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gurgelin's picture
Diary And Blog Of Personal Growth







The goals:

[ ] To become healthy
[ ] To become a responsible and reliable person
[ ] To get on track with my education
[ ] To become a skilled vegan cook
[ ] To gain control over this pizza AKA my face
[ ] To grow my hair long
[ ] To get back in touch with old friends
[ ] To save the middle east
[ ] To become a skilled artist
[ ] To find my true love
[ ] To write and illustrate a children's book
[ ] To make an adventure game
[ ] To have a cottage or big garden and chickens and mini pigs
[ ] To have a flesh eating plant in my kitchen
[ ] To grow my own vegetables


The fatal flaws:

!! Procrastinates to a dangerous degree
No excercise
Easily discouraged
Prone to depression
Sociophobic
!! Likely to suddenly disappear out of people's lives never to be heard from again
Inability to make conversation
Underweight
Inability to see the point of cleaning up
!! Spends too much time in front of the computer
Mental blocks


The assets:

Honesty
Firm beliefs
Ability to focus intensely
Fast learner
Ability to keep a cool head through almost anything
Highly analytical (good or bad?)


The plan:

[ ]!! Have four meals every day.
[ ] Get 15 minutes of sunshine every day.
[ ]!! Excercise every day.
[ ] Go running at least twice a week.
[ ] Apple Cider Vinegar bath once a week. ♥
[ ] Olive & Castor Oil hair treatments once a week.
[ ] Neem soap for the face morning and evening. ?
[ ] House cleaning every sunday.
[ ]!! Always do what needs to be done right away.
[ ] Do more nice things for people.
[ ] Draw at least one picture every day.
[ ] Watch Mr. Jack Lalanne videos whenever I feel unmotivated.
[x] Try out a Raw Food diet
[ ] Go to bed at 1AM at the latest
[ ] Get up at 10 AM at the latest

The To Do list:

- Figure out what to do with my life Exclaim
- Cut dead ends
- Call someone about fixing the drain
- Revamp room
- Look into taking yoga class
- Write essays
- Cram exam


Ring of fighters:
Zyzzy
Toya


To be updated daily! Advice, encouragement and thoughts appreciated. Or if you yourself need advice and encouragement and thoughts, I will gladly offer you mine!
Daily entries will be made in comments.
Salome's picture

/tracking

/tracking <3

[x] To have a flesh eating plant in my kitchen

I call it Momo x]
gurgelin's picture

Seriously? I'm so jealous!

Seriously? I'm so jealous! xD
What type is it? Venus Flytrap?
Apeldille's picture

I should try to do many of

I should try to do many of these things too. (Pygmy goats instead of mini pigs, though)
If you want to grow your hair long, http://longhaircommunity.com/ is an awesome site for tips and recipes and stuff.

Tracking this for inspiration!

Salome's picture

yep it's a Venus Flytrap

yep it's a Venus Flytrap <3
gurgelin's picture

Thank you! I was hoping this

Thank you! I was hoping this could inspire someone else. And hopefully help me to feel more motivated as well. Smiling It's easier to get started on self improvement if you write it out like this, I think.
And thank you for the link, I'll definately check it out! I have actually visited longhaircommunity a few times before, I think. I am all about the no-poo! ♥

Looks like you have a good

Looks like you have a good understanding of what you want to do. Best of luck! Laughing out loud
quadraptor's picture

I'll be right there with you

I'll be right there with you trying to save the Middle East. One of my big plans is to donate much of the excess money I have to help save the world, so I'm glad there's someone else out there who wants to do the same kind of thing.
gurgelin's picture

Thanks Tera, Quad! &hearts; I

Thanks Tera, Quad! ♥
I do want to save the world! I'm trying to figure out how. Smiling
Flyleaf's picture

Hope you can achieve your

Hope you can achieve your goals !! For me this would be very difficult Laughing out loud
I have no believe in myself Exclaim
Avatar @ Sluggs Siggy @ Amazegenalo
Bouncing Fly by Mary13
gurgelin's picture

Woke at noon, no breakfast.

Woke at noon, no breakfast. :C
Lunch at 4.30 pm, fried vegetables and beans and rice.
Watched a documentary about a Somalian woman, feel more inspired than ever to do some kind of work for the UN.
Cleaning room - it's ridiculously messy. I swear if anyone saw it they would have to go barf somewhere. It's seriously that disgusting.
Good news! I found my iPod cord that I'd severly missed. ♥
Thought of a new to-do: Mend all of my torn socks and sweaters and pants. Big holes never bothered me before, but people always react strangely to them so I'll take their opinion for it. I am trying to change, after all!
Opened the window and got some fresh air in here for the first time in ages. It feels very pleasant and energizing!
More To Do: Bake bread!Exclaim!!Exclaim!!Exclaim!!Exclaim!!!

I was close to thinking, since I didn't get started on this from this morning, it's ok not to do the things I have set up for myself - I'll just get started tomorrow! PFFF OH YEAH. That's exactly what this is about NOT doing! Not putting it off.
And it's like, I feel that if I've already done something good during the day - like cleaning up - it means I'm done for the day and can put off everything else, because I have after all done something good already. But it shouldn't stop there! Go Go GOOO!
So I excercised and didn't skip dinner like I thought I would - I didn't have anything spectacular though, just blueberry cream with oat milk and flax seeds. Better than nothing, I guess.
Now I'm just gonna relax and watch a movie or something. ♥
Oh heck I still need to draw something too.

[-]!! Have three meals every day.
[x] Cook at least one meal every day.
[-] Get 15 minutes of sunshine every day.
[x]!! Excercise every day.
[ ] Go running at least twice a week.
[ ] Apple Cider Vinegar bath once a week. ?
[x] Olive & Castor Oil hair treatments once a week.
[x] Neem soap for the face morning and evening.
[ ] House cleaning every sunday.
[-]!! Always do what needs to be done right away.
[-] Do more nice things for people.
[-] Draw at least one picture every day.
[x] Watch Mr. Jack Lalanne videos whenever I feel unmotivated.
[-] Try out a Raw Food diet
[-] Go to bed at 1AM at the latest
[-] Get up at 10 AM at the latest

Thought of today: The only reason you're not doing something is that you're not doing it. I always feel like there's this huge threshold I have to get myself over every time I'm going to do something, like get started on essays, cleaning, etc. Like everything has to be perfect and feel right before I can get started. Bullshit! Just do it. It's that easy.

eyestrain's picture

You and I are very similar.

You and I are very similar. This is a good idea. I especially like having a list of goals... I'll add one to my to-do list, I think.


ps-
this gets me going...


I don't strive to be the best, but instead I strive to do my best, and always give it my all every time.
-faunet
Amazon's picture

I wish the very best of luck

I wish the very best of luck to you! ♥

gurgelin's picture

Flyleaf - I'm sorry to hear

Flyleaf - I'm sorry to hear that. But maybe all you need is to start trying! I have never done anything like this before either, and I can't say I've got the biggest self confidence... But if you don't try, nothing will happen. I'm tired of being like this, I want to be a better person! And.. well, logically, it can't be that hard! If you do even just a little bit of excercise every day, it will do a big difference in the long run. The same goes for other things, too. If you try, you can do anything. Smiling
Thank you so much for the support! <3 It means a lot.

Eyestrain: Really? Cool! I'm in good company, then. Even if the location is less than favorable. Sticking out tongue
I encourage anyone to make a page like this for themselves. It feels great!

WAWAWAAA thank you for that video! I love that movie, it's been ages since I saw it though. It's really inspirational... ♥

Amazon: Thank you kindly ♥
gurgelin's picture

It's 1:45 AM and I'm supposed

It's 1:45 AM and I'm supposed to be sleeping. I did actually go to bed at 1 AM like I decided I would, but all I'm doing is lying in the dark with all these thoughts running around my head.
Part of me is saying, just keep trying to sleep, this is your only way to get back in rhythm, so don't give up when you've just started. The other part of me is thinking I need to write these thoughts down or they'll be lost forever. Even now I can feel them slipping away. Don't you just hate how things can be so clear to you when you're in your bed, in the dark... And then the minutes the lights go on it scurries away like a cockroach.
I can't remember what I was thinking.
This sucks.

No, hang on. Oh yeah, I was stressing out. Which is something I haven't done in a while. And the fact that I'm stressing out stresses me out. Because when I start getting anxious and negative about things, it all spirals downwards fast and there's little that can stop it from becoming a full blown depression. And those last me usually six months to about a year. I seriously don't need any more of that crap. That's what I'm trying to get out of, right? Right. So, snap out of it. I need to perk up right away. Gotta figure out how, though. Let's analyse the situation shall we. Chop it up into nice little bits and pieces and see if it makes more sense.

I feel ... unsettled. I'm not sure about what. Oh right, yesterday I was told I can't finish my paper this term, I'll have to wait for the next one. So is it about me disappointing myself YET again, like I do, over and over? By putting off getting in touch with administration, I've pretty much wasted this whole term. ....Usually I wouldn't really care about a wasted term, though. Who cares about terms and essays and all that, I don't even know what I'm doing anyway. I could as well drop out. Besides, this stuff always works out in the end.

Or does it? That's what I used to think, that's the attitude of "old" me. But now I'm trying not to be that girl anymore. I'm trying to be in control, to take responsibility for myself. And quite possibly, that's what stressing me out. Looking at this situation through the eyes of "responsible grown-up" Elin. Yes, it's intimidating, isn't it. What's worse is, I'm renting a students apartment, and if you don't actually study, you're not eligible to rent. If they do a checkup, I'll possibly get kicked out. Also, the student loans need to start being paid back if you stop studying - that, plus I don't actally have an income without the student loans. I've been living off my savings so far this term.

Maybe I can start some random class last-minute. I wonder if it's too late for that, though.

I think it's good timing that I started up this project of self improvement. It's helped me open up my eyes already, and even though it's scary as heck to be the one in charge of your life, it's something that everyone has to go through. It's called growing up.

YEAA LET'S DO THIS THING! <-- (less genuine than usual)


EDIT: Or maybe that's not the issue at all. Well ok, it might be some of the issue. But...

What if it's just my body having a natural reaction against this whole project? Being scared. Scared of change, I dunno. Scared of becoming... real. Facing the world, and not hiding in dream land like I have been for a long time. Yeah, that's what it feels like. I feel like I don't exist, almost. And it feels good, and it's comfortable and I love it. Honestly! I always loved not being noticed, to just watch everything and everyone and store them in my memory. Being forced to interact with my environment is something I don't do well. It's different on the internet, although to begin with I was just as prone to hiding from others in the digital world as I was in the real world. But I'm not scared of the internet anymore. Honestly, I think the forest and this community has helped me a lot. Especially the forest. Taking on the persona of Bloo, who is brave and strong, I felt I could be like that too. And I could. Sometimes I think she's who I was when I was about nine years old, before I was crushed by my fear of the world. Maybe she's who I'm supposed to be. I'd like to think that, because I like her.

All I know is, I'm sick and tired of being nothing. I want to be something. I want to be.. just.. normal. And if my guts find that frightening, then they can take a hike! Cause I'm doing this. I'm not going to waste my life being afraid and hiding. I'm gonna get out there and I'm gonna rule the world! YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! <-- (more genuine)

Sorry if this is all sounding really dramatic. It is though! It's really dramatic. Cool
For srs.

"And if my guts find that

"And if my guts find that frightening, then they can take a hike! " <- YOU TELL'EM!!!
Anjali's picture

Tracking! This is inspiring

Tracking! Smiling

This is inspiring ~ and in so many ways, familiar...
eyestrain's picture

I really do understand... I'm

I really do understand... I'm also smack in the middle of trying to grow up, to be the one in charge of myself and responsible for my future. It's terrifying. It's overwhelming. I like to hide when I can.
brd is a reflection of those feelings.
Unfortunately, the happiest, strongest face I have ever worn broke when our family dog passed- it was a persona I'd had for years based on her outpouring love. Without that brave and energetic face I often have to stop everything, regain my bearings, and spend time alone just to keep from breaking down. It's hard.

I want to go kicking and screaming the whole way to adulthood. I've been dragging my heels for years.

But when I'm not feeling so down, I can see it. The reason to become competent and independent. Because there are things I want to make, things I want to do. If I think about not doing those things I get so sad I can hardly stand it. Especially when I think of all the people who have supported and enabled me to come this far. It's too sad. So I want to get it together.


I hope you sleep well. Your classes are worth pursuing, you've put in the time and effort, and your time and effort are worth more than all the money in the world.
I like to think these kinds of little steps you're making are the ones that carry us the furthest.

with love
rt

I don't strive to be the best, but instead I strive to do my best, and always give it my all every time.
-faunet
Flyleaf's picture

I have the feeling you will

I have the feeling you will become stronger !! YOU can do it !!! Stay strong and don't get negative thougts get into you . And about the forest you are right , it helped me too to get rid of my shyness and to be more open !! Maybe this will help me in real life too ?
Be strong Exclaim I think you are .
Avatar @ Sluggs Siggy @ Amazegenalo
Bouncing Fly by Mary13
gurgelin's picture

Oh gosh I feel so awkward and

Oh gosh I feel so awkward and embarrassed today, with all that silly rambling I did last night. Oh, well.

I woke up his morning, still with that unpleasant feeling in my gut, and I can't shake it. Mr. Lalanne, what advice do you have for me?



Thank you, Mr. Lalanne, I feel a lot better now. I just love this man. Smiling So charismatic and positive and intelligent, and he always makes me laugh. That floor+chair+rest combo really did me well, too.

C.M., thank you for the track! It's really nice to know there are people behind me on this. Smiling

R.T., it's a relief to know I'm not the only one - even though I already know I'm not, because this is obviously something a lot of people go through. But having someone here, knowing and understanding, it makes me feel much better. I'm really sorry about your dog. And about the loss of your happy-face along with her. I wish I could tell you something constructive, but in honesty, I just understand how you feel too well. Funny how there's always some part of us that dies along with our loved ones. It's like that part of our being has their name on it and won't be replaced easily.

But we can't waste it, R.T!! We can't risk not ever stepping out of our comfort zones, and suddenly being bitter old women, regretting what we didn't do with our lives.

This is going to be harder than I thought. I've been in my comfort zone so long that I'd almost forgotten what it's like when you're not. The mild panic. Did it use to be like this? I can't remember.

Just my luck that it's raining. I was going to go for a run today, and hoping to get some sun with it. You know what, though, I'll still go for a run. In the rain. YESSIR! Frown

EDIT: Oh man I write so slow I could be out-ninjad by a slug on glue. Roland, thank you so much for the support. <3 I'm trying my best to be strong. It's too easy to start doubting myself, and to tell myself that even if I do this now, I'm still a bad person for having let things go this far. But it's no good to think like that. I have to stay focused on the positive side of things, and the change that I am making! I'm going to do this. And I'll prove to you it can be done, and you could do it too if you wanted! Smiling
Ourania's picture

Wow I'm like all over this

Wow I'm like all over this blog Shocked

"Thought of today: The only reason you're not doing something is that you're not doing it. I always feel like there's this huge threshold I have to get myself over every time I'm going to do something, like get started on essays, cleaning, etc. Like everything has to be perfect and feel right before I can get started. Bullshit! Just do it. It's that easy."

I have this same problem. Something has to be a certain way before I can do something or something has to happen, etc. Although sometimes it is true in my case but most of the time not.

This has inspired me to work on some goals of mine as well. Good luck with everything Gurgy and we're here to cheer you on!

Also, Neem soap? Is that made with Neem oil? If so, it's going to really smell horrible XD
Zyzzy's picture

This is a great idea I might

This is a great idea Smiling I might do one of these myself, if you don't mind me stealin' it. I could certainly use it to kick myself into better habits and grow as a person. We have so many of the same goals, its like a mirror xD And you're already getting farther than me in just a few days, haha! Good luck to you, I know you'll have it.
gurgelin's picture

Oura: Thanks so much! I'm

Oura: Thanks so much! Smiling I'm really glad you find some inspiration from it, too! Part of the idea was to inspire others, although I chickened out in the end and gave it a rather timid title. xD I think the problem about procrastination is something a lot of people have. It's so easy to say "I'm not feeling it right now" but to be honest, I don't usually end up "feeling it" EVER! It's a hard pattern to break, but in the end you just have to get over yourself. -u-;

I think so, about the soap! At least, it sounds very likely. It doesn't smell bad, though! It just smells like soap, mostly. I actually have a whole bunch of nice natural soaps that should be good for the skin, so I'm trying out each one over a period of time to see what works. Smiling The neem soap is quite nice~

Zyzzy: I absolutely do not mind whatsoever!! <3 In fact, I think it's spiffin' great. We'll be fighting buddies! Smiling Thanks for the support, and best of luck getting started on yours!
Butterbrot's picture

~track: definitely reading

~track: definitely reading this forever ^_____^

gurgelin's picture

This entry became soooo long,

This entry became soooo long, I need to learn how to not write so much! Short version; The day started out bad, but ended with spirits on top.

Woke at 10, feeling quite energetic, actually! Although still with that unsettled feeling of the day before.
Had oatmeal for breakfast (Yay, breakfast!)
Was stressing out badly, so I tried to calm down by doing some perler beading (did Bloo and my stag, they turned out kind of adorable tbh!) but it didn't help. Watched Jack Lalanne, and immidiately felt a lot better, but afterwards the dreary feeling returned. Decided to go running despite the rain - but in the end, it had stopped raining when I got out.
My running was... less than excellent. But that's to be expected, since I didn't do any excercise for what's probably... years? At least I got tired, and that's what counts! So long as you're feeling tired and can feel it in your body, you're doing good, no matter how ridiculously lame your actual running is.

I "ran" into the forest, and there I got distracted by this mysterious path leading up a hillside. So I went up there and started exploring instead. Following another path - very muddy and branches everywhere, I suddenly come face to face with three deer! Two does and a young buck, I think. It was quite a surprise, since I could still hear the sounds of the city and traffic not far away. I would've thought they'd have preferred being deeper into the forest. We stood there staring at each other for a while, but there wasn't really any tension in the air. Just us, there, relaxed in the forest, a casual meeting. They eventually walked off somewhere else, and I didn't follow, although I considered it.

Instead I went back up the hill, and tried to get a glimpse of what they were doing now, but instead I spotted another animal. There was a kitty making it's way across some old tree trunks, leaping across them up and down like it was nothing. It made me think, you may be a cat, but I'm a monkey! I can do that too! So I went to conquer the tree trunks, and I did, albeit clumsily, but then I caught sight of the cat again in the distance, and I called to it. I have a fear of cats, but at the same time, they're cute fluffy animals and so I both want to pet them, and run away screaming and flailing. It practically leapt at me when I called it, but somehow it wasn't scary at all. It kept trying to crawl into my crouched lap and getting itself squished by my poor balance, so I sat down and it went on my lap instantly, curling and tossing its little head around and nibbling on my fingers. It was probably the friendliest cat in the world. I have never been so thoroughly cuddled by a stranger. And she was so cute, because even though she would nibble on my arms and legs, it didn't hurt, it only felt affectionate. Even when she got a little overexcited and decided to attach herself to my arm with claws and fangs, it barely hurt a bit. Maybe I'm not afraid of cats anymore! Not all of them, at least. After lots of cuddling and (me) chattering, she eventually decided to chase some birds, but was sure to give me one last nuzzle before running off.

So I sat on my hilltop, attempted some back strengthening excercises, and then the sun started to come out, so I sat there resting in the almost-sunlight for a while, doing some breathing excercises. My new friend came back for more cuddles. Talk about cheering up! Sun, and nature, and a ridiculously cuddly cat. Eventually, I ran/jogged/walked home, hopped in the shower and to my great remorse accidentally washed a spider down the drain, had lunch at about 4 pm (quite late! shape up!). I had spinach soup and tofu.

My body is feeling pleasantly tired. Maybe I should go out running every day. After all, it's not like I'm doing anything else, now that my essay is screwed. I picked some fluffy catkin branches in the forest (off a FALLEN tree! naturally) and have put them in a big vase on the table.. It looks very nice and reminds me of the cute kitty, which I will henceforth call Coontail because of her pretty raccoon striped tail.

Later, my flatmate arrived with two friends, to have dinner before going out to a party. I didn't know about this, so I was a little taken aback, but it was all good. It doesn't bother me that much, so long as I don't have to be the first to approach. Besides, they weren't really interested in me, they just wanted to get their dinner on. I'd met one of them before, too - a guy who is actually very nice and tends to ramble about video games and anime that I've never heard of.
Later, when we're alone - him doing dishes, me at the computer - I run off into my room, chickening out of conversation, although we already spoke earlier in the evening when the two others were there too. I end up in this big comfy pile of blankets and towels on my floor, that I didn't put in their right places yet, and I almost fall asleep. But then it suddenly dawns on me, this isn't very constructive for my project! It takes a while, but I get out there again, and it's honestly not half awkward - apart from when I put on music and accidentally a Basement Jaxx song with lots of moaning and weird sounds comes on. Either way, he's easy to talk to, and he asks me, so do you ever get out and party? And I'm completely straight with him, telling him my difficulties with social stuff. And I'm really proud of myself for being up-straight about it, not just avoiding the topic like I could, out of feeling embarrassed of myself. Anyway, he says he understands, but that I should come along sometime. I told him thanks, but I probably won't. It's only later that I realize, it would be a very good thing for my project! So maybe I'll take him up on that offer. Or not. I don't know. I really don't like drinking and sweaty strangers and loud music that I can't dance to anyway. I'll have to think about how far I should push myself with this. It's one thing to be more social, but to force an activity on myself that I know very well that I don't enjoy? At-home parties can be nice though. I could do those.

Oh yeah, and I prepared dough for baking bread in the morning - although I lost track of how much flour I had put in, because I was talking to that guy, so I don't know how it will turn out. But still, ACCOMPLISHMENT! Smiling

[x]!! Have three meals every day.
[x] Cook at least one meal every day.
[x] Get 15 minutes of sunshine every day.
[x]!! Excercise every day.
[1] Go running at least twice a week.
[-] Apple Cider Vinegar bath once a week. ?
[x] Olive & Castor Oil hair treatments once a week.
[x] Neem soap for the face morning and evening.
[x?]!! Always do what needs to be done right away.
[x] Draw at least one picture every day.
[-] Try out a Raw Food diet
[x] Go to bed at 1AM at the latest
[x] Get up at 10 AM at the latest

To do tomorrow:
Laundry
Flowers
Finding out about raw food

Thought of today: Excercise makes everything better. So does getting out of the house.
Flyleaf's picture

You are doing great !! But

You are doing great !! But don't force yourself to do everything !! And don't do things you feel forced to .
Avatar @ Sluggs Siggy @ Amazegenalo
Bouncing Fly by Mary13
gurgelin's picture

Thank you! ^^ Yes, I think

Thank you! ^^ Yes, I think you're right. And there's no need to do everything at once. I can go slower and improve my health first.

Thanks for the track Butterbrot Smiling I hope I won't annoy you with my rambly entries. ^^U
Anjali's picture

Oh, how lovely to have such

Oh, how lovely to have such encounters with two different kinds of animals--it must mean something good for you. Everything has meaning. Smiling

I'm the complete opposite of a social butterfly, as well, so I think I understand how that feels. I'd like to spend more time with friends, but (1) partying/drinking are SO not my thing (2) I'm too shy and hesitant to go out and find people who don't like those things, either. Not to mention people who don't like those things seem in short supply around me...*looks for them under the rocks and bushes*

But yes, spending time outside can be wonderful. I spent quite a while out in the park today, reading from my favorite poet and watching the turkey vultures soaring in the air ~ I like the pleasantly sleepy feeling fresh air gives you.

I hope things continue to go well for you! <3
gurgelin's picture

I thought so too. Like "Is

I thought so too. Like "Is this a sign?" "Is this MAGIC?". Anyway it was great. ^^

Yes, I know that problem really well.. HOW to meet people? Even if I did something like taking a pottery class or something, I'd be too shy to approach anyone there and I'd just feel awkward and miserable. Sticking out tongue I wish there was some trick to learn on how to make friends. The only way I ever make friends is by either clicking with them from the first moment, or because they refuse to ever get out of my face. ♥

Sounds awful nice~ What in the world is a turkey vulture? It sounds like a creature from hell! O_O Who is your favorite poet? :]

Thank you kindly, and likewise! ^^
gurgelin's picture

The best Mike Oldfield song.

The best Mike Oldfield song. I am NOT kidding. Smiling


Isn't it good to know, you only get one go?
Give me a key and let me see, try and act normally
Seems it's an ancient art to be the one who starts it rolling
Wouldn't you like to know the way? Hear what the wise men say:


EDIT: I think my bread won't be very high on the edible scale.
Flyleaf's picture

I love Mike Oldfield too I

I love Mike Oldfield too Eye I am very shy to speak to people and i really would love to know a trick to make it easier for me and you Smiling
Avatar @ Sluggs Siggy @ Amazegenalo
Bouncing Fly by Mary13
gurgelin's picture

To-day... Woke at 10, began

To-day...
Woke at 10, began working my bread. It wasn't done until about noon, and then I had it for breakfast. It turned out ok, despite how pathetic the dough appeared this morning - and the fact that I forgot to set a timer.
Did laundry! While waiting for it, I was inspired by Anjali and decided to have a read in the "park", or rather the grass field between the student houses. I chose Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, a book I got as a gift from my ex boyfriend. I hadn't opened it till now, and I had even told him, "you know I don't read, right?" and he said "yeah but I thought you might read this one", and he was right. If there's a book I'd read then this is definately it. Anyway when I opened it a card fell out. Nothing was written on it, but it had a picture, of a bike's wheel that had been smoshed into the shape of a heart, and the caption was "Did the cyclist fall in love?".
It made me sad. It also made me happy. And... maybe.. determined?
I don't want to talk about this right now.

For lunch - which I had at 3:30, a minor improvement, - I decided to try raw food. I didn't follow a recipe, but most of the time it seems to be about taking vegetables, mixing them, and eating the goop it becomes. So I took what I had, carrot, zucchini, tomato and onion. I was expecting it to turn out rather gross, but it was actually pretty nice! It feels really fresh and healthy. Come to think of it, how could it be gross? Mixed vegetables will taste like mixed vegetables, duhh. The onion made the taste a little harsh though, so I won't use it next time, or at least only use a small bit.
Also had a realization, I need a blender. Using my stick blender wasn't very effective.
One problem I have with raw food, though - where is the protein? Sometimes the recipes have nuts and seeds, but it's far from all of them, and even then it seems very little. I had a good amount of oat milk to make up for it, but I wonder if milks are processed in a way that makes them unacceptable for raw food? If so, I won't care because I love my oat milk and I'm not giving it up. Frown
Also I'm worried that if I eat only raw food, I'll always feel hungry. Because it's not really that satiating. But I'll try it out for at least a week, regardless of how I feel about it. Starting now! I guess that means bread is out, too? Time for more research~
Anjali's picture

Turkey vulture They look kind

Turkey vulture
They look kind of like a combination of a turkey and a vulture, I guess. Not too pretty up close, but it's fun watching them soaring in big lazy circles from afar. We have lots around here.

I had an interesting encounter with an animal today, too...while walking back from yoga, a little mockingbird flew down a few feet from me, and we stood looking and cocking our heads at each other for a few moments. Then it flew up into a nearby tree; I followed and we both admired the sunny day for a while. It was like it was trying to tell me, Don't forget to quiet your mind sometimes, and just take in the world around you.

Have you ever tried yoga, Gurgelin?
My favorite poet is Mary Oliver. ^^ Many (though not all) of her poems are about the natural world.
gurgelin's picture

Findings of Raw Food

Findings of Raw Food research: (because I know at least one of you wants to know)

Raw food is maxed out nutrition. Cooking (heating) the food is only a very recent development in human culture, and it's not what the body was built for. Most of the important enzymes in the food are destroyed when cooked, as well as the vitamins and minerals. By eating your veggies raw, you get the maximum uptake of nutrition! Your body also reacts towards cooked food as though it's an infection, or something harmful, in the way that your immune system turns on to "fight it". They say rawfood will make your body and head feel less heavy and tired, you will have energy and a focused mind, as well as clearer skin and shinier hair. (Ooh shiny! Sticking out tongue) It's also very efficient for weith loss. (But that is so not what I want!)

  • The recommend daily intake is:
    70% rawfood (of which 80% is vegetables and 20% is fruit)
    10% protein (meat, fish, beans...)
    10% carbohydrates (rice, potato, quinoa...)
    10% fat (organic cold pressed oils, avocado, nuts...)

  • You should eat every three hours to keep your blood sugar even and your body provided with nutrients.

  • I'm interested in something they mentioned called wheat grass, which apparently has lots and lots of nutrients and even more protein than meat, fish or beans! It's easy to grow yourself, they said. I shall look into it more!

  • Cow's milk is apparently really really bad for your nutritional uptake. It creates this weird slime in your body, that attaches to your intestines and becomes an impenetrable wall that stops nutrients from making it through. I wouldn't drink it if I were you. But soy, oat and rice milk is a-ok!

  • The best sources of protein are spirulina, hemp seeds, olives, durian, sprouts and leaf vegetables. (Seriously??? Leaf vegetables and olives have protein? Cool. ♥ I know spirulina is amazing, but isn't it often toxic because of the polluted oceans? Hmm..)

  • OH HEY now they're saying evil things about potatoes! I refuse to accept it! Lalalala, I'm not listening~

  • A lot of health problems are caused by having a body that's too acidic. Vegetables are naturally basic and counter this.

  • Things to avoid in general: Caffeine, Sugar, Nicotine, Alcohol, High GI carbohydrates, Vinegar

  • Superfoods: Blueberry, Goji berry, Cacao bean, Maka root, Acai berry, Pomegranate, Physalis (goldenberry), Mesquite, Lucuma. These foods are loaded with good stuff! Unfortunately, many of them are pretty expensive here.

  • It seems like the recipes center around smoothies, juices, soups and snacks.


Although, I did find this:

I definately wanna try that!

Apparently I need to go for groceries again.. although I have no idea where to find all of these exotic sounding fruits and vegetables! I guess I'll just buy every single thing they have in store! This blenderlessness is starting to feel like a big problem, though.

After shopping: Dinner of mixed cucumber, salad, tomato, avocado, melon (?!), banana(?!). It tasted fine, but it almost made me even more hungry than before. I'm not feeling super keen on this diet, but they said it will make you feel a lot better in just a week - which was how long I intended to try it - so I definately need to see if it's true. Even so, I cheated by eating some bread, which was -ohsnap- baked and made with white flour. But I did bake it already, so I can't let it go to waste!

I also threw out the dead plants (yes I had dead plants on display!) and bought some new -living- ones. I chose plants with FLOWERS and it makes the room(s) nice and bright! I still need to get a few more, but I'll go to the flower shop for that.

Did all I was supposed to do, today. Except draw a picture, which I will!

Tomorrow is grand house-cleaning day! Smiling

Thought of the day: You reap what you sow. (So get plantin'!)
gurgelin's picture

Actually, that bird is kind

Actually, that bird is kind of adorable! *_*

Don't forget to quiet your mind sometimes, and just take in the world around you.
That is a MOST EXCELLENT thing for a bird to tell you! Shocked And what an encounter, it really *does* sound like the bird was telling you that. Smiling

I haven't tried yoga! At least, no more than imitating my sister when she once showed me how. I've been thinking about it, though. Would you recommend it? What does it do for you?

Will you read me one of her poems? C:
gurgelin's picture

So tired today, I'm not

So tired today, I'm not feeling this entry at all.
Cleaned ALL THE THINGS today. From the washbowl drain, to ALL of the toilet (even behind and under!), to the piping, to behind the desk, to the curtain rods, to the kitchen fan filter, I even vacuumed the WALLS where needed! From 9.30 AM to 7 PM. Ughhh~
So my flat is pristine! If my life was a comic book, the surfaces would be blinging. I'm so tired though. I took a well deserved bath (Apple Cider Vinegar! ♥) so now I'm squeaky clean too! I'm happy about all this cleanliness! But feeling a little bummed out. I dunno if it's just being tired, or -more likely- this raw food diet. It's said it will take the body a little while to adjust, and you go through "detox". Meh, it was supposed to give more energy not the opposite. Also, I'm starting to feel suspicious about the whole thing; many raw food enthusiasts strike me as extremists and somewhat loony. I won't judge until I've tried it out properly, though.
Flatmate wanted to bring friends over tonight, but I told her another time. I'm too tired and grumpy right now. Anyway, she already knows I don't want her bringing people over this often, it was part of the deal when I let her rent. I hate that I'll probably have to remind her. >_< Makes me feel like a jerk.

I did all that I should today, except get my sunshine. Was cleaning non-stop.
Tomorrow is: Student council thing, hospital, flowers?

Thought of today: Need to get more gears than just two or I'll run out of gas quick.
Zyzzy's picture

"ALL THE THINGS" I lol'd. xD

"ALL THE THINGS"

I lol'd. xD
Man, you were determined. 9 am- 7 pm? I can't convince myself to clean for one hour. If getting one thing done takes too long, the other stuff waits til tomorrow xD And usually by the time everything is cleaned, the first thing I did is already dirty again. I need to get in the habit of just getting everything done now.

I'm sure the diet will be hard on you for the first week or so... like you said, your body adjusts and then detoxes, and you might feel 'blah' for awhile. Keep it up though and there should be crazy benefits! Smiling

That said, I'm a doofus. I was gonna give you recipes, but all of it needs to be cooked xD If you still want them though, I'll get 'em for ya.
gurgelin's picture

It was too awesome a quote to

It was too awesome a quote to let it pass~ x3

I have two gears: Full speed ahead and total utter standstill. This is me at full speed ahead. Sticking out tongue I can become a little intimidating like this. ^^U
I know right, stuff getting dirty again!! D: It's a problem even when you do it all at once. I never see what's the point of cleaning when it will be back to messy in no time. Although, I'll admit it feels pretty nice to sit in this super clean and flowery environment. <3
Maybe I can keep it clean like this by cleaning up my messes right away from now on.. It should be easier to maintain now that the really gritty stuff is done. :3

Thanks, I hope so! Actually, I'm a little excited... I've read some people's experiences of trying raw food and they're saying it's really trippy and a huge change mentally, you become more aware of everything, and will start trying to change your life for the better. (But I was already doing that!)

Ahaha, yes oh but I was aware! Smiling I'd like them still please! I might not do them right now, but it's not like I'm never ever going to cook something again.
gurgelin's picture

Woke at 9 AM - dead tired.

Woke at 9 AM - dead tired. Snoozed till 10, when I forcd myself to get up, despite still feeling half dead. I wen't to bed early enough - not sure why I'm having this dip in energy. The food again, I guess. I'm a bit out of it. Spacing out constantly.

Oh, last night I began experimenting with sprouting seeds and stuff! So this morning I tended to them. I'm sprouting sesame seeds, red lentils, and flax seed. Sprouts are said to be tons more nutritious than just plain seeds. Also, it appears that part of raw food theory is that you should soak nuts and seeds some hours before eating them - this makes the seed "come alive", believing it's time to start growing - which is when its enzymes and nutrients become most easily available for consumption. (I'm simplifying the actual chemistry, but I don't think anyone cares.)
Anyway, nothing interesting has happened to my sproutlings yet. Maybe I'm doing it wrong.
I tried eating soaked sun flower seeds - they were really a lot more satiating than anything I've been eating so far. I couldn't eat more than half a deciliter before I'd had enough.
It appears neither the nurse or the student councillor are available today. Tomorrow, then. In fact, tomorrow at 11 am for the student councillor. I should think about what I want to ask her.

Anyway, instead doing what I thought I would, I took my bike to this "village" in the forest, where they have lots of farms, and a nice few eco-friendly stores. (I can't believe I was that exhausted from just a bike ride! Shame on me.) I went to the grocery-clothing-everything shop with lots of rare vegan, organic, natural and fair-trade items. Basically everything you could ever dream of wanting is there - unfortunately it costs a fortune. I got some stuff I felt were worth the price - some more seeds for sprouting, some fresh organic vegetables, and most exciting of all: a new shampoo and conditioner! They're both made on hemp and meadowfoam, and should be quite moisturizing. The shampoo I have right now -brown sugar- is nice, but my hair is getting really dry.

In the inner yard before the shops, there were a lot of high school students sitting in the sunshine, eating fruit and playing guitar. It looked nice. Apparently they're going to put up Robin Hood as a play on Friday. I won't go, because there's an entrance fee, but every Sunday there is a free live concert/show at 2 PM and I'm thinking I'll go see them all. The artists seem interesting enough, often folk or blues or experimental.
After my shopping, I sat on a bench in the sunshine. Lovely lovely hot fresh spring sun. The aura of that village is so wonderful... Peace. Maybe I'm fooling myself but I always thought that place was part of a friendlier world than in the city. Not so surprising maybe, since it's centered around an antroposofic school (Waldorf).
I thought about looking for a job there. In one of the shops, or maybe to help out some of the animal farmers. I've never worked before, which is pretty pathetic. I think spending more time in that village would be nice.
But then, I need to study something this term - if it's not too late.

I will do everything I'm supposed to, today. Which leaves: drawing, eating. Sleeping? Yes please
Zyzzy's picture

I want to live there, now. xD

I want to live there, now. xD It sounds like a really nice area... and it would be awesome if you could find work there! You know you'd like being there at least! Smiling
Toya's picture

*also wants to steal your

*also wants to steal your plan* May I post similarly?
eyestrain's picture

Thanks for sharing the raw

Thanks for sharing the raw food info.
You're doing great Gurgelin.

I don't strive to be the best, but instead I strive to do my best, and always give it my all every time.
-faunet
gurgelin's picture

Thanks Zyzz, yeah that's what

Thanks Zyzz, yeah that's what I was thinking. Smiling

Emily, please DO! Shocked Although I think you're doing a great job at living your dream already.. ♥

You're welcome, RRRRT! I'm happy to share. If you have questions, just ask - I have some further information. And thank you kindly. :]
Anjali's picture

Yes, I think you should try

Yes, I think you should try yoga, if you're interested. Smiling What does it do for you? Well, I guess the experience is different for everyone one...but for me, at least, it brings a greater body awareness. We often don't pay attention to how our body moves, and where exactly it holds tension/stress etc. Yoga lets you reconnect with your body, and teaches you its limits and strengths--and lets you gradually work through them. Yoga is also usually focused on your breathing, which is calming to both your mind and body. Plus, it can be a good workout! *sounds like a yoga advertisement*

Anjali's bio is built around one Mary Oliver poem (Sleeping in the Forest). This page has several good ones, including Sleeping in the Forest; I shall read them all to you. c;
gurgelin's picture

At the student councillor, I

At the student councillor, I was told it's too late to join any class now - at least in the English department. I was also told, that since my study break was (originally) due to sickness, I could write to the governmental student loan thing and explain the reason for my break, (and possibly similarly with the student apartment renty thing?) and they will accept it. Then I will need a doctor's certificate. I'm a little concerned, because the doctors never figured out what's wrong with me, so will they then really be able to give me a certificate?
BUT! I also do have some unfinished classes that I didn't turn in the last assignment for (out of boredom), and if I finish them now - if I'm even allowed to - then it will count as a class I finished THIS term. Then my problem is solved! So I will contact each of the teachers of those classes and see what they say.

I will do it later today, after "lunch", or "GOO" as I like to call it.

Honestly though, the GOO is kind of delicious. Fresh veggies and fruit are super yummy! At least when they're in your mouth - before that, I'm kind of *meh* about the whole thing, and keep thinking of delicious cooked meals that I feel like having.

The raw food people say that the symptoms of "detox" (but I think "readjustment" is a more accurate term) are:
Fatigue
Headaches
Cravings
Irritability

Check, check, check, and check! Apparently most people have their first detox staying at a raw food health center for a week, because it's so easy to cave in if you're doing it on your own. Good thing I'm stubborn as a mule, then! I should add that to my assets.. or is it a flaw?

I stopped by the flower shop at my way back from school. They had so many beautiful colorful things, it was hard to chose! I intended to get only flowery plants, but then came across some wonderful little things that smelled like nature, and I had to get them: thyme and lavendar. I got flowers, too, a bluebell-like thing called a browallia and a daisy-esque cineraria. I like them because they look like the forest - the kind of stuff you could find growing in a meadow. I hope I didn't make a big mistake and buy stuff that are meant to be kept outside, that would be a bummer. They do look very out-doorsy, and when I asked the seller how often to water them he said "depends on the weather".
I'll do my best to take care of them - if they start looking like they're dying, maybe I can take them into the forest and plant them somewhere it won't bother anyone. Wouldn't that be nice, having my own little patch of garden somewhere secluded and hidden in the forest? I don't think you're allowed to, though. I wouldn't want to disturb the natural flora.

They were actuallly selling venus flytraps, too! I was so excited to see them - I thought it would have been difficult to get my hands on one. I didn't get one right now, though, because I know how sensitive they are to touch, and my bags were going to be quite full. Also my kitchen isn't full of flies yet. Hahahaha.

Anjali, so that's why I recognized her name! I knew I had heard it somewhere. Thank you for the link, those poems are really nice ♥ I especially liked the message of Wild Geese. Sleeping in the Forest reminds me a bit of one of my favorite artists. I think you will like it too! Have a listen:



I know there is a yoga class in the forest village.. maybe I will look into it more. I've always been interested in it, but I'm so stingy about the money. Laughing out loud
Salome's picture

oh gurgelin! I wish I have

oh gurgelin! I wish I have such colorful flowers too! You really motivated me to buy more flowers for my room. I only have a bonsai..
-____-
So tomorrow I will go into the city and buy some flowers!

And the yoga class you maybe want to visit: It is really relaxing although the exercises are most of the time exhausting. I can only recommend the yoga class ♥

I love to read about your days ! Keep on writing =)
gurgelin's picture

Really? That's awesome!! I

Really? That's awesome!! I think it will make you happy to have flowers in your room! It's one of those things that will really brighten everything, but is often overlooked. Just remember to water them! Eye There is nothing more sad than a room full of dead flowers - which is what I have been living in for a long time. Sticking out tongue

Yoga is exhausting? That makes me even more interested! I think I really will look into beginning the class! Smiling

Thank you so much! ♥ I'm relieved to hear it. I keep thinking no one will read it because it's too much text. I don't want you to feel forced to read, though! Especially if it's bothersome. I just want to personally be able to look back on this and remember what I've been up to.
Salome's picture

Well now you know that I read

Well now you know that I read this regulary and I am glad that I can watch how you grow and try out new things.<3
Your doings are really motivating for oneself, you know.

And I think I will buy some lillys there are my favorite flowers (:
gurgelin's picture

!!!SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT!!! I

!!!SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT!!!

I came across a video on why and how it's dangerous for your health to eat meat, milk and eggs, and I thought I would share. This is a hazard regardless of whether or not you're overweight. It's in the form of a doctor holding a lecture.

Please understand that this is not about me pointing fingers or trying to guilt you about anything - this is about your own personal health and how it's put at risk if you have a high consumption of animal fats. I just want to make you aware. I want you all to be healthy and happy!


I realize it's a long video, and honestly I didn't watch all of it myself (but then, I don't need to) but if you would watch the first ten minutes, that would teach you a lot. (Or most interesting, from 3:00 - 12:00~)
There is also a point of interest at 47 minutes and forward, if you're interested in how to substitute proteins, kalciums and so on with vegetabilia. (It's very simple)
The middle part appears to be about statistics of sicknesses caused by animal fats. (I didn't watch this part closely so I don't know, there could be some interesting stuff there too.)

Anyone who is interested in what a vegetarian or vegan diet can be like, or would like advice on how to start one, I will answer all your questions. There's no time limit on this. Ask me whenever! Smiling
But first and foremost to just cut down some on those animal substances if you know you're eating a lot of them. There is no need to go all the way if that's a bigger sacrifice than you're willing to make.
Zyzzy's picture

It is fascinating to me how

It is fascinating to me how bad meat can really be for the body, especially since humans have been eating it for millenia. You'd figure we would've at least adapted by now xD

I was a vegetarian for a long time, and looking back on it now that I eat meat again, I can see a lot of differences. I've always had a pretty strong immune system, but when I was veggie I didn't even get colds. In the past year alone I've had flus and colds and infections like nobody's business. I had more energy, even though I didn't change any other habits(but, in my defense, I was also in marching band, and marching big-ten style while playing an instrument for 3 hours 3 days a week + games, festivals, parades etc. will certainly keep you in shape! xD I don't exercise much now). There were other differences, I just cant think of them and don't want this to turn into an essay, LOL. I am definitely trying to keep a good balance between meat and fruits/veggies/grains, and I'm trying to eat a lot healthier too(mmm, sushi), so hopefully it'll go a long way towards helping Smiling
gurgelin's picture

Having a mild panic, or on

Having a mild panic, or on the verge of it. Randomly came across the description of bi-polar/uni-polar... and immediately felt a connection. Long periods of depression, upon periods of happiness, upon periods of more depression? Sounds like me. It also said you're at higher risk if you have schizophrenia in the family - which I have. I am freaking out. I am freaking out.
And the more I read, the worse it gets - my heart is racing and I have this hot burning sensation going up my neck, something I'm familiar with from before, it doesn't mean anything good. I'm not sure how analytical my brain is managing to be at the moment. Mom says reading these things are like reading horoscopes - there'll always be something in it that fits your situation and it's easy to blow that out of proportion (no offense to horoscopes).
It does say, in the case of bi-polar, that you have periods where you're manic and hyperactive, and I don't have those. Except for right now, I've never done much but sit at home. And even now, I have to push myself not to. And deciding to shape up your life shouldn't be a sign of poor mental health, should it? No, I'm not hyper.
Uni-polar then? I don't dare to read...
And then I think, or what if it IS schizophrenia? I do have some trouble stringing a sentence together without tripping over the words, I'm known to be extremely lethargic and emotionally disconnected..
No, wait. Lethargic? In a way, maybe, yes, in the sense that I spend all my time in front of the computer. But I manage to get myself excited over things on the web, right? Except during periods of depression. Emotionally disconnected - yes.. no? I'm both very sensitive and super hard skinned. Which one to chose? And schizophrenia is closely linked with hallucinations and strange ideas, right? Oh right, I do have strange ideas. Are they strange enough, though? Ughhhh. I could drive myself insane with this reasoning. ....Ahahaha. "Insane", huh. Good one, subconscious. Seriously, I need to stop trying to diagnoze myself, when I know it's only causing me harm. I hope I can sleep tonight, without panic attacks.

In other news, I am able to finish at least one of my unfinished classes! I need to take an exam (or rather, write a long essay at home during a short period of time), but I'm not prepared for it at all, and now it seems like my teacher wants to send the exam my way ASAP. So tomorrow is cram-time.
(And I'm still completely out of it.. I can't focus on anything. I won't set the alarm tomorrow, in case I need that rest.)

Sorry for the lack of feedback at the moment. I hope it's ok.
Also sorry for this weird entry of ramble - I'm not proud of it. But I want to keep it here for the sake of not leaving things out.