Oooooieeeee Mooooody!

If I thought I was moody before, today was a whole 'nother level of moody.  I was so very grumpy today, I thought that I needed to leave work and go home. My poor students...I know they were thinking, "what's up with Mrs. Hilbert?!" I'm a stern but fun teacher but today, it was a lot of stern and not a whole lot of fun. My emotions were truly on a roller coaster and I wanted to get off.  In addition to this, I was late with most of my medications today so that was getting on my nerves as well. We were scheduled to have a staff meeting at work and I was so glad when they announced that it was being postponed because when I tell you that I needed to get out of there, that's exactly what I mean.  Here's some anecdotal notes that I was able to keep, despite my mood:

1. POOP - I only had 3 bowel movements today...3! I felt the urge to go at work a few times but my mood was so crazy that I didn't even want to encounter people on the way to the bathroom, as I wasn't sure what my facial expression or conversation would have been like. (That's such a shame, I know)
2. MEDS - Thankfully I managed to take all of my meds but I was late on every single one.
3. MOOD - You already know that it was horrible. It was so bad that I called my husband from work just to vent and he gave me some good advice - he told me that when I feel my mood changing, to take a step back, take a deep breath, and regroup (I have such a good man and I love him ;-)  While speaking with him, I started taking some deep breaths and began to feel a release. Don't get me wrong, I was praying throughout the day but my mood overshadowed my prayers (so sad I know). My afternoon class experienced an almost normal Mrs. Hilbert so there was progress (thank God).
4. I was able to fit into one of my old suits today and received a lot of compliments...I definitely looked good but sure didn't feel well.

When I got home, my husband suggested that I lie down - being the school teacher that I am, I didn't want to turn in without getting some work done. I couldn't even concentrate on this at first, AND I didn't even want to eat and you know that's not me.  I was texting my God-sister Ayeshia back and forth and she suggested that I put on some soothing Spa sounds and relax. Why didn't I think of that?! That was a perfect idea. So I ran some bath water, lit some candles, played one of my Caribbean Spa CD's, and relaxed...exactly what I needed. I believe one of my biggest problems is that I'm not resting enough so tonight, as soon as I'm done typing, I MUST go to bed.

• I wanted to share with you some information that a good friend of mine Felicia, shared with me about food co-ops. I had never heard of it until she sent me the link yesterday, but I believe it's a great idea and I'm seriously considering joining one.  The link is http://www.purpledragon.com and click on "About". 
• I also want all of you to join my friend April Chapman's blog - she is an influential person responsible for me doing the full body herbal detox, and the person that has been educating me step-by-step on dropping "Big Pharma" and realizing a healthy lifestyle through natural means. She has also been diligent in providing information to me about health concerns for my family members and friends. She is a holistic nutritionist by profession and I believe that her blog will be beneficial to all that read it.  Her link is as follows  http://basichealthyliving.blogspot.com/

Well, that's all for now. It is definitely time to turn in, after I drink my activated charcoal of course.  By the way, my husband is doing better today (PRAISE GOD); he's been stretching out his leg BUT not overdoing it.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and encouragement, and I will continue to keep you posted as I Journal Through (the good and the not-so-good parts of) my Healing.

Be blessed.

LOG 
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PLACES - was in Paterson, NJ, and home
WEATHER - 60 degrees and above; chilly, cloudy and rainy; I was outside just for brief in and out moments
CLOTHING - 3-piece pant suit, socks and boots
FOODS - Apple, pear, unsalted shelled Pistachios, a mix of raw almonds, black raisins, filberts, raw sunflower seeds, unsalted cashews, walnuts, raw pepitas, and Brazil nuts, salad with Red Wine Vinegar and Olive Oil Vinaigrette, apple, herbal tea, more unsalted shelled Pistachios and mix of above nuts and raisins, salad, and water
HEALTH -  Emotions out of control!

My 1st TRUE test of my WILL

Well I thank God for bringing me through Day 5 successfully but I must admit, today was the most difficult yet. But first, let me share with you some anecdotal notes throughout the day.

1. POOP - I had 4 bowel movements today, and my final poop was almost non-existent (I don't know what that was about).
2. ACTIVITY - I was in church and was limited with my ability to eat and drink. I was able to take my medication but see next detail.
3. MEDS - I took my 7am and 10am meds as scheduled, however the afternoon/evening meds were late by about 30 minutes. As I stated in the previous detail I was in church and couldn't just guzzle down water when I got ready. I did sneak to the vestibule to take FORUMULA #3 at around 12:30, and was able to eat some of my nuts at that time as well.
4. Because I wasn't able to drink water throughout, I felt rather weak throughout the day.
5. After church I needed to take my husband to the ER as he sprained his knee pretty badly playing basketball yesterday. The doctor believes he may have a torn meniscus or ligament and sent him home with crutches, a leg brace, and pain meds. He has to get an MRI done and follow-up with his orthopedic doc. As a result of us leaving straight from church, this again limited my food intake but I was able to eat some fruit, nuts and drink water.
6. MOOD - I was in a pretty good mood early on but as the day progressed, I became grumpier and grumpier. 

Ok, now to the test of wills. I have been content with eating fruits, veggies, and nuts for the last 4 days but have noticed the craving to consume a burger, and kept wondering if after the detox veggie burgers would be acceptable. Anyway, when we got home from the hospital, I prepared my husband 3 fried pork chops and some Zatarain's Black Beans and Rice. I looked at the rice and said, "hummm, this has a lot of veggies and rice isn't produced by something with a pulse, so maybe I can look forward to this after detox", which is totally fine thinking. But then I looked at the pork chops - I seasoned them with some Lawry's seasoned salt, Garlic salt, and Lemon Pepper. I floured them up nice and thick and proceeded to place them in the frying pan. As they're frying away, they began to sizzle and pop and brown, and my mouth began to water, and drool and yearn (ok, maybe I exaggerated with the drool) for some meat. I reminded myself that I don't want to eat this because I know what my goal is and that's to give my future the healthy lifestyle that it deserves. So my urge went away and I once again began thinking about the different kinds of foods that I'll be able to eat post-detox. I didn't get the nudge again until it was time for me to wrap up the food and put it in the refrigerator. The pork chops started calling out to me again. I ignored their plea and made my salad for lunch tomorrow, and packaged my fruits, veggies, and nuts. I gently placed the pork chops and rice in the fridge and shut the door.  TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR VICTORY!

Ohhhhh now that I think about it, I'm wondering if my little unexpected and innocent moment away from detoxing today, had anything to do with my strong craving. What had happened was, today was 1st Sunday and we take communion and along with communion we take a small cracker and grape juice. It dawned on me after I had consumed both that I am detoxing and I'm not sure how this is going to affect me. I know the detox instructions did state the following :"if you fall off your detox regimen by eating something you should not have eaten, don't give up. Get right back on track!". So with that said, I continued on my detoxification merry way. I still wonder if the taste of something besides fruits, vegetables, nuts and water, gave me a stronger desire to eat "other" foods?!

Well, I can say that I have noticed that I am able to fit into some of my old clothing that, just a few weeks ago, were too tight to get into. Overall I still feel internally great...it's that mood of mine that's all over the place. I THANK GOD FOR THIS VICTORY AS WELL.

I'm about to drink my activated charcoal and go to bed. Sheeesh I'm tired and should have been in the bed hours ago.  But I'm gonna stop typing and get to the sleeping part of my day.

Be Blessed.


LOG 
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PLACES - was in Paterson, NJ, and Wayne
WEATHER - 70 degrees and above; mostly sunny and comfortable for most of the day and cloudy and rainy; I was outside just for brief in and out moments
CLOTHING - blazer, skirt, body shirt, stockings, and closed-toe shoes
FOODS - Apple, pear, unsalted shelled Pistachios, a mix of raw almonds, black raisins, filberts, raw sunflower seeds, unsalted cashews, walnuts, raw pepitas, and Brazil nuts, salad with Red Wine Vinegar and Olive Oil Vinaigrette, herbal tea, water
HEALTH -  I felt ok then weak and then grumpy

Another Successful day in Detoxville

Well, well, well, God has brought me to another successful detoxification day, and I wasn't even moody (thank God). Let me just start by telling you that during the week, I'm limited to the amount of time that I can defecate or poop or make stink-stink (choose whichever term you prefer) because I'm a teacher, and can't just walk out of my classroom when I get good and ready. But today was Saturday and boy oh boy oh boy oh boy...when I tell you that my body took full advantage of the fact that I could use the bathroom more frequently, trust me, it did.  I woke up at 7am to take FORMULA #1, as I always do, and figured that my body would let me go back to bed and rest a little...DEFINITELY NOT SO. I was on the toilet at 7:20am but it was very quick - in fact I dumped and then flushed, just like that. It wasn't over...I was back on the toilet at 7:58am and this time it was a lot longer then a dump and a flush. But it didn't stop there, I was back on the toilet again at 8:31am, and then at 8:48am.  I had a meeting at church at 10:00am, which is the same time that I take FORMULA #2, so I did. Oh my goodness did I have to go AGAIN! So I'm sitting in front of my church waiting for the door to be opened; 5 minutes pass, 10 minutes pass, 15 minutes pass and by now, my legs are clenched tightly and I'm dancing around the parking lot because I needed to go that bad. The door was opened at 10:25am and I kid you not, I was on the toilet by 10:28am (sorry church members but I blew that bathroom up - I thank God for spray). A member that was there for dance practice needed to use it right after I came out, and I had to apologize to her in advance, warn her, and indicate that there was a lot of spraying going on because I needed to "GO". She understood and hoped that her asthma wouldn't flare up...it didn't, thank God again.  After the meeting I had to pick up my car from the dealership, and head back home to get dressed for the William Paterson University (WPU) Gospel Choir's reunion concert, that was being held in Jersey City this evening. What happened when I got home? I'm glad that you asked, at 2:44pm I was back on the toilet.  So if you've been keeping count, that was  a total of 6 times today. Whooo! That was a lot of poop but it felt so good - I could feel the toxins flowing out of my body and the more the toxins flow out, the more God can replace with healing.

I've also been receiving a lot of compliments about me slimming down, and about my face being clearer.  I began taking pictures of my face the day before I began detox, and on day 1 of detox, but forgot to take pics on day 2 and 3, so I will take a pic tonight. When my detoxification process is complete, I will upload all of my pics to my blog, in order to compare before, during and after.

Oh and I was back on schedule with my medication tonight with the exception of FORMULA #6, which should be taken at 7pm. We were still in concert at that time so I took it at 8:30pm when I got back into my car.

As I mentioned above, we had our WPU Gospel Choir reunion concert today in Jersey City and let me just tell you how much of a blessing it was. We were scheduled to have chat, chew and practice from 2-6pm, and then the concert would begin at 6pm. I felt horrible that I didn't make it until about 5:30pm, and a lot of others weren't able to get there as early as we had hoped either. But despite us only having about 30 minutes to practice 5 songs, God showed up, anointed our voices, brought melodies and lyrics back to our remembrance, and just did His thing. He is awesome like that and only He could do it; only He could take 20 individuals that haven't sang with each other since...um...let's say since the single digit 2000s (2008 maybe), and even then there were practices. I mean we sounded so good and anointed. We were truly blessed by God this evening. We have some sanging folks in our choir and they did just that. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

Well, I am pooped...literally (LOL) and ready to go to bed. I'm about to drink my activated charcoal and am looking for a successful day 5 tomorrow.

Be blessed.


LOG 
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PLACES - was in Paterson, NJ, Totowa, Jersey City, and home
WEATHER - 70 degrees and above; mostly sunny and warm for most of the day and cooled off in the late afternoon; I was outside just for brief in and out moments
CLOTHING - sweat suit and closed-toe shoes; short-sleeved blouse, blazer, jeans, and peek-a-boo-open-toed shoes
FOODS - Apple, pear, unsalted shelled Pistachios, a mix of raw almonds, black raisins, filberts, raw sunflower seeds, unsalted cashews, walnuts, raw pepitas, and Brazil nuts, salad with Red Wine Vinegar and Olive Oil Vinaigrette, pear, herbal tea, more unsalted shelled Pistachios and mix of above nuts and raisins, and water
HEALTH -  I felt great! Emotions were back to normal as well.

Day 3 down and Day 4 is Knocking on My Door

This was a successful detox day after all.  My friend April confirmed that my emotions will be on a roller coaster because I am detoxing physical toxins as well as emotional ones; that's interesting to know.  She also told me that she was grumpy for the first week of her detox, so at least if I continue to be like a crazed person, I will know the root.

I had a very productive day today and God continues to show me that He's in my corner:

• I went to work and had an enlightening day with my students (despite their "crazy" teacher) - I was so proud of them; I assigned them a game design project which required them to make a game of their choice on a science and/or social studies topic of their choice. The work that they brought in was phenomenal. I showcased one picture on Facebook of a game board that was completely edible. God gave me the idea of this project to do with them, based on me being assigned a similar project when I was in the 6th grade, and I am amazed at the results...To God be the glory.
• I went to the bank and was able to deposit my paycheck, which was a little short because I had to take off from work to go to "the conference" last week (I ran out of sick days in October when I was taken out of work for 3 months without pay). Thanks be to God for a little extra - He allowed me to work a tutoring program for a few weeks at 7am and I received my first check in this paycheck...To God be the glory.  I THANK GOD FOR A JOB PERIOD.
• I took my car to the dealership for a routine check-up that was loooooonnng overdue, and my car was shouting and speaking in tongues that today was the day.  The dealership was backed up but they processed my paperwork right away.  The service professional opened up the hood of my car and explained what each doo-hickey was inside and out, and then told me it would take about an hour and a half. I had some things that I wanted to do but knew that without a working car, I wouldn't be able to do much anyway. They offered to escort me home by shuttle service so I sat, and sat, and sat and then inquired about the shuttle service. The shuttle was currently in Kearney and they were waiting for it to arrive back at the dealership. The dealership offers Wi-Fi so I logged on and began my afternoon blog. Lo and behold, the shuttle showed up and I proceeded to board. The manager came over and said that he himself was going to take me home because I brought home my students' edible game boards so that they wouldn't be eaten at school (by critters), and he didn't want to take the chance of them getting messed up.  So I waited and waited and waited some more for the manager to bring me home. A short while later he came back out and informed me that he had no way of bringing me home. Who wants to take a guess of what happened next?! Nope...wrong, he indicated that he didn't want me having to wait and OFFERED ME A RENTAL CAR. This has NEVER happened to me before...TO GOD BE THE GLORY. I will pick up my car tomorrow sometime.
• I learned how to truly multi-task as it was intended for women to multi-task, as my Aunt Gwen pointed out - texting while driving while eating and listening to music is not multi-tasking (as I used to do), that's a death trap. Multi-tasking for women consists of something like cooking while putting in a load of laundry while getting dinner ready while doing some cleaning. Today I put my loads in the washing machine, then proceeded to do some "Spring cleaning", next I put the clothes into the dryer, then proceeded to go to the food store while the clothes were drying, after that I folded the clothes and put them away, then went back to the car and got the food and put it away, next I took out the trash, and then came back upstairs and swept and cleaned the kitchen floor. Although I am pooped, my husband is happy because he has some food to snack on, and is watching Basketball so is indeed content. I thank God for strengthening me to do what needed to be done in my home...To God be the Glory.

There is so much more that God has done on today alone but if I had 10,000 tongues, it wouldn't be enough to say THANK YOU!

God is continuing to show me His favor throughout this process. He is making my way easy, He has been lightening my load, and just going out of His way to bless me as only He can.  I thank God for who He is, and I want to be found giving Him glory in all that I do; mind, body and soul.

I'm getting ready to drink my activated charcoal and turn in. I have a long day ahead of me but I know that God will give me the wherewithal to accomplish all that needs to be done on tomorrow just as He did today.   I will continue to keep you posted on my process as I Journal Through my Healing.

Be blessed.


LOG 
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PLACES - was in Paterson, NJ, Totowa, and then home
WEATHER - 70 degrees and above; mostly cloudy and cool; I was outside just for brief in and out moments
CLOTHING - short sleeved shirt, jeans, closed-toe shoes
FOODS - Apple, grapes, strawberries, salad (baby Kale, Spinach, and Chard), Red Wine Vinegar and Olive Oil Vinaigrette, pear, some more salad, herbal tea, unsalted shelled Pistachios, and water
HEALTH -  a little tired physically but great mentally in the morning; then on an emotional roller coaster for most of the afternoon, and now emotionally well just physically exhausted; the aches in my legs are dying down little by little

Just Checking In...

Well, today wasn't as successful as the other 2 days have been. Well, I guess I shouldn't say that, but let me tell you what I'm talking about. I have been using the example schedule that was provided, and was able to keep it to a "T" the last 2 days; even with field day which was amazing. Well, today I was doing a Game Fair with my students and time just went from me. Instead of taking FORMULA #2 at 10am, I didn't take it until 11am. After scolding myself, I remembered that the instructional sheet did indicate that the schedule was just an example of how to space out the medications, so I decided to continue with that logic, by delaying everything by an hour. Which would mean that I would take FORMULA #3 at 1:00pm, instead of the example of 12:00pm (remember, I was an hour late taking formula #2), which would have been fine and dandy...except time went from me again and I didn't take it until 1:30pm. SMH at myself, so now I'm pushing everything back an hour and a half. The next formula, FORMULA #4 should have originally been taken at 2pm, then 3pm and now 3:30pm, which I took at the right time. Whooo Hoooo! So my next formula, FORMULA #5 (which should be taken at 5:00pm) is due to be ingested at 6:30pm, then FORMULA #6 at 8:30pm, and at bedtime I'll take my activated charcoal. So although I said it wasn't as successful, I guess it was because I am still sticking with the raw fruits and veggies, and am taking my medication, late or not.

Let me just tell you about my mood. Uhhhh! It was horrible. I was so crotchety ALL DAY TODAY. I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be the norm by day 3 but it was horrible. I didn't want to be around me so I really felt bad for my students. Then I looked at my calendar and did some calculations and realized, "Huh! My period will be on soon, so this is probably PMS". I felt some better but not really because I was still "a mess" for most of the day.

Well that's it for now and here's to a successful evening.

Be blessed.

Day 3 is underway and I'm Ready to Start the Day

Well, well, well, I'm thankful to God for another day.  Last night I wasn't feeling that great; I began feeling flu-like (as the instructions said that I would) but I didn't want to get down in the dumps with the feeling, so I prayed and went to bed. Here it is morning, and I feel better...so much better...since I laid myyyyyy burdens down ;-)

I've already taken FORMULA #1 with a full bottle of water but let me tell you about when I first woke up this morning: I went to the bathroom at 6:22am and I kid you not...I was constantly "going" from 6:22 until 6:39.  I'm assuming it was the build-up from me not being able to "go" as freely on yesterday. Wait...that's not it; at 6:40am it started all over again but this time only lasted until 6:44am. Then I could almost hear my body letting me know that I was done.  So here it is at 7:15am and I'm ready to go to work and successfully make it through Day 3.

I will keep you posted every step of the way. Everyone have a blessed day.

Be blessed.

Another successful DETOX day

Well it's another successful day in DETOXville and I'm so glad about it. I actually felt amazingly great today. I cut out the McDonald's Wild Berry smoothie (thanks to April Chapman) and ate pure fruit instead and boy oh boy...let me tell you. I believe if I was able to do everything from the toilet today, my body would have thanked me. I kept getting the urge to go and, well, I'm a teacher and I can't say to my students, "I'll be right back, be good", so what did I do? I prayed and squeezed my "cheeks" together, hoping that I could make it until I got home. Now that I'm home, I don't have to go. I hope I didn't stop the detoxing process for today because I work daily so I'm gonna have to try and "go" around it...if you know what I mean.

I had an appointment today in which I was able to weigh myself and I'm happy to report that I weigh 160 pounds; which is a great improvement from the 195 pounds that I weighed just 3 months ago.  The next time I weigh myself will be on the 20th day of my detox, so that I can compare my weight loss from now to then.

I took some more anecdotal notes based on the detoxification process:

1. FORMULA #2 was still hard going down and I had to drink 2 bottles of water to make it happen. 
2. I didn't experience the burning sensation in my bowels this time, but I'm not sure if that's good or not. 
3. As I said earlier, I had to use the bathroom SOOOO MUCH, which felt awesommmmme but not when you can't release, know what I mean?

By the way, I received some gifts on yesterday and today: 

• One of my sister's in Christ Janaan Robinson, mailed me the book "I Stand Amazed...How Chiropractic SAVED MY LIFE" by Geri L. Carlson.
• Mrs. Geneva Jones (whose testimony I shared with you some posts back) bought me 2 books, the first is "the Juiceman's POWER of juicing" by Jay Kordich, and the second is "Juicing for Life" by Cherie Calbom and Maureen Keane.

I can't wait to read ALL of them, and I am so appreciative to both of these ladies for thinking about me. God continues to make this process easy, accessible, and did I say easy?

I'm getting ready to take my activated charcoal and head for the sheets. Even though I felt incredible earlier today, now, not so much. I'm still not sure if this is a result of my athletic ways at field day, or if this is the norm. Oh well, we'll see what happens on Day 3.  Until then...

Be blessed.


LOG 
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PLACES - was in Paterson, NJ, Riverdale, and then home
WEATHER - 80 degrees and above; mostly sunny and warm; I was outside just to get in and out of the car
CLOTHING - short sleeved shirt, pants, stockings, closed-toe shoes
FOODS - Pear, apple, grapes, salad (baby Kale, Spinach, and Chard), Red Wine Vinegar and Olive Oil Vinaigrette, another pear, more grapes, some strawberries, carrots, some more salad, herbal tea, and water
HEALTH -  energetic and feeling great for most of the day; then fatigued and once again achy - but the aches are in my legs, which I believe is due to my being a track star on yesterday