Renewed1

star facts….

renewed1 — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:25:27 +0000

If you could count one star each second nonstop for 24 hours a day, it would take you over 3,000 years to reach 100 billion….

Astronomers estimate that the Milky Way may be one of anywhere from 50 billion to as many as 125 billion galaxies….

Other random quotes for the day….

It was 19th century British author Elizabeth Charles who made the following observation: “To know how to say what others only know how to think is what makes men poets or sages; and to dare to say what others only dare to think makes men martyrs or reformers – or both.”

The horizon is an imaginary line that recedes as you approach it.

I think for now, everyone should just hold on to their own remotes.

by the river….

renewed1 — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:20:25 +0000

children skipping and laughing

new acquantances whisper and gleaming

into each others eyes searching

daring to sneak a look

at the other’s thighs

i sit alone staring and waiting

tourists gathered in groups

some silent, others full of mirth

group pictures and pointing fingers

the sun sets and this feeling lingers

excitement in the air, it’s dark….

the ladies let down their hair

don’t want to get up

don’t want to leave

pry my soul away from the view

as the lovers closer cleave

breathing in deeply

ignoring yet observing

those who wander by…

the groups leave together

new lovers think, “Forever?”

I must go home

and bury these feelings inside…

it’s not time

yet a lonely soul always desires

a touch

a glance

a long lost companion

or unknown true love

to simply be with

by the river

as day turns into night….

Food: Ingredients to Avoid

renewed1 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:06:15 +0000

For the last few years I have been starting to feel the consequences of many unhealthy choices in the past 10 years of my life. About a year ago I decided things needed to change, so I started with what I eat. I tried to start eating more like I had when growing up. I knew that MSG really wasn’t good for you, and Mom never bought Doritos or other chips…. That was the extent of my knowledge of unhealthy food. I started reading labels and paying attention to how I felt after eating items with certain ingredients. I am amazed at the change in my health. The effort has been well worth it, especially knowing that I am making decisions that will be better for me and my daughter in the long run!

Just to keep things positive, here’s a few items that I buy that are healthier than other choices:

half and half made from just cream and milk (flavored creamers have a huge list of unhealthy ingredients)
Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Butter (not margarine)
Sea Salt (not table salt)
Dreyers ice cream (cheaper ice cream = worse ingredients)
Regular soda (if at all, never diet soda)
Brown rice
turbinado sugar/raw sugar (I avoid white sugar)
Lay’s potato chips (made with only potatoes, oil, and salt)

Below is a list of ingredients that I avoid. If it seems overwhelming and annoying to try to avoid all of them at once, start with one or two for now. It would be helpful if you consistently buy the same products, that way you won’t have to read the label of every item as you shop… I am getting used to doing things that way, and improving on my selection of food! Occasionally when I am eating out or a guest for dinner I will give in and eat something on the “avoid” list. Then I remember why I avoid those ingredients…. headache, nausea, stomach pain, or a general yucky feeling usually follow.

I hope this helps you! Start reading labels and look for these ingredients…

- Aspartame
- BHA and BHT
- Hydrogenated Oil
- MSG
- propylene glycol
- carrageenan
- vitamin water/life water (plain water is better for you)

- Interesting Links