A year in review (2013)

We began welcoming the new year with good friends. We are very blessed to live in this city, and to have found a special group of people we now call friends. Our children are growing up together and building tightly-knit bonds. At the end of January Dave and I were honored to be witnesses and Godparents of Evan, son of our very dear friends Dave and Tracy Seeger. We also started a date night trading system with a couple, friends of ours. It has been one of the greatest blessings to our marriage this year.

In February we celebrated Andrea's 1st birthday and Dave's 40th. Isaac took karate lessons and Spanish classes. I stopped singing in the choir because we wanted to attend mass as a family and the children were getting to be (and still are) very active in church. It is a team effort to keep them quiet and somewhat engaged. I began to actively pursue a bible study group and continued to participate through the end of the year. This was perhaps the most life changing experience for me this year. We sought the expertise of a child development specialist to help us out with sibling rivalry issues which peaked around Andreas first birthday.

In March we celebrated Easter. One of the perks of a Christian preschool is that Easter is a big deal. Isaac learned about our Lords death and resurrection, and his love for us. We attended our parish night out where we got to meet and socialize with new members, and we started Isaac in swimming lessons. I ran the Shamrock 5k in Dublin for the second year with Isaac in a stroller.

April was a rather quiet month with regular routine, school, play dates, workouts, and bible study. On April 19th, Dave took Isaac to a Giants game and they both enjoyed it a lot. On the 20th Indira and I hiked to the top of Mt. Diablo. It was quite the adventure if you know my sense of direction. On April 28th I ran the dipsea trail practice run. It was an amazing experience and one I hope to repeat next year.

In May I ran the Pleasanton half marathon. I also attended a Mothers Day tea ceremony and helped organize a Mothers Day family picnic. It was a lot of fun! This month we began having car problems and I was riding my bike everywhere. It was a nice change of pace and I discovered a very extensive connection of trails around our house.

June was the beginning of our Summer break. As I look through my personal calendar I notice the entries were scarce which probably means I was busy entertaining the kids. We spent a lot of time outdoors, biking, riding scooters, playing in parks and swimming in pools. We camped in Big Sur for 3 nights and had a wonderful time playing in the dirt, building fires, and hiking to the beach. I ran the See Jane Run half marathon in Alameda for a friend, and we began attending the Friday concerts in the park. We hosted a Fathers Day BBQ dinner at our house and got to celebrate with special friends.

We spent the 4th of July holiday with my family and friends in Southern California. On July 7th we celebrated Isaac's 4th birthday with many friends at the Livermore pool. We signed up for a CSA with a local farm and I got to volunteer a few times for harvest. Towards the end of the month my sister in law was baptized and we were very honored to attend her ceremony.

In early August we camped in Sequoia National Park, my niece and her boyfriend joined us. It was a great time all around. In the following weeks we spent most of our time enjoying the last of the Summer freedom. We went to the movies, the zoo, we hiked and played in various parks and open spaces, and we got to spend time with friends.

On September 7th I participated in a fundraiser run for human trafficking with my sister in law and her family. School resumed for Isaac on the 9th and our schedules changed once again. We continued with our workouts, date nights, and swim lessons and we added various school related activities. September was my celebration of life and I welcomed my 36th by cooking a 6 course raw vegan tasting dinner for friends. It was a memorable night indeed.

October brought about a certain crispness to the air, cooler weather and warm feelings about the nearing holidays. We took a last minute trip to Southern California and visited LegoLand and SeaWorld. We took the train from Santa Barbara to San Diego. The kids loved it and so did we. On the 26th I ran the Healdsburg half marathon, my golden run of the year. I almost didn't make it due to a sudden neck injury but I ended up scoring a PR and a crazy determination to run the LA marathon in March of 2014. We had a very fun Halloween. The kids got into the spirit of it and so did we.

November was a very busy month for us, both with social engagements and commitments. We celebrated Thanksgiving with my father in law. After that I began to slow down a bit and let my body and mind relax. I began an 18 week advanced training for LA and I'm noticing improvements in my stamina and strength.

December came and went too fast! We attended various social functions including our yearly MOMS cookie exchange, a holiday party hosted by a new friend, our church's holiday concert, Isaac's school Christmas performance, the SF symphony with the kids, and of course my sister in laws Christmas Eve dinner. After Christmas we drove to LA and spent a week, including New Years with family and friends.

A very blessed year indeed!




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What are you looking forward to in 2014?

I'm going to Europe one day, and ride a bicycle through Southern France and Tuscany. I will also live in Japan, or at least visit for an extended period of time and hike Mt. Fuji. Speaking of hiking, I will hike Mt. Kilimanjaro, but not Everest, too cold. I know exactly what the Pampas look like even though I've never been there, but I will, one day soon. I will also see the Amazon and visit the Incas stomping grounds. I must see Colombia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Venezuela. These are just a few of the places I will see.

I will get a PhD from a top notch university, and I'm qualifying for Boston. My idea of success is being in a position to help many, and I know I will be there, soon. You see, there are no bounds to the possibilities. If I desire it, its open for grabs. Only God can stop me. This has been my attitude ever since I have memory. If there is a prize to be won, a position to be had, or a goal to have achieved, I am as qualified for it as the next person and I will go for it. It helps that I'm not afraid to jump in even though I'm slightly afraid of failure. But failure is subjective, so it is relatively easy for me to overcome.

I'm ambitious yes, maybe a bit oblivious at times, but I posses a few traits that play in my advantage. I'm stubborn, I'm patient (most of the time) and I have endurance. I wasn't born with these traits. I acquired them through a bit of pounding so I am very thankful for them. Nothing in my life has come in my desired time. It comes when it's supposed to, or the way I see it, in Gods time. So as far as I'm concerned, nothing is out of reach. It's empowering but at the same time, humbling. I must wait for the right time, and that is not always easy. I'm looking forward to 2014. Are you?

Cheers to the festivities! May they find you joyful and optimistic.

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Introspection: Our need to belong

The last couple of months I've been witnessing a life changing event taking place right outside our front door. Our four year old is slowly being admitted into the big boy clique, something he's long desired and has worked diligently for. Our neighbors are very nice but the age difference is significant between the boys. But my guy refuses to give up. It melts my heart to see him hanging out with the boys. The excitement in his face is enough to light a room, even if he's merely allowed to show his toys. He is more than eager to conform. His need to belong is evident, in more ways than I begin to discover.

The need and the fear to belong are closely intertwined. As much as I bark about not wanting to be classified as a type and not subscribing to isms, deep inside I also yearn to identify with other people. Perhaps I rebel because I've always been right at the perimeter of all my associations so I figured that denying to myself and to others that I wanted in was always better than being rejected. Take for example, as a child I was told I was adopted because I didn't look like the rest of my siblings (out!), I was also outspoken about anything that I deemed unfair, so I wasn't exactly a malleable girl (out!). As life ran its course I was left out of many things I wanted, which I eventually accomplished, but not exactly in the order prescribed, like getting a college degree at 22 rather than at 34 years old. So I found myself surrounded by like minded people but not really belonging. You get the picture...

The feeling of always the bridesmaid and never the bride was always with me. I rejoiced watching people accomplish things I ardently desired but deep inside feeling...left out. In some ways I still feel this way.

Life teaches us important lessons. I have had my fair share. I don't feel sorry for myself, never have. I have used my shortcomings as stepping stones, most of the time any way :) I have let go of my fear to belong and sought the association of people with whom I find common ground. In doing so I've realized that we all fight similar demons. In every group I'm a part of there is someone who doesn't quite fit. This is all a personal perception obviously but it stems out of our deeply held desire to belong. This realization has made me a kinder person, embracing differences and welcoming those who feel like outsiders, because I know what it's like being in the other side of that fence. My permanent address lies on that side but people seem to like when I venture in to the circle. I like it too :)


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Food (surprised?)

I realize I'm a bit biased but I happen to think this tomato tart is amazing. Yes, those are green tomatoes in the middle. But you know what makes it so? The fact that I know whose hands handled these heirlooms from dirt to my table. Every morsel of this tart makes me think of these lovely ladies...







Which brings me to the reason I am writing this post. Yes, I know it's been a while. What can I say? I have 2 reasons: They are 4 and almost 2 and they fill my every second.

I read an article recently that touched the very core of how we (my husband and I) view our food and the choices we make. The article was written by a Cal Grad student who is working on social justice issues in food production. The premise of the article was that we are overly concerned about organics, pesticides, local food, etc but for all the wrong (read: selfish) reasons. She questions those of us who shell out top dollar at real food, local, organic, vegan, etc, etc. restaurants. She asks if we have ever dared look at who's behind the closed door. Who does your cooking? Who picks your vegetables? Are they treated properly, compensated well? Does it affect your decision to dine at such establishment? Sadly for me the answer was no. I hadn't thought that far. The extent of my concern stops at the food I buy for us to eat at home. But since we eat most of our meals at home I guess that's not so bad. Every dollar we spend reflects our value system, but it also supports a given method of food production. If you want cheap food you will get it, just know that it comes with a series of consequences to our health and the environment.

I don't haggle with farmers. I will on occasion tip them. The fact is, I don't shop at the farmers market to get a deal and I don't often get the pick of the crop. I shop directly from farmers because I support and value their work. Small farmers are going against the grain and its a hell of a job to be successful for more than a season. Yes, it's cut throat. If you ever question the value of your organic tomatoes go to a farm and spend the day picking them. Better yet, volunteer and help manually seed, trellis, weed, and harvest. Then go home and take a steaming shower because the allergies you didn't know you had have flared, your hands have tiny cuts all over and dirt has magnificently gotten into these crevices adorning them with a nice black hue. Your back is probably killing you but you are too exhausted to notice. Yes, its hard work. There aren't tractors or harvesting tools, just your two powerful hands and a moonlight to keep you company for as long as you need to go, because some days, harvesting is an all night affair. So while you are resting in your bed comfortably, think of what environmental factors can suddenly happen that will change everything for this farmer: frost or a heat wave, pests, rodents, just to name a few. Her whole crop could be wiped overnight. That's right! So remember this next time you are shopping. You are buying for more than yourself. You are supporting a food system and everyone who is a part of it.


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Fall

I love Fall. Something about the crispness in the air, the changing colors and falling leaves fill my heart with joy. I love nothing better than a walk amidst tree lined paths with tons of families riding bikes and enjoying some fresh air. That is exactly how we celebrated this Labor Day, ironically relaxing, like most of you I would guess.

Fall is reflective, it is the shift from busy Summer activities to more leisurely days. Fall is filled with cinnamon and nutmeg, it is a warm cider-like day. Everyday. Fall brings great memories for me. I loved school, so I always looked forward to a new school year. Fall was a time to meet new friends and rekindle old relationships. Fall was a new uniform, new shoes and school materials, and if I was lucky a new backpack too.

Fall is my New Years. It's a time for resolutions, new goals, and renewed commitments. Fall is my celebration of life and there is so much to be thankful for. Most recently Fall is marked by a yearly race that I commit to. This year I will be running in Sonoma, one of my favorite places on earth. I have fond memories of spending time with my beloved amidst the vineyards. This year I get to run through wine country and I'm very excited about it.

Fall is when I feel whole, when I find myself. I'm naturally an introspective person even though Summer can bring out the extrovert in me. Fall is grounding, it's where home is.

Today I share one of my favorite Fall recipes: Roasted spiced Yams

Ingredients

6 to 8 organic yams, unpeeled, cubed
2TB olive oil
1tsp pumpkin spice mix
1tsp cinammon
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
2. In a large bowl combine all ingredients, toss until well coated
3. Place on large baking sheet and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until tender.
4. Serve with a hefty portion of black beans.
5. Enjoy!





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What's the deal with grains?

I've been reading a lot about grains lately, motivated by a huge trend towards grain free diets. It all started with wheat (gluten) and has expanded to most grains and legumes. You may have heard of the all too popular Paleo diet or lifestyle. Advocates of this diet claim that grains are to blame for the multitude of auto immune diseases that have emerged in the last decade. To say that I've been intrigued by such radical rejection of a whole food group would be an understatement. You may have already guessed that I'm not an early adopter or pioneer. Im far from it actually. I tend to sit on the sidelines and watch, study, and only after ample time for deliverance, do I subscribe to an idea. In this case I'm actually refusing to subscribe. Allow me to elaborate.

For millennia humans have been cultivating and consuming grains. Many civilizations thrived on single crops as their main sustenance. But historically grains were revered and given the proper care and treatment before consumption. Something we have far deviated from. For starters, seeds were carefully hybridized and handled by seasoned farmers who knew, through years of experience, how to enhance the harvest based on the characteristics of the soil and the natural environment. Man made chemicals such as pesticides began to take off around the 1950s, so they really are a modern era phenomenon. Not surprisingly around the same time commercial agriculture began to replace small farming and the focus shifted from cultivating the best grains to getting the most output, at the expense of environmental and human health.

Is it really that bad? Well yes and no. Perhaps the consumption or over consumption of genetically modified or pesticide ridden grains has already put a toll on our guts. And since immunity begins in the gut, I'm not at all surprised to learn about the high correlation (not necessarily causation!) between grains and auto immune conditions. So, is it too late? I'd like to think not. Here are a few things we can do to avoid further exposure to toxics and harmful effects to our bodies. Read: you do not have to stop eating grains! Just because someone you know is gluten or grain intolerant doesn't mean you are. Get tested if you have any concerns but I can almost guarantee that if you take these precautions you will be able to digest grains without problem.

1) Buy organic whenever possible. But, make sure all the wheat, rice and corn you consume is organic. Rotate your grains! Do not consume too much of anything.

2) Soak your grains and legumes, overnight. Better yet, germinate or sprout them for 36 hours.

3) Cook your grains and legumes with a weed, like dandelion, and/or an acid component like tomatoes. Doing so will greatly reduce phytic acid, a substance present in grains and legumes that interferes with proper digestion and absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.

Epazote in your beans? That's right! Yogurt on your lentils? Surprised? Many baked goods call for buttermilk or apple cider vinegar. I guess someone has known about this process all along. In the last few years we are spending less and less time in the kitchen. Our busy lifestyles and the convenience of prepackaged goods have made it all too easy to omit essential steps in our cooking process. All to our detriment really.

Proper handling of grains and legumes is essential for proper digestion. Most commercial processed wheat products are not sprouted. Look for those that are or make your own. I'm still searching for a good breakfast bread for toast but what I really need to do is make my own bread. And don't forget your oats! Yes, oats are also a grain :)

Grains and legumes contain essential vitamins and nutrients. Eat them in moderation but treat them with proper care.

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Update on food budget

The end of our budget period nears and our pantry and refrigerator clearly reflect it. This week we've managed to use up stuff that had been neglected either at the back of our pantry shelves or in our freezer (remember i don't throw food away if i can help it). If it hadn't been for our weekly CSA we would have cracked down and shopped for some fresh items which would have put us over budget. All things considered we DID have a camping trip which required some "extras," so not all is bad.

Here is a picture that requires no caption. The big blue bowl contains a simple pesto pasta which will be dinner tomorrow. The pyrex holds a small serving of squash bake which will be my breakfast. I typically eat toast but we have been out of it all week. We have 6 eggs left in the carton from a dozen I picked up yesterday and my fermented vegetables. That's it!





Tomorrow we start a new month. Our goal: $700 budget, less processed food, and hopefully a better looking refrigerator come September 15th :) I must confess that I've been much more appreciative of my food this week. A little self restraint doesn't hurt anyone.




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