A little bit personal...

My life always a party complete with networking, fundraising, and gala dinners. I enjoy the social aspect of the territory but fear the dreaded diet related questions. I am a vegetarian who tries to maintain a vegan diet. I avoid talking about my diet; because I hate being asked why I'm vegan. I wish I could say that I was vegan because of environmental, or social causes; I can't, however. I am vegan because in many ways it is a socially acceptable eating disorder (orthorexia), one that grants me enough control over food to avoid the panic of post anorexia and bulimic guilt. 

I bring this topic up because a local Calgary philanthropist, W. Brett Wilson,  has chosen to benefit eating disorder related charities at an upcoming function. 

There is a lot of stigma involved in eating disorders, and a lot of misconceptions about the problem. An eating disorder is not necessarily about the desire to be thin or skeletal. An eating disorder is a mental obsession that can hijack your life. There is nothing glamorous about being either anorexic or bulimic. I know, I spent the better part of my teens and early twenties in the trenches of an eating disorder. There is help available for people struggling with eating disorders- help that is confidential and anonymous such as Juno House or BodyWhys. 

My eating issues began in elementary school. I hated seeing my body grow and fill out before a growth spurt. By Jr. High I was counting calories, popping laxatives, going for midnight runs, and in a deadly competition with myself to see how many days I could go with out eating. I looked horrible, felt horrible, and CHOSE to have no life because I FEARED that it would  interfered with my diet. Yet, somehow, I felt victorious, because by forbidding my self nourishment I was the only person capable of hurting myself and therefore invincible. The constant starvation lead to inevitable binge eating, and subsequent laxative an diuretic use. The binges were shameful and disastrous. Every binge felt like a failure. A failure that left me frozen, panicked, and emotionally beaten. 

The laxatives always left me bloated, and the starvation screwed up my metabolism. I was always cold, always shaken, always looking for an excuse not to eat or to skip a meal. I knew that what I was doing to myself was not healthy, but it seemed so hard to ask for help. I didn't want to let go of the only control I thought I had. I tried to reach out for help, using an alias. The first time I sought help; I learned how to stick my fingers down my thought to erase the damage. Learning how to vomit gave me the freedom to have more of a life. I could go out armed with knowledge that a trip to the bathroom could be arranged. Bulimics are not always skinny, and during my bulimic stage of life I put on weight and risked my body to injuries. An ex boyfriend of mine called me out on my bulimia. He berated me, and forced me to seek counseling. I hated him for it. My eating disorder was MINE: my refuge, my safe place. 

Through counseling I was able to work through my eating disorder. I recognized that my issue came from fear. I realized that my competitiveness was self destructive. I starved and binged because  I could ration that by hurting myself, I made it impossible for others to get to know or hurt me. I prevented my self from feeling. Today, I am grateful for my ex. I am now nearly 3 years free of binging or starving. I take each day as it comes, and ask for the strength to overcome my poison one day at a time. 

There is nothing glorious about having an eating disorder. They are painful, emotionally draining, and body damaging. Eating disorders are preventable. There is help. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder seek help. No one should suffer the isolation of an eating disorder.  

Horoscopes: June 18-24

Happy Birthday fellow Cancarians, and of course Happy Monday. Here is to ringing in a new year full of new challenges and rewards. I give a shit about life, even though sometimes it might not always work to my favor. However caring about  doing a good job (and not about the politics) equates to a passion and a commitment to project goals that is contagious. Caring is Charismatic! This week challenge yourself by separating your personal emotions from your greater goals. You'll find, like I did, that a new perspective can open doors. 

With that, Here are your Georgia Nicols Horoscopes for June 18- 24. 

Cancer:

This week the Sun enters your sign for the next four weeks, boosting your energy and attracting favourable circumstances to you as well as important people. This really is a super-charge! It's also a time where it's totally appropriate to put yourself first because, essentially, it's all about you. Plus, you'll have a strong need to express yourself. This is the beginning of your personal year (birthday to birthday), which is more real than the beginning of a calendar year. Because the Sun in your sign allows you to project yourself more forcefully, you'll make a strong impression on others. You want to run the show and don't want to be told what to do.

Leo:

This is a time of preparation because your birthday is a month away. January 1 is an arbitrary date devised by the Gregorian calendar. But your birthday is real. It's when the degree of your sign (at the time of your birth) lines up with the degree of the Sun in the sky. A true beginning! Why not set some goals about what you want to achieve in the next year? Life is a conveyor belt. You get on until you get off. The ride is your life, which is chopped into segments of being asleep and awake creating the illusion of days, months and years. But you're always on the ride. The question is - what do you want to do with the time left to you?

Virgo:

This solar shift ushers in a month of popularity for Virgos. Enjoy schmoozing with others. Accept invitations to socialize and extend a few from yourself as well. You might join a club or take a class. You'll find it rewarding to be with others because not only will you enjoy the contact and a chance to exchange ideas, you'll be excited to discuss your dreams for the future with them. And their feedback will help you! Not only is this a social month ahead, it's a time where you feel connected to your goals. You're very future-oriented. Others can help you now, which is why you should encourage them to be in your life.

Libra:

This is the only time of year when the Sun travels across the top of your chart acting like a spotlight on you, which is why others notice you more than usual. Since this lighting is flattering, you look unusually good to others, which is why you will likely be asked to take on increased responsibilities. (People think you're the cat's meow.) This is a good thing! Just say yes because you'll be able to do the job. In addition, you'll be thinking about your career, your reputation and your life direction in general. If you don't know where you're headed, how can you make important decisions? You would just be a chicken crossing the road - poultry in motion.

Scorpio:

Life is taking on an exciting quality because you've decided it's time to spread your wings! Many of you will have rewarding experiences by travelling somewhere new or learning new things or enjoying exciting adventures. You're hungry to enrich your world. Do make an effort to travel, sign up for courses, go back to school, or put yourself in a situation where you will discover new ideas from people from different backgrounds. You want to break stagnant boundaries and free yourself from routine. You might also explore religious, spiritual and consciousness-raising ideas. Even casual encounters could be profound. Totally cool!

Sagittarius:

"The King was in his counting house, counting out his money. The Queen was in the parlour, eating bread and honey." This line from Sing a Song of Sixpence aptly describes your month ahead because your focus now turns to debt, taxes, inheritances, insurance matters and red-tape details. But that's not all. Sweet sex will start to play a larger role in your life. (Woo-woo!) However, in the bigger picture, you are on a self-improvement kick. You're trying to clean up your act so you can be a better person. You might even meet a teacher or someone who provokes self-inquiry or challenges your values. (We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.)

Capricorn:

For the next four weeks, the Sun will be directly opposite your sign, which means it's as far away from you as it will get all year. Since the Sun is your source of energy, this means you're going to need more sleep. Factoid. Recognize your need for this and try to get more rest. Another thing this opposing Sun will do is draw your attention to your closest friendships and partnerships. Not only will you give them more thought, you'll have a chance to observe yourself in action, which is why the next month is an opportunity for you to see how to improve these close relationships, whether you're in bed or not. (Yawn.)

Aquarius:

Oh my! Busy you! You've decided it's time to get a little closer to perfection. This is why your month ahead will be full of To Do lists as you try your best to be as efficient, effective and productive as possible. You want to get things done! You want to feel more in control and on top of your scene. In addition, you want to feel healthier. You want to eat better, sleep better and get exercise and, of course, all this will be done in a home that is tidier. You might not alphabetize your CDs but you're headed in that direction. You'll feel so pleased with yourself when you live up to these new standards of self-control and self-discipline. (Let's call this your smug month.)

Pisces:

Tra-la, tra-la! It is to laugh. As the Sun shifts signs this week, it welcomes one of the most fun months of the year for you. That's why the next four-to-six weeks are all about love, romance, social tete-a-tetes, parties, sports events, fun vacation escapes, and playful times with children. It's your turn to kick up your heels, let your hair down and paint the town red! Naturally, you're going to need a supporting cast for all this and no doubt they will materialize. Lovers, running mates, friends and creative, artistic contacts will appear to give you so many thrilling experiences, it will be regrettable that you can't write them down in your diary. Who has time? Enjoy!

Aries:

In the month ahead, you'll want to nest at home. One reason for this is you'll feel a need to have time alone. Childhood memories will bubble to the surface of your mind. You'll appreciate being around familiar things. Discussions with family members (especially parents) could be significant. In turn, these memories and family discussions might make you want to bounce your thoughts off of third party - a friend, advisor or professional counsellor because families can be wonderful and supportive but also quite maddening. George Burns was right: "Happiness as a loving, warm, caring family living in another city."

Taurus:

The solar shift will speed things up for you! Expect a busy month ahead with an accelerated daily pace because your schedule will be busier than usual. Many of you will take short trips while others will be running around doing errands more than usual. You feel a bit restless and the need to move around, which is why this could be a good time for a vacation as well. You're also eager to reach out to others because you want to communicate. You want to enlighten others and share your opinions. Basically, you can expect to be eager, enthusiastic, mentally alert and on the go, learning new things and sharing your ideas with others. (And remember the password is "Sherbet lemon.")

Gemini:

You're giving more and more thought to your values. (You think a lot.) You've just had your birthday. You're beginning a new year, but more than that, with fair Venus and lucky Jupiter in your sign, you sense this is a time of opportunity and fresh beginnings. There's a difference between having with a sense of intent and having a To Do list. The latter is just a list of activities, but the former is potentially life-changing. This is why you're thinking about how you earn money, how you would like to earn money, and what you want to do with your money. Cash flow and possessions are outer expressions of these values. (As something to think about if you're into nude rap sessions.)

Eat: Dad's Heart Healthy Banana Rhubarb Loaf

A year is an insignificant amount of time in relation to the decades of light years lived by the universe. Yet, in a year castles can be built and empires can crumble. I believe that in crisis is their is opportunity: In destruction their is rebuilding. In the past year my world was turned upside down. My dad, whom is one of my favorite people, was diagnosed and hospitalized with a serious heart condition.  His illness terrified me. I prayed for his health, asking for a miraculous recovery. Life is a gift that should be honored. Yet ultimately the only life we can have some aspect of control over is our own. We can be encouraging and supportive to others but it is their decision to fight. My dad's health is improving each and every day. I am so blessed for his strength and his commitment to recovery. I would be a mess with out him.

 Happy Fathers Day Dad! I love you. 

Dad's Favorite Banana Rhubarb Loaf
(Heart Healthy)


Ingredients:

I cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 cup bulgar flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp allspice

1 1/2 cup super ripe bananas (3 large)

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup vanilla soy milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 cup chopped rhubarb 

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350F.

 In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients: flours, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Mix well.

In a separate bowl mash the bananas and combine with the maple syrup, soy milk, and vanilla.

Once smooth add the wet mixture to the dry and stir until well combined.

Add the Rhubarb, pecans and the oil as the mixture begins to come together.

Pour into a lightly oiled 9"x 5" loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden.

(You'll know the loaf is done if a toothpick pricked into the center of the loaf comes out clean.)

LSTN: Karmin

I am digging the pop duo Karmin. Karmin: similar to the White Stripes is the musical harmonies of the soon to be wed Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan.

Karmin broke into the music scene and overwhelmed the blog-a-sphere when a you tube cover of Chris Browns "Look at me Now" rapped by Amy Heidman went viral.  Heidmas vocal dexterity is impressive; she raps like a pro contrary to her image. Heidman, a Home girl from the parries (Nebraska),   steezed out in an early Hollywood persona is the personification of the unexpected. Nick Noonan in contrast is the charismatic key board player with perfect pitch who manages to keep the key and rythem constant regardless of the energy fluctuations.

The duo's hip hop covers can be watched on their YouTube channel: "Karmincovers." Karmin recently released their debut album "Hello," which feature the hit tracks Brokenhearted and I told you so. Karmin is pop with attitude. Music that is fun to listen to with energizing beats and catchy hooks. Check 'em out. Download the album and mix it in to your summer playlist.

ART: Bad Portraits by Mandy Stobo

I had the pleasure of meeting Mandy Stobo last night at the Calgary Timeraiser. Mandy is a local artist made infamous for her "Bad Portraits." It was a joy to meet Mandy she is bubbly and full of life. For Christmas my mom was give one of her hideously incredibly portraits and it hangs proudly in her  home. 

Mandy's art is vivid, imaginative, and true to form. She is an artist with a unique vision and strong commitment/dedication to the choices she makes as an artist. I admire her as an artist because she has no reserve or remorse in regard to challenging the norm. Her Bad Portraits are not glamorous by any means, however her Bad Portraits will make you smile. 

Mandy's Bad Portraits can be commissioned directly from her. Just send your photo to @badportraits.com; check out badportraits.com to see more of Mandy's work. A Bad Portrait will cost you only $100 and makes a great gift idea. (Isn't Father's Day coming up...?)

Sweat: The Perks

It is a sad an inconvenient truth of exercise and diet; The fitter you become the harder you have to push through your workout to see results. Fitness is a progression where room for improvement is a constant.
While muscle burns fat or our bodies are programed to be hyper efficient (it's how we survived the ice ages). The increased efficiency of muscle mass means that a greater proportion of the calories we consume are used for energy. As a body decreases in mass, the amount of calories needed to fuel it decrease in proportion. Just like how a massive suburban needs more gas the Ford Focus. Our bodies are programed to be "fuel efficient."

To offset the metabolic slow down we can do so by constantly challenging our bodies by challenging our mind through different routines. Our brain is the least fuel efficient organ in our body, and when it is engaged we tend to burn more calories.

Add challenge to your workout by mixing up your routine, and changing the order of your workout. If you usually finish with core start with it. Or add some exercise to your household chores. The act of exercising in a different setting alone creates a challenge.

Follow along as Tracy Anderson demonstrate a killer workout that can be done in your kitchen!

Beauty In Action: Time-Raising

True beauty is a depth of an individual. Beauty exceeds the surface adornments, the pretty eyes, or sexy facial hair. Beauty is the person; the soul. Beautiful people in my minds eye are smart, charismatic, funny, philanthropic, and present. Beauty fades,  and is hopefully replaced by a strength of character. What I define as beautiful is passion for community, art, and a life that is infectious.  

Beauty is best shared, preferably with a community of your closet and dearest. I am excited to marvel at the Beauty of Calgary at the 7th annual Time Raiser event. The Time Raiser, in my opinion is a genius fundraising initiative that enables philanthropic individuals with shallow pockets to partake in the grandeur of a silent art auction.  The Time Raiser, in contrast to the mold, is an event designed to raise volunteer hours for local charities. The auction items will be available for purchase pending volunteer commitment. 

How It works:

1. Choose An Agencies
2. Bid On Art
3. Volunteer 

The time raiser is a cross country event.  Both the organizations in need of volunteers and the art  for auction are local. The 7th Annual Calgary Time Raiser is happening June 14th at Flames Central. This year the event is hoping to raise 6,500 volunteer hours within the next year. The goal may sound ambitious, as time is always on short supply, however the 6,500 hours can be realized through the generous donation of only 20 hours per ticket. Nada!

Eyeing:

Butter flies, by Karen Klassen.

02, by Alfonso Reyes 

Last of the Fall, by Rayanda Delaini 

The Time Raiser event does understand the frenzy of raising the stakes; and has conscientiously made the decision to cap art bets at  125 volunteer hours. For more information regarding the Time Raiser or to find an event in your city check out their website.