Currently

Oh, hey there.. Happy Thursday! So....


Listening to:   A lot from The Swellers and Frank Turner. I reference both of them here


Reading: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns) By: Mindy Kaling. (you know, the girl from The Mindy Project and Office)

This book is seriously awesome! I highly recommend it.

Excited for:  Dublin! We FINALLY booked tickets.  February 2014, The McMahon's are a comin'! I am excited, but I am also so, so, SO nervous. I am going to be meeting my husband's parents for the first time, ever. and I hope they like me. Maybe even love me, ha! I know.. I can hear your "whaaat?" and see the confused look. All I can say is looking back it all makes sense on how we never met. Bryan and I started casually dating during my study abroad. Who meets parents in the first couple months of causal dating? They definitely knew about me throughout the many years.  Ah, long distance relationships - not for the faint of heart. I'm also hoping his friends like me. And, if they don't they at least  pretend to. hahaha... oh my. This trip will be an exciting adventure nonetheless. 

Thinking about: Joining an art class. I never took to sports when I was growing up. I always gravitated  to art classes and crafty projects. Living in a big city so many of my friends/people I know join sport leagues to stay active/meet people.  Bryan and I joined a kickball league this past summer and it was a wonderful experience. We had a ton of fun and met really stellar people most  of who are now friends! Recently, Bryan joined a soccer league and I see how much enjoyment he has from his weekly (sometimes more) game.  So, despite the cost ($175 for 5 weeks, $325 for 10 weeks) I am pretty sure I am going to join a pottery class at a local art studio. I should probably decide..classes start soon!

Eating: A nickel free diet. ugh! I have been battling skin issues on my hands and feet for almost 2 years now. Nothing super gross just a case of eczema/mild psoriasis - looks like dry skin, but it can be painful and on a vanity level embarrassing. I have been to several dermatologist, an allergist and spent a copious amount of money on trying to get to the root of the cause. In this hunt, I tested positive to having a nickel allergy. The allergic reaction to nickel is contact dermatitis.. on the hands and feet! So, my dermatologist wants me on a nickel free diet for 2 months and then to see him again in December. What is a nickel free diet.. oh, well... here is a break down of food to avoid and food to eat.

High content nickel containing foods – the ones to avoid!

• Chocolate/Cocoa Powder
• Cashews
• Kidney Beans
• Green leafy vegetables
• Legumes especially dried beans and lentils.
• Bean sprouts also have a high nickel content.
• Whole wheat and multigrain flours are high in nickel content. Avoid wheat and oat bran, oatmeal, brown rice, and flower seeds (such as sunflower and sesame).
• Foods with baking powder
• Peas
• Pineapple
• Prunes
• Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts
• Seeds
• Soya
• Canned meats and fish, such as tuna.

Foods low in nickel content (these CAN aggravate nickel allergy)
95% of this list have items that I consume if not daily, multiple times a week - ugh!

• Raw tomatoes, onions and carrots
• Apples and citrus fruits and their juices
• Beer
• Wine (especially red wine)
• Fish such as herring, mackerel and tuna
• Poultry, eggs and fish (except salmon)
• Asparagus
• corn
• cucumber
• dill
• mushrooms
• parsley
• potatoes
• Yeast

Foods that you CAN eat on a nickel free diet

• Fruits including peaches, pears, raisins, rhubarb, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and other berries. Any of these can be eaten fresh or cooked, but not canned.
• Most vegetables are allowed on this diet. Recommended vegetables include: bell peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, and cruciferous greens (cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, bok choy). Vegetables may be fresh or cooked; canned items are discouraged.
• All plain dairy products eg. milk, cream, cheese, butter, yogurt etc. are allowed.
• Grains: Refined wheat and most corn products are permitted on this diet. Pasta, white rice, cornflakes, cornmeal, and white breads are all low-nickel foods.
• Most kinds of animal protein are low in nickel content. Chicken, turkey, beef, and eggs are recommended. Do not eat canned meats and fish, such as tuna.
• Alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea (though not from urns or machines) are allowed, as are sodas, and juices from low-nickel fruits.

So, pretty much a high protein, vegetable and fruit diet with very small amounts of grains. I feel like a test rat! No, no, no... it's fine. I mean if it gives me insight to this skin issue then that's the goal and hope.

Watching:  Sons of Anarchy - this show is my jam! Everyone seems to be obsessed with Breaking Bad, True Blood, Boardwalk Empire, ect... but SOA, in my opinion tops all other shows.  Season 6 of SOA is proving to be the bloodiest. IT. IS. JUST. SO. GOOD. Anyone else a SOA lover?

Creating:  This painting - it's for my friend, Kate.  It a work in process and hopefully I'll be finished with it by next week. Ah, love painting!