Does a body good?

The above does not do a body but it sure does taste good and that is the reason it was one of my last meals before the cleanse......

As of September 7, I started The Standard Process Purification Program. It is a 21-day program designed to purify, nourish and maintain a healthy body and weight.

Day 1 – 7
2 SP Complete Shakes
7 SP Cleanse capsules 3 times per day
3 Gastro-Fiber capsules 3 times per day
Only eat veggies and fruits – lentils and brown rice

Day 8 - 21
2 SP Complete Shakes
5 SP Green Food capsules 2 times per day
3 Gastro-Fiber capsules 3 times per day
Protein is added on day 11 – chicken or fish

No alcohol. No coffee.

http://www.standardprocess.com/display/psppurification.spi
(click on patient guide – it has the quickest information)

I am on day 18 and have mixed reviews. The cleanse makes it semi-difficult to socialize with others. I can’t eat what they are eating or have a drink – so we cook our meals at home and go to bed early. Partly because we can’t socialize but also because we are tired. I feel great – I feel healthy! I haven’t lost much weight but my clothes all fit better. I feel thin in the morning but by the time I go to bed I wonder if I ate too much fruit that day. I have been grumpy at times – especially when in a grocery store. I also have issues at work with people eating pizza, things with syrup and cookies/chocolate.

I do think it has given me more will power and knowledge about how to eat healthy and be satisfied. I want this to be a life change not a quick fix.

But in all reality........

Pasta/Garlic Bread/Red Wine – I can’t even wait!

playing tourist.

Having never been, being on the cleanse and Tom’s mom being in town, we decided to take a trip up to the Griffith Observatory located in the hills of Los Angeles (recently featured in the Yes, Man movie).

It was ah-mazing. It was super hazy so the view of the city was not exactly what we would have hoped for – but I had never looked down on Los Angeles so I had nothing to compare it to. (Ending my sentences in prepositions, I know…. But….)

More people have looked through this telescope than any other – seven million to be exact. We were able to see five dots – One big one and two on each side – Jupiter, being the big one. Or so they told us - I won't go into my whole outlook on the government and space.........

Make sure to go inside and see how “hot” your body is.. Whatever machine it is measures your body temperature in different areas and shoots the colors on screen. I had a very cold nose.

Go Rockies

My friend from work, Kristy and her boyfriend, Tom invited Tom and I down to San Diego for a Padres/Rockies baseball game. Kristy’s Tom went to high school with the relief pitcher for the Padres, Luke Gregerson, so they were able to get us good seats – that came with a free clock. Come to find out a person can get a ticket for $12 that comes with a free hot dog and soda… STEAL!!! Next time.

It was the second inning when Kristy turns to me and asks, “How long are baseball games?”
Tom and I had already started our cleanse - so there we sat eating carrot sticks and drinking water while those around indulged in the appropriate snacks. Nachos, dogs, pizza, beer, pretzels, dogs, nachos, beer….

It was the around the eighth inning when I told everyone how I had attended one of the longest baseball games ever in the 8th grade while on a field trip to Washington D.C. We laughed and said I was some sort of curse and every game I ever attend will go in to extra innings. We left in the 10th and the Padres scored right after to win the game.

It was fun but I think better enjoyed with the true All-American refreshments.

I live here

and I am thankful everyday....


The Spot... This restaurant is all natural/veggie/vegan diner. I have been begging to go to this place because I love the Vertical Diner in Salt Lake so much. I finally went - tried three different items and it didn't quite hit the spot.... They do win awards so it has me thinkin if I only I could start my own then maybe I could win an award.. This picture however should be sold to The Spot.

The walk on the return home..

and Good Night.

*all photos taken by tom.

The Three Stooges

With Shannon getting married in Bismarck it also meant I got a chance to see my three little amigos – Kaylin, Grace and Jacob.
It has been sooo long since I have seen these kids. They have gotten soo big and so funny. You will notice a common trend - I found it difficult to ever get the three of them to all look the same way, stand still or smile so do not judge my photography….

Kaylin is still all girl. She loves the glitz and the glam. She even took First Runner Up in a Princess Contest – more to come on that.

She and I got to spend some big girl quality time together when we went to the mall so I could get my haircut. – which the gal cut dry and only cut the back – nevermind the sides or the fact that I have layers…. I only paid $19 so that must mean I paid for just half of a haircut…

The first night, the kids were overjoyed when Scott pulled out the trampoline -

While the girls were already dressed for bed…..

Little Jacob was focusing on putting his sock back on….. this process seemed a bit time consuming.. that darn pinkie toe just would not cooperate. But Jacob stayed calm, never gave up and was eventually successful!
He also decided to put his shorts back on in lieu of the Superman Pajamas Scott and Kristin had hoped for. Who needs two legs in a pair of shorts when both legs fit through one hole? Not Jacob.

socks – check. shorts – check. all by himself – check..

The next day it was off to the zoo! With my mom as our fearless leader off we went…

Prairie Dog Town

Grace got to milk a cow – kinda, sorta…

We spent some time on the playground

And we all sat by a really big bear…

that’s Jacob and me on left behind the tree..

Then it was time to go – Scott had to step in to assist with this process-

I finally did get the kids to pose for some photos

Here they are in their super cool shades Kaylin and I picked up at the mall… Jacob again with yet another wardrobe malfunction

One more attempt – so close but still not quite all there…

I miss these kids so much. And to see how much they have changed in the past couple of years is incredible. Such little people with big personalities. Hopefully they can come visit or I can start going home more often.

Note to self – Time does not still.

Shannon and Brett's Celebratory Day of Love

One of my favorite people in the world got married on Saturday. Shannon married to Brett Winter in Bismarck. They were married up at Hawktree Golf Course on a cliff overlooking the rolling hills of ND.

It was there they planted a love fern – which hopefully makes it back to Colorado alive.

It was a great chance to see many of the girls that I haven’t seen since high school.

Everyone is doing really well and all are married but one – me…. Imagine that.

Also being the only single one of marrying age - my competition for the bouquet toss was nil... CAUGHT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The day was filled with love but of course we had a bit of fun as well.. We danced the night away – with some pretty serious dance moves throughout the eve.

That is Suzy and I on the floor in the middle.

Shannon and I have had an hilarious, amazing and deep friendship since its beginning when I was in the eighth grade. Shannon and her mother have been some of the best friends someone could ever hope for. Truly amazing people and I am blessed and fortunate to have them as a part of my life.