RAAAAAAWRRRZZZ

So, in less than 2 days I'm committing myself to a mostly raw diet. I tried this once before, and it was pretty much a failure. The recipe book that I got was filled with recipes that required soaking, dehydrating, sprouting... and lots of other things that take more organization than I can muster. Plus, I had some misgivings about cutting out cooked grains & legumes. Also, I have a pizza addiction. It's a dirty little secret that I try to keep under wraps.
Anyway.
This time, I'm starting things off with Ani Phyo's Ani's Raw Food Kitchen. Most of her recipes only require a food processor or blender, and can be put together in less than 10 minutes. Now that's my kind of 'cooking'! So far, the recipes have been easy & tasty. :)
I had intended to start on Jan 1st, but I felt so heavy and bogged down after xmas dinner, that I bought her book & started making things the next day. I've been starting my day with a green smoothie, including a big salad or two each day and making something from her book for dinner (the tom kha soup is to die for).
So far, I feel really really really good.
really
One of the main reasons I wanted to try this is because of my lack of energy. I'm a busy lady, with family, school, belly dance, burlesqe, knitting and work. I need to have better energy levels in order to do all the things I love to do. I read up on raw foods, and it seems to help a lot of people with chronic fatigue and adrenal fatigue.
So.... here I go! 80% raw, at least, with some cooked grains & legumes, maybe occasional fish.

On the topic of Things That Keep Me Busy...
Last night, Tessa & Jessica helped me record a video for my Dallas Burlesque Festival application. I've only been doing burlesq for 8 months. I have no idea how hard it is to get into the show... but I'm going for it anyway! I love doing burlesque. I'm not exactly sure what about it appeals to me so much. Maybe I'm just a dirty, dirty girl... ;)
Tonight, I'm starting in on a new choreography that Emily, Megan and I are learning while Bahaia is on maternity leave. I'm really excited about it! Ranya is a beautiful dancer, with amazing technique and tons of knowledge. I think we'll learn a lot from this process!
I'll also be starting on a new burlesqe routine.... I need something fresh!
Can't forget to squeeze in some homework between the glitter and the sequins! I got A's on my first two tests in Chemistry & Biology. Woo hoo!
Oh yeah, and there's a sock that needs finishing.... zomg....

So long, 2009!

Every year, I look back on the past 12 months, and exclaim that it's been a whirlwind of a year. This one is no different.
I purchased my house in October of 2008, so 2009 was the year that I got to experience being a home owner. I think I got lucky! Nothing major broke! Well, flux capacitor on my air conditioner broke during the hottest time of the summer, but my friend Keith rescued me within 48 hours. We started the conversion of the garage into a studio, but we still have quite a bit of work to do. Other than that, it hasn't been much unlike renting. Oh yeah, except that I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT TO MY HOUSE and I NEVER HAVE TO MOVE AGAIN. Those things are so totally awesome.
What else?
I delved deeper into belly dance. Tried my hand at fusion, and discovered that I like classic Egyptian style better. (who knew?) Went to Tribal Fest, and had an AMAZING time renting a house on the coast with the ladies of Tribalation! and Gypsy Fire. (though Tribal Fest itself was kind of disappointing.) Studied more with Bahaia, and took a class from Stacey Lizette. I love Stacey's intense drilling! I hope to take another class from her in the future.
I started back to school! I discovered that my company would pay for me to pursue a Master's in Nutrition, so I enrolled in online classes, and I'm just starting my 2nd term. Love it!
I joined a burlesque troupe - Black Widow Burlesque. I quit to attend school, but I miss it so much that I'm working out a way to go back.
I knitted socks! Ryq told me to stop being a pansy & just knit the damn things... so I did! And it worked! One was a bit bigger than the other... but heck, it was my first pair!
I experimented with eating habits... tried raw foods for 2 weeks, did a green smoothie cleanse...
I gained a frightening amount of weight & started losing it the gradual, healthy way.

Most importantly, I lost my grandfather, Robert Rayfield. This was my first experience losing someone close to me, and it wasn't what I expected... I miss him, but I am so glad that he isn't in pain anymore.

Well, those are some of the highlights of 2009...

In 2010... I intend to:

develop more as a performer - both in belly dance & burlesque
ace all my classes like a champ
knit more socks
eat a 90% raw foods diet

Have a great holiday season & I hope that 2010 is a wonderful year for everyone!

Unwilling Assassin

Last night, I had a dream that I was an unwilling assassin. Some men dressed in slick suits kidnapped me from the crummy trailer park where I was living (maybe that was just a flash back), and refused to let me go home until I killed this man. He was the son of a foreign dignitary, very young. We were at a huge party in a dive Cajun restaurant. Everyone was dressed to the nines. I was given a gun that looked like a power drill. It was a semi-automatic. In that crowded room, I couldn't discern how I would use such a potentially loud gun & still be able to escape. I considered just killing everyone. No witnesses.
Suddenly, the party was over, and I had missed my mark. The men escorted me back to the van & proceeded to take me with them on a series of petty drug deals conducted at run-down domiciles in shady neighborhoods, under a cloudy grey sky.
I woke up just as I was starting to recognize some of the residents.