Desire, desire, desire.

Life is full of likes, and dislikes. And, like most people I know, my dislikes outnumber the things I love: I don't like long walks, I don't particularly like hot days, don't like fuzzy things, or rainbows--can't see 'em, don't like talking on the phone, don't like writing letters, don't like car rides or airplanes, do not like SLOTHS (the animal and sloth-like people).

But this blog is all about celebrating the things we love, our bodies and ourselves being number one. And the  few things that I do love, are wonderful and fabulous; good food, good friends, a good poem,  a new outfit, a great work out, and booze. 

Let's begin with good food. This can range from comfort food (macaroni and cheese) to a delicious warm beet and asparagus salad that I made this week.  

Recipe as follows:

What you will need:

1 can pickled beets 

4 asparagus stalks

3 mini red potato's

2 tsp's olive oil

1 tsp salt (sea salt preferably)

2 tbs. oregano

Preheat your over to 350

Cut your asparagus stalks into bite size pieces

Halve and boil the potatoes first (not until done, but until slightly tender)

arrange potatoes and asparagus on a baking sheet (feel free to use parchment paper)

drizzle the olive oil onto the vegetables

sprinkle the salk and the oregano

I didn't forget about those beets!! Let them sit out and get to room temperature while the other veggies bake for about 10-12 minutes. When finished arrange vegetables on a dish, slice your beets to whatever shape you like (bite size), and ENJOY, it is DELICIOUS I can't tell you about the combination of asparagus and beets--what it does to the pallet! Salt, spice, a bit of bitterness! Heaven, hello! 

Warning: Urine will smell quite foul after this meal. Do not be alarmed!

Good friends, where would I be without them? Probably sitting alone blogging in my room...! My friends are fabulous wonderful people but unfortunately with the exception of like, 4, all of them go to school outside of New Jersey. To this I say: where the heck is summer? I just want to go to the art park, sit in a basement and have some treats with all of you (you know who you are). I feel such support from my family and friends in all of my weight loss endeavors. I'm glad I have shoulders to cry on, people to eat Veggie Heaven with, and a wonderful boyfriend to tell me I look thin (even when I'm bloated). ENOUGH sappiness.

And when my friends can't provide me with the comfort I need, where do I turn? Urban Outfitters. Oh, how you lift me up, and how you bring me down. There's really nothing a cute pair of boots can't solve, a sexy skirt can't heal, or a fun crop top can't comfort. Go shopping! If you have the means, that is. You'll feel better, trust me. I'm sure my psych professors would have a lot to scold me about, but I'm telling you--retail therapy--it works wonders.

Let's talk about endorphins. Can I get a what, what? Endorphins occur in our body based on a number of stimulants, one of them is chocolate, another (healthier) alternative to chocolate is: exercise! Even if I'm having the most sluggish day, I force myself to do something physical: yoga, running, gym work out, circuit training, even crunches on my bedroom floor! Anything physical will put you in a better mood, energize you, and help you out with the rest of your day. I find working out in the morning to be the best endorphin stimulant for me. Hello day full of energy! 

And last, but certainly not least, the two main loves of my life: red wine, and poetry. People who know me well, know how to get to my heart: give me a bottle of cheap red wine, (no glass needed) and either a Federico Garcia Lorca, Stanley Kunitz, or Charles Bukowski book of poetry--and I'm all set. I do not condone constant drinking--no beer guts up in here!--but a drink every once in a while-is good for saving the soul. And Lord, does my soul need some saving.

In conclusion, to a very long, and very revealing blog:

take care of yourself. When things are shitty, write down things you love. And do them!

Call up a friend, call me up: we'll go shopping, and I'll cook you a good meal.

But never, ever, even on those shitty days, lose sight of why you're doing what you're doing. I try to never lose sight of my weight goals, and my life goals, even if they escape me for a bit, you gotta bring it all back together. Be good to your mind, body, soul.

"What makes the engine go? Desire, desire, desire."-Stanley Kunitz

Yes, Stanley, yes.