It has certainly been an eventful time.
I've gone to the Belly Dancing Try for free, day.  LOVED IT! Big fun.

I was going to join and go into the city to do the classes. But it's ended up, where I have a couple of friends who come twice a week and we do it here at my home or we go to theirs, and have a shared raw feast after.

Such fun. All that feminine energies, thick in the atmosphere. I absolutely love bellydancing.

As for my eating. I have been eating for sometime, macrobiotic eating. I love Japanese foods.  And for some reason it has really helped.

But now I am leaning again back to raw. I love the freshness of it all.
I am feeling good but alittle tired, I've been working so hard.

I thought today that alittle more time outdoors in the fresh air, somewhere like the beach would be a great place to do some yoga, meditate and then go for a swim.

I am making a more deliberate attempt to bring in a more de-stressing atmosphere. We've been picnicing it alot lately. Love it.

Last months goal for us personally as a family was to do away with compulse buying. And what moneys we would spend on items in general was popped away in our little treasure chest that we have for the moneys.

We saved $300 dollars! Thats 4 weeks worth, of just not getting items that really feed a vanity or a unproductive hunger.

That was very surprising to see we saved so much.
This months goal is to try to avoid buying any items that are pre-wrapped.
Well that is pretty much everything!!!

I found that there isn't much left to be able to buy that isn't already wrapped.
Fruits & veg - easy, buy from a market style set up and bring pre-used plastic bags to put fruits in for weighing.

But things like cleaning products, headache tablets, shampoos & soaps.
WOW....challenge!!!

So I guess the next step is to try a Co-op. That...am learn to make it ourselves.
Love the thought of that!.

Another interesting thing that has been on the discussion table is the thought of going 'off the grid' for the rest of the year and journal our discoveries.

This was an eye-opening thing for us this week. We just didn't realise just how much we take for granted, when it comes to the use of electricity!

We've been looking up some sites, where people, groups, have put information down about how to go 'off the grid'.

And it's interesting. Did you know Daryl Hanner, (sorry if wrong spelling).....the woman from the movie 'Splash' and is in 'Kill Bill'.

She apparantly lives off of the grid! As well as a few other famous people.
I didn't know that!  So that's been the topic.

Only thing is. We don't have the money for fancy solar power panels and money to buy 12-20 batteries to store power at home.

But it is still do-able. And we've already started.
We discovered the power of solar cooking, by just getting a cardboard box.

Lining it with alfoil. Putting it outside in direct, all day sun. Putting a black pot,(any pot, as long as it's black-coz black absorbs heat). With a lid.

And you pop what ever food you want to cook up in it and it will cook, slowly.
If you set up a couple others, you can heat water for herbal teas. One for rices, etc.

This is great for those in the family who eat cooked meals.
For lights. We have collected small jars like salsa dip jars, or jam jars and you pour any cooking oil in it.

Like vegetable oil or olive oil. I use vegetable oil. Cheaper.  Olive oils too good to burn. But then what goes into making vegetable oil? That be more damaging to the enviro, I don't know yet.  Must look it up. At least olive oil can be made at home. Or can it?  Hmmm........ thoughts anyone?

Get some cotton cord from lincraft or spotlight. They come in all different thickness. The thicker the bigger the flame. But they may use up more oil.
I bought 6 metres, for .49 cents per metre.

Then get either a piece of cork or save all the shells of the tea-lights that you may have at the end when the tea-lights has been used.

Pop a small hole thru the bottom. Thread your cord thru. Put that inside your jar and let float ontop of the oil. Wait a few minutes til the oil absorbs up the cord.

Then voila....light. You can colour the oil too. Your imaginations can run wild in creating different looks.

The thing is. If your jar is tipped over. It immediately goes out. So there's no risk of a fire starting. Only if theres something hanging too close over the lit flame.

We turned off our mains in the first week of Feb. That was interesting to see how often we do actually go to the toilet and flush. To flush, we used the water from the washing machine or from our sink when we did the dishes.

Our water came for our rainwater tank.

And at the end of the week the boys said it would be better to make a compost toilet here at home, and use the water from the washing machine and sink to water the garden instead.

Then the topic of the washing machine came up. We'd have to find another way to wash our clothes. Either by hand completely or make a tub of some kind with a hand adgitator.

We 'googled' that too and found out about the 'Amish' people and how they have lived 'off the grid' for hundreds of years, and still do!

That was interesting to read about.
So yeah..........there you go.  We are in for an interesting ride.

Hi Greenmum,

You are doing really well. Persevere. And be kind to yourself.
It definately is an eating choice that can't be rushed.

It's being as consistent as you can throughout the day that will be beneficial.
I had always obsessed with foods and worried that I could never eat any other foods that were junk again.

And when I did that. All I achieved was a rebellion that began to rise up within me.
I really believe it's how we choose to view our choices that makes the differences.

Now, I don't look at non-raw foods as forbidden. I look at them for what they are.
They are not as good food choices compared to raw.

And when I looked at them in that light. My desire to consume those foods, is alway easily overcome.

Because, really deep down, I know they are not food choices that are going to help me heal. And I REALLY want to heal.

You can do this, Greenmum. In fact you already are.
Each day is a step made stronger.

And breaking it all down into baby steps is another pearl of wisdom, that I was given. I figure it's like becoming an athlete or  working toward becoming a recognised artist.

They all have to do training. Working everyday to push themselves that like bit further. And then sometimes starting right from scratch as if it was their first day.

And that's what starting out in Raw eating is like and even when you've been raw for sometime, this still happens.

You're training yourself to learn to maintain it.  It's mostly our minds that need the readjustment of thought.

In the earlier days of trying to go raw. I did go back and add some protein, like chicken. And it was what I needed at the time. But then very soon after. I began to notice the difference of how I was feeling.

And that was one of the keys to making it a habit. Learning to listen to your body is a key factor in successful transition.

I didn't know whether I'd be feeling anything at the start. But it didn't take long until I learn what my body was saying. And it does happen, for everyone.

There was a very distinct difference of how I felt in my body and mind when I'd eat all raw or have raw and meat.

And raw is awesome, light, energising, fresh, and the visual benefits of how it has been changing my body is very noticeable.

When I ate meat. I felt heavy, tired, low in energy and very quickly hungry again. And because I liked the juices, I began to crave the fat and the skin of the chicken alot. 

And the worse I felt. Mind you there are healthier ways to prepare chicken, than what I did.

 The weight began to come back on, the pimples came back, my skin looked dull, and my eyes lost their brightness.

And it was those around me who told me the physical changes that they were noticing and it didn't.....I didn't look good.  My oldest son said that I lost that glow in my skin.

I thought.  What!!!!  I was glowing???  And the whites of my eyes were really white?

Headaches returned and I thought.....NO WAY am I going to put up with one more migraine. I had lived with migraines and popping headache tablets for YEARS and because of that my doctor said my liver was not good. So back to all raw I went.

It shocks me at times when I think of how far I have actually come in my life and how much impact my health choices have made to my body.

That motivates me to hold to it.
And that's going to be like that for you.  You'll look back a few months down the track and amaze yourself of just how far you've come after trying.

I did find it very expensive at the start. But then as I gave up more unhealthy habits and shopping at the supermarkets. I have now found it cheaper to eat raw.

The prices of oranges at one of the supermarkets like Foodland or Bilo was just incrediably pricey. Then I discovered some smaller establishment that sold cheaper produce. And even better in quality.

My goal is to shop definately more organic. That or grow it. I don't always get organic but when I can get my hands on it. I do.

So now I'm attempting to grow as much as I can. You mentioned that you know alot about growing things. That is brilliant. I know the basics and look forward to getting good at it too.
In good time.
Nudgy

WALKING IN THE STEPS OF A GODDESS

Juices running down my chin
Loads of fruit peels spilling out the compost bin

Apple, oranges, kiwi and pear
Munching all the pineapple I want with out a care

Glowing skin, whitey white teeth
I'm moving free in my clothes...underneath

Bright eyes, sweet breath, glowing strong hair
Loosing all my celulite...especially down there

Reshaping my butt, sweating toxins free
My shape, my mood!!!  ........how can this be?

It's beyond a miracle, mind boggling.....how calm I feel
I'm said to be always smiling with a new refreshing zeal

No looking back, non-depressing days
Everydays a new sunrise, blaring my blues away

I'm walking in the eye of the storm
Untouched, empowered, glorious form

Everywhere I walk, the ground is dry and cracked
But as my bare feet touch the soil, the grass grows back

I'm seeing green, blues, reds and yellow
Colours everywhere, calm skies, an atmosphere so mellow

I'm relishing within my skin, what may lay ahead
Looking now with excitement, knowing I'm well fed

Things have seemed to slow right down and I notice more
All the life buzzing around me, right out my front door

Take me gliding over the ocean, like a kite so free
Or let me ride on the back of a bumble bee

I'm seeing this world in a completely new way
I'm looking forward to waking each and every day

Ahhhhhh.....sweet Jen!
How are you doing, sweetheart.  Great to read you popped in to say hi. 

YEAAAAHHHH   EXOTIC or what??!!!   I'm going to the 'Come n' Try' day at a belly dance in the city, Franklin street, on the 20th Jan.

The studios name is Arabique or something like that.  Sorry on the spelling.....can't seem to find the pamphlet that had it's name on.

Hmmmm.....some where here!  lol

I find myself mesmerised when I watch belly dancing. I so love it. Gorgeous!!!!!

Hey there Jungle,

Just read your journal to date.  And found your journey very inspiring and motivating to read.

You have such a warmth and a glorious vision for your personal progress toward self-betterment.

I'm dancing on the inside.  Welcome to a great family of friends.
It is so great to read another person stepping into the sunlight and going natural.

Way to go, girl.
I'm amazed at how much diverse foods you really eat!!!  Wowee.....that is brilliant.
It all sounds so delicious.

Mmmm...coconut.  Lick of the lips. Creamy nut.  Yum!
I look forward to reading more of your journey.

I giggled about the kitchen.......THAT'S EXACTLY what I'm doing over the weekend....going through all the cupboards and discarding all excess, unnecesary items.

I like a clean, crisp, fresh, oil and grease free kitchen (de-fating the kitchen from animal produce. Can't completely because youngest son is meat eater  :-) . NUDGY

Hey Jen, sweet beautiful, vibrantly glowing Jen.........ehehehe

Great to read that you are doing backflips in your personal journey and learning to love life more.
The outing at the beach sounds divine.

I REALLY love the sea.
What a relieve to know that the lad who was rescued was o.k.  Poor fella.

LOL.......sounds like belly dancing has touched a soft spot in you too.....lol

Brilliant.
I am all for the 'avocado salad' .......sounds shmick!!
I would of loved to be there for your Goddess getaway.

quote]I read a quote the other day that said "Goddesses are just angels with bigger boobs" Hehehe.[[/quote]

   Thats different!!!

Caitlyn looks so adorable. So pretty.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family.
LOVE ya
NUDGY

BOOM truutsha BOOM truutsha BOOM truutsha  (drums)

I'm dancing already.....whoaa   check out my hips....they're shimming.....hehhee

I LOVE shopping.  Better yet.... I LOVE making stuff.  So yeah....making a pair of beautiful earrings would be so much fun.

I have to say my favorite bellydancing style is Tribal Fusion.
I've seen some amazing 'Gothic Tribal' dancings....and so being a Goth at heart...I LOVE it.

But I know there are some who don't consider it to be an authentic style...and thats o.k with me.

I absolutely find 'Rachel Brice' to be very captivating.  You can find her on youtube, if you want to sample a bit of her dance.

Gorgeous.....she dances like a graceful snake. 
Anyhoo......CherryBomb....I do look forward to meeting up with you in 2008. 

Hope you are doing well.  I haven't heard from you for a while and hope you are alright.  Then again...it is a busy time of the year. Miss you.

And Hi to everyone else here too on the Forum.
MERRY CHRISTMAS

((((((GROUP HUG)))))))))    Kisses alround.

Hey Emi,

Wowee girl!!  you are amazing.  hehehehe
I love reading up on your journey.

Its so good that new things are happening for you & your family.
I'm cheering for you.

Hey!!  Merry Christmas too by the way.....just thought I'd add it before I forget or just in case I don't get a chance to pop back and wish you the best Xmas eva.

Love ya sweetcheeks.
NUDGY

Wow...!!!!!!   Mumma May!!  You look stunningly beautiful. You have come a LONG way and overcome EVERY obstacle. I'm so proud of you. It warms my heart to know you take your health and well being to heart.  And it really does show. You look amazing.
NUDGY

Way to go girl on your detoxing. I am stunned at your determination, not to mention you increasing progress....health wise.

As I progress in my own journey, I often wonder what may lay ahead of me when I go thru detox.  And reading up on your sharing, helps.

It doesnt make it such a frightening experience when others share, like you have and are.
Thanks Suay for your openess.  Love ya lots and thinking of you.
Will like a candle for your healing.
NUDGY

It is exactly that........isn't it?  Canned foods is poison.
Long gone are the days of eating canned spagetti on toasted....hehehehe

garfield: When you mention 'spiritual discipline'.  Is this done together with your raw eating or is raw eating the spiritual discipline?

Curious.
NUDGY

AAAAAAAAHHHHH .....Shucks....Thanks girls.
It is great to be back.
I have been smiling, ever since I found this site and all of you wonderful people.
I never thought in my wildest dreams that health can be obtained by definate, clear, easy food choices.

I've been reflecting alot in the past 3 weeks about all that I've gone through up until this point in my life and it just is mind boggling.

I can't seem to make and real connection as to how this radical lifestyle ever came into being.  This way of eating....would have never been even attempted back then by me.

I would of passed it off as a loony thought.  But here I am.....munching away, eating it raw, eating it clean and fresh.

Spins me out, just thinking about it like that.  hehehehehe
Thanks so much girls for your words.
Love ya lots.
NUDGY

  Sounds shmick..... We'll do our best to be there.
Look forward to it.
NUDGY

Ohhh yes please.  Add me too.
NUDGY