Surviving Thanksgiving

Yeah! I made it through Thanksgiving without seeing any dead Turkeys on the table. 

We had 3 consecutive Thanksgiving lunches, 1 for each family. The first Thanksgiving was at Matt's grandparents' and we did a Mexican theme. Mostly because its just too much work to do the traditional food and travel with it to their house. This Thanksgiving meal was one of the sad ones. Matt's grandfather is getting older and has Alzheimer's and may be going to a home soon. It was great bonding time though and Matt had an amazing breakthrough with his grandpa. Grandpa Curly said to Matt "I like what you're doing with your life. Let er' rip!" What an amazing moment it was and I'm so glad we were there for Matt to experience it.  

So for the Mexican feast I cooked Black Bean enchiladas with green chili sauce. They were the best ever. I used black beans, refried beans, onions, red peppers, and garlic. Matt's mom made Vegan chili!!! OMG how awesome! Oh and Vegan Brownies. I felt so spoiled. 

2nd Thanksgiving lunch was easy. We met my parents, brothers, and grandparents for lunch at Olive Garden. I had the Spaghetti Pomodoro. I think I have actually figured out how to make it better than the restaurant. It's all about using fresh herbs and the best olive oil. 

3rd Thanksgiving was at my house with my dad's side of the family. We did an Italian themed potluck style family meal. It was beautiful. Matt and I were way behind on getting everything ready so my parents and brother stepped in and we all were cooking Hell's Kitchen-style (minus the yelling). We made Spaghetti and homemade pizzas. I made a cheese-less pizza with olives, red onions, mushrooms & red peppers. 

So all that and I only had 1 emotional break down. I was at Kroger trying to buy meatballs for everyone else to eat with the Spaghetti. I was standing there with all the different varieties of ground up cow meat and I was about to reach and grab a package and got instantly repulsed. I got hot and dizzy and had to run off to an aisle to hide in as my eyes filled with tears. I never thought I'd be at this place in my life. I never ever expected to feel this connection and anguish over animals I've never seen. I never knew what I did not know.. and ignorance is bliss. or is it?

I feel good about my commitment, but moreover this change is something I can't undo. This Thanksgiving showed me that I am so blessed to be loved and respected in all my families, even if I am eating something different from everyone else.

Another Baby hat

Here is a baby hat I worked on last week for my friend Cristina. I think it needs something, maybe a flower or butterfly. I tried making little eyelets, but it looks kind of messy. The darker pink isn't as soft as I'd like for a baby hat, so I may add a silky lining. 

I've already started another baby hat for my friend Deepa. Hopefully it will turn out cute.

I'll pass on the PCOS

A year ago a doctor finally diagnosed me with PCOS. 

At that time I had quit the pill and gone 6 months without a period, (and no migraines). It was such a relief to finally have a name to what was going on and to have answers to symptoms I had dealt with as a teenager too. When I was 17-19, about every other month I would have sudden piercing pain on my lower right side below my belly button.. I would vomit for a full day, hyperventilating and not be able to leave the bathroom. After SEVERAL tests, drinking Barium and such, my gyno at the time had told me that I had cysts that were rupturing and it was completely normal in runners. His answer was to put me on the pill. Migraines begin.

Fast forward to last year, a new gyno verifies that what I have is called PCOS and that I do have cysts, lots of them. Her answer is to put me on the pill. Migraines begin again.

6 months ago I took myself off the pill again. Ironically it was about 6 months ago that I also began my vegan diet. This time I feel so much better.. I have a normal cycle, no vomiting & a decrease in migraine strength. 

So the other day I'm telling my mom that I think I cured my PCOS and she's like "Ya, it says online that PCOS sufferers should avoid eating beef & cheese, and increase eating fruits & vegetables, etc." Like DUH! Did I instinctually know this?

Anyway, feeling good.. but going to schedule a checkup to make sure I'm cysts free. What a miracle this would be.