I don't do as much writing as I should. I say this, not because I'm not bringing in enough money writing (which I'm not) but more because I feel happier when I express myself and put it out there for the world to consume through their eyes, and I haven't been doing that as much lately!
But part of the reason I don't do as much writing as I should is because I live a very busy, sometimes chaotic existence between working odd jobs, nannying, singing, acting, modeling, doing promotional work, making art and arts and crafts, public speaking, and things going wrong left and right. I do seem to get kicked when I am down about 99% of the time, and I have to work harder and longer hours at more jobs to make less money than I would at one "GOOD" or "NORMAL" job. Ugghh...
Some say I bring it on myself, and that is slightly true. I am a hippie, bohemian, free-spirit after all; I am a freelancer, an artist, a creative-type. I am not a 9-5, cubicle sitting, paper-pushing, follow someone else's orders all the time kind of person. Never have been, (pretty sure I) never will be. Not that I can't work for/with others. I can. I am just a person who needs a lot of flexibility, creative freedom, and honestly, the ability to do more than one thing. I have way too many ideas swirling around in my head to be tied down to one profession.
I am a hard worker (which seems to surprise some people who believe that all hippies are dirty and lazy) and I DO push myself to do a lot in a day. It's just that... where I am now, even what I AM doing isn't enough. It's not enough to feel satisfied, it is not enough to pay the bills... it's just not enough.
I look back at when I was a teacher and I cannot believe how different things are now. I was bringing in $1800 every two weeks at my first teaching job. Plus I had benefits, insurance, investments... My medical issues could be managed, if my car broke down, I could fix it, I never had a problem paying RENT... NOW, I am lucky to bring in $475-$575 a MONTH!! I'm not less of a hard worker, I am not less smart than I was (if anything I am wiser) and I always do quality work. But because I am a freelance creative spirit - a writer, actress, musician, model, artist, odd job Queen - I struggle. Because I am a hippie, bohemian, free-spirit below the poverty line - I struggle. Because I am a girl who grew up below the poverty line, "bettered herself" by going to college, and racked up over $30,000 in debt - I struggle. Because I am young and have EDS-hypermobility, CFS, Fibro., cysts, anxiety, bipolar, chronic UTIs, allergies, and a gluten-intolerance but "look fine" and have no insurance - I struggle.
I struggle! And when I struggle, I often end up making myself struggle more. I become my own worst enemy. I get bogged down by all the bad, and I work HARDER, not SMARTER... burning myself up from all ends. I take too much on, I extend the hours that I keep, I do way more reading and research than actual writing and I make list upon list of things to do, most of which I never even get to. I waste a lot of time and energy. But then, somehow, I BURST THROUGH!!! Like a beacon of light on the foggiest night, I will emerge victorious!!! And for that brief moment - whether it is actually writing something and getting it out there, paying a bill, getting a new job, getting booked for a movie, etc. - I feel as though the possibilities are endless; like I can do anything.
And the truth is, WE CAN do just about anything. We humans are AMAZING creatures. We just cannot be our own worst enemies. We have to live with a sense of purpose and drive and work hard to achieve our dreams. We have to believe that we can make it through anything. I mean, really... what's the other option? Give up, lay down, and die? No thanks.
I push and I fight. I do. Hence why I am writing this now. I remind myself what all this means to me; the blog, the people I've met, the people I've helped, the writing, the freedom, the creativity, the art, the rewarding hard work, the joy... and so when I am not writing as much as I should (as I have been doing...) I come here, back to the beginning, to the MAIN BLOG, my roots... and I remind myself. And I write, and the words fly from my fingers as they move across the keys and I reboot, revitalize, and am reborn yet again into my ever crazy hippie, bohemian, free-spirit world!
And so it won't matter that I don't make what I made as a teacher, or that my rent is 2 months behind, or that I don't eat every day...
WHY?
Because money doesn't fuel my life, a secure job doesn't do it for me either, and I don't care if I eat everyday or get regular sleep. I am an ARTIST! A creative soul! A HIPPIE, BOHEMIAN, FREE-SPIRIT who just needs to be revitalized from time to time and reminded that THIS is what matters - the creativity, the love, the peace, the helping of others, the release, the feeling of really knowing who you are...
So hopefully this means I will be writing more again. I'm definitely ready for another rebirth. ;)
Peace and Love,
Meagan
Showing posts with label gluten-free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gluten-free. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Monday, November 29, 2010
PonchoMeg's Thanksgiving Weekend of Greatness
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday (if you are in a place where you celebrate Thanksgiving that is... otherwise, I hope you just had a wonderful weekend). My weekend was pretty stellar.
It all started on Wednesday for me actually, as I had to prepare my very own gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner to take to my mom and dad's house. My mom bought me groceries so that I would be able to make it all, and I am so grateful for that. So yes, Wednesday, I started cooking. I made the GF spinach and artichoke dip and GF bread. It was fun, and... a success!
On Thursday morning, I got up early, made half of my bread into gluten-free stuffing, stuffed my GF turkey (there is meat with gluten in it, believe it or not), and got my turkey in the oven. While it cooked, I did laundry, watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the dog show, did some writing, and reflected back on Thanksgivings from my past. It was awesome!
Finally, once everything was cooked and ready, I hauled it out to my parents' house and got to have a nice, family dinner with my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, and Kiki (my parents neurotic but lovable calico cat). We also watched home movies and played Scene-it Squabble
(girls won!). It was a great time.
Friday was fairly uneventful, but I did get to see my former roommate, A. (who I miss constantly) so that was cool. Oh and I faxed my stuff back to the unemployment office again. (Hopefully this time everything is clear and I can get paid.)
Saturday, we celebrated my dad's birthday early (his actual birthday is today) by taking him to see "Megamind" (WAY good movie, btw) and eating dinner at Outback Steakhouse . Why Outback? Well, originally, we were going to go to Applebee's, but they don't have a gluten-free menu. Outback does, and has great food all around. Plus, my dad got a free Birthday sundae (and no singing or clapping, which, as someone who used to work in the food service industry, he finds to be embarrassing and degrading) so that was good. After that, I got to hang out with my friend Chin and a few other friends and we watched The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
. It is a WAY funny movie! If you haven't seen it yet, check it out.
That leads to Sunday. Sunday was another awesome day. Will's parents took us to see the Children's Ballet Theatre production of "The Nutcracker"
. And with that, the Christmas season officially started for me. It was awesome. Sunday night we hung out with some friends and watched "The Walking Dead,"
which, if you aren't familiar with it, is an amazing show on AMC. I am so into it, but there's only one episode left in the season I think! Ahh!! What will I do!?!?
Then this morning, I had an interview. An interview!! Oh, I am so excited. It's been awhile since I've had an interview, so that was amazing. Not only that, but the place is awesome! If I get the job, I will be teaching but without having to constantly fight for my job or for validation like I've had to do in the past as a music educator. Wow... that would be so awesome...
![Pilot [HD]](http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B004426842&tag=poncthem-20)
Anyway, now I am home, ready to work on some writing (even if I get this job, I'll still be doing my writing). But I also have to prepare for my second interview tomorrow. (That's right, they want me to come in for a second interview! Ahhh!!! :) haha) Also on the agenda for tomorrow... watching myself on Detroit 1-8-7
! Yes, that's right: the episode that I was a part of is airing tomorrow at 10:00 pm (Eastern/Standard time) on ABC! I am SOOOO excited! If you watch Detroit 1-8-7, look for me and my car. My car is a maroon/wine colored Saturn Ion that should be in some shots and I am wearing a goldish-brown dress coat over skinny jeans and a printed shirt. Good luck spotting me! haha
Well, I think that's about it. But before I go, I'll leave you with a few new websites to check out:
On Thursday morning, I got up early, made half of my bread into gluten-free stuffing, stuffed my GF turkey (there is meat with gluten in it, believe it or not), and got my turkey in the oven. While it cooked, I did laundry, watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the dog show, did some writing, and reflected back on Thanksgivings from my past. It was awesome!
Finally, once everything was cooked and ready, I hauled it out to my parents' house and got to have a nice, family dinner with my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, and Kiki (my parents neurotic but lovable calico cat). We also watched home movies and played Scene-it Squabble (girls won!). It was a great time.Friday was fairly uneventful, but I did get to see my former roommate, A. (who I miss constantly) so that was cool. Oh and I faxed my stuff back to the unemployment office again. (Hopefully this time everything is clear and I can get paid.)
Saturday, we celebrated my dad's birthday early (his actual birthday is today) by taking him to see "Megamind" (WAY good movie, btw) and eating dinner at Outback Steakhouse . Why Outback? Well, originally, we were going to go to Applebee's, but they don't have a gluten-free menu. Outback does, and has great food all around. Plus, my dad got a free Birthday sundae (and no singing or clapping, which, as someone who used to work in the food service industry, he finds to be embarrassing and degrading) so that was good. After that, I got to hang out with my friend Chin and a few other friends and we watched The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
. It is a WAY funny movie! If you haven't seen it yet, check it out. That leads to Sunday. Sunday was another awesome day. Will's parents took us to see the Children's Ballet Theatre production of "The Nutcracker". And with that, the Christmas season officially started for me. It was awesome. Sunday night we hung out with some friends and watched "The Walking Dead," which, if you aren't familiar with it, is an amazing show on AMC. I am so into it, but there's only one episode left in the season I think! Ahh!! What will I do!?!?Then this morning, I had an interview. An interview!! Oh, I am so excited. It's been awhile since I've had an interview, so that was amazing. Not only that, but the place is awesome! If I get the job, I will be teaching but without having to constantly fight for my job or for validation like I've had to do in the past as a music educator. Wow... that would be so awesome...
Anyway, now I am home, ready to work on some writing (even if I get this job, I'll still be doing my writing). But I also have to prepare for my second interview tomorrow. (That's right, they want me to come in for a second interview! Ahhh!!! :) haha) Also on the agenda for tomorrow... watching myself on Detroit 1-8-7! Yes, that's right: the episode that I was a part of is airing tomorrow at 10:00 pm (Eastern/Standard time) on ABC! I am SOOOO excited! If you watch Detroit 1-8-7, look for me and my car. My car is a maroon/wine colored Saturn Ion that should be in some shots and I am wearing a goldish-brown dress coat over skinny jeans and a printed shirt. Good luck spotting me! hahaWell, I think that's about it. But before I go, I'll leave you with a few new websites to check out:
Here's to a good week. :)
Peace and Love,
Meagan
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Living the Bohemian Life...Random Tidbits From the Past Few Days
I feel like I am such a downer... even though I am grateful for what I have and I still have hope that the future will be better, right now... I just feel... down. My unemployment is being held up again. Why? I don't know. I don't know what else I need to do to convince them that I have nothing. But, oh well. If I can't get unemployment, I will just have to make money somehow myself, and more than the $30-$40 a month I make with my online writing right now. But how?
I don't know. But here's what I would like to see happen:
*More royalties from eHow.com (My average right now is $10-$30 a month...)
*Write more articles for List my Five and have them bring in at least $100 a month (this is possible, right?)
*Make more money off of my blog. (Right now, I haven't even reached the payout with my blog advertising... and the payout is only $10! After almost 2 years, I have made $7.09 off of my blog... wow...)
*Write more articles for Hubpages, Squidoo, Bukisa, and The Examiner and somehow drive lots of traffic through so I can make some real money off of them. (I've made $0.75 on Squidoo, plus some money for charity, a couple bucks on Bukisa, and a big $0 on Hubpages and The Examiner.)
*A part time job! (I AM willing to work out in the "real world" too.)
*Get paid to sing, teach, act, write, perform, inform, help, craft, create, or even babysit! I feel like I have a lot of talents that people could make use of.
*Become rich and famous and never have to worry about money again (This is probably the least likely thing on this list, but I don't want to count it out...)
We'll see how it goes...
But I have to rant a little before I continue. What is the deal with unemployment!!??!?!? I understand that there are people who cheat the system, but I am not one of those people. So why is it so hard for me to get them to help me? I just don't understand. Am I an idiot? Do I not know how to do something I'm supposed to be doing, and if so, couldn't they just TELL me, so that I could get some money to actually eat a decent meal? (The most food I've eaten in two weeks was at my sister's rehearsal dinner and wedding!) And what about a "bridge card" (food stamps)? Why am I not getting that? When I know people better off than me that have it? People who don't need it! People who have jobs, people who have people to pay for stuff for them, or students who have no cares in the world. Why do they have this help and I don't? I just don't understand...
Alright. End Rant. It won't help anything to be upset.
So let's look at the positives:
My sister got married this past weekend. Both the ceremony and the reception were amazing and my sister looked SO beautiful! She and her man B. got married at the Bridge Street Wedding Chapel in Grand Ledge, MI and then had a great reception at Walnut Hills Country Club in East Lansing, MI. It was magical. Walnut Hills even made sure that I had all gluten-free food.
Speaking of gluten-free food... the restaurant that we had the rehearsal dinner at in Grand Ledge, Cugino's, did NOT have a gluten-free menu. HOWEVER... a nice gentleman at the establishment (Chef, perhaps owner?) helped me out over the phone and in the restaurant, checking labels with me and everything, to make sure that I had a gluten-free experience. I can't tell you how grateful I was for that. So, if you are ever in Grand Ledge and are feeling hungry, please visit Cugino's. The amount of attention, respect, and compassion that they showed me makes them very deserving of some extra business. (My food was really yummy too. When I couldn't use the margarine spread or sour cream on my baked potato, we even got inventive with some cheddar cheese and real butter, and it was delish!) So yeah.. go there. Eat. And enjoy!
Other positive things...
Let's make a list:
1. Over 100 fans on Facebook for PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian. I will be having a contest soon to celebrate!
2. New friends! I have made some new friends around the web and have a lot of new followers on Twitter. Yay!
3. A donation to my blog was made by msfullroller, a blog follower of mine and a super nice person, who told me not spend the money on blog costs or charitable donations as I normally would but instead she said "Please use this for yourself." Amazing. To her I say: Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Your level of compassion for those who are struggling is inspiring.
4. Fun/Interesting/Important stuff I have found online recently and/or long ago and want to share with you:
Rusty Zipper - Vintage hippie clothes abound. I love it. Too bad I can't afford it! haha
New friend Hunter Pecunia's website: Hunter Pecunia
To Where Now - Just check it out. This is another new friend's page.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Just in case you know someone who is struggling and contemplating suicide. (Note: I am not one of these people. I may be struggling, but I'm not really into "death," so... I don't think about suicide as a way out. I thought that was important to note.)
Minecraft - Amazingly addictive simple game of building stuff with blocks. I am obsessed! haha I've built a giant castle, a "hippie den," an underground tunnel system under a theatre, and some sweet walkways and gardens. I love it. You can play for free or buy it. I play for free right now. So fun!!
Erica.biz - She seems very helpful and nice. She has some good (free) online advice.
This is not fun, but important. I found real people's stories of hard times on this Oprah forum. They made me cry. Some of them hit home pretty hard too. Check them out here: Oprah.com Community Forum
And... that's about all for now I think.
Peace and Love,
Meagan
I don't know. But here's what I would like to see happen:
*More royalties from eHow.com (My average right now is $10-$30 a month...)
*Write more articles for List my Five and have them bring in at least $100 a month (this is possible, right?)
*Make more money off of my blog. (Right now, I haven't even reached the payout with my blog advertising... and the payout is only $10! After almost 2 years, I have made $7.09 off of my blog... wow...)
*Write more articles for Hubpages, Squidoo, Bukisa, and The Examiner and somehow drive lots of traffic through so I can make some real money off of them. (I've made $0.75 on Squidoo, plus some money for charity, a couple bucks on Bukisa, and a big $0 on Hubpages and The Examiner.)
*A part time job! (I AM willing to work out in the "real world" too.)
*Get paid to sing, teach, act, write, perform, inform, help, craft, create, or even babysit! I feel like I have a lot of talents that people could make use of.
*Become rich and famous and never have to worry about money again (This is probably the least likely thing on this list, but I don't want to count it out...)
We'll see how it goes...
But I have to rant a little before I continue. What is the deal with unemployment!!??!?!? I understand that there are people who cheat the system, but I am not one of those people. So why is it so hard for me to get them to help me? I just don't understand. Am I an idiot? Do I not know how to do something I'm supposed to be doing, and if so, couldn't they just TELL me, so that I could get some money to actually eat a decent meal? (The most food I've eaten in two weeks was at my sister's rehearsal dinner and wedding!) And what about a "bridge card" (food stamps)? Why am I not getting that? When I know people better off than me that have it? People who don't need it! People who have jobs, people who have people to pay for stuff for them, or students who have no cares in the world. Why do they have this help and I don't? I just don't understand...
Alright. End Rant. It won't help anything to be upset.
So let's look at the positives:
My sister got married this past weekend. Both the ceremony and the reception were amazing and my sister looked SO beautiful! She and her man B. got married at the Bridge Street Wedding Chapel in Grand Ledge, MI and then had a great reception at Walnut Hills Country Club in East Lansing, MI. It was magical. Walnut Hills even made sure that I had all gluten-free food.
Speaking of gluten-free food... the restaurant that we had the rehearsal dinner at in Grand Ledge, Cugino's, did NOT have a gluten-free menu. HOWEVER... a nice gentleman at the establishment (Chef, perhaps owner?) helped me out over the phone and in the restaurant, checking labels with me and everything, to make sure that I had a gluten-free experience. I can't tell you how grateful I was for that. So, if you are ever in Grand Ledge and are feeling hungry, please visit Cugino's. The amount of attention, respect, and compassion that they showed me makes them very deserving of some extra business. (My food was really yummy too. When I couldn't use the margarine spread or sour cream on my baked potato, we even got inventive with some cheddar cheese and real butter, and it was delish!) So yeah.. go there. Eat. And enjoy!
Other positive things...
Let's make a list:
1. Over 100 fans on Facebook for PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian. I will be having a contest soon to celebrate!
2. New friends! I have made some new friends around the web and have a lot of new followers on Twitter. Yay!
3. A donation to my blog was made by msfullroller, a blog follower of mine and a super nice person, who told me not spend the money on blog costs or charitable donations as I normally would but instead she said "Please use this for yourself." Amazing. To her I say: Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Your level of compassion for those who are struggling is inspiring.
4. Fun/Interesting/Important stuff I have found online recently and/or long ago and want to share with you:
Rusty Zipper - Vintage hippie clothes abound. I love it. Too bad I can't afford it! haha
New friend Hunter Pecunia's website: Hunter Pecunia
To Where Now - Just check it out. This is another new friend's page.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Just in case you know someone who is struggling and contemplating suicide. (Note: I am not one of these people. I may be struggling, but I'm not really into "death," so... I don't think about suicide as a way out. I thought that was important to note.)
Minecraft - Amazingly addictive simple game of building stuff with blocks. I am obsessed! haha I've built a giant castle, a "hippie den," an underground tunnel system under a theatre, and some sweet walkways and gardens. I love it. You can play for free or buy it. I play for free right now. So fun!!
Erica.biz - She seems very helpful and nice. She has some good (free) online advice.
This is not fun, but important. I found real people's stories of hard times on this Oprah forum. They made me cry. Some of them hit home pretty hard too. Check them out here: Oprah.com Community Forum
And... that's about all for now I think.
Peace and Love,
Meagan
Thursday, November 4, 2010
PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian is Getting Read Around the World!
Visitor Demographics for
PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian...
United States 78.0%
United Kingdom 9.0%
Romania 3.0%
Denmark 2.8%
Russia 2.0%
Canada 1.5%
Brazil 1.1%
Australia 1.0%
South Korea 0.5%
France 0.1%
Apparently, PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian is read in all sorts of places around the world. This cheers me up a little, knowing that I really can reach the world... little by little. I will say, I am surprised at how low Canada is on this list. Where all my Canadians at? You all live right next door! haha Just playin' Canada. But seriously, let's see if we can spread this Modern Bohemian love a little further. I'd like to see a few more countries on this list. :) Like Germany... where's Germany!?!?! Ich liebe dich, Deutschland! Kommen Sie zu meinem blog! Bitte! What about Italy? Visita il mio blog! Per favore. :) (I hope I said all that right! haha) Keep it coming world. And I will keep sharing with you. And together we can spread peace and love and understanding and show that all people, from all walks of life, from all over the world, CAN come together as a community; in peace. Peace and Love, Meagan P.S. - Here are some helpful resources if you want to be a world traveler... or at least feel like one. :) And/or for if you just want to connect with other people around the world, like I am apparently doing with my little blog here! haha Enjoy: |
Saturday, October 30, 2010
PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian's Great Glorious Gluten-Free Day!
Every day is filled with gluten-free food for me, but some days, I get super excited... because some days I discover new, delicious, gluten-free food and I don't feel so restricted anymore! It's the feeling of freedom. Of pure joy!
Okay... I know I sound a little overly dramatic, but you have to understand... I ate food with gluten in it for 25 years! And food, just like music, clothing, art, movies, etc., brings with it special memories, feelings, and traditions for me.
For example, Fall weather is perfect for cider and donuts. Except traditional donuts are like Gluten Monsters; filled with gluten and ready to sicken. ( But oh so tasty. ) I can't eat those! And gluten-free donuts? Just not quite the same... at least, I haven't found any as tasty as the Gluten Monsters out at the Cider Mill. I haven't found any that even come close! So disappointment sets in. Cider and donuts is a part of family tradition. So I'm left out a little, and it makes me sad.
But yesterday, that DIDN'T happen. And we were kind of afraid it would. I'll explain.
Will and his family took me with them to Frankenmuth yesterday and we went to the Bavarian Inn for an early dinner. Now, at Bavarian Inn, you can get an amazing family style meal to share, but of course, it is filled with gluten. You must imagine my joy then at discovering that the Bavarian Inn has a fairly extensive gluten-free menu that includes salads, beer, wine, at least 5 entrees including chicken, fish, and steak, and even dessert! I was thrilled! I was able to celebrate a special event (Will's uncle's birthday) with people I care about and not feel left out (or hungry!). I also got to enjoy the awesome atmosphere of the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan, one of my FAVORITE places to go in the Fall. But it gets even better.
Later that night when Will and I were back home, I tried Ian's Wheat Free, Gluten Free Cookie Buttons (Chocolate Chip). Will's mom bought them for me, but I was hesitant to try them because I have had a LOT of bad, packaged, gluten-free cookies. But I tried them. And WOW they are amazing! I mean... they are really yummy AND gluten-free AND they are really not that bad for you! Really! One bag is less than 150 calories (and for people on Weight Watchers, I saw somewhere online that it was only 2 points. But don't quote me on that, I only saw it at one source. You may want to research it yourself.)
How exciting is that? Two gluten-free moments of pure happiness and satisfaction! What a great, glorious, gluten-free day.
While we are on the gluten free subject, here are a few gluten-free lists I've published on List My 5:
The Top Five Gluten Free Recipes for Thanksgiving
The Top Five Foods for a Gluten Free Thanksgiving
The Top Five Gluten Free Candies for Halloween or Anytime
The Top Five Somewhat Healthy But Yummy Gluten Free Snack Foods
If you had a great, glorious, gluten-free day where you discovered and enjoyed something new, please share it! Leave a comment. :)
Peace and Love,
Meagan
Okay... I know I sound a little overly dramatic, but you have to understand... I ate food with gluten in it for 25 years! And food, just like music, clothing, art, movies, etc., brings with it special memories, feelings, and traditions for me.
For example, Fall weather is perfect for cider and donuts. Except traditional donuts are like Gluten Monsters; filled with gluten and ready to sicken. ( But oh so tasty. ) I can't eat those! And gluten-free donuts? Just not quite the same... at least, I haven't found any as tasty as the Gluten Monsters out at the Cider Mill. I haven't found any that even come close! So disappointment sets in. Cider and donuts is a part of family tradition. So I'm left out a little, and it makes me sad.
But yesterday, that DIDN'T happen. And we were kind of afraid it would. I'll explain.
Will and his family took me with them to Frankenmuth yesterday and we went to the Bavarian Inn for an early dinner. Now, at Bavarian Inn, you can get an amazing family style meal to share, but of course, it is filled with gluten. You must imagine my joy then at discovering that the Bavarian Inn has a fairly extensive gluten-free menu that includes salads, beer, wine, at least 5 entrees including chicken, fish, and steak, and even dessert! I was thrilled! I was able to celebrate a special event (Will's uncle's birthday) with people I care about and not feel left out (or hungry!). I also got to enjoy the awesome atmosphere of the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan, one of my FAVORITE places to go in the Fall. But it gets even better.
Later that night when Will and I were back home, I tried Ian's Wheat Free, Gluten Free Cookie Buttons (Chocolate Chip). Will's mom bought them for me, but I was hesitant to try them because I have had a LOT of bad, packaged, gluten-free cookies. But I tried them. And WOW they are amazing! I mean... they are really yummy AND gluten-free AND they are really not that bad for you! Really! One bag is less than 150 calories (and for people on Weight Watchers, I saw somewhere online that it was only 2 points. But don't quote me on that, I only saw it at one source. You may want to research it yourself.)
How exciting is that? Two gluten-free moments of pure happiness and satisfaction! What a great, glorious, gluten-free day.
While we are on the gluten free subject, here are a few gluten-free lists I've published on List My 5:
The Top Five Gluten Free Recipes for Thanksgiving
The Top Five Foods for a Gluten Free Thanksgiving
The Top Five Gluten Free Candies for Halloween or Anytime
The Top Five Somewhat Healthy But Yummy Gluten Free Snack Foods
If you had a great, glorious, gluten-free day where you discovered and enjoyed something new, please share it! Leave a comment. :)
Peace and Love,
Meagan
Sunday, October 24, 2010
PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian is feeling down... but working on feeling better
So... I've been kinda sick for a few days and this is the second time in a month I have been sick like this. This makes me worry. You see, I have always had medical problems, and for the past 7 years or so, it's been really bad. But ever since I went 100% gluten-free last December, my health has been improving. I have gotten sick less, gotten fewer weird conditions, and have been able to actually lose weight because I have actually had some energy. Now all of a sudden, it seems like my health is sliding backwards on me and like I said, it makes me worry.
It probably doesn't help that I don't have any health insurance. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my lifestyle now; freelance writing, doing extra work for movies and tv, performing, doing odd jobs, and working on my blog. But the problem with this way of living is that insurance is hard to come by, and so is money. As a teacher, I was paid well AND I had amazing insurance, so sometimes I wonder if I should just go back to that to give me some security.
But the problem is... I don't fit well into that kind of world. I am terrible with the 9-5, terrible at dealing with bosses and catty co-workers, and I disagree with so much of what is happening in the public school systems. So where does that leave me?
Well... I have to make more happen for myself. That's what I've decided. If I can't afford health insurance, then I need to make more money. So... I am on the hunt for a tolerable part time job, I am writing up a storm online on List My 5 and some of my other writing sites, and I am thinking of getting a manager to help to get me some higher paying jobs in television and movies. We'll just have to see how it all goes.
In the meantime, I am feeling pretty down... but it is motivating me.
I may never be completely healthy, and I may just have to deal with that, but I can make a better future for myself. And maybe getting sick is just the kick in the butt I need to do just that.
Peace and Love,
Meagan
It probably doesn't help that I don't have any health insurance. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my lifestyle now; freelance writing, doing extra work for movies and tv, performing, doing odd jobs, and working on my blog. But the problem with this way of living is that insurance is hard to come by, and so is money. As a teacher, I was paid well AND I had amazing insurance, so sometimes I wonder if I should just go back to that to give me some security.
But the problem is... I don't fit well into that kind of world. I am terrible with the 9-5, terrible at dealing with bosses and catty co-workers, and I disagree with so much of what is happening in the public school systems. So where does that leave me?
Well... I have to make more happen for myself. That's what I've decided. If I can't afford health insurance, then I need to make more money. So... I am on the hunt for a tolerable part time job, I am writing up a storm online on List My 5 and some of my other writing sites, and I am thinking of getting a manager to help to get me some higher paying jobs in television and movies. We'll just have to see how it all goes.
In the meantime, I am feeling pretty down... but it is motivating me.
I may never be completely healthy, and I may just have to deal with that, but I can make a better future for myself. And maybe getting sick is just the kick in the butt I need to do just that.
Peace and Love,
Meagan
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Gluten-Free: Not Just an Annoying Dietary Demand
So I have been almost 100% gluten-free since the end of 2009 due to health problems and gluten intolerance, and now that I am in 2010, I am trying hard to avoid all contamination and be gluten-free, healthy, and happy. In addition, I have been wanting to be more active, lose weight, and tone up before my sister's wedding in November. Luckily, these two things have gone hand in hand. Since being gluten-free and becoming more active, I have lost 29 lbs!!! Yes! Amazing!
The most important thing I feel like I have gotten out of all of this though, is the true appreciation for healthy eating. Basically, eating things that make your body feel good as well as look good. I have always loved organic food, veggies, fruit, things like that, but now I am coming up with so many more uses for my favorites, as well as introducing new foods I hadn't really eaten before (Quinoa, polenta) and loving it.
Another added bonus: just cooking gluten-free, healthy meals for me and my house family and friends. I love to cook, and I am an experimental cook anyway (meaning, I rarely make the same thing twice because I never really follow recipes and I just go with what feels cool) so it has been exciting to make up new dishes and new methods for cooking certain dishes.
Some of my favorite things to do:
Southwest casserole (Rice based)
Steak and veggie kabobs (peppers, squash, onions, etc.)
Summer Salad (Fresh greens, veggies, and a light olive oil dressing... with asiago cheese)
Drizzle Dream (a yummy dessert)
Soup/Chili (Easy, fun, and experimental. haha)
Oven baked lemon/butter/garlic Tilapia
Green beans in garlic and olive oil
Tacos
Beans and Rice
And so much more. It's just fun.
And a little less work now that I am 29 lbs lighter... :) haha
If anyone out there wants any more information on gluten intolerance, celiac disease, gluten-free living, or going gluten-free as a method of weight loss, please let me know. Leave a comment or send an e-mail to ponchomeg@yahoo.com and I will tell you more about my personal experience and direct you to some fantastic resources. Just put "Gluten-Free Questions" in the subject line.
Peace and Love,
Meagan
The most important thing I feel like I have gotten out of all of this though, is the true appreciation for healthy eating. Basically, eating things that make your body feel good as well as look good. I have always loved organic food, veggies, fruit, things like that, but now I am coming up with so many more uses for my favorites, as well as introducing new foods I hadn't really eaten before (Quinoa, polenta) and loving it.
Another added bonus: just cooking gluten-free, healthy meals for me and my house family and friends. I love to cook, and I am an experimental cook anyway (meaning, I rarely make the same thing twice because I never really follow recipes and I just go with what feels cool) so it has been exciting to make up new dishes and new methods for cooking certain dishes.
Some of my favorite things to do:
Southwest casserole (Rice based)
Steak and veggie kabobs (peppers, squash, onions, etc.)
Summer Salad (Fresh greens, veggies, and a light olive oil dressing... with asiago cheese)
Drizzle Dream (a yummy dessert)
Soup/Chili (Easy, fun, and experimental. haha)
Oven baked lemon/butter/garlic Tilapia
Green beans in garlic and olive oil
Tacos
Beans and Rice
And so much more. It's just fun.
And a little less work now that I am 29 lbs lighter... :) haha
If anyone out there wants any more information on gluten intolerance, celiac disease, gluten-free living, or going gluten-free as a method of weight loss, please let me know. Leave a comment or send an e-mail to ponchomeg@yahoo.com and I will tell you more about my personal experience and direct you to some fantastic resources. Just put "Gluten-Free Questions" in the subject line.
Peace and Love,
Meagan
Friday, November 13, 2009
Healthy Living and Weight Loss... Or Something Like That...And Other Antics
So, for awhile now I have been limiting my gluten intake for health reasons, trying slowly but surely to get on a gluten-free diet. Now, my roommate K. is being forced to do the same for different reasons, and as much as I feel bad for her, it's nice to have someone share this battle with me. Today we went to Foods For Living and picked up a bunch of gluten-free food, as well as some organic fruits and veggies. Well, let me tell you... eating gluten-free is NOT easy OR cheap. But luckily, the lovely people at the store gave us a list of gluten-free foods, so that we can try to pick them up other places. AND a very helpful older man who is also on a gluten-free diet gave us tips on what's good and what's not. He was a total stranger and just another customer, but he reached out to us with such generosity and kindness that it really brightened my day.
In addition to this gluten-free thing, I have been meaning to try to get back into shape and lose weight. I have had several health problems over the past few years that have made it hard for me to work out, but I am sick of letting that hold me back. So my goal is to start doing more activity and have at least 2 structured work-outs a week to start. Plus, I want to eat a good amount of calories, so I am tracking all of this on LiveStrong.com, and hopefully... I'll make something happen.
I figure, if I talk about it on here it will help to keep me accountable. We'll see.
Anyway, in other news...
I nominated myself for an award! I figured, why not? So I did it.
Also, the animals have all been alternating between super cute and sweet and just plain naughty within the last few days! So that's been interesting. For example: Sam and Binks were cuddling and being all cute, licking each other and being good. Then I decided to give the cats tuna, and Ava came too, and they all shared and it was adorable. Then Sam knocked over the kitchen trash can and got garbage everywhere. The worst were the coffee grounds, which Jezebelle (J.'s puppy) kept trying to eat. Annoying. Then they were all being pretty good, until Sam went outside and sat in the driveway right in front of Will's car... while Will was trying to pull into the driveway! So I got him back inside, where he and the other cats were tormented by Jezebelle who wanted to chase and bite them. Then, Jez took things to a whole new level of naughty by peeing on the couch... in my favorite spot. Grrr....
But then just a few minutes ago, Jezebelle and I bonded in the kitchen. She followed my commands: sit, lay down, stay... and then we played and snuggled. And Sam was laying in the bedroom with Will, while Ava and Binks cuddled with A. as he napped on the couch. So that was all very sweet.
But now, as I write... it's all going crazy again.
That's what we get for living in this crazy Bohemian zoo though, I suppose. And honestly, I wouldn't trade it for anything... not even the ability to eat gluten. ;)
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