My parents showed up to surprise us with a visit on Saturday so I've been MIA for a couple of days, but loved the visit. I also think my hubby and I have been spending too much time apart lately with the job situation and am not happy right now. We're both stressed right now so we're taking it out on each other and that's not a good thing. Thankfully he'll be home early this week and we'll be going camping this weekend so we'll have some quality time together without the stresses of everyday life - with the exception of the kids

I did go out for a long walk yesterday which made me fell better, but between the walk and the stress my IC started flaring yesterday afternoon and I'm still suffering through it.

I am proud of myself not only for the long walk but also for sticking "mostly" to my guns food wise this weekend while my parents were here. I didn't keep it totally raw and I didn't keep it totally vegan, but I did better than I normally would in the same situation so I'm sure this coming camping weekend will be that much easier than 1 of our typical camping trips.

I'm planning on bringing plenty of veggies and fruit and planning plenty of exercise. I've decided even though it hurts I have to do something to make this weight come off so I can be happy in my own skin. While that will happen with raw, if I don't add exercise it will take forever and I'll still be unhealthy. My body needs the exercise for many reasons - I've just got to listen to it and do it.

I haven't jumped off the wagon, only been crazy busy for the last several weeks. I have another crazy week ahead. Between the hubby being out of town, work, kids starting school in a couple weeks, baby showers and wedding showers, I feel like I'll never get back to normal.

My diet hasn't been as raw as I'd like, but I'm trying - although I could be trying harder if I were really honest with myself.

I don't know if it's the diet or the stress that's making me flare this last week, probably a combination of both. Gotta get on top of it before it takes over and tramples me.

Hi westiemom,

Hope you're doing well! I think it's harder to concentrate when there are alot of distractions like the ones you've described above.

But you sound like to me that you're pretty committed and gung ho about moving forward! Good for you!

I'll admit that I haven't been on the raw wagon the last couple of weeks. I have been eating raw, but I've also been indulging in too many things I shouldn't. That and too much stress have me feeling the miserable effects. My IC whihch was previously under control is now causing me to be extremely miserable to the point I can barely walk. Same goes for migraines. It seems to be a neverending cycle. Oh, and don't get me started on the weight issue.

Once I get my doctor's appointment ironed out for the day I'm heading over to get as much produce as I can and start this thing going the right direction.