Detox Camp--Graduation Day!

This is the last day of my week-long detox camp! I almost made it all the way through without cheating....almost.

I had a meeting last night with the past presidents of the Jackson Advertising Federation. It was a real who's who of Jackson's advertising community for the past 30+ years. I'm still in awe to be a part of that group. I was active in that club for many, many years and learned alot about what I know today from the great speakers and programs we've had over the years. Not to mention the great relationships I've made.

What does that have to do with my detox diet?

Well, we met at 6pm at the Capitol Club downtown, and they had an open bar and a spread of food. I couldn't fathom drinking a glass of water with that particular group...so I ordered a glass of pinot noir. I passed on the hot artichoke dip and chips, mini hamburgers and other ::bad:: food and went, instead, for the crudite...slices of fresh bell pepper, cucumbers and carrots. No dip, please. Just the veggies.

Not too bad...the wine was not allowed, but I sipped it over the course of our hour and a half long meeting when in the past, I would have had two glasses of wine during that time.

But then I went with Gene and Maggie to dinner. At The Mayflower. Where redfish is sublime. So, I ate the redfish and a salad. NO bread (and they have the yummiest rolls ever!). I had water to drink, and also ordered a cup of hot tea...realizing halfway into it that it probably had caffeine. So I only drank half of it.

And it was good! I don't think I did too bad, all things considered. I had one glass of wine and one piece of fish that was not allowed, six days into a seven day detox. So far, my body hasn't revolted.

We'll meet at the YMCA again tonight for our Detox Camp celebration meeting. Several of us have decided to extend the detox another week. If I feel this good after six days, I can only imagine what it will be like after two weeks. Plus, I've actually dropped a few pounds this week. Four to be exact. That's a start...

I got big news this morning when I opened up my emails. If you've read the article in PORTICO this month, or followed Caring Bridge back when Nicole first had her accident, you know about the doctor I sat next to on the plane from Jackson to Baltimore as I was trying to get to New York. Dr. John Sampson is a Jackson State graduate, and a doctor at Johns Hopkins. He was a godsend, because he told me what I could expect when I got to New York, and he was instrumental in getting Nicole moved from Harlem Hospital to New York Presbyterian--the best place on Earth, I believe, for someone in her condition. He also "coached" me, telling me that my role was to be Nicole's advocate--a role I took very seriously.

The big news is that we will see Dr. Sampson this weekend. We've stayed in touch, and he will be in Ridgeland for his grandmother's birthday. We are going to meet up again, but this time, I won't be so frantic. And he will meet Nicole for the first time. I'm super excited, because I believe he was one of the many angels God sent to us to make this journey easier. Every step of the way.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Detox Camp-Day 6

Our bodies are such a gift, and yet we abuse them so badly. At least, I have, and for much too long. It's amazing how we can dismiss what we see in the mirror. But I've seen way too many photos of myself lately, and I don't like what I see. I know the effects of aging are going to take their toll, but I have allowed the pounds to be packed on as well. A double whammy!

I'm not vain--far from it. But I do want to be healthy and enjoy the benefits of good health, which means a slimmer, trimmer  and more energetic body to carry me through life.

So, today is Day Six of the big Detox, and I'm really feeling better than ever! I've been doing yoga every day and every day it gets a little easier. I had no idea what all the hoopla was about yoga, but now I'm a big fan and I really want to get into a yoga class in the near future. It really creates a strong body awareness, helping with breathing, posture, and even digestion.

I was reminded this morning once again how badly I need this when I saw a YouTube video of myself. It was made at the Blissdom conference in the Hallmark booth. They were randomly asking people to choose a card they'd give to encourage their kids. I chose one for both Nicole and Joseph and explained why I picked those particular cards on video. I think I looked TERRIBLE...fat face, double chin...all I know is that when I go to Blissdom next year (and I WILL be going!), I will be taking a different version of myself.

And in case you're wondering, my office project has been sidelined day after day with other commitments. It's frustrating, not only to me, but surely to my family, as they have to walk through this every day:

It will happen when it happens...and it will be awesome.

I'd like to take a moment and that you for reading my blog! I spent some time with Roxie and Shari again yesterday...we are all learning this together. Be sure to visit their fun blog, Tiaras, Tatersalad & Toddies and if you like what you read, do us all a favor, please sign on as "followers" on both of our blogs. We'd appreciate it, as much as we appreciate your kind comments!

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Detox Camp--Day 5

I'm getting leaner and cleaner by the minute. I can actually feel my body getting healthier! I've been without caffeine, meat, dairy, fish, msg, wheat, and who-knows-what-else for five days. And so far, so good!

In case you missed it, I've been going to the YMCA Weeklong Detox Camp. It started Saturday morning and runs through Friday night. And I'm very very very proud to say I HAVEN'T CHEATED ONE BIT!

That's because this has been pretty easy. And the food is actually very filling. Oatmeal for breakfast. Sweet potato or rice and beans for lunch, roasted veggies and fruit salad for dinner. And lots and lots of hot herbal tea and water.

I don't know if I could keep this up for the long term, but I can probably do this 75% of the time after I'm done with this detox. I've eaten out twice already, and that hasn't been an issue at all. I had sauteed veggies at Aladdin (no rice, because they serve white rice), and I had the rice and bean bowl at Rainbow yesterday. They were smoked kidney beans with sauteed onions. Actually very, very tasty. The side salad was yummy, too.

The only thing I've slacked on is the Yoga...I'm supposed to do 4 to 5 "sun salutations" a day...downward facing dog and cobra poses, etc. And we're supposed to stop and really breathe, concentrating on our breathing. Turns out that deep breathing increases your metabolism! I'm doing it the best I can, but my mind seems to wander alot. I do better in a classroom setting with our instructor, Jacklyn, talking us through it in her calming voice.

I had no time for downward facing dog poses or anything else yesterday. I took over for Caitlyn (Nicole's personal care assistant) yesterday and that was workout enough. Drop off a music CD at Belhaven College. Go to a meeting at the Fondren Corner Building. Head to the Convention Center for a dance performance (part of a Disability Partnership conference). Hurry to lunch at Rainbow. Go to an appointment at Methodist Rehab. Afterwards, visit with a new patient there (shout-out to Sarah Alexander--rock your therapy today!). Go work out with Eclecius. Stop by Len Stanga's to pick up a gift (Incredible! More on that later...). Back home...cook my detox dinner and collapse! Nicole's days are so full and busy, I could hardly keep up!

I meet with my detox group again this evening, so I'll get today's Yoga session in while I'm there.

I believe this detox diet is a good idea for anyone who wants to get a clean, fresh start before doing some serious dieting, or simply before embarking on a new adventure. I'm healthier and have more energy already.

Have you ever done a detox diet? Would you consider doing one? I'd love to hear about your experience or desire to try.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Detox Camp: Day 2

It's day two of my weeklong detox and so far so good. I haven't felt hungry, and that's a good thing.

We spent two days at the YMCA today with our detox instructor/guru, Jacklyn. She really knows her stuff and wants to make sure that our detox experience is a gentle one. I guess she didn't factor in the fact that most of us in the class are middle aged, overweight and chronically out of shape. The wonderfully relaxing yoga we did yesterday morning kicked our collective asses. We were all sore and whiny today. But, we hung in there, using a chair when needed because our bodies simply wouldn't stretch the way Jacklyn's could.

This week's diet consists of primarily brown rice, beans, vegetables and fruit. And hot tea. Lots of hot tea.

As long as I don't feel like I'm being deprived, I'm OK. We don't go back again until Wednesday evening, when we'll have our mid-week check-up. Until then, we have to do our own "sun salutation" yoga poses four to five times a day. Thank goodness I have Nicole here. She's a long time yoga practitioner and she can talk me through it.

Nic is hoping to do yoga again soon, which will probably help with her balance. The question now is how much will her back bend with all the hardware in there? She wants to contact Dr. A (the doctor who did her surgeries in NY) to see if it is possible to have them removed eventually. She so wants to do what she could before the accident. That would be amazing.

The thing about Nicole that always impresses me is that whatever her circumstances, she manages to find a way to do the things she most wants to do. She's working very hard on the event she's putting together to benefit the "Ask for More Arts" program of Parents for Public Schools. It's March 27 at The Auditorium in Fondren. For more information, go to "An Evening of HOPE w/ Nicole Marquez" on Facebook. Tickets can be purchased online here.

Time for another cup of tea...

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Detox Camp: Day 1

Imagine a week without eating meat. Or chicken or fish or eggs or cheese. No sugar. No bread. And NO artificial sweeteners of any kind! Starting today, that's what I'm doing. It's no coincidence in my mind that this is happening during the same time as Lent.

Today is Day One of the Detox Camp at the Downtown Jackson YMCA. I'm doing it with some book club girlfriends. Thank goodness--I don't think I could do this alone!

Something had to give. I have gained 20 pounds since Nicole's accident. Obviously, I'm a stress eater.

I dragged myself out of bed this morning and drove to the Y (and I'm not even making this up--the Village People were singing "YMCA" on the radio as I pulled into the parking lot! Jonni told me it was an affirmation that I was supposed to be there!).

There are eight of us in the class. Most can stand to lose a few pounds, myself included. We were met by a very perky yoga instructor named Jacklyn. Skinny. Young. And very knowledgeable about nutrition, the body and how a weeklong detox can help the body in many positive ways. OK. I'm in.

Jacklyn passed out little plastic bags filled with all kinds of goodies we'll need for our detox.

Detox tea. Tumeric powder. Pepitos. Flax seeds. Dried papaya. Aloe capsules. Multivitamins. And chia seeds. As in chi-chi-chi-chia pets! Evidently, they are a great source of nutrition. A quick online research revealed that the use of chi seeds as a superfood can be traced back as far as the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. Warriors used it as a high energy endurance food, but also as medicine. Indians would pack the wounds with chia seeds to avoid infections. It is said that one tablespoon of the seeds could sustain a person for 24 hours. Jacklyn told us to sprinkle it on our oatmeal in the morning.

What I didn't realize going in is that we were going to be doing yoga. A lot of it. I've never practiced yoga, but  I liked it more than I thought I would. Of course, I predict that I'll feel it tomorrow, but that's OK. I was doing the cobra, downward facing dog, and all kinds of poses. Jacklyn also placed a huge focus on breathing. Really deep, controlled, intentional breathing. It was amazing how relaxing it was. We don't breathe deep enough in our daily lives, and according to Jacklyn, deep breathing will increase metabolism and reduce stress.

After class, I met up with Shari and Roxie, authors of Tiaras, Tatersalad and Toddies, at Rainbow Whole Food Coop. We went shopping for some of the things we CAN eat over the next week, and ended up eating lunch and visiting  in the atrium. These girls are lots of fun, and they can seriously cook, so it's going to be very interesting to see how they incorporate their detox experience into their blog. I'm counting on them to come up with some great rice-and-bean recipes! (A challenge? You bet!

It was so beautiful out today--with a high in the mid-60's--and I wanted to work in the yard so bad. But the crud still has a hold on me, and I ended up falling asleep not long after I got home. I'm hoping that this detox will also get rid of all the toxins that have been making me sick for the past few days.

Tune in tomorrow for the update on Day Two of Detox Camp.

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Detox Time!

I'm the kind of person who likes to have a clean slate before I can begin a new project (unless there's a pressing deadline, in which case I can work within total chaos!).

 I like to have a clean kitchen before I begin baking. I like to have a clean bathroom before I get ready for a big night out. I like to have a clean patio before I can start grilling. So, needless to say, I'm having a hard time right now because while in the process of creating a wonderful office/studio space, my house is in a total state of disarray.

I've put off an exercise and diet program, too...and I couldn't figure out what the cause of my extreme procrastination was. Then it hit me with a facebook invitation to a Detox Camp at the Downtown Jackson YMCA. Hmmm....maybe I need a clean body before I can begin a fitness program. 

The camp lasts one week. We'll meet at 9am tomorrow morning, again on Sunday afternoon, back on Wednesday evening for a mid-week checkup and a final time on Friday evening to celebrate! The program combines dietary, environmental and emotional detoxification to clean out, revitalize and start fresh. Sounds like just exactly what I need!

The invitation asks:

- Do you want more energy and less stress? (YES!!!)
- Do you want to feel younger and more vitalized? (YES!!!)
- Are you concerned about how your diet impacts your health? (Uh, yeah...)- Do you want to shed pounds in a healthy way for 2010? (OH YEAH!!!!)
- ARE YOU READY FOR A CHANGE? (ARE YOU KIDDING ME???)

The fact that I've had the crud--bad--for three days may make it a bit more of a challenge. Just getting up and being somewhere at 9am tomorrow will be difficult, but I'm committed to this, and I will, of course, let you know how it's going every step of the way!

I wish I had more to report on my office project. It's the same today as it was two days ago. I'm hoping that I'l experience a miraculous burst of energy tomorrow and really make a dent in the project. I think of that project as a sort of detox as well.

It's a good idea to remove the toxins from your life from time to time. There are toxic people who are like poison to your system, toxic obligations that we get ourselves into and toxic clutter that literally bogs us down to the point where we can't get anything done. 

What's toxic in your life, and what are you going to do to detox?

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan

Best Laid Plans...

I hate it when a plan doesn't come together like, well, like I planned it.  I started my big office organization project last week, with intentions of being finished by the end of this week. Larry helped me alot when he was home on Monday. We got the twin bed out of there and put my work table back in. That was huge.

I had lots to do on Tuesday...meetings and more meetings...so not much done on the office that day.

But I had the entire day blocked out yesterday. No deadlines. No writing. No meetings. A full day, dedicated to organizing and making my office my own blissful haven.

Then I got sick. I'm not talking a little sniffle. I'm talking full-blown feel-like-crap head cold. With fever. Bad.

So I spent most of the day yesterday sleeping when I really wanted to be in my office (and getting all that stuff out of my den). Finally, about 4:00, I ventured back, ready to at least get a little something done. I got a box from the den and took it in the office, ready to find a place for everything with everything in its place.

What I discovered in that short amount of time was that I'm a hoarder. Just like those crazy people on TV. I started with the stapler (which had babies, and then there were three staplers!) and staples. For the record, I will probably NEVER have to buy staples ever again. In my best estimation, I have about 25,000 staples. I'm set for life. In a desire not to be wasteful, I was picking stray paperclips and rubber bands out of the bottom of the box, putting them with the other paperclips and rubber bands. And then there were more staples. Stray staples, not in a box. So I attempted to put them back in a box of staples...which never works. Sorry, Earth. There are going to be some stray staples in a landfill somewhere. Sue me.

In just one hour, I found at least 25 pads of sticky notes, easily 2000 or more paper clips, a couple dozen alligator clips (love those!), and countess pens and pencils. I actually had a scratch pad out and tested each pen before I put it in its place. In doing so, I found some old treasures...like my pen from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural Science that lights up neon green and has fish that float up and down inside the barrel. And my Elvis pen from Graceland with a little Elvis and a pink Cadillac that also float up and down. There's the heart-shaped pen from St. Dominic, a pink furry pen with a crown on top I got back in my "goddess" days, a beautiful beaded pen I got from the first Anthropology store I ever visited (in Denver, I believe), and some very special pens, made of exotic woods, turned by my dad. Those special pens went into their own holder, not to be mingled with the peasant pens.

Next I opened a drawer in a rolling cart and found....more pens. All in packages, brand new, never opened. At least 100 of them. I'm a hoarder, I tell you. Yet, when I need a pen when I'm out and about, I'm always digging in the bottom of my purse, and I usually end up borrowing one from whoever is next to me (which is probably one way I ended up with so many pens!).

So much for streamlining and simplifying my life.

Even though I still feel rotten, I have a full day today...beginning with a coffee meeting in a little while. So I won't be in my office today...or tomorrow, when I'll be doing my Friday afternoon volunteering gig at the Mississippi Museum of Art. (If you haven't seen the fabulous Jim Henson exhibit at the MMA, don't miss it!)

Maybe I'll make some progress this weekend. I'm not going to make plans. Instead, I'll just let it happen when it happens, which is how most of my most productive projects get done.

Do you have any projects you want to get done? If so, do you have a plan, or will you a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants hoping it will happen?

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan