So far, so good.
After about 15 hours of straight driving (just getting through the state of Texas took more than half of that time), Dad and I finally stopped at a Holiday Inn last night in Salida, CO. I have to say, the first 6 or 7 hours were a breeze, but by mid-afternoon, my lower body was numb from all of the sitting. Lucky for me, the breathtaking scenery was enough to distract me from the tingling sensation in my feet.
Right now, I am typing this blog at a computer desk in our little hotel room and drinking a hot cup of Joe while Dad is out running some errands to prepare for today's journey. He's actually supposed to be picking up a list of available lots so that we can visit them today and weigh our options. I'm excited to see what he has in mind for our future mountain home/vacation spot! After we explore a little bit around here, the plan is to make our way up to Poncha Springs and maybe find an (inexpensive) cabin to rest our heads for the night.
So there's a little update of our trip, for anyone who's interested. To be honest, it's kind of weird being so far away from home right now, only a few days after finishing high school for good. It almost seems like there is nothing holding me back; no attachments, no obligations, no commitments of any sort. Of course, this isn't true. I still have graduation, college orientation, and a theatre convention to attend all within the next month. And knowing myself, in a few days, I'll be dying to be back home with my friends and family. But as I sit here, looking out the window at the beautiful snow-covered mountains, I can't help but wish that time would stop, so that I might never have to leave this magical place. As my dad said yesterday in the final hour of our drive, this mountain paradise is God's home.
At last.
I am ecstatic to announce that today was my last day of high school. Ever. No more crowded hallways, demanding teachers, or pointless classes (Communication Applications?) to rain on my parade. Whew! I think that this newfound freedom calls for celebration. Or a vacation, perhaps...?
Well, it just so happens, my dad is taking me on a road trip to Colorado that will begin at 6:00 tomorrow morning. It's not so much of a vacation as it is a search for available property (he's looking to buy land up there), but I think a few days spent on the road with my wonderful father will be quite relaxing. Just give me a good book, my iPod, and a comfy pillow, and I'm all set! Dad's even bringing his laptop, so I might take the time to write a blog or two while I'm riding through the beautiful mountains of CO. But if not, here's to a safe and lovely trip!
A little glimpse of PROM!
Because you have to see the dress! (Everything else was rather unremarkable.)
Here's just a wee glimpse:
Splenda—yes or no?
Okay, here's the thing. I'm kind of obsessed with eating healthy. As in eating wholesome and natural foods that benefit my body instead of harming it. (Of course, like any girl, I LOVE my chocolate bars, ice cream, and other sugary snacks. But I try to limit myself. Ahem, most of the time, anyway.)
Sounds simple, right? Well, it should be. Except I'm having trouble digesting (ha, get it?) all of the dangerous new findings about Splenda, the "healthy" artificial sweetener. Obviously, Splenda is not natural. So there's strike one. But my parents have been using it in their coffee for years now, and after hearing all of the hype about its benefits, I didn't question it. Well, anyone who knows me knows how much I love coffee—I try to stick to one to two cups daily, pairing two packets of Splenda with each cup. Is that such a bad thing?
Apparently, according to studies everywhere, it is:
"The report makes it clear that the artificial sweetener Splenda and its key component sucralose pose a threat to the people who consume the product. Hundreds of consumers have complained to us about side effects from using Splenda and this study ...confirms that the chemicals in the little yellow package should carry a big red warning label."
So. Evidence shows that Splenda is not safe or healthy, regardless of what the liar-pants USDA says. (I never much liked those USDA people.) So what's a girl to do? I mean, the sweet powder has been my constant companion for almost four years now! I've used it in coffee, jam, chai tea, yogurt...
As you can probably guess, this has been a very sad revelation for me. I feel so betrayed! Should I go back to regular sugar? What about that Truvia stuff? There's always natural honey. And agave nectar? Jeez, there's too many options out there. I guess that's a good thing, but how do I tell which one is the healthiest for me?
Can't you see my dilemma?
Obviously, consuming a little bit of the stuff everyday is not going to kill me. Or at least, I hope not. But I'd feel better if I knew that what I put in my coffee was helping my body, not hurting it. I'm curious, what do you use?
