Hey There!

I feel like I am constantly apologizing to you guys for going MIA. Sorry!! Work has been keeping me very busy, and then at the end of the day I am just so exhausted when I get home that all I do is eat dinner and rest.  Then, weekends are dedicated to errands and trying to spend time with my hubby who I do not see at all during the week.  Opposite schedules suck, man! But, there is a light at the end of that tunnel.  That is a rant for another day. I am going to try to get back into writing more often so that I can keep you all in the loop about how I am doing.  At least every other week, I promise!

I am feeling really good when I have a day off, which is huge for me.  Work days are long and mentally draining for me since I wake up so early to get to work, so I am not surprised that I drag a bit more on those days.  My brain is definitely slower on nights that I have worked all day.  I am sure that will improve with time, as everything else has.  My dad asked me the other day what percentage I felt I was at when I left for treatment, and what percentage I feel as though I am at now, which I think is a great way of putting things.  When I left for treatment, I would easily say I was functioning around 15-20% depending on the day.  Now, I am around 60-70%.  This is HUGE in such a short amount of time. I’m around day 160 post-treatment. Can’t believe how quickly time has gone.  I definitely spend more time taking care of myself and listen to my body… if I need to cancel plans because I am tired, I do. I used to HATE doing stuff like that, but I know that pushing myself has major repercussions later and it is never worth it.  I love to do yoga in the mornings to set the right tone for the day and get my body moving, but if I feel like I need more sleep before work, then I do yoga after work instead.  I will do a whole blog on my routine in the coming future.

I am still following a gluten free, vegan diet and avoid sugar as much as I can… but you know how that goes. Sometimes you just have to live and have a piece of chocolate 😉  I can absolutely state that diet is EVERYTHING when it comes to having Chronic Lyme Disease.  When I “cheat” (cheating for me is having a gluten free everything bagel with some almond butter and organic jam) I feel like crap. My joints get swollen and I feel sluggish. So, I eat as clean as possible. My meals are driven by veggies. Sometimes, I will throw in some quinoa or rice, but for the most part, I just eat a LOT of veggies. I am loving on soups lately, so I have been making those for my lunches at work.  I mostly keep my morning and afternoon diet liquid (or close to it) and then have more hearty meals for dinner.  It just is better for my digestion to do it that way for the time being.

That being said, I have been getting a LOT of questions about what I am doing for Thanksgiving.  Believe it or not, I am hosting this year! I actually have it in me to tackle the beast that is Thanksgiving.  We are having a small gathering at my house- just 5 of us. Nice and intimate. My hubby has to work which is a total bummer, but I am happy to have my parents, sister, and close friend coming to spend this awesome holiday with me.  I am making a small turkey breast for the meat eaters (I would never deprive them!) and a bunch of yummy sides.  My line up looks something like this:

Finger Foods

Bacon wrapped dates (whenever there is a holiday I am asked to make these bad boys)

Stuffed dates (with vegan cheese for the non-meat eaters)

Sides

Asparagus (I just mince garlic, sprinkle some olive oil, and roast for about 15 minutes, then squeeze lemon over before serving)

Broccoli (Super simple recipe here)

Gluten free/ Vegan Cornbread Stuffing (Something along these lines)

Mashed Cauliflower (This recipe is amazing)

Dessert

Pumpkin Pie (duh)

Squash Pie (gluten free and vegan- my friend is bringing! Can’t wait to try it!)

So, there you have it! That is my Thanksgiving line-up. You can still indulge and not feel like crap the next day by making simple substitutions (like mashed cauliflower for mashed potatoes).  I think people get so wrapped up in the food that they forget what Thanksgiving is all about… being with the ones that you love and enjoying each other’s company.  I have so much to be thankful for this year, and am so happy that I am in a space where I can welcome guests into my home and celebrate alongside them. There is always something to be thankful for, even when life is throwing all sorts of crap at you.  I am so thankful for all of you, too. Thank you for following my story and supporting me. I hope that you all  have a wonderful holiday!

Until next time, my loves!

P.S. If you are doing shopping for the holidays, please consider purchasing some essential oil blends from my Etsy store! All proceeds go towards paying off my medical loans. Not to mention, these blends are AMAZING. Seriously. I wouldn’t push them so much if I didn’t whole-heartedly believe in them. Support small business this holiday season!