Welcome to ORLANDO!

What’s up, you guys?!

That’s right… As you probably know by now… I’M IN ORLANDO!

Our flight was delayed, so we obviously had to deal with our fair share of stress and nervosism. But we managed to catch our connection flight and arrive at Orlando’s International Airport by 12pm.

Right before our departure, with our Dads and friend (my baby sister’s BFF)

The first thing I did upon arrival?

 

Super-duper-excited about my High Protein Peanut Butter Smoothie. Protein? PB? Count me in

Did you really have to ask? Obviously, I left my Mom and sisters while they waited for their McD’s orders and started looking for something incredible. I had to start this trip and this New Year with the right foot – and BOY, how I did…

Thank you Freshens for making such an spectacular beverage!

Then, we were headed to our hotel. We all needed some rest, but…

Exhibit #1: Me and my sisters grabbing snacks. Lelê and I shared a Chocolate Chip Muffin (a.k.a. Heaven in my Mouth or theBOMBdotcom)

Exhibit #2: My sister Bruna’s croissant. Delicious-looking, delicious-tasting. (She’s actually getting the hang of it! Actually, she might as well start her own food blog – but beware! Food porn, lots of candy and pepperoni pizza will certainly be involved)

Exhibit #3: Lelê and Bruna snack-facing (quite literally… lol)

Exhibit #4: Lelê swimming. While I was covered in 3 coats/sweaters and freezing. So typically Letícia. 

After doing everything BUT resting, we decided we might as well go out and about. We were headed to Downtown Disney, where we (obviously) had a BLAST. A few snapshots:

All in all, we had a MAGICAL day.

I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Wish us luck – today we had to put up with 35°F (or 1°C). The weather forecast says tomorrow isn’t going to be much different… Billions of coats+sweaters+gloves+scarves will have to do

See you all SOON!

xoxo

G.

Happy New Year and Traveling (to Orlando! TODAY!)

Hello, guys!

First, I wanted to wish you all a (very) Happy New Year – I’m pretty sure 2012 will be AMAZING to all of us!

Secondly, I’d like to say I wish I had more time to describe my excitement… But since I’m really behind when it comes to packing, I should be objective: *drums roll* We’re going to Orlando TODAY!

I couldn’t be MORE excited. We’re actually leaving today and arriving on January 2nd, but that’s beside the point. The important thing is the day has come!

I promise I’ll keep you guys updated as much as possible – even if it means several wordless and picture-full posts from my iPod Touch.

I’ll leave you guys with a few pictures from my children’s graduation. Ok, so maybe I don’t really have any kids and maybe, just maybe, they’re not at all really related to me But these are the kids from the day-care I volunteer at, and I’m so incredibly sad they’re leaving! *Insert major sad face here* The only thing that makes me happy is that they’re moving on in order to begin they’re “real” studies (a.k.a. prep school so they can get into a better school with a scholarship). I’m convinced that these kids have an enormously bright future ahead of them!

I’ll try to talk to you guys from the airport! Have an AMAZING January 1st!

XOXO

G.

 

G’s Q’s:

I know I asked this before, but… Any place I should visit in Orlando?

I have now heard of Ethos, and I’m DYING to go there. Let’s see how that goes!

Merry Christmas and Countdown to Disney

Hello, everyone!

I wish I had more time to write this, but all the festivities and parties at every single member of my family’s house kept me from writing this post sooner, so… I’m really sorry if it sounds a little rushed!

First, I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! You all deserve it. I hope everyone had a lovely time with or without your family – sometimes friends are the next best thing, making the whole holiday worth it

Now, I’d like to talk about the fact that I’m travelling to Orlando, FL in six days! There is, of course, Disney’s Family Fiesta 5k I’ll be running in January 6th – but other than that, I’ll be pretty much enjoying every single park/restaurant/store/place in general Orlando has to offer!

So I’d love to hear your suggestions! Any places I should go to? Any awesome restaurants I should visit? Tips?

Thank you for being so amazing and sharing your thoughts!

See you guys in a bit!

xoxo

G.

What’s the Point?

Hello, bloggers!

I know, it’s been a long time since I came around (and this cover by Savannah Outen is pretty awesome).

But after reading things such as GOMI, blogger’s reaction to it (use your imagionation) and Hollaback Health blog, I thought it was time for me to say something.

No, I’m not here to judge other bloggers and point out faces and hiperlinks, but I’m definitely here to say a little something about what’s the point of blogging in the first place.

The “reasons why I blog” might and should be different from person to person, but thinking about mine has inspired me to continue to blog instead of giving it up altogether (because, in spite of what’s happened, I have definitely considered it).

Reasons why I blogged vs Reasons why I blog

1 – At first, my clear objective was to practice/improve my writing skills (in English). As you probably know (and, if you don’t… there’s always the About Me and the Why Fro-Yo Lover? tabs so you can get to know me a little bit better), I’m originally from Brazil, and I’ve lived here my whole life. Which means that I had to study in order to be here today. With that said, you should know I’m not complaining – working my butt off to learn more and more everyday has not only payed off my also it changed my life (more on that later). And blogging was surely an amazing outlet, and it this is still one of the main reasons why I blog.

2 – Also, I wanted to be able to say what I truly thought instead of just having fights with my Mom and acting like a victim about it. Yes, believe it or not, one of the reasons why I started blogging was because I wanted to tell my Mom things I wasn’t able say out loud. Not offensive/ugly things… Just my thoughts and points of view (especially regarding my eating disorder. I’m not putting a link here, but you can look for it if you want), since for some reason she misunderstood me every single time. I realize now it wasn’t entirely her fault – I obviously wasn’t making things any easier by slamming doors and refusing to talk about certain “touch-y to me” subjects. But, all in all, it was one of the reasons why I thought I should start blogging. I’m perfecly aware that my Mom doesn’t read this blog, but I like to think of this as a way of sharing my thoughts and opinions – so this is also still one of the reasons why I blog.

3 – What also made me want to blog was the fact that I had an eating disorder but I wasn’t quite convinced that there was something wrong with me. And, not to say it wasn’t also my fault, but I have certainly been to one too many crazy “professionals” that, instead of helping me out, made things a thousand times harder. I had to put up not only with my own mind-controlling issues, but with the doubts in my head, too (what would you think if you were a bones-and-flesh-only 12 year old girl and a so-called doctor told you there was absolutely nothing wrong with living off 700 calories a day? That eating pizza and anything with “too many carbs” was dealthly and fatty-ing? And these weren’t even the “best one’s” I’ve heard out there…). Needless to say, this isn’t one of the reasons why I blog (thank God most of this hell is over!). However, I think it is truly important to hold people accountable of the traps hidden out there. I want to help people who are going through what I’ve been through – not with my knowlegde (don’t worry, I realize that I’m only 16 and that I have no degrees or anything to prove what I say here is foolproof) but with my experience. And I believe that, after almost 5 years of dealing with an ED, I have at least a bit of “wisdom” to share on the topic.

4 – Last but not least, a reason why I blog today that wasn’t a reason why I blogged almost two years ago: because I want to be able to handle criticism. I’m not sure if I ever shared this in my blog before, but I’m seriously planning on majoring in Journalism – and I definitely don’t expect to see everyone complimenting me on everything I do, all the time. Like in every other job or career, I expect criticism. Plus, I’m one of those people who have the “if you want it, you gotta work for it and give it your best shot” mind. This is something that I truly want, right? So I have to be prepared to deal with what comes with my decision – both the good and the bad. And I do want to be prepared to face criticism as a grown up when the time comes -  why shouldn’t I start it now?

So, there you go – four reasons why I won’t stop blogging any time soon. I’m glad I finally wrote this down. I think it is of utmost importance that we know the reasons behind decisions before starting to have those “why am I doing this, again?” moments.

So, what what do you think? What’s one of the reasons why you blogged (and why you keep blogging?)

When “SO FREAKING HAPPY” Is An Understatement

Hey, guys!

I know, my “break” was definitely an extended one. But believe me, I had TONS of things to do. I’m actually in-between math equations (I have a Math Test on Thursday!) as we speak.

Anyhow… This won’t be a regular post. Nope – I wanted to be back with a big, deep, and really thoughtful post. And as that is clearly not the case, there is only one possible explanation… I have an announcement to make (remember my last announcement?!)!

Ladies and gentlemen…I FINALLY got my period!

Gee, I can’t tell you how excited I am as I type this. It took me three years (I can’t believe I spent about 1095 days without menstruating. Holy Moly, that is a LONG time), but I did it. It took me almost 20kg of pure health gain.

But I did it. Just as I started to lose the faith I had in myself. Just in time.

I can’t think of anything else to say but THANK YOU.

- Thank you, bloggers.

- Thank you, annonymous commenters (they would send me messages such as “you should know that eating so little isn’t healthy. you’re NOT recovering at all,  girl!”)

- Thank you, Mom. For not losing hope and never giving up on me (trust me, that was very brave of her. Most part of my family would just gossip and talk about me behind my back. But anyway, moving on…)

- Thank you, blogworld. Yes, you helped me get worse. Yes, you taught me how to eat “super clean” and how to make myself believe that living on a strict diet is normal. But you have also helped me to recognize disordered behaviors. You helped me to value my family. And, most importantly, to love and be proud of myself – accomplishments, personality, body and mind. This community can pretty much rock

Anyhow, THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU.

I should go back to Math studies… but I thought I’d share a few pictures of my most recent accomplishments (fitness-wise!).

They’re all logged on my Daily Mile Profile (if you’re interested!)

I know, I’m so incredibly attractive after sweating like a mad woman…

(I can’t believe no one stopped me from posting these on the internet. That’s what zero (zilch, none) mind-rest will do to you)

I guess that’s it, for now! I’m kind of sad I can’t post pictures of my announcement (key word being “kind” – just a little tiny bit. I mean, no one would want to see that), but such is life.

Hope you all have an amazing week – we’re just getting started!

xoxoxoxo

G.

More like an “I’ll See You Soon”

Hey, everyone!

So… I wish I had time to write down a decent post, but I now realize how impossible that is.

I know, I’ve been saying “I’ll write a decent post tomorrow!” for a while now…

It’s just that I forgot to tell you guys… Test week starts on THURSDAY.

From then on, I’ll be doing two/three 2-hour long tests every.weekday.

And believe me, it’s not as fun as it sounds (does that sound any fun at all?!?!).

It’s waaaaay funnier (insert sarcasm here ).

Anyway, I guess you can tell I need to study hard. Besides test week, I also have:

-History Olympics

-Voluntary Work

-English Course Classes

*******Let me open a little parenthesis here.

Everytime I write down the words “english course”, it kind of reminds me of something either really fancy and unnecessary or meant for dumb people who cannot speak english at all (or are very bad at it).

I just wanted to clear that up – no, I do not fit in any of the descriptions above.

It’s really common for brazilians to take english classes outside from school. It’s just that language courses in brazilian school are (in general) not very good. Therefore, most parents try to put their children on english courses as early as possible because they don’t trust most school’s language programs.

In my case, I simply never had english classes at school. I’ve studied French since 5th grade (you could choose between the two of them). Upon entering high-school, I was supposed to choose again, only now between English, French and Spanish. I chose French again

Anyhow – this is getting big. I just wanted to explain why do I take English lessons outside from school. I take a class named “Pre-Test”, in which students study in order to take either the TOEFL or the the ECPE exam. I pretty much love it – the atmosphere, the students (I have classmates from 16 to 60 years old), my lovely teacher… Speaking of her, I have to send her my composition asap! Let the blog post continue!***************

-And many more (since I plan on attending a few lectures and presentations from a few universities I’m planning on applying to).

I should cut this short. I do have a few nice pictures to share in my camera, but it has no battery! I promise that, when I come back, I’ll show you guys my “beautiful” eats.

Here are my phone pics!

Spinach Quiche, Garbanzo Bean and Eggplant+Zucchini salad

Baked Kabocha, Cooked Cassava and two Turkey Meatballs

Turkey+Minas Cheese (White Cheese) Calzone

Oatmeal (oatbran+soy milk) and a spoon(FULL!) of PB {plus a ton of cinnamon added later}

Frozen Mango Slices

I promise everything tasted amazing

Oh, well… Time to go to bed and resume studying!

I’ll see you guys very soon – I’ll post as soon as I have some free time!

Love you all very much!

xoxo

G.

G’s Q’S:

Do you usually study in advance?

Yes! I mean, I try to. But subjects such as Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry are pratically “sacred” to me – I have to start studying beforehand, or I’ll be freaking on the evening before the test fo’ sho.

Which subject is/was your favorite?

I always loved going to school… And every subject is interesting to me. But I do have a few “preferencies” – I don’t like maths very much. I’m much better at writing things and answers down then dealing with numbers – numbers make me freak out because I pretty much suck at calculating anything (and you’re not allowed to use a calculator here. NEVER EVER).

Food-y Survey

‘Ello, muppets!

Thank you so so so much for the kind words!

Yesterday was pretty rough… I’m glad I had you guys to tell me to “rest and get well soon”! I really do love you all

Anyway – I prepared a little something for today’s post… Hope you like it!

ABC Food Survey

A is for Apple, what’s your favorite variety? I don’t know… All of them? Haha! My favorites though are probably those mini-apples my local grocery store sells in little plastic bags… They’re meant to be eaten by children, but hey – I’m still 5 at heart!

B: is for Bread, regardless of nutrition, calories, or whole grains what is your favorite type to have a nice big piece of? Probably focaccia! No, australian bread (the one from Outback Steakhouse?)! No… I don’t know! Can’t decide! Haha

C: is for Cereal what is your favorite kind currently (just one!) Fiber One

D: is for Doughnuts, you might not currently be eating them but what kind do you fancy? I don’t know! I think I ate a doughnut once… But I can’t remember what it tasted like

E: is for Eggs, how would you like yours prepared? Either cooked or in “1-egg-omelet” form

F: is for Fat Free, what is your favorite fat free product? Love me some Cottage Cheese <3

G: is for Groceries, where do you purchase yours? Either at Farinha Pura or Cobal! I wish you guys knew those

H: is for Hot Beverages, what is your favorite hot drink? Probably coffee (with a bit of milk!) or hot cocoa (cocoa powder+milk)

I: is for Ice Cream, pick a favorite flavor and add a fun topping. It’s been AGES since my last “real” Ice Cream, but Grape Fro-Yo is definitely one of my favorites (also Tangerine! Yuuuuuum)!

J: is for Jams or Jellies, do you eat them, and if so what kind and flavor? I never tried jams or jellies (also, what’s the difference between those two? Educate me, please!)

K: is for Kashi, name your favorite Kashi product? Never tried Kashi products before But I will, in January 2012

L: is for Lunch, what was yours today? I had a slice of cheese quiche with a garbanzo+argula+dried tomato salad

M: is for microwave, what is your favorite microwave meal/snack? I never eat microwave food (Mom won’t let me!)

N: is for nutrients, do you likes carbs, fats, or proteins? Carbs and fats are favorites, basically “fun” foods I have nothing against protein, but they’re not on the top of my list of “favorites”, if you know what I mean

P: is for protein, how do you get yours? Eggs, garbanzo beans, cottage cheese, sometimes turkey and/or chicken. 

Q: is for Quaker, how do you like your oats? I don’t usually eat oatmeal (I’m still experimenting!), but PB does complement it perfectly

R: is for roasting, what is your favorite thing to roast? Veggies, definitely!

S: is for sandwich, what’s your favorite kind? Do I really have to choose only one?! I’d have to go with smoked salmon+buffallo mozzarella on focaccia bread. Don’t knock it ‘till you try it!

T: is for travel, how do you handle eating while traveling? I try to eat unique things, but I always end up choosing what’s sounds most appealing! I have pretty healthy tastebuds, so that isn’t really an issue

U: is for unique, what is one of your weirdest food combos? I don’t know! Is plain cereal+PB a weird combo? I eat that a lot

V: is for vitamins, what kind do you take? I probably should, but I don’t take any vitamins

W: is for wasabi, yay or nay? Yay and nay. I love its spiciness.. but sometimes its after-taste can be pretty brutal, haha

X: is for exotic foods, what’s the most exotic food you’ve tried: I’ve tried sweet (actually, orange-y) black bean soup once! It was pretty weird, haha.

Y: is for youth, what food reminds you of your childhood? Mozzarella Pizza, hot chocolate, instant noodles, Cheddar McMelt, Brigadeiro, M&M’s… As you can see, I was a healthy little girl

Z: is for zucchini, how do you prepare it? I usually cook it!

———————————————————————————————–

I hope I didn’t bore you too much!

I’m off to bed… See y’all soon?

xoxo

G.

G’s Q’s:

Do you like doing surveys?

Mostly, yes! But only when I feel like it

Forget about calories, nutrients and “what’s good for you” – do you like Domino’s pizza?

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a slice… But yeeees, I remember liking it very much!