No, he's not a terrorist. Yes, I am still American.

I really never intended to make my blog a sounding board for my politically based rants... when it gets closer to the primaries, we'll see. No promises.

But

BUT

I.Can't.Bite.My. Tongue.Anymore.

M is from Pakistan. And apparently that automatically makes you a terrorist. And if you marry one you are now un-american. Really? REALLY?

Do you know what I've recently learned how to say?

"Mein ap say muhabat karti hoon."

It means "I love you" in Urdu.

But to me it also means:

I love you no matter your skin color

I love you no matter your religion

I love you no matter your culture

I love you enough to look past stereotypes

I love you enough to not get snared into ignorance

I love you enough to think and feel for myself

I love you so much that I will not let other's ignorance and fear change how I feel ONE bit.

M comes from a religion and a culture that is greatly misunderstood and "Salem-ized" by mass media post 9/11. With a heavy heart I think about the ten years that have passed and the lives that were lost that day and the days to come. While others mourn and the country reflects, I brace myself for the onslaught of ignorance in the days and years to come. My heart aches and yet my brain is angry. I am aching for the innocent souls who were lost in this unforgivable attack and I am angry for those who now suffer from the racism. Something that became so virulent and rampant in a country that is supposedly deeply rooted in human rights and equality.

The responses have been about 50/50. Either he isn't a terrorist or he is by association. Which astounds me. I wonder how far we really have progressed or are we yet still chained down by inhumanity and clouded by a lack of compassion and knowledge?

I will never hide the fact that M is Pakistani. Nor will I encourage our children to be ashamed because the rotten apples that stained the face of a beautiful county and a beautiful culture. A culture so deeply rooted in tradition and a high regard of family and mankind. Something our country deeply needs right now.

A little knowledge goes a long way.

On Sunday we pause, we reflect and we remember. But we must not forget our fellow humans. The ones who have a heart that beats just like yours and a life just as treasured as yours. We must look past skin color and see that every human is worthy no matter what.

We are all worthy and we must not forget this.

Must not forget.

Wedding talk!

So I get to have two weddings. A traditional American wedding and a traditional Pakistani wedding.

An American wedding is pretty straight forward. One ceremony and a reception and bam you are husband and wife. Right? Standard.

An Pakistani wedding, whoa. Yeah. I know some about it but there is so MUCH that I don't. So busy, colorful, many ceremonies, traditions, rituals. Eek. I pretty much told M it's all on him to plan with his family, etc. I wouldn't know where to start. Plus it's so ELABORATE. So in your face. I am quite, mute and even possibly dull. I told M things that I liked and "suggested" that maybe we could tone it down, just a little.

Do not get me wrong I am in love with it but it kinda blew my "little, quiet and romantic wedding" idea out the window. I want to do this right not only for us but for his family, religion and his tradition.

But talking with M he feels that it isn't necessary to do all ceremonies because we will already had the American wedding. (I hope. No pray.) But it looks like we will only take part in a few of the major ceremonies. I do look forward to the Mehndi. I think it's so beautiful.

I think M has picked my dress out. I think. I know he has a date planned. I don't think I was suppose to know about this but I did find out. I am still not sure what's going on with that as his visa status and etc is still up in the air. So all I am allowed to do is look. I can't buy. I can't schedule. I can't do any thing but plan. So that is what I am doing for my American wedding.

Our theme for our American wedding is "Romantic Black & White."

Reception:

Plenty of white candles every where, infusions of black and a lot of sparkly clear glass. White crisp table cloths, black table runners. Romantic but not in your face flowers and candle table center pieces. White covered chairs tied back with black satin.

Strings of little with lights and organza. Hanging lighted paper lanterns.

Can you picture it?

I can and I do every day. Taking our first dance as Man and Wife under all the sparkling lights. I see it. It motivates me.

I can't wait to be his wife.

I will post an album soon with my inspiration pictures. So you can "Ooohhh and Ahhhh" with me too.

An updated "About Me" post.

I have missed you blog world. A place where I could share what I need when I need too. A place where I could share what I do best: cook, eat and raise my children.

Things are changing in my world and I am happy to report for the better. Although people are assuming the wrong things about my judgement, I know in my heart and through out my soul, that I am doing what is correct. Now I just wait for all the good things I am meant to be blessed with.

So I thought I would update for those who may have fell behind on the going ons in my life. Although posting more regularly on my end would be a big help to you wouldn't it? I have committed a blogging sin and I repent for my lazy-ness.

I have added another player to our team. He's a great man and I know he'll make a great husband and father. It's one of those things where it began as friendship, I supported him through his storms and he was there through mine. Somewhere it had morphed into something romantic. It hit me that the man I was looking for was sitting right in front of me.

Only problem: He's nearly 8000 miles away from me.

I shall call him M. He's in his early 20's and he's educated, supportive, smart, talented, a great friend, loving, honest, mature, non-judgmental and very handsome. AND he's coming here for me! Of course to finish his education but he's coming here to MARRY ME! Take that! Ha. I am giddy when we talk about it. Trust me it seems like it's rushing to you but the legal processes to get him here and then hoops we'd have jump through gives us plenty of time. We don't know dates because so many things are up in the air. We'll get this figured out as time goes on.

We pretty much want and need the same things in a relationship. I am more traditional then what it appears. *GASP* I know right? My friend told me that he didn't see me becoming a stay at home mom. Well the only reason I am not is because I am forced too. I still have my dreams and M is very supportive and I love him so much for this. I have a treasure and I refuse to lose it or damage it. I absolutely refuse too.

He's from Pakistan.

This is where you shed your ignorance or get out of my life. Pretty simple eh?

He's not what ignorant mass media portrays. He's a man. He's made out skin, muscle, blood and tissue. He's heart beats and bleeds just like yours. His lunges exhale just like yours dose. He's an equal to any american man I could love. You don't love a human being based on their skin color, their religion or any other thing.

He makes me hold my breath, my soul quakes, my heart skips beats every time he whispers "I love you." I look excitedly to what our future brings us.

With marriage comes pitter patter of little feet. Yes, little feet. Yes, they will be planned. We will be adding to the brood. Not surprised are you? Heh.

There's so much I could post about him and us but I must update on the other girls as well!

A- Is doing well. She keeps bragging to me about how old she will be. As if I had no idea how old she will be turning and when her birthday is. Sorry kid, I must of missed your birth at this rate. She's going to be nine and I am about ready to cry. She's getting so big and so smart. Too smart. She will be taking English horse back ridding lessons and yoga this fall. She's looking forward to this. I can tell it's something she loves and I am going to support her in these quests of hers. She wants to be home schooled because she's been teased so badly lately. She's so shy but very passionate. She isn't old enough to see how this will benefit her.

H- Energetic, little, impish H. She's such a tomboy and so sporty. I am glad she's in love with ballet. She has her rough and tumble side but it's nearly perfectly balanced with her girly side. She loves dirt, yet she loves nail polish. She's ready for school. She love the kids and I think she may end up being popular at this rate. I am fine with this as long as she maintains the things I think are important with it comes to treating others. This fall she starts ballet full time and already is talking about her first performance and it hasn't even started yet!

L- She's her own being. Stubborn but loving. She'll put up a good fight when life gets rough for her. This I am thankful for because she gets this from momma. She starts school for the first time in a little over a week. She is over the moon with this idea. I just hope she can cope with this, we still are waiting from the IEP team to contact us but I am sure with a little tough love and new coping skills she should do ok. I hope. She also starts soccer this fall. A good way to get her active and interacting with other kids, something she so desperately needs.

Little L- She is making my ovaries ache. She's growing up so soon! She's still not potty trained yet. We are working on it but it's seems she's opting for the easy way out. Luckily, I've been through this a few times. She is starting to talk more. Oddly when we got the TV she started stringing words together and using more words then before. Who said TV was a bad thing? I was thinking about putting her into a private preschool but the idea of germs is starting to sway my opinion. This last winter was a good one. She only had one bout of penuomia and bronchitis. I'd kinda like to keep it this way. No matter how many times you've been in the PICU, you never like being there. I am enjoying all the extra time with her and looking forward to only having her this school year at home. Although I am sure it will drive me crazy not having a full house but at the same time, I am going to enjoy it!

Me- I am doing good. My graduation date has been pushed back another year and a semester. I plan on graduating there with my AS in science and then working part time while going to a four year college. Although this may be up in the air as it depends on my plans with M. I'd be happy not going back to school and I'd be happy staying in school. I started working out and dieting again, well, ok somewhat. I am trying. It's just so odd for me to eat more then one meal a day! It's a mind over matter issue. But I am super happy thanks to M. I really am. I hope people see this and support me because of it!

I will update as things progress and I will be posting wedding things etc. I already have a few ideas. I am happy. So very much happy and I only want to share this pureness with those around me.

ML.

Lentil soup diet.

*This isn't intended as medical advice and I can not be liable for any outcomes from said diet. You should always consult with a doctor prior to weight loss. Eat at your own risk.*

Who likes those warnings? But there's always that group of idiots who take things too far.

No, this isn't a fad diet or a quick fix. It's a nice substitution diet for when you need to lose a few pounds or you want to detox and help your GI track. Either way it's shown that eating plenty of fiber and foods that are good for you will actually help you lose weight, have proper bowel movements, improve your health and over all well being.

I eat this sometimes when my IBD is flaring because of the veggies and the fiber, it tends to settle things down a little. I pureed mine more then you will but it also depends on the texture you are looking for. Sometimes I like mine a little more coarse but my last batch I made was smooth.

Why it's good for you:

High in fiber, nutrients, low in calories and good for you. Do you think I am going to list out why it's good for you? Do you know how long of a list that would be?! Omgosh, I really don't have that kind of time!

How about you look at these links for yourself, k?

Lentils
Carrot
Onion
Celery
Red pepper
Garlic
Spinach

Don't forget those spices!

Oregano
Basil
Cumin
Thyme
Ground black pepper

Seriously people, it's good for you! How does this compare to fad diets? You are getting benefits that affect you from head to toe in just one bowl! Now imagine how you are going to feel if you have two bowls a day?! You are going to feel great!

How it works:

You are going to wake up and a sensible breakfast.

Example:
Whole oats and a boiled egg with either fresh fruit or a glass of juice but not both. And a dairy, either cheese, milk or yogurt.

Snacks:
1 protein item : Egg, cheese, nuts, lean white meat, fish, chicken, turkey and peanut butter, etc.

-or-

1 portion of fresh fruits

-or-

1 serving of any raw or fresh veggie.

Lunch and dinner:

Depending on your weight:

160lbs or less 1 cup to 1.5 cups of lentil soup and a protein and half a serving of fruit.

160lbs or more 1.5 cups to 2 cups of lentil soup and a protein and half a serving of fruit.

So here's how it goes:

Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Protein snack

Off limits food:
Pop, soda, processed food, fried foods, high salt foods, processed sugars and flours. Limit coffee, try teas instead.

Stick to raw and fresh foods.

If you must eat bread, eat whole grain dark breads. Eat whole wheat or grain cereals.

Drink PLENTY of water! You need to flush your system and cleanse your colon and you can't do that without water.

No more then THREE portions of dairy a day. You are trying to be kind to your GI tract. Not to mention that dairy is loaded with calories and fat.

*If you get that gnawing sensation that you are hungry and you can't wait to your next meal, eat a 1/2 portion from the snack list to tide you over*

Your stomach and your brain are going to try to convince you that this isn't enough, well it is. Eventually and hopefully all the fiber will fill you up and you shouldn't have hunger issues. It's purely a mind over body issue. We eat to large of portions so this is going to seem like so little when really it's enough.

If you have a sweet tooth, you will notice a withdraw stage or an increased craving for sugar. That's ok, just nip in the bud with a handful of grapes or an apple. Eventually, it will go away.

I don't do this longer then a week. You'll get bored out of your mind with the lentil soup and never want to see it again if you did it longer then this. What it is intended to do is get you on the right track.

So I am going to eat this for a week and the week afterwards rotate it in my meals. Then later on do another week.

You can't just eat this and lose weight, I am sure you could but that's not the point. You have to get off your butt and be active, you will lose even more weight then you if you just sat on your butt. For real people, I did say this isn't a quick fix.

I've lost any where from three to eight pounds in one week on this diet, so it is indeed possible!

Recipe:
2 tbls of EVVO
2 cups red lentils
3 carrots chopped
3 celery chopped
1 onion or 1/4 of a large onion
3-5 cloves of garlic chopped
1 bunch of spinach
1 red pepper chopped
1/4 tsp of ground black pepper
1 tsp of dried oregano
1 tsp of dried basil
1/2 tsp of dried thyme
1/2 tsp of cumin
dash of red pepper flakes
2 boxes of low sodium veg broth

*you can always add more veggies to this, just add them in with the rest of the veggies.*

Directions:

1) In a hot soup pan add in oil and carrots, onions, celery, pepper and garlic. Saute until onions are transparent.

2) Add in lentils, Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Cumin, Red pepper flakes, ground pepper and veggie broth. Taste and season until it taste good to you. Some like theirs on the bland side and some like it on the spicy side, it's up to you. If it needs more seasoning, add some, wait five minutes and taste again. Keep doing so until it taste good to you.

3) Bring to a boil for ten minutes, stir often.

4) Simmer on medium-low for an hour.

5) Cool and add into blender and puree until you get a consistency you desire. Refrigerate.

Enjoy and be healthy!