ATXcellent Adventure...

My Little Sister & I did the ATXcellent Adventure last weekend! The event was similar to the Amazing Race on TV, but on a smaller, more tolerable level. We had 12 clues to find a specific landmark and each time we'd find a destination, there would be a physical or mental challenge. We ended up getting 11 out of 12 in the allowed time! (3 hours) I was SO sore afterwards!!














If you can come up with all 12 answers, I'll give or make you something! I'll let you know that all of these are fairly close or in downtown Austin, since we were on foot.

1. On the shores of the Colorado, there's a fungus among us.
2. Between 9 & 10, West end swingers park it here.
3. Need some thule? How about some marmot? From sea to summit, your vacation starts here.
4. The best friend you've never met can be found near the start of this adventure.
5. You could search the whole world over and not find another place where a wall of green grows beneath the ice.
6. Wendy, John, and Michael have run off to play with their favorite friend - can you help Nana find them?
7. If you have a crush on a sweetie, you may be able to catch them here.
8. Near Hut's, but far better than the other Hut.
9. Move over Eve & Jill, these guys are riding tandem towards the springs.
10. Spring to the front of the line, this little choo-choo is waiting for you!
11. Over the last 500 years, I've seen tribes gathered, promises made and broken, and tasted the bitterness of unrequited love.
12. The train leaves the station at noon - hurry back for your final challenge!

Uncomfortable? Final Day

I'm sure you're even happier than I am to see my final post on this topic! I'll make it short & painless...

Our Schlitterbahn excursion has been changed to next week. I finally broke down and shared my incredibly personal problem with my friends on Monday. They were gracious and said they were totally fine with rescheduling. I felt completely relieved!

(here comes a word I've been wanting to use)

Whilst my little experiment was not completely successful, there were no negatives, only positives. It definitely lowered the cramps and pain, it was the "lightest" it's been in years, and my body feels strong and healthy from my diet and exercise!!

Uncomfortable? Day 2

So far, so good. I got up this morning, drank some cold raspberry leaf tea that Carl steeped overnight for me and ate some yummy granola. Then I went for a run...only 2 laps + 2 walking because it was flippin' HOT already.

After that I did 40 sit-ups, 20 twists and 10 back-bends before we went to a soccer game. We roasted like veggies in tinfoil, but it felt good to be out in the sun! Lunch was delish at Blue Dahlia Bistro: hummus/tomato/avocado/white cheddar sammies on homemade wheat bread with freshly brewed lemonade.

This afternoon I baked vegan raspberry shortbread and then for dinner I cooked vegan spaghetti bolagnese. Ran another 2 laps + 1.5 walking and did 100 tummy crunches!

I told Carl that if this experiment doesn't work, at least I'll be in sexy shape. ;)

Uncomfortable?

Aren't awkward topics fun? I've never been one to shy away from sharing personal details, but this one might be a little too close for some people's comfort. I apologize in advance. :)

We've been planning on going to this big waterpark called Schlitterbahn this coming Tuesday with a bunch of friends. And holy crap, guess what just happened...I started my period. Awesome. Not.

Now while most people would've just tricked their body with birth control pills, I am completely against taking pharmaceuticals. They are a scary epidemic in this country, but that's another blog...

So I spent this morning researching natural remedies for shortening it up. Turns out there are several homeopathic options to help! Strenuous exercise, primrose oil, and red raspberry leaf tea. Avoid dairy & meat (not a problem for me) because of the extra hormones.

So the first thing I did was go for a run. I ran 3.5 laps around our condo complex and walked another 2. It's quite peaceful jogging by yourself, you notice a lot of things that normally blend in to your surroundings. I noticed pretty purple flowers blooming, people out walking their puppies, and the way a cactus garden is better for catching stray trash than it is for beautifying.

Then I came back into the AC and did 20 sit-ups, 20 superman lifts, 20 tabletops, and 20 body twists. A shower was absolutely necessary at that point.

So now I'm off to Whole Foods to buy some red raspberry leaf and primrose oil. I'll update this blog again with my progress, so hopefully no one's too creeped out. ;)