Tales of a raging cookie addict!!!!!

SO my roommate just witnessed me ravenously throw down 8 Oatmeal Raisin cookies, I felt like kind of an animal doing it in front of her... don't worry I offered her some, in fact I had hopped she would eat a couple so I wouldn't! But she declined and watched me as we both laughed about it. I just wanted them gone, I didn't want to look at them anymore, or have the thought of them on the counter haunting me! I realize that I could have packed them up and delivered them to a friend, or perhaps even threw them in the garbage... but lets not get CRAZY here. The only logical idea I had was to eat the remainder of them very quickly in one sitting (these are just some of the irrational thoughts of a raging cookie addict) So that makes about 11 oatmeal, pecan, butter scotch cookies last week... 4 E.L. Fudges at the Friday Devotional... and about 20 since I made the batch of oatmeal raisin on Sunday. 11 + 4 + 20 = 35!

I don't count calories, but I have gained 10 pounds over the last couple of weeks.... LOL I think it might have something to do with my cookie consumption. Which I am not concerned about for two reasons.... ok maybe 3:

1. I am training to run a marathon, and I will just burn it off this week when I run 26 miles

2. People have told me I look cute with a little extra weight on me... which people told me in my thin state, so I know that they were not just trying to be nice. They were saying, "hey remember when you were a little chubby... that was a good look for you"

3. The sheer joy obtained from consuming mass quantities of cookies outweighs the discomfort of my jeans being a little too snug.

However when I told my mom about my indulgence she was like, "cut that out Tacy... you have to fit in your wedding dress!" Ok... so maybe I should take it easy. There are no more cookies in the house and I am going to take a stand today to watch my desserts for the next couple of months. Do you hear that I AM TAKING A STAND! I do not need cookies to feel satisfied! I will just have to resume eating jarsful of peanut butter each week (another food addiction that I have).

(*Slight tangent)Oatmeal raisin is my cookie of choice but I will consume just about any cookie in mass quantity if I am so given the opportunity. I used to have a deep love for Fig Newtons, however the discovery that they contained High Fructose Corn Syrup was a devastating blow to me.

Being around Nutritionist types at school all the time you hear a lot of controversy about High Fructose Corn Syrup... Like the fact that no other countries use it and here we are in the midst of a massive obesity epidemic. In fact if you look at charts that show when obesity increased and became a major issue, the timing coincidentaly is right around the time that High Fructose Corn Syrup was introduced on the market. If you look at a lot of products now people are advertising that they DO NOT contain High Fructose Corn Syrup... check out your local bread isle and you will see what I mean. Hence, like many of my fanatical peers I have deemed High Fructose Corn Syrup as another evil ingredient that should be abolished from the food industry in America. So consequently I get a little upset when I find out that food that I love have it in it. FIG NEWTONS HOW COULD YOU!!!!!!

Economic Crisis Solved

"What the country needs is a good big laugh! There seems to be a condition of hysteria. If someone could get off a good joke every ten days I think our troubles would be over."

--Herbert Hoover, 1931

Christian the Lion

Ok... so this is kind of cheesy. But the other day in one of my classes the teacher asked what ways we feared dying. The kid who sits next to me said "Being attacked by a lion!" Which made me laugh because I really don't think he has to worry about that too much in Minnesota.... unless he is a cage jumper at the zoo.
So anyways my teacher started to tell the story of Christian the Lion... which sounded sweet, so I You Tubed the video. There are many different versions to this vidoe online... all of them set to extremely cheesy music, there was one set to Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" from the bodygaurd soundtrack.... LOL now there is powerhouse love song to convey the emotions of this reunion.

Anyways... these two guys are really lucky that lion did not eat them!

Personal Evolution

It is interesting how much we can change and grow in relatively small periods of time. These last few months have been filled with many defining moments... packed with decisions and experiences which have changed the course of my life forever and are making me different.

It has been hard to think of things to post about because a lot of these moments are extremely close to my heart, really personal you know. It's interesting because previously I liked to expose just about everything from my life on my BLOG... but seeing the hand of God so apparent in my life is quite a humbling experience; and for me has caused a spirit of reverence, and a lot of pondering in my heart.

As I think back on other times of personal growth over the last 26 years one thing has really stood out to me. Simply that Love is an extremely powerful force... it transforms and changes us.
I think about the influence my parents have been, truly full of unconditional Love and support. The have selflessly served me all of these years... they were willing to do whatever it takes to help me find true joy. Their influence and example have really shaped my life and who I am.

When I was out at college in LaCrosse I began reading The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It was at this point in my life that I realized that Jesus Christ was not just a figment of my imagination... but he IS real, and alive, and that he loves me so much that he sacrificed everything he had so I could find true joy. I began to understand the power of forgiveness and repentance... and His Love changed me and continues to change me today.

When I left to go to Albuquerque on my mission I was overcome with the capacity my heart had to love the people that I taught and served... and even the complete strangers I spoke to everyday. My desire was that they would find true joy.

Now here I am today experiencing Love of a new and different kind. I still wake up amazed that I am going to be married in two short months. It is changing me, and making me different in really wonderful ways. But the amazing thing is that it is not just affecting me... it is changing my family, bringing us all closer together. I am finding joy and I am overwhelmed by it at times... because I know that there is more to come. It is all part of God's beautiful plan for us... one of purposes of life is to have joy! I am realizing more and more how closely connected having Joy is to having a family... which is also one of the purposes of life.

I don't know how many of you ever click on the links on my BLOG, but there is a link that says "What I believe" and it is a link to http://www.mormon.org/ which is a website that describes the basic beliefs of people from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (which is the church I go to). It is people sharing answers that they have found to some of life's greatest questions through the teachings of Jesus Christ and His restored church on the earth today. I know I haven't posted much about my faith before. I think that is because I know a lot of people who read this are members of my church. It really is a huge part of who I am.

So... check out the website... and let me know what you think.

Tales of Triumph

I am finally retiring my Asics Gel running shoes. In the world of running I wore these puppies well past their prime. I have had them for almost a year... and I run almost every day (don't tell any of the hard core runners... I am sure they would find it blasphemous). They (whoever "they" are) recommend runners to change their shoes about every 3-4 months! Yet these sneaks have served me well, we ran a lot of races together, saw a lot of sites... jumped in a lot of puddles and achieved many goals.

Out with the old and in with the new... Meet my new shoes, The Saucony Triumph 6! Oh they just sound like winners (or finishers I should say, I don't have a chance to win a marathon I am in the business of finishing). I fell in love with these little babies at Run-n-Fun in St. Paul, which I might add is runners paradise and it was all I could do not to buy everything in the store.

I did get some other much needed gear... including a new waterproof running watch (lime green), some Runderware as I like to call it, running socks which keep your feet dry, and Energy Gels for long runs (Chuck and I are going to experiment with which ones we can stand... it is pretty tricky to eat a packet of goo while you are running without feeling nauseous) These all may seem like little things but they make a huge difference!

Just to keep you up to date we are in week 4 of training already, that means only 13 weeks left until the big race. Our long runs are up to 10 miles... and total mileage so far for training is 49 miles!!

Rainbow of Emotions

I wish to give adequate credit to the person who took this photograph of Chuck... but I forgot. Just know that it wasn't me, it was something a friend of his took for a class. He showed it to me when he was introducing me to the world of Facebook the other day (don't get excited I still don't have one!!)

Now that this image has been added to the collection of billions of others that float through my mind I have been thinking about it a lot.... it brings with it a stirring of my emotions, you would think that would be due primarily to the man holding the guitar (which no doubt brings tender feelings), however I think it is the COLORS in this picture that cause this reaction.

It actually reminded me of a poem a kid wrote in my 10th grade Sociology Class, and because I save random things that inspire me... I by chance still have it!! So Nick Holler from Blaine High School Class of 2001 wherever you may be, I hope you don't mind me quoting you.

Rainbow of Emotions

The Rainbow of Emotions:
A veritable color-code of the mind
The Spectrum of humanity

Red; Fire of Creation
It warms our blood
and inspires us to greater heights

Yellow;Light of Knowledge
It leads us through the darkness
teaches us to survive against all odds

Pink; Heat of Passion
It fuels our desires
Keeps us from giving in to the pressure

Green; Flower of Personality
It is nurtured by learning,
growing within us as we grow into ourselves

Purple; Center of Compassion
It generates our empathetic urges
strengthens the relationships
that support and build us up

Orange; Shield of Courage
It emboldens us
shielding us from fear
supporting us against all odds

Blue; Ocean of Sadness
It floods when we cry, recedes when we laugh
even when it may seem to harm us
it strengthens our resolve

And so...
I ignite the Fire of Creation
I show the Light of Knowledge,
I reveal the Heart of Passion,
I plant the Flower of Personality
I share the Center of Compassion
I wield the Shield of Courage
I flood and drain the Ocean of Sadness

It is something we all must do
so the Prism of Life
can cast these colored treasures
The Rainbow of Emotions

Nick... I know that the chance of you ever reading this post are slim to none, perhaps someday when you get bored you will Google your name and be guided here. I hope you are still writing poetry! Thanks also be to Chuck for being so photogenic, and to his very talented friend.


PS. IT'S FRIDAY! HAPPY SPRING BREAK!

Relax

"And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requistie that a woman should run faster than she has strength. And again, it is expedient that she should be diligent, that thereby she might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order."

-Mosiah 4:72 (The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ)

This week has been crazy already and it's only Wednesday! One Paper, Two Quizzes, a Lab report spanning the few weeks of data, and an Exam. Sometimes it can be hard to figure out how to utilize each moment of my time.

Should I work on my paper first, or study... do I read the chapter... look over the power point slides? Should I re-write my notes, formulate a table, do further research online? So many things to think about. I was thankful for the above scripture this morning. As I frantically woke up and went directly to my computer to prepare for my Microbiology Lab quiz today. I got quite a lot accomplished, but still needed more time.... however I suddenly realized I only had 30 minutes to get dressed and get to my next lecture.

I began frantically running around, threw on some clothes.. deodorant, brushed my teeth, packed a lunch and my backpack. Walked outside to notice it was freezing!!! Started my truck, realized that I had forgotten a scarf!!! Ran back up to my apartment, grabbed the scarf, said goodbye to my roommates for the second time and ran out the door. Now I only had 15 minutes to get parked at take the bus from Minneapolis to St. Paul....

And the words above came into my head, "Tacy It is not needful that you should run faster than you have strength." And so I took a deep breath, realized I was rushing for no reason. Told myself to RELAX and decided that I could skip my morning lecture and read the material at a later time.

I spent the last hour and a half in a peaceful and quiet library preparing for my quiz... I feel so ready to tackle it!!! Look I even had time to write this post.

Sometimes you just need to stop running, and relax. Deep breath... Ahhhhh. That felt nice, lets have another..... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Ok wish me luck... it's quiz time!

Chickity Check-check it out

I just wanted to let you all know that I added a BLOG to my BLOG list for Bill Marler. He is a food poisoning lawyer, who has been closely working with the peanut butter salmonella outbreak. He is buddies with my professor Ted Labuzza, and they have sparked my interest in Food Safety. Anyways just wanted you all to be aware of the link... I nerdily find it fascinating.

Ps... pumpernickel is a funny word... and that is probably the most random thing that has popped into my head in awhile NEVERTHELESS increasing more funny to me with each time I say it. And I don't know if you knew this but "Pumpernickel Pickle" is a magic phrase spoken by Smurfs (from the beloved 80's cartoon show) to conjure a gift granting genie.

Just something to think about... and repeat in your head when you get bored.

Brotherly Love

This is my brother Ben. When I was little I was so excited at the prospect of having a little brother. I thought my sister was amazing because she was older than me... the thought that I was going to be an "Older Sister" caused me great joy to think I could be a little bit more like Beth.

It's interesting, I was only about 3 in the above picture, but I remember this day very well. I remember Beth had on a little Red dress. I remember meeting my parents at the hospital, I think my grandma brought us there. I remember how happy my dad was... and that my mom seemed to have an extra special glow.

He was the cutest little kid, I wish I had more pictures of him when he was young. I just like the above picture because he was little enough for me to hold. He is a very big man now, but sometimes I still try to hold him like a babe... yet that usually turns into some sort of wrestling match.

I was just having tender thoughts about Ben this morning... I am of course supposed to be studying for a test... but needed a little writing therapy first. So here are a just a few reasons why I love Ben so much.

Ben is playful, and full of life. No one makes me laugh like he does... especially when sings karaoke, or dances around... and is some weird way I love it when he puts me in the choke hold and pins me to the ground (that's how Ben says I love you Tacy).

I love Ben because he is so handsome. But a lot of his good looks lie in his demeanor and his personality... charming, absolutely charming.

I love Ben because he is a MAN! He brought good balance to my sister and I.... even though we were constantly trying to dress him up like a girl and convincing him to play barbies with us... don't worry my barbies had a lot of ninja turtles for friends.

I love Ben because he sees the importance of being a good person. He is quick to give a helping hand... and I really mean a hand, he is a very hard worker and a good craftsman. He is like my dad that way... my dad was always helping people at church and in the neighborhood with their cars and houses. I see Ben being that helpful neighbor who is quick to grab his toolbox when the little lady next door has a household crisis.

Ben... if you by chance to stop in here. I think you are fabulous. Thanks for being so great!

I love you.

Inspiration

I have made a determination to have a better attitude about school... and homework and papers and exams... yada yada yada. I just feel like I could do a whole lot loss whining and a whole lot more studying. I just realized last night that I am pretty blessed to be going to such a great University and for free no less. Plus I am on the crunch to finish a research paper today about the Bisphenol A controversy. Which if you are not familiar with, it is the compound that is found in many plastics, and can liners, which leaches into food when heated... there is conflicting research about weather it is harmful or not. I will share with you my full opinion once I finish my paper.

For now i just wanted to post this picture because it is serving as my inspiration for the day... I always leave my blog open when I study so that I can listen to music, and I wanted something happy to look at as well. And I don't think anything is happier than knowing that I get to spend forever with Chuck...

And now I'm off to write and research and learn and grow, oh school is GREAT! (See how much my attitude is changing already!)

Writing research papers

IS BORING

And sometimes when I get frustrated with typing I just hit a bunch of keys really fast like this: a;sdkfslkdfjwoiejfsldkvlkdnfbejrgjlkjoifowijefojsdlkfjsldkjglkvnbldkfjgslrjgileaj

Ohhh that feels good... lets try it again but FASTER... a;lfkjwoeifwoeifjsldkjvldkfjbvldkfnblejkrglekrjglkjslidfjowiefowiejflwskdjflksdjfiweoifwjoefijsldkfs

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

I FEEL MUCH BETTER, BACK TO IT.