5 Months (154 Days)

I wouldn't say it was a tough decision, but maybe a necessary one.

I ate some "real" food.  On Christmas.  It wasn't much, just mashed potatoes, turnip, and squash (not really solid); but I knew if I kept this going, I would have eventually reached my pre-Crohn's diagnosis skin and bones body.

I had tried some soup a few times leading up to Christmas, and my body was very thankful.  I'm not sure if it was a physical response or mental celebration for something other than a smoothie, but I took it as my body telling me it was ready to reintroduce food into my life.

The weird thing is, after I ate on Christmas, I didn't really feel any better.  Still (like I hope I've been since July) the same Dave being Dave.  I've had some scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and french fries since Christmas, and again I didn't get the "Oh my God how did I go 154 days without you?" feeling.

Weird that I enjoyed the soup more than the food, or maybe that's my Crohnsy intestines telling me they prefer something in liquid form.

The other weird thing is that after eating these real foods, I've needed a nap.

So, I'm not sure how often or what form this eating will take in the future, but I'm getting ready to hit the road in February and want to be physically and mentally ready - guessing a more "regular" diet will help me get there, but I will see in the coming weeks how my body reacts to the transition, and if I decide to transition back to all liquid.

I, like many, would have bet that this strike didn't change the world, but to me it wasn't just about that.

It was about making a statement and doing something (instead of nothing) about the state of the world.  It was to show people that you can do whatever you put your mind to.  Food doesn't really (and shouldn't really) be a source of happiness - there are so many other ways to be happy that don't involve stuffing your face.  So many told me "I could never do that." - Well, if you think that, you are correct.

I know it's a cliche, but the "If you say you can or you say you can't, you are right." is so true.

I know I could have gone a full year with this, I chose not to for a few reasons.  And I'm not dismissing the future choice of going back on it.

Thanks for following, there will be more at some point...

Thanksgiving, 4+Months, Love Boat Captain

I've been doing this for over 4 months now.

I started it because I wanted to make a statement, I like pushing my limits, and I like showing people that you can do whatever you put your mind to.

I realize it doesn't make sense to a lot of people (How does what your doing change anything, why are you punishing yourself, are you still doing that "thing"?), but I think those are the people who limit themselves with statements like, "Oh, I could never do that" or "I could never give up...".  Yes.  Yes, you can.

I went to see my Crohn's GI doctor on Election Day, and found out I've lost a little over 20 pounds.  Not too surprising, but I know if I adjust my intake, I can get some of that back.  My intestines are loving this, even though I'm definitely napping more than usual (fatigue is a common Crohn's symptom).  My doctor was as supportive as he can be, and was very sympathetic to my job/housing situation. I was just glad he didn't say "I think you need to stop immediately".

At Thanksgiving, I was seated at a table with my younger sister and cousin.  They both were making jokes about my empty plate, which was exactly what I needed...I'm not sure how many people even noticed, but I made it through without a single mashed potato.

I thought since the theme of this blog is Peace and yesterday was the anniversary of John Lennon's murder, I would share this Pearl Jam song, which references the Beatles' All You Need Is Love.  Love, the opposite of war and violence.  The solution to every problem if it spreads everywhere.

"Once you hold the hand of Love, it's all surmountable..." -Love Boat Captain