Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Pomegranate Lime Chiller, Shaken, not Stirred

Okay, so a lot...I mean a lot has happened since the last time I made an entry into this collection of experiences. As of March 20th I've lost 40lbs, found my raison d'etre and beat back sciatica with the help of a lot of people and Father making good on a promise: D&C 89:18-20. I'd quit drinking anything with alcohol, quit coffee and right about the time I gained momentum with that, I developed sciatica...after taking a lot of time off from running at my doctor's advice I finally got frustrated enough to kneel and ask God to make good on the promise in the Doctrine and Covenants. I'm embarassed to think I let it go to the point of frustration before I asked Father to help heal me. I was sort of frustrated, desperate and maybe a bit demanding. I hope He isn't taken aback. I never meant to suppose arrogance to demand anything of Father, especially when He's promised the gift that always follows obedience to the commandment. So I hope He wasn't offended.

I went for a run and felt so good that one mile turned into 2 into 3 and about 35 minutes (give or take) I had 4 miles under my belt and felt just fine. I stretched out for a while after and took a hot/cold shower and felt so good. I was thinking I'd be kind of stiff and sore the next day especially after a week long hiatus from running but I wasn't at all. I was so grateful. I don't remember if I thanked Father but I hope He knows I'm so grateful to Him for all the things He's done in watching over me during this journey. He's sent you to me to help me...what a tremendous gift!

Coach, this whole journey has been so incredible. I'm seeing things differently and I've never been as happy. Even when things pile up and get frustrating, the frustration doesn't last long and I know if I'm ever at wit's end, I can pray and I can talk to you. I know I have your support and love. You don't judge me or make me feel like I'm not going to be anything but successful. I can only imagine how it must have been as a child growing up in your home. If I could be a child again, I would hope to be raised by a mother like you. My mother was awesome too and she had so many other children to keep tabs on. I found myself taking on some of those responsibilities myself just to help her...so it was very different for me. I'm so grateful for you and how you encourage me and keep me honest. I would rather cut off my right hand than disappoint you...and I would follow you anywhere. Thank you.

I made that breakfast cereal because of the conversation we had when all you asked me was what I thought my physicalilty was calling for.  It was sort of a ad-hock/spur of the moment thing I felt inspired to make when I found myself energy depleted when I ran. My body kept telling me; "dude you need more protein." I didn't want to start eating animal protein again, not with all the whole plant protein available in my own home...and what I had on hand to supply my body with the protein I felt it was starving for...so when the breakfast cereal came together, guided by your loving encouragement, I thought you should have it...so in a sense, I made it with the intent to helping me have more endurance and then all I wanted to do was just turn it over to you and hoped you'd find it as tasty as I did and maybe one day add it to your website if you thought it was good enough.

You've given me so much I just wanted to give back something even if it was just a little recipe. I had the quinoa, farro, steel cut oats (which I neglected to add to the mix) as well as whole rolled oats. I had shaved almonds, chia, raw cashew pieces, sunflower and green pumpkin seeds, coconut palm sugar and shaved/shredded coconut...so I cooked the grain and mixed in the other things along with a couple tablespoons of pure amber maple syrup and coconut butter spread. I told you about how I made it and what I put into it not thinking you might use it for a project you're working on. So you tweaked it made it even better which is AWESOME! and I'm so proud for you to use something I made that you made even better! I'm so proud for you!

So tonight I felt myself feeling thirsty but didn't want to just have a glass of cold water...I wanted something sort of sweet but cold and tasty too...so I decided to piggyback off of a drink I tasted at FuD (the vegan restaurant in KC). So here it is. It was delicious! It has a sweet and tart taste all at the same time...

Pomegranate Lime Chiller

4oz Rooibos tea
4oz POM Pomegranate Juice
1t    Stevia
The juice of one lime
16 oz ice
Shaken....not stirred (thank you 007)

So my dear Coach...a gift for you on a hot day...please accept it along with my humble gratitude for all that you've done and meant to me. I love you so much. Every morning I pray, I give thanks for you and every night before I close my eyes to sleep I tell Heavenly Father how grateful I am for you and what you've started in my life. Thank you with all my heart...

A thankful Nomad is grateful for you
Cheers!