tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22919927238638214342024-03-13T08:33:07.127-05:00Stitched in Love! Saved by Grace! Showered with Mercy!Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.comBlogger432125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-14528077493903575852014-06-30T03:30:00.000-05:002014-06-29T16:25:47.187-05:00Shattered WorldIn 2 weeks it will be official. I will be a divorced woman. I know we've been separated for 8 years. I know that we were living single lives all this time. However, I still held out hope. I still believed God would restore our marriage.<br />
Again, through a text message.....NEVER face to face, He said it's over. My heart is broken, my world is shattered and I find myself holding on to God for dear life. Clinging to hope in Christ that He will heal me and make me whole.<br />
I will never go down this path again. My heart has had enough. They either leave or pass away and I'd rather not deal with either one. So I put one foot in front of the other to try to regain my balance, step, and composure.<br />
I never wanted a legacy of divorce. While I know that God has not been the cause of this, I do know that God has allowed it to take place. I cling to Him to not find the answers or understand why, but to just become stronger and wiser through this. One day I will be able to lift my head again and hold it high, knowing that I did all I perceived that God wanted me to do. I will come through the flood and not drown and the fire and not be burned. And there will be beauty for my ashes. One Day.... <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-16821444676241596502014-06-29T16:15:00.000-05:002014-06-29T16:15:57.449-05:00Life Interuppted...Has God ever humbled you? Not in a shame on you kinda way, but a gentle, loving, fatherly way? That way that says I've had this all along, now I need you to step back and let me be God? I've got this in control and I actually DO know what's best for you and those in your life.<br />
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Well, He never ceases to amaze me. I'm finding my eyes being unveiled and I'm sure there is more to come. I'm reading this book here ........ And in just the first 2 1/2 chapters I'm being touched by the hand of The Lord.<br />
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I've been viewing things ALL wrong. Even after listening to Pastor Evans each Sunday say we need to view things from a Kingdom perspective; Life Interrupted is causing, no, making me look at myself in the mirror. To face some truths about myself.<br />
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I've balked at what God has asked of me - praying diligently for my coworkers/Joseph. The burdens/pressures of my job. The frightening unknown of future divorced life, singleness, and realizing that I don't truly hold God in high esteem nor do I trust His will and sovereignty.<br />
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God's hand has always been in my life, upon my life, in my circumstances. But truth be told I've not looked at His will as perfect and best for my life. I have ALWAYS looked at life and thought in all circumstances and situations that I knew/know best for me and everyone else.<br />
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I'm so thankful God is humbling me and beginning to remove the veil from my eyes. May I begin to not only quote Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalms 37:4, but that I may also live it and walk it out for His glory!<br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-25585546232065039102013-02-23T18:46:00.000-06:002013-02-23T18:46:26.415-06:00Asparagus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREwKXdzWxyRJ-46rJi5s-G7AuFUSW9AJxCbvLpK9y3NZCsVkP6ZmOELWa-yfm-quyvv0YRy_o-lXPg1yRL6voclI6xn3yY3Q8S15k-I-8S0Fp3-IuG5Lpu4pp8UVFIXNN6vTv9Ulh1fs/s1600/IMG_0362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREwKXdzWxyRJ-46rJi5s-G7AuFUSW9AJxCbvLpK9y3NZCsVkP6ZmOELWa-yfm-quyvv0YRy_o-lXPg1yRL6voclI6xn3yY3Q8S15k-I-8S0Fp3-IuG5Lpu4pp8UVFIXNN6vTv9Ulh1fs/s640/IMG_0362.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
As I was getting out of the car, this caught my eye. Amazing!! God is so awesome. I remember just last fall cutting the fern like plants back and covering with lots of leaves so they could rest for the winter. Over time the leaves began to break down and compost so I added more periodically. I had begun to wonder when the first spear would appear. Had I cut back the ferns too soon and too low? Just lots of questions. And then to my surprise this beautiful spear was saying hello! Last year the spears that came up were much thinner and frail looking. They were sweet and scrumptious (the couple I picked and ate). I will be tasting this one very soon...I'll keep you posted on how it tastes. <br /><br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-30931441332031062962013-02-20T08:41:00.001-06:002013-02-20T08:43:41.079-06:00Garden 2013 wk 1It's hard to believe it's that time again, but I'm very excited that it is.<br />
Spring is in the air! I know it isn't official yet, but it sure feels like it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pea seedlings</td></tr>
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This is actually wk 2 for my 2013 garden. A week ago I planted several seeds and this week they have sprouted. Tomato seeds and peas are going strong. It's amazing each time I plant a seed, to see how God brings it forth.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrbIKL1vdJaorWKFeI0TGDXBZjDwQMX_pZsjyr3f0_Fy7b7KQDAx5gerVvVhRIrt8cF64N-w4scgyKHy1GEvoVcKqGi8jT9nv-dZ3vDRYPs1kOniMwJ_hYCi_ff-5pywcpRrUGuYFGC7A/s200/IMG_0347.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tomato seedlings</td></tr>
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Last week I also ordered some seeds and they arrived today... </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrGStCMjbXcW8bSSrzZaIDO-7_3NFYqjOEHJdMOMV-HguTRFcXPZMbb5Dkuv9ybQ8DAoaSFMW0DUu4JKHxjL-cglQyX_WoLGY1t_BN4E7V4sVJnv4fMCrU4SMuqNcJntrcoqPMSWfXQ0/s1600/IMG_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrGStCMjbXcW8bSSrzZaIDO-7_3NFYqjOEHJdMOMV-HguTRFcXPZMbb5Dkuv9ybQ8DAoaSFMW0DUu4JKHxjL-cglQyX_WoLGY1t_BN4E7V4sVJnv4fMCrU4SMuqNcJntrcoqPMSWfXQ0/s200/IMG_0352.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">seeds from Gurney's and Baker Heirloom seeds</td></tr>
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pepper seeds, <u><b>more</b></u> tomato seeds, borage, carrots, okra, mesclun, leaf lettuce, echinacea, stevia, mustard seeds, cress, parsnip, and cantaloup. I'm still waiting for my plants: kiwi, grapes, raspberries, goji berries, lemon grass, strawberries, and an olive tree. <br />
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Since we are still living with a friend, I am still having to think and garden with transporting my garden in mind. I've planted 4 raspberry bushes already, a strawberry/lettuce pallet, and I planted a few herbs and Swiss Chard. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXL_dfLN5bClbIYCYDglEp4In5Lwjta9xIEVFmd7XKLLxQ-cg_cAoexTuaBMJP0nCtQBUhkiGXE_U27dKfX-2LjaCqQLkkU1b9lRHYLqcmvTQ7iRRv_AVNmCL73iVgylEfJFUXPuqgrc/s1600/IMG_0343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXL_dfLN5bClbIYCYDglEp4In5Lwjta9xIEVFmd7XKLLxQ-cg_cAoexTuaBMJP0nCtQBUhkiGXE_U27dKfX-2LjaCqQLkkU1b9lRHYLqcmvTQ7iRRv_AVNmCL73iVgylEfJFUXPuqgrc/s200/IMG_0343.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rosemary, oregano, parsley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiss Chard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wl-j6_BWo7U7Ytc2L8tedfsHniw_F7EB5Z0wkWw63UVOHcywyRQR4ugflvJxz6m2TLO9N4a8xSvJr90V4agC-Bd_jmpJdC7Y6z2wUp6khdLW7jEACt6kR8yA6QfvYxTJXjNIq1ByNNA/s1600/IMG_0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wl-j6_BWo7U7Ytc2L8tedfsHniw_F7EB5Z0wkWw63UVOHcywyRQR4ugflvJxz6m2TLO9N4a8xSvJr90V4agC-Bd_jmpJdC7Y6z2wUp6khdLW7jEACt6kR8yA6QfvYxTJXjNIq1ByNNA/s200/IMG_0344.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rosemary, thyme, cilantro</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">strawberry/lettuce pallet</td></tr>
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I'll be doing another strawberry pallet since I'm awaiting 25 more strawberry plants. I actually have 3 more pallets and I am trying to figure out what to do with the other 2. I know I'll figure it out, but right now my mind is blank. I've got a ton of pots and I've laid out 2 cinder block gardens that I plan to dismantle because they are temporary and I don't feel like breaking them down to move them later, plus where they are will be completely shaded in a couple of months and there isn't much I am growing that will grow in full shade.. So I'll arrange everything to be in pots. I also purchased 2 55 gallon barrels that I'll cut in half and turn into 4 separate garden beds. I'll get pics of those later.<br />
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I have access to the most amazing compost and some year old wood chip mulch. I'll be gardening in pots using the <a href="http://vimeo.com/28055108" target="_blank">Back to Eden</a> method. The movie is a must see and really makes you change your perspective on gardening. I wish someone had shown me this method 12 years ago, but I'm thankful to know it now. It's also because of this method that I know God does not have it in mind for me to take Master gardener classes.<br />
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When I'm blessed once again with land, I'll be using the <a href="http://vimeo.com/28055108" target="_blank">Back to Eden</a> and <a href="http://www.squarefootgardening.com/" target="_blank">Square Foot gardening </a>methods simultaneously. <br />
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A couple of weeks ago I went to a friends and helped her get her garden prepped....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyoElhtwabFGCTTvB9geiB79AUtYpr9lZiFjhdQoNz1ntSaErCbwCGnooBpgG1Gh-MxKhhfDMu_03xWB4v7zEHRTj6KnySOtVSBbq5LmgjHZ_EV-W9iUht7aeEQiLifHUGrVhEk0pfyU/s1600/IMG_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyoElhtwabFGCTTvB9geiB79AUtYpr9lZiFjhdQoNz1ntSaErCbwCGnooBpgG1Gh-MxKhhfDMu_03xWB4v7zEHRTj6KnySOtVSBbq5LmgjHZ_EV-W9iUht7aeEQiLifHUGrVhEk0pfyU/s200/IMG_0353.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rich black compost</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdPBQdZeRR_Mp8Rg-ycBPYBgc_1RlESpZ62UXt-b3Gu-NEfZzUh-TYR8fK-0NEKSSWZCwhFzw1ONEr0ZeOgtkeXA3Op5rQtBMhyP2jVJim4TOMeJWx4IBHe2yRxN-mA4-1WKUudUEQvs/s1600/IMG_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdPBQdZeRR_Mp8Rg-ycBPYBgc_1RlESpZ62UXt-b3Gu-NEfZzUh-TYR8fK-0NEKSSWZCwhFzw1ONEr0ZeOgtkeXA3Op5rQtBMhyP2jVJim4TOMeJWx4IBHe2yRxN-mA4-1WKUudUEQvs/s200/IMG_0354.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wood chip mulch added on top of compost</td></tr>
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When I look at her first garden plot (she's planning several more beds on their 2 acres), I see what I am hoping for. The only difference will be that my beds will consists of many, many square foot garden beds using the Back to Eden method for growing in.<br />
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I'm excited and anticipating great things!!!<br />
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What are you planning for your spring planting? I do want to encourage those with small spaces, living in apartments or renting homes that won't allow them large plots of land for gardening. You can ALWAYS use pots. You may only be able to grow one or two things, but that is one more thing you are growing and one less thing you are buying. So plant away!!!! <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-58858423513255115372013-02-07T09:18:00.000-06:002013-02-07T09:18:20.917-06:00WHEW...I'm not sure where the time is going. I don't have much time to do anything it seems. School is seriously back in full swing and it's keeping me busy far beyond what I thought. I have one day a week to just relax and with preparing my garden on that day, I don't do much else. I get online check email and that's about it. I was watching YouTube videos daily, but not anymore. I'm not complaining, just really ready to get school over. <br />
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So, I'm trying to get ready for spring by planting seeds and looking to move my garden beds. I have 4 beds that range in size from 4x2 - 4x8. I filled them partly with compost and then covered them completely in leaves. I also have several pots as well that have various things in them and I covered them with leaves for the winter as well. <br />
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I've planted a slew of seeds, tomatoes, lettuces, spinach, peas, green beans, swiss chard, carrots, greens, onions, leeks, garlic, etc. I'm hoping to be able to order some more seeds in the next week, as well as some strawberries, berry bushes, and prayerfully a couple of fruit trees. <br />
Since we are still not in our own home, I'm having to put 90% of my things in pots or totes. I plan to put my fruit trees and bushes in the totes, my strawberries will be in pallets. My asparagus are still in pots and I'll leave them their, though I think I will add more compost to them. I'm still not sure where to put my garden beds, the area is mostly shaded. <br />
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I can't wait to get back into my own place. It really is frustrating and a great patience training. I have to keep reminding myself that this is temporary and when it's all said and done and I've pushed through, I will have accomplished so much for myself and my kids. <br />
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So what's your greatest frustration and greatest accomplishment? <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-25002085288948654522013-01-24T18:17:00.000-06:002013-01-24T18:17:05.826-06:00Day 7I feel so bad, I've really been slacking. However, I have a good reason. I've been busy studying and doing homework. I've not had time to do much else. <br />
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So here is how things are going. I feel GREAT!!!! I've had moments here and there where I ask myself, Now Why am I doing this again? And then I go down the list of why and I'm ok. It actually hasn't been too difficult. I'm enjoying it for the most part. Enjoying juicing different things and finding out how they taste in a tall glass with ice. I've had the couple of juices that were just overwhelming or down right horrible. But for the most part it's been delicious. Tonight I'm drinking a glass of beets, cucumbers, carrots, ginger. I'm also having a glass of cucumbers, apples, oranges. In the morning I'll add pineapple to the cucumber, apple, orange juice. <br />
As long as I stay hydrated I'm fine. <br />
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Oh, I've got to do some research about the beet juice I drank last night. It had me feeling a bit weird. It also gave me a headache. So I've got to find out what that's all about.<br />
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I've not weighed myself and don't plan to until day 10. I've been watching lots of videos and getting ideas of how I want to go forward after exclusive juicing. I know I will incorporate juicing as a meal re-placer for breakfast and lunch, with the occasional smoothie for breakfast. I tend to skip breakfast and lunch and that's not always the best. For supper I will incorporate salads with every meal, if that isn't what most of my meals consist of entirely. <br />
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My next bit of research is to find out how to ease out of juicing. Any ideas, pass them along.<br />
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I'll definitely have a video for my final day! <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-18199334814303012522013-01-24T17:59:00.002-06:002013-01-24T17:59:35.145-06:00DAY 3The Beginning: I find it hard to drink water the first thing when I get up. I am just not fond of the taste of water at that particular time. However, I finally got a 20 oz bottle of water down along with a coffee cup of ice to munch on and felt pretty good. I then got busy completing an open book test I had. <br />
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Day 3 Recap: Feeling very tired and sluggish. I have a slight headache that is annoying, but not too painful. My body aches at times but not too bad. I can't seem to focus and I have to finish an open book exam and complete reading 7 chapters for classes this week.<br />
I've spent no real valuable time with God the last 2 days and I'm trying to work on my schedule to rectify that. I need somewhat rigid schedules to function whether I'm fasting or not. It's a bit hard however when I can't totally focus on one thing right now. Going to finish my open book exam and leave the reading for tomorrow. I'll spend the rest of the day in bed vegging out on videos and movies. <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-1533696522664156222013-01-20T11:05:00.000-06:002013-01-20T11:05:20.205-06:00Day 2 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Day 2 Recap: I began to feel a bit lethargic and foggy brained towards the end of the day. I just wanted to lay down and relax, however we had to attend my nieces birthday party and so there was no rest in sight for several hours. It did help with my energy being around all my little nieces and nephews and playing chase with them and such. By the time we made it home I was totally exhausted and was sleep before my head hit the pillow. <br />
I am experiencing a lot of urination, but not much else. <br />
I'm craving salads. I am not surprised by this at all. Before going the vegan route or even juicing, I was always a HUGE fan of fruits and vegetables. As a little kid, my mother would cook dinner and I'd take a bite of meat and eat at least 3 servings of salad and vegetables. This was the norm for me then. Becoming a vegan hasn't been too difficult, because I can really do without the meat, no big deal. We "trained" our children to love their veggies as well and they would get excited over broccoli or salad nights. So for me to crave a salad is nothing new. What is new is that I'm craving specific things such as kale, cucumbers, and celery. <br />
I'm not drinking nearly as much water as I should so I'll be working on that the remainder of the feast. <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-44342888644197097672013-01-18T23:04:00.000-06:002013-01-18T23:04:08.834-06:00DAY 1It FINALLY arrived!!! I did the water fast up until the very moment the UPS woman arrived with my juicer. <br />
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Then it came...I opened the box and pure awesomeness. I set everything out and just looked things over. <br />
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All the parts were there and I could not wait to get my fruits and veggies out and get started. </div>
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I made Joe Cross' <a href="http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/mean-green-juice/">Mean Green Juice</a>. I took the advice of so many others that had juiced and put a plastic bag in the pulp cup for easier clean up. And I began to juice. <br />
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I had approximately 78 oz of juice, and aside from 2 oz I gave to my daughter, I drank all 76 oz. The initial taste of it was a bit green at first. After about the third sip all was well and I was really enjoying the taste. I could taste things individually and yet I could taste it all combined. I can't really explain what I felt after the first 16 oz. My skin began to tingle and feel alive. </div>
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Earlier in the day I began to think about what I heard one person say, that they just really missed chewing. I like to eat ice (I know I shouldn't, but I do). That is what I will munch on if I feel the need to chew. </div>
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As for my weekend plans, I hope and plan to stay near home for the first few days should I need to be close to the restroom or I begin to get fatigued and such. I'll be able to just take it easy.</div>
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I'll try to do a video tomorrow of the Carrot, Apple, Ginger Juice. Until then, Juice On!!!! </div>
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-63728306545108435002013-01-17T15:30:00.000-06:002013-01-17T15:30:18.600-06:00Fasting For Weight Loss and DetoxI've talked about doing a juice fast for some time now. I've fasted for spiritual reasons before, but this fast is specifically for losing weight and detoxing. However, I know that spiritual things will happen, simply because I will have to pray my way through this and seek God's strength to maintain when I want to give in and eat some food. <br />
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My juicer should arrive tomorrow, so today I went out and purchased all the necessary produce I'll be using. I'm going to stick with 3 different juice recipes for this 10 day fast. Though the juice fast officially starts tomorrow, I'm actually starting it today with a water fast. <br />
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I'm pretty pumped for what this will mean for me...a jump start to a more raw vegan lifestyle I hope!<br />
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My biggest goal for this fast is of course to detox and lose some pounds. Then as I come off the fast I'm aiming at going more raw vegan vs just vegan. As I've transitioned, I've noticed that I've opted for more vegan processed foods and I want to steer away from that as much as possible. The raw vegan phase is another milestone for me and I'm sure it will take some transitioning as going vegan has. I'm a bit clueless as to what I'll be able to eat on a more raw vegan lifestyle. Salads, fruits, and veggies I know, but how do you make complete meals out of that and will I get tired of salads? Hmmmmm, so much more research to be done.<br />
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I have been watching more videos and gathering more recipes for things I'd like to try. There are a few kitchen items I don't have that I would like to acquire to make this transition and journey a bit smoother and easier for me. So I won't get into raw as much as I'd like. I'll seriously be taking it very slow. <br />
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I'll document with videos along my 10 day fast (11 days actually) and hopefully inspire someone else to give this a try as well. For now, I'll leave you with a picture of my bounty that I purchased today. It all looks so beautiful to me!! I love fruits and veggies......I can do without the meat (except in a few choice meals such as gumbo) ;-D<br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-9036717710439356872013-01-14T22:51:00.000-06:002013-01-14T22:51:13.866-06:00First Days...Today was the first day of classes for me. I'm really not feeling this professor, but I came away with a few things to keep me going.....This is temporary, it's only a semester (ends May 6). I don't have to like him, just learn from him. I CAN do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.<br />
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When it's all said and done, I'll be a Medical Assistant and that will increase my chances of better employment and better pay. So as long as this class is taking me towards my goal, I CAN & WILL do this!!!!<br />
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Tomorrow I meet another professor. I already know my professors from my other 3 classes and they are really good. So I'm taking 3 hard classes and 2 fairly easy classes. <br />
Now I'm off to bed because I am thoroughly exhausted!!!! <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-42932257641954027542013-01-11T22:58:00.000-06:002013-01-11T22:58:58.269-06:00B U S Y.....I really had good intentions of blogging more regularly this new year and well, I got busy. Busy getting ready for school. I thought school would start back up for me on the 16th, only to find out that I actually start Monday the 14th!!!<br />
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That meant I had to put things into high gear to get ready!!! All supplies are purchased, books rented and/or purchased, I have my class schedule and things are looking good. I've got to work on my daily schedule so I can plan homework, study time, and also my menu. <br />
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Making my menu this go round shouldn't be too difficult. I'll need to purchase food for my kids, but as for me, my Omega VRT350HD is on its way and I will be having some awesome juices soon. <br />
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I've been researching juicers for a long time it seems as well as various juices to try out. I'm going to start out with a 10 day juice feast. My goal is to work my way up to a 60 day juice feast, but I'll take baby steps. After each feast I will basically continue to juice for breakfast and lunch and then my dinner will consist of either a cooked vegan meal or a raw vegan meal. I'm super excited!!! </div>
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I'll post later on the few juices I will be making to get me started. </div>
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What are you doing this new year to be healthier? </div>
TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-73177102219882355092013-01-05T12:00:00.000-06:002013-01-05T15:23:05.443-06:00Health Wellnes and Weight Loss Journey...It Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And so it begins. I did so well over the last summer losing so much weight, but then I gained it all back. UGHHHHHH That's what happens when you don't keep up the work that you began to get it off in the first place.<br />
Now here I am about to embark on the journey once again, only this time for the long haul. I will take it one day at a time. I will not make goals that are too big and set myself up for failure. I'm eating healthily, but now I'm going to take it a step further and add juicing to my lifestyle and get some movement going on. You can eat healthy all day long, but if you're not moving, it's doing you very little good.<br />
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So here I am at the beginning of this journey...I won't say how often I will update, but I will update as often as I can. My schedule's about to get pretty hectic and I don't want to make promises I may not be able to keep, yet I will update regularly.<br />
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Thigh: 22"<br />
Waist:40"<br />
Hips: 41"<br />
Breast: 42"<br />
Weight: 186 lbs Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-53961401586535234692013-01-04T23:48:00.004-06:002013-01-04T23:48:52.803-06:00New Year, New Beginnings!I am so pumped and excited about 2013!!! Oops Sorry....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! I know I'm 4 days late, but life happened.<br />
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2012 was HELL for me and I'm not going to sugar coat that.<br />
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However, God!!!!!<br />
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He kept me, held my hand, sometimes held me period, and brought me through to 2013. I am believing God for an amazing year. I feel this urgency of expectation and there really are no words to describe it except for electrifying! It's in the atmosphere all around me and yet it's within me. <br />
I'm about to begin reading some great books*. Some have been sitting on my shelf and I've just looked at them and one I just got for Christmas. I'll also be joining a <a href="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/">Good Morning Girls</a> group and doing a Bible Study on Luke 1-8 with them! I'm ready!!!!!! To add more to my life, school starts full swing on the 16th. 4 full months of classes and it's propelling me towards my future employment. I'm ready to get back on my feet. I hope to be getting my <a href="http://www.discountjuicers.com/omegavrt350.html">juicer</a> in the next week or so and I will begin my journey into juicing. I've got a huge goal of losing 50 lbs, but I'm aiming for smaller goals to start with. A pound a week to start with and I'll go from there. Plus I'm trying to vlog more about my hair journey, health/weight journey, and Walk with Christ.....It's starting to overwhelm me just putting it all down to see before my eyes! LOL Yet I know I won't be doing EVERYTHING EVERYDAY so it's not as much as it seems. <br />
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At any rate, I'm ready!!! <br />
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Prayer Request: I need a reliable vehicle for no more than $2000 right now. <br />
Immediate employment after school is over and mad savings after that. <br />
My goal for moving into my own place by mid July. So rent that is reasonable and someone that will overlook my credit issues. This may mean I have to move beyond where I wanted to move to...regardless God's will prevail!!!<br />
Last, but not least, that God will meet me where I am and take me on the ride of my life!!!<br />
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Come along for the journey! I pray I bless you in some way!!! <br />
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*Books I'll be reading<br />
<b>Begin Again, Believe Again</b> - Sharon A Hersh<br />
<b>Stronger Than You Think</b> - Kim Gaines Eckert<br />
<b>When Pigs Move In</b> - Don Dickerman<br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-12924260390818062672012-12-26T08:00:00.000-06:002012-12-26T08:00:09.624-06:00You Cannot Change... What you are not willing to face. I sat thinking about this statement Iyanla Vanzant made on twitter the other day. I pondered it and then forgot about it and as the darkness of night came, the thought of that statement crossed my mind again. And I began to truly face the fact that my marriage is indeed over. I spent my 6th out of 7 Christmas' with just the kids and I'm happy. <br />
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I have so many thoughts about what it is I want to accomplish and do in the remaining time of my life. I have big dreams and hopes. And I've got a God that's bigger than all that. He's going to bring me through this and one day I'll look back and be amazed at all He's brought me through. <br />
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God is going to get the glory out of my story!!!!<br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-11194715319311821082012-12-25T17:10:00.000-06:002012-12-25T18:18:47.922-06:00Christmas 2012!!!We have no tree, no gifts, but we had a wonderful day!<br />
Take a look at what I did...<br />
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I had a ton of fun in front of the camera today!!! Never would have said that before, but man I had a blast! I'll be doing that more often.<br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-25861206647972603142012-12-24T06:30:00.000-06:002012-12-24T06:30:02.353-06:00Christmas Eve...For the last few years we have exchanged Christmas gifts in February after I've gotten income tax back. However, I'm totally excited that this will be the last year that we HAVE to do it this way. I've been in such a rut the last few years that I've not wanted to decorate festively either. All of our things are packed away this year and it's a bit difficult to access the Christmas decorations.<br />
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I'm so excited to say that if the Lord says the same, we will not have Christmas like this again. I will decorate like we used to when I was little. Lights everywhere and the Christmas village I had begun to collect. <br />
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I'm just ready to live!!! <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-60989619145063598352012-12-23T11:02:00.000-06:002012-12-23T11:02:45.986-06:00I Want To Live...2012 Wasn't as good to me or for me as I had hoped. It started off well and then things just began to go downhill. I can't tell you how many times I threw in the towel and asked God to just take me. Not that I wanted to die, just that I wanted the pain to stop. Well, there is still a lot of pain, but as I think over all the things I'd like to do and accomplish in this life, I realize that I REALLY want to live. I'm not ready to die, there is soooo much I want to do. <br />
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I've spent the last 7 1/2 years holding on to pain and hurt and heart ache. But I'm ready to let that go and move forward. I've had a failed marriage, but I don't want to give up on love. I've hit rock bottom financially and basically in every area of my life. I think God had to allow that so He could get my attention. I'm beginning to dream again and hope again. I'm beginning to live again!!<br />
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I've been looking out for everyone else these last few years. It's time to do some living for me. Not to neglect others, but to in fact take care of me. If I spend all my time taking care of others and do nothing for myself, I quickly burn out until there is nothing left of me. While I believe God wants us to be servants to others, I also believe (now) that He wants us to care for ourselves as well. <br />
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So for a change I am actually looking forward to the new year. I'm anticipating great things and new beginnings. I'm looking forward to getting on my feet and making the rest of my life all that God intended it to be. I've taken life for granted. I don't want to get to heaven and see all that I could have had and all that I could have done and gave up because of the trials and tribulations that took place in my life. <br />
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Yes I have hurt, yes I am hurting, but I want to move past those hurts and heal and I want to help others to heal as well. I want to smile, laugh, dance, dress up, take pictures, and embrace life far beyond all that I can imagine or think! Life is a gift I've taken for granted for far too long. I'm truly ready to live!!!!!!<br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-63674678936765144402012-12-22T11:43:00.000-06:002012-12-22T11:43:30.099-06:002013It's hard to believe 2013 is just around the corner. <br />
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In 2012 I have tried to restart this blog several times only to come right back to this one. Ha, I just tried it a month or so ago, however, I realized this blog has just way too much history to walk away from. So, I'm sticking with this blog and I'll just let it evolve into whatever God wants it to be. <br />
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I'm soon going to be going through a divorce, not by choice. I'm learning to embrace it for lack of a better word. I'm also stepping outside my box that I encased myself into over the past 7 1/2 years. I'll be sharing more photos of me, videos, and whatever else God leads me to share. <br />
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I'm pretty excited as I embark on this new life God is laying out before me. Will it all be easy? No, but I'm ready to move forward with my life and get out of the past. I want to let go of unforgiveness, regrets, doubts, and grudges. <br />
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In 2013 I want to smile and laugh more and try things I never would have tried (there is a limit to that however...LOL). So to begin that journey, I'll be posting a video soon. Anyone that knows me knows I don't like being in front of a still camera, let alone make a video. Yet, I'm going to do just that and publish it!!! I'm excited and we'll see what happens. <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-31697397674359535052012-11-04T22:10:00.000-06:002012-11-04T22:14:04.962-06:00Home to HavenCourtney at <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/">Women Living Well</a> is sharing ways to make your <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/2012/11/making-your-home-a-haven-week-1/#comment-59126">home a haven</a>. I will be lighting my candle tomorrow and praying over my family. I'll also be using a new book <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/commanding-your-morning-unleash-power-life/cindy-trimm/9781599791777/pd/791777?en=google-pla&kw=christian-living-0-20&p=1167941&gclid=CLK4rsz6trMCFSemPAodXlUAaw">Commanding Your Mornings</a> to aid in the prayer department!!! I'm stoked about what the Lord will do in our home.<br />
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I know for a fact that I set the tone in our home. You've heard that saying "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"! Well it's very true. Tonight I am choosing to change my tone and attitude so that my children will be blessed and our home will become a haven. <br />
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Hope you'll join in... <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-86611591285845737062012-08-17T22:11:00.001-05:002012-08-17T22:11:33.241-05:0030 Day Vegan ChallengeI've been trying to go vegan for a long while now and though this year has been much better than the previous one, there were still some challenges and times where I fell off the wagon. I'm aware that there is still the possibility of falling off, but I am having the time of my life with the <a href="http://www.30dayveganchallenge.com/">30 Day Vegan Challenge</a> . <br />
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I have no vegan friends and so it's a bit hard and lonely embarking on something alone. Sure the kids are eating it right along with me, but they are beyond the point of excited. They eat whatever is put before them or purchased and they go along with it. So basically there is no one to walk the road with me and at times hold my hand. <br />
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I wished for and prayed for a program of some sort that would "walk" with a person through this vegan journey. Then after days, weeks, and months of searching, I found <a href="http://www.compassionatecook.com/about-colleen">Colleen Patrick-Goudreau</a>.<br />
I read all I could find. Watched all the videos I could find. And then finally she announced that she was starting just the kind of program I was looking for. <br />
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So I began my 30 day challenge 9 days ago and it's been extremely fun. I like that she keeps things simple. I think that was one of my biggest problems. I was trying to start this vegan journey and make it so complicated. However, when I stop to think about it, when my mother began teaching me to cook, she didn't tell me my first meal would be a 5 course dinner. No, she started me out simple and eased me into the more difficult, time consuming meals as time went on.<br />
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So I've been keeping it simple. Breakfast is by far the easiest. A smoothie M-F, and on the weekends I choose whatever vegan breakfast I want. For lunch, I've had salads, hummus and veggies, fruit, again, whatever I choose. I'm keeping snacks simple also; nuts, fruit, veggies, nut butter with fruit, on and on. I've been keeping my cooking focused on supper and yet I'm keeping that simple as well. Aug. 9, 10, & 11 I had a huge awesome salad and it was so good the first night, I duplicated it 2 more nights after that. Sunday, Aug. 12. I enjoyed a sandwich made with home grown tomatoes and basil. Tuesday we enjoyed fried rice. Wednesday - Sushi, Thursday - roasted broccoli/cauliflower with a hot dipping sauce. I also tried <a href="http://thisisvegan.blogspot.com/2011/06/polenta-fries.html">polenta fries</a> as a snack....yummmmm. Tonight was vegan pizza by <a href="http://www.tofurky.com/tofurkyproducts/pizza.html">Tofurky</a>. We tried each one and I am not disappointed what so ever!!! We will be having them again. We've also tried <a href="http://www.lightlife.com/Vegan-Food-Vegetarian-Diet/Gimme-Lean-Sausage">Gimme Lean ground sausage</a> and it was delicious as well. <br />
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As I think about this vegan lifestyle, I realize, I've been eating vegan all along to a degree. We don't call apples vegan, but they are. We don't call salads vegan, but in reality that's what they are. I'm only omitting the meat (substituting it sometimes), dairy, and animal products. There are alternatives for everything now days and I'm having a ball exploring them all. There is even a vegan sausage I can use to make gumbo with and <a href="http://sophieskitchen.net/index_f.html">vegan seafood</a>!!!! <br />
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I think the only hiccup I've found in this is that when people ask how I've lost so much weight (a little over 40 pounds) and I tell them, they immediately become defensive. I'm not asking them to make any lifestyle changes and I'm not telling them animal products are wrong. I've simply answered the question and they feel the need to explain to me why their "diet" works best and how they get to eat all the meat they want to. I'm in no way competing with them or the way they choose to eat, nor am I saying they should switch over to being vegan. That's the only pitiful thing I've experienced thus far. <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-82061114402652961482012-07-23T08:56:00.000-05:002012-07-23T08:56:04.906-05:00Life Can Just Be Plain HARD!!!You know, I don't know why after the last 7 1/2 years, it took me soooo long to say those words, but life can be just plain HARD!!! Sometimes through actions/decisions of our own doing, but also through the actions/decisions of others as well! <br />
There are times when I think life sucks! and other times when I think life just may be ok!<br />
I'm grateful to be alive, don't ever get that twisted, but I think I'm ready for a breath of peace in my life. You know, I want out of the pit, the valley, and I would like to be on the mountain top for just a little while. <br />
How anyone could get through this life without God is totally unfathomable to me and yet, I've tried it. I can say that God has kept me from going totally ballistic in the last few months as well as from losing my sanity. It is definitely by His grace that I am still here and His mercy that has sustained me. Without God, I would have given up a long, long, long time ago. I'm just thankful that those times I couldn't/wouldn't/didn't hold on to God, HE held on to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-49532793720336399852012-07-05T11:06:00.000-05:002012-07-05T11:06:11.322-05:00Life Changes...We have finally packed the last item from the house. The animals leave tomorrow and will stay with a friend until we can get things set up where we are and have them join us. I'm going to miss them a bunch. I'm at my sisters washing ALL the laundry that accumulated and I want it all clean and then I'll pack it in totes. <br />
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I had my last class for the Summer 1 session on Tuesday and I made an A. I start Summer 2 session on July 10. 11 more months of school and I'll be on my way. I'm excited and ready for a fresh start.<br />
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We spent the 4th with friends (the one we'll be staying with). She lives out by the lake. I envision lots of mornings out on the dock with my Bible and journal and spending time with God. Spiritual rejuvenation!!! I'm ready.<br />
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We will start going back to church on Sunday as well. Working on Sundays is not for me and I did it for a season, but that season is over. I'm ready to be fed again and to be a part of our church family.<br />
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Hopefully after things have settled down a bit more, I'll be able to blog more. I've got much to share about my vegan journey, garden, and life.<br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-73355658648640896812012-07-02T12:07:00.000-05:002012-07-02T12:08:36.458-05:00Changes...So much going on and so many changes. We are moving, but not the way we had planned it nor when we had planned it. We have lost the house and they will pick the trailer up any day now. We will be moving in with a friend for a short time. She's actually giving me a year to get back on my feet, but I'm aiming for 6 months. We shall see what happens.<br />
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We are about 99% packed and should be moved out completely by the 5th.k<br />
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There are days I want to curl up in a ball and sleep away all the mess, but I wake each morning pushing forward. Grief and nervous break downs are no joke. I'll begin counseling soon again. I shouldn't have stopped, but I'll get back on track. <br />
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I'm still in school, actually have a final tomorrow and then the next semester starts up on the 10th. I'll be taking 2 classes and then Fall classes begin sometime in August. I'm going to be BUSY!!!! <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2291992723863821434.post-34129458606000143382012-06-20T17:48:00.000-05:002012-06-20T17:48:17.095-05:00Quick Update...It's been brought to my attention that I haven't updated my blog in a while and well, I'll just say that life has happened. ;-)<br />
Each week gets busier and busier. I'm working a part time job on weekends only and going to school. We may be moving soon too, so now I have the addition of packing to that list as well. <br />
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School will be out in 2 weeks and I'll get a week to breath and then it starts back up again. I'm still a bit undecided between the Medical Assistant Program and the LVN program. I'm leaning more towards the first. It fits my personality a bit more than the LVN. I don't have a real desire to be a nurse, I'd only be doing it for job security and money. Not a great reason to do something you'll be doing for the next 20 or so years of your life. At any rate, God will lead me in the way He would have me to go.<br />
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So other than that, I haven't been up to much at all, other than gardening. I've got everything in huge pots with the possible move coming up. I can't seem to stop acquiring pots...LOL I have over 15 tomato plants, 8 pepper plants, 4 asparagus plants, 4 strawberry plants, a load of mint and basil, squash, cucumbers, green beans, and peas. They are all doing well and when I'm not doing homework, you can find me sitting amongst my garden admiring it. It's so peaceful and tranquil tending to it. <br />
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I've done absolutely no sewing in the last couple of months. I lost my mojo for it, but I'm sure after we get settled, it will return. <br />
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Ok, that's about as long as it's going to get right now. I'll try to update again when school lets out and I can focus. <br />
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TashaTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347130785065613909noreply@blogger.com0