EeeeeeEeeEEEee! Thank you guys for sharing some of my giddiness over the whole impromptu coffee date thing that happened on Saturday. I promise not to get too annoying by talking about it incessantly, but I’ll definitely be keeping you guys updated. So far we’ve had a few more conversations, and we’ll be meeting up again soon.
SqueEEEeeeEEEEee.
Oooookay. And now that I’ve successfully gotten that out of my system (because I’m all of 12 years old), it’s time to ring in the new week with another marvelous Monday…
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Let’s start with the fact that it snowed [and actually stuck] this past weekend….
Now, I can’t believe that I’m actually saying this, seeing as I hate being cold and all, but I have to admit that it’s kind of nice because it makes things feel a little more Christmasy. To be honest, I’m pretty much ready for Halloween to be over – I want it to come and go so that I can start breaking out the snowmen and reindeer…
Besides, considering everything that’s happening on the East coast with Sandy and all, I really have no right to complain about a little bit of snow – especially because I don’t have to shovel 😉
Life Lesson: Be grateful. Things could always be worse.
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That being said, there are certain parts of Halloween that I do really enjoy, like watching some of my favorite creepy movies while munching on Halloween candy to get myself in the mood…
I’ve been watching Nightmare Before Christmas pretty much every Halloween since the movie came out. And Edward Scissorhands? Johnny Depp is in it, and that’s basically all I need. And yes, this is about as scary as I can handle when it comes to movies – anything more and I won’t be sleeping for weeks.
Life Lesson: No shame in admitting to being too much of a wimp to watch real horror movies.
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Having dinner at Mom & Dad’s every Sunday night has pretty much become our newest family tradition…
… and thanks to meals like last night’s homemade kopytka (potato dumplings) and slow cooker beef stew, it’s one that I’m absolutely adoring. Sunday’s never seem to come around soon enough!
Life Lesson: Nothing beats Mom’s cooking.
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Thinking about Mom’s cooking and family dinners really makes me think about recovery and how grateful I am to have overcome [most of] my issues with food…
I still remember the days where I was too afraid to eat anything made by someone else and where I looked forward to family dinners about as much as I looked forward to root canals. That’s something I never want to go back to.
Life Lesson: Fear creates a prison around you. Facing it is the only way to free yourself.
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I’ve moved my daily walks to the treadmill now that it’s getting a bit too cold to continue walking outside, and I was honestly a little anxious about setting foot back in a gym again. I think I just have too many bad memories associated with being in there – exhaustion, fear, pain, obsession. Ugh. BUT!… besides being a little bit boring, so far I’ve been feeling alright. I don’t think I’m quite up for increasing my intensity, but I’m definitely on the road to healing.
Life Lesson: Health is life, and life is a gift. Don’t mess around.
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Do you like horror movies? Noooo…. biggest wimp, right here.
Can you hardly wait to jump into the Christmas season? I may or may not start decorating one week into November. No shame.
What’s one of your favorite Mom-cooked meals?
That may be the first photo of snow I’ve seen in many many months! Hopefully you will get some warm-ish weather before true winter rolls around for good. Things could definitely always be worse. It’s so easy to get caught up in petty little whines and complaints in our lives (I’m very guilty of this!) but life likes to throw us reality checks (like hurricane Sandy) once in a while for some added perspective.
Nothing beats mom’s cooking. My cooking doesn’t even compare! Lately, I’ve been coming home from work and going straight for whatever my mom made for dinner. I love to cook myself but my mom’s food seriously has some magical happiness ingredients in it because I always feel better after eating it 🙂
I love those life lessons:) I am the same with scary movies! I get such bad nightmares, but for some reason my sister and I still love watching them together. It’s more like a love/hate relationship I guess ha ha. I love Halloween and Christmas, just about equally. Actually, whenever a holiday comes around I always say that holiday is my favorite. Just seems to be how it works. Yes, facing fear is so important!! We can’t break those fears or beliefs unless we challenge them! And by doing that it makes us live a more fulfilling life, with more and we can have more options. Instead of being stuck.
Hahah you’re such a goof with your scary, Halloween movies! We are on the exact same page – horror flicks mess with me waaaay too much for them to be worth a watch.
Excited to hear about you and the manly friend!! 😀
Oh, and I was doing just fine on the hungry belly front until I read your post – thaaaaaanks! Now all I want are cookies and bananas.
Feel free to come visit! I’ve got plenty to share 😀
I LOVE horror movies – ’tis why Halloween is my favorite holiday 😀 And I love Christmas just as much.
My mom makes an amazing slow-cooked chicken & spinach recipe, as well as crustless vegetable quiche.
Hehe I’ve actually never seen Nightmare before christmas! But for some reason, whenever I’ve started to watch Tim Burton’s animated movies, I get bored right away! So I think it’s just not my cup of tea. But I do love Edward Scissorhands! And your mom’s cooking looks so delicious! I’m so interested in foods of all over the world and I can’t wait to someday try Polish! 😀 Have a blessed day and ummm I’m still so excited for you!
My mom makes amazing vegan pizza, chili, and stir fries! My dad’s favorite thing to make is fried potatoes.
Guarantee Im a bigger wimp then you when it comes to scary movies!! We watched Van Helsing at my halloween party and even that gave me little chills. Stupid scary vampire chicks. lol
Gah Im so jealous of your snow. I literally got sunburnt at my game on Sunday because it was over 80. UGH! Im so sick of it!! I want to wear my cute winter clothes!
Can I get some more details about your new man friend? Anything at all? I need a crumble or something!!
I’ll take your sun! I’m going to be paler than snow soon. And I’ll be e-mailing you back with more deets today 😀
Omg omg I just read your last post, WHAT IF YOU GUYS GET MARRIED!?!?! This is such an adorable way to meet someone, I HOPE YOU guys hangout A LOT! I am so corny..but I am so in love with meeting people NOT online these days. ANYWAY!! I lovee Tim Burton movies, they are always amazing. I need to bust mine out and watch them, I’ve got like ONE day left!
Oh well, I suppose I’m one of the few horror fans here. Most recent horror has been terrible though; just glorifying violence mostly. I prefer my horror to actually have a semblance of a plot – older movies are so much better, although Japan seems to still have a firm grasp on what is truly terrifying (never mind the terrible US remakes…). I love The Shining, American Psycho, Misery, Scream (though not the sequels – it was a fantastic parody) and 28 Days Later, among others. The Woman in Black was not a patch on the book – I thought Daniel Radcliffe was as wooden as…a plank of wood. Forgive me for the lack of a better analogy.
I definitely favour Halloween over Xmas – I’m just don’t ‘get’ it being an atheist, I suppose!
I love breaking out the Christmas decorations! It really is the most wonderful time of the year 🙂 I usually make myself wait until after Thanksgiving though!
I probably would too if I lived down in the States, but our Canadian Thanksgiving is long gone so it’s all fair game as soon as Halloween is over.
Cannot wait to hear about the Gorgeous One! It is seriously like the start to a romantic movie!!! AND Nightmare Before Christmas is probably one of the best Halloween movies of all time! Have fun and enjoy!
I cannot watch anything even remotely scary. Keep it away from me! And I am SO ready for Christmas. I told my roommate I wanted to decorate this weekend but she said I had to wait till after Thanksgiving 🙁 Boo. And there’s nothing like a meal at home with mom and dad and the family. So comforting, wish I had made it home this past weekend!
Luckily it’s already way past Thanksgiving here! Canadians celebrate early in October so after Halloween I’m in the clear 😀
That meal by your mom looks great! I have never had dumplings and I’m from the south! embarrassing I know! It is snowing here and sticking too! Kind of crazy! My favorite meal by my mom is her awesome maple roasted butternut squash bake at Thanksgiving and Christmas! O and she makes the BEST pancakes!
I am SO excited about your hot date at starbucks! I can’t wait to see where it goes from here! 🙂
You have great taste in movies, love both of those as you know and seen on my blog! I love your jack stuffed animal head too!
So happy you joined in on MIMM! Thank you! <3
I have to admit, as soon as Bonfire night (5th Nov) is over here in the UK I’ll be Christmasing it up big style! I lurrrve Christmas 🙂 Great news on the fella! Keep us updated 😉
I’m excited to start getting in the holiday spirit too! The second Halloween is over I’m going to start playing my Christmas playlist haha!
Also that meal your mom made looks fantastic! I love beef stew. Best comfort food ever! My favourite thing my mom makes is her minestrone soup with homemade tea biscuits.
LOVE THIS!!!! These lessons rock!
Oh man Edward Scissorhands is one of my faves too!! I sob like a baby every time haha
And it snowed?? Wanna send some my way? It’s still in the upper 80’s down here! It sure doesn’t help put you in the fall/Christmas mood. AHH I can’t wait for Christmas to come, it’s just such a wonderful time to be with family and relax! 🙂
moms cooking is and always will be the best! something so comforting about it – especially over the holidays!
Everything looks so yummy!
I love you christmas plates, they’re so cute 🙂 It’s weird i only ever watch the Nightmare before Christmas at christmas, never Halloween.
Your words are full of widsom, seriously, i have learnt alot from your life lessons.
Don’t worry i’m wimp when it comes to scary movies too. 🙂
Horror movies are the best when your neighbours are nuts. During my freshman year in university I was watching Saw with my roommates in the dormitory while a guy who was locked out by his roommate was trying to get in the room. The noise really lifted the movie to a whole new level until we went out to see what the hell was going on. Alas, no psychos with deadly weapons outside 😀
Oh, I feel so jealous of everyone who is having snow right now (which is quite a lot of people)! I love snow and I can’t wait for Christmas. I started the Christmas shopping a while ago but now that it’s getting colder I’ve officially started the countdown. Well, technically the app on my phone did ’cause I’m too lazy 😛 Christmas is even more special when it’s the only time of the year I go home. So bring out the reindeer!
Oh my heavens, your family dinner on Sunday looks delicious!! Maybe your mom can cook me up some yummy meals & ship them here? I’d love her forever!! 🙂
I love posts like this which put life into perspective! I can’t handle horror movies either…”I Know What You Did Last Summer” is probably as scary as I can watch…which clearly doesn’t say much for me haha! I am ready for the Christmas feeling to hit too. Unfortunately there isn’t much of it in Mumbai (the heat doesn’t help either) but I still try to get into spirit somewhat. Last year we had a traditional Christmas lunch at home which felt kinda special. I haven’t actually experienced the full on Christmas feel since 2010, which is why I am more than likely going to book a holiday to London in December…it might be freezing cold but then again…I can always warm myself up by cupping a red cup full of gingerbread latte :)!
Have a great Tuesday, Amanda and *squeal* about the boy….glad things are progressing!
Aw, what a lovely, appreciative post Amanda:), my <3 was smiling whilst reading.
I actually looove horror movies, but I love christmas ones more.
And I don't enjoy any mummy cooked meals:(. My mum cant/ doesn't cook,(it's ok , she know she stinks at it). Hmm, I wonder how your mother would feel coming to Scotland and making me koptya( I'm presuming this is a Polish thing), it looks SCRUMPTIOUS!
Ya know how you said you've work through most of your food issues, I'm curious as to whether you ever plan on discussing any hang-ups that you might still have?
Xxx
I do discuss them as they come up – so things like still getting anxious on days where I feel like a bottomless pit or not being sure if I need to eat more to keep my blood sugar levels from crashing. Thankfully, there aren’t really any specific hurdles that I still have to overcome, just some lingering general anxieties.
If you’re crazy for being excited about Christmas, then I am too! We got our first snow of the season last week and even though it melted right away, it made me ready for it to be Christmas already. The funny thing is, we almost never get snow here on Christmas, but it just reminds me of the whole holiday season. I just want to start listening to all the holiday music right now, but I guess I can wait til at least after Halloween’s over 😉
Good life lessons. I feel like I learn those and re-learn those over and over. Gratitude is so big–things could always be worse! Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Ahh homemade kopytka. My mom makes those all the time too. We had pierogi today! But I’m not a big fan of potatoes… I do love her “bigos” though, if you know what that is! And (luckily? strangely?) dinner was always pretty much restriction-free, meaning I would eat what I was given (since I lived at home during my ED and now again for the better half of my recovery) since I always calculated the rough amount of calories into my daily limit….. So I pretty much ate nothing all day so that I could eat at dinner and have a snack at night. Sad.
And I’m a HUGE horror movie buff. I think since I started watching them early in my childhood, I’ve become immune to scary movies and don’t find them scary at all — in fact, I laugh during them because they’re usually just so over the top and ridiculous 😀
it snowed??? SO so jealous over here. Also super excited about christmas!
i CANNOT watch horror movies. I’m seriously the biggest scaredy cat out there. I even turn off the volume and look away from the tv when horror movie previews come on. I can’t help that whenever I’m alone and in a dark place those horror movie scenes seem to pop into my head and I freak myself out.
And, I would most certainly look forward to family dinners too, especially if we were eating that plate of delicious looking kopytka. Holy Yum.
PS – loving the life lessons! 🙂
Hey Amanda!
When you mentioned recovery, I started to wonder: did you receive any kind of formal treatment to help you overcome your issues with food? Maybe you could describe the way you finally did face the fears, because you certainly have done so beautifully. I love the photography too! It looks like you live in such a pretty area, despite the snow (already!). Thanks,
Cori
Hi Cori, I’ve never received any formal treatment for my ED, no. And I’m finishing up writing up the last part of my story which has a more detailed account of how I went about recovery. It should be up sometime soon 🙂
The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favorite movies, too 🙂 That is one thing that I ALWAYS do on Halloween :)… and Christmas!! While eating candy of course.
Nightmare Before Christmas is pretty much one of my favourite movies in existence! I watch it at least a couple time a year (last time I watched it was in June…slightly out of season but that’s ok. 🙂
Horror movie fanatic right here…thinking I might need to go see Paranormal Activity Four soon. :-p
Mom-cooked meal? Beef stroganoff. No one can cook that like my mom can.
No shame in admitting your giddiness about dating! I’ve been the same for the past … ahem … maaaany months, too, and my friends have been patiently bearing it.
I’m pretty sure to be the utmost biggest wimp when it comes to horror movies. I have yet to watch a single one of them – not even “Scary Movie” as a horror parody was in my books … Do I have to be embarrassed?
Your mention of family dinners makes me long for visiting my parents again soon. It’s been far too long since I last spent a few days at their house due to living in a city a bit further from them and working on the weekends. Fingers crossed my visit will work out next weekend. Letting my mum prepare a meal for me would be another challenge on my list. There are so many dishes of hers I love but haven’t had in a while. It’s sad to admit.
Regarding Christmas I have to admit I’ve been having some decorations like a little Santa and an elf sitting on my window sills for a while already now. What can I say? It’s never to early to get in a Christmas-y mood :).
Starbucks is already using their christmas cups, so it’s totally appropriate for christmas giddyness. It only comes around once a year 😉
Love all the life lessons!
!! No holiday cups here yet 🙁 The place I frequent said November 2nd and I’m getting antsy!
I can’t stand horror movies either! Such a wimp too! I’m excited for the Christmas season too! I get so bored with the holidays! Now that halloween is here I’m ready for Christmas 😉 Love these life lessons! Mom’s home cooking really is the best!
I love this! There is nothing like a good home cooked meal by family… right?? I can’t watch scary movies either!! I’m such a whimp! 😉
This post is great. I totally agree with no shame in not being able to watch real horror movies, ditto girl, ditto. They creep me out big time. It’s ok though. Onto your christmas mentioning, yes snow makes it feel that much closer and more real! Totally can’t wait to get on with the decorating/christmas socks (or sweaters 😉 ). Plus Halloween is getting old right now… especially seeing Sandy is here and trick or treat was more or less cancelled for the litle munchkins. poor kiddos, snowed out last year, hurricaned out this year. It’s nice to read your positive insight about recovery and that your seeing how far you have come. Mom’s cooking is the best I have to agree, mmm anything stew like is definitely a comforting and relaxing meal. Lastly, I love your ending here “Health is life, and life is a gift. Don’t mess around.” TRUTH. Holy crap truth.
Has Halloween season felt extremely extended to you this year? I honestly feel like it’s been extremely long-I’m with you. I just want it to be Christmas celebrations. Can’t wait to hear more about your new main man!
Yeah it feels like Halloween should have been over like two weeks ago… maybe it’s just the overabundance of pumpkin around the blog world…
Love this! I’ve been having dinner with mom and dad weekly as well. It feels good to catch up!
Amanda — I agreed with you on EVERY single one of these posts completely and with my entire heart. I was just saying yesterday that I really shouldn’t complain about my work schedule — both of my brothers have it much worse, and they make not even half what I do — talk about little brothers being BIG inspirations!! And boy am I ever getting geared up for Christmas!! Only eight weeks to go!! That being said, this will be the first year I’ll be enjoying Christmas without my ED looming over me and I’m going ALL OUT!!! Not only with the food, but with the sentiment and without the debilitating anxiety!! My Mom makes AWESOME eggs — I can’t wait to have some on Christmas morning. 😀 I will challenge your title for THE biggest wimp when it comes to watching horror movies — no worries!! But I think I might just finally force myself to watch “The Woman in Black” that I downloaded ages ago solely because of Daniel Radcliffe, although I will probably do so during daylight. Just in case! Chelsie enjoys her beauty sleep!! 😉
To summarize — love this, love you, can’t believe it took us this long to connect and hope you don’t mind me sticking around because you’re flipping fantastic!!
Mind?! Pft girl you better be sticking around because I’d miss your flippin’ fantastic self like crazy!
My mom makes a delicious ratatouille that loaded with chunks of garlic. It’s delicious over pasta, with a sprinkling of blue cheese. Yum.
I’ve been trying to sort out what to do about exercise this winter too. I love to go on walks, even in the cold and snow, but also wonder if I should just use a treadmill (which I find soooo boring, unless I find a good podcast to listen to). Do you read while on the treadmill, or listen to music or podcasts?
I usually read or watch a movie on my iPad. Still not as good as being able to walk outside, but it makes the time go by a little bit faster.
I love this post! See I am a horror movie fanatic and actually watched one today by myself while the storm raged outside. Nothing like watching it with friends but most of my friends hate that type of movie. I am in love with that potato dumpling dish, wow. Looks amazing. uck I don’t think I could handle snow right now. I think recovery has definitely made me appreciate family food again. I wish I got it more often for sure.
You’re a crazy woman 😯 But as long as you’re staying safe during the storm then I love you anyways.