Since this year is about firsts...

My friend and dance peer, Diana, reminded me to post some pictures. And, I thought I'd blog about it since it is a first for me. A year ago, my daughter decided to become a vegeratian. She just went cold turkey on me! I tried to do it, but the chicken biscuits at Chic-Fil-A kept calling my name. Finally I decided to stop cheating and to go ahead and commit to a new lifestyle. And since dairy doesn't like me (trust me, there is no love lost except for ice cream) I gave up it up as well.

There's plenty of options to eat for vegetarians/vegans, but it can be very expensive. What gets on my nerves is that if I wanted to sit on the couch and eat Little Debbie Oatmeal patties and Dorito's then I could eat within my budget. Heck, I could live off of the value meals at McDonald's and Wendy's! However, that's not me. Truth is, it doesn't cost much in the short term, but long term? Yep, you'll be paying a hefty price with doctor bills and pharmaceuticals because of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesteral and blocked arteries.

All of that to say...we added more to our healthy lifestyle by creating a raised garden bed. I'm dying to see my tomatoes and strawberries bloom. I can't wait for my garlic and sweet potatoes to harvest. Even now, I go grab a handful of basil, mint or parsley and add it to my meals. I love it.

Zizi's Vegan Restaurant

I received an email from Myrrh (like myrrh and frankincense) about the specials that he was having at his restuarant. I appreciated that my secret crush reached out to me, but I know that he had to include all the hundreds of others on his mailing list so that he wouldn't show favoritism. I totally get it...no problem.

The other day I decided to take him up on his offer and when I got there, he was in the back being all mysterious. Lo' and behold, he had an international television show about veganism/vegetarianism there interviewing him. Now, let me put Myrhh aside for a second. While waiting for our food, Caroline introduced me to her station, http://www.suprememastertv.com/. And asked if she could interview us on being vegetarian. I declined, but Dove agreed. I'm telling ya'll, I was so proud of Dove for speaking so articulately and direct as she ansered the questions. My baby explained how, "...when we eat meat then we are ingesting the growth hormones and antibiotics that they inject in the animals..." Go Dove!

By this time, Myrhh came to the counter and watched the interview. He was impressed with her as well. Dove shared with the interviewer that, "my mother is a vegan, but I'm still a vegetarian because I like cheese." Caroline asked if she was willing to try some vegan cheese to see if they could be a supplement instead of what she's been eating. Dove agreed and without any prompting, Myrhh went to the back and brought out some vegan cheese that he uses and gave it to her. And, he went back a second time and brought out Tofutti cream cheese for her as well. I smiled...inside and out.

Thanks Myrhh for showing us a little favoritism...it definitely made me smile inside and out.

Well, here goes...

I am about to embark on the unmentionable, the unthinkable...telling my age. The secret of all secrets. This is something that women just don't do. Why? We all want to stay eternally young. But here I am, admitting it...I'll be turning 40, the Big 4-0 this year.

Gosh, in my 20's, forties seemed ancient. Shucks, even in my 30's, it still sounded kind of old. However, time kept creeping up on me and I'm caught turning "the age." What's a girl to do? Invite you to join the journey with me.

I want to share with you my thoughts, triumphs, challenges and goals for reaching the young age of...well, you know. Since it is the start of a new year, this is a perfect time to start this new phase of my life. Besides, I can mask my resolutions as goals.

Here are a few that I can think of:
1. I want to finally fit in a bikini and be sexy. When I turned 35, I wanted to wear a matching bra and panty set from Victoria Secret's without the jelly rolls. Well, I was close, but no cigar. But, this is the year!! I can feel it! I've done it all - Jenny Craig, Special K, the Master Cleanse, Power 90X, Tae-bo...some things I'll retry and others I'll just drop.

2. Vegan and 75% raw. I'm already a vegetarian, but this dairy is killing me (lactose intolerant). Besides, I know what they put in the milk and stuff, yuk. And, bloating and gas...well, that's just not cute at all.

3. Finish my manuscript. I have one book published, a non-fiction titled, Up From Rock Bottom. I want to try my hand at writing fiction. I've been working on a little sumpin' sumpin' and this year I want it completed.

4. I want to take care of me. Yes, travel, massages, facials, pedicures, etc. I need to pamper myself every now and then. Well, it would really be nice to have someone to "pamper me", but since I'm still single I've got to do it myself.

Okay, how is that for starters.