiding your friends and group outings because you can't eat the food there because it's too fatty, you may want to simply "check-in" with where your priorities lie.  I want to be clear: I am not saying that eating a Crunchwrap Supreme or a decadent Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake slice every day is exactly wise.  What I am saying is don't be afraid to enjoy your food!  Here in the states we have lost an appreciation for our food; we scarf it down as quickly as possible in order to get back to work.  Elsewhere food is enjoyed and savored.  Take time with your food and consider it to be blessing that you have food in your hands.  Love the moments you get to slurp up that milkshake or lick that sucker.

 

There it is people - you can have your cake and eat it too!  It is not shameful to indulge each day, whether it's a cookie or a beer or a large cup at Ted Drewe's! 

 

Until next time, friends!

 

-RC :)

 

*A bit of a disclaimer: Personally, my diet usually consists of toast in the morning with a cup of coffee, saltines with cheese and turkey meat for lunch, a snack of a granola bar and carrots or celery, and pasta or the likes of for dinner WITH dessert of ice cream, beer, or cookies.  I tend to love both foods that are both low and high in calories.  The very real thing is just being aware of what your eating and making sure you are getting the necessary vitamins and nutrients.