I started work at Health First Rehabilitation. It's a combination chiro, massage therapist, and physical therapy center. It's a busy place, with a very friendly staff. More importantly, it's expanding. I can't help but think that there is potential for a Clinical Nutritionist or Homeopathic Physician to be added someday to the team! (Many years into the future ......) More importantly, I work 8:30 to 12:30 with optional Saturday hours. I can learn and work while the boys are in school and be available for them at the bus stop. Yesterday, I learned to develop X-rays. Today I attempted to learn the computer software entitled "Medinotes" and "Eclipse."

Mechanical traction, electrical stimulation, and other medical terminology are slowly starting to float into my brain. It's a good spot for me to be in right now. I am not certain what to do about next summer and I am worried about the boys. But one step at a time....

My children and I trekked through the wildflowers and towering field grasses yesterday. It was an absolute riot. There were so excited to explore the trails with me, and even more excited to make some of their own. I carried my five year old on my back, and my nine year old trudged forward fearlessly! It was a good work out for everyone.

Today we drove up to the local state park and discovered the pine forest. Many, many trees have been knocked down due to the recent storms. There were plenty of broken branches appropriate for 'teepee' building. Again, it was just a beautiful day.

The kids will visit Dad tomorrow. I am a little weary, still anemic, and grateful for the reprieve. I had to miss my appointment with Dr. Julia, the local ND. Foolish of me I think. I want those test results! I know certain supplements are needed, but I wanted to chat with her first before spending any more money. I am certain she will also recommend a 'cleansing'. My system has been off for so long due to stress......

My little one loves his pinto beans! I simply blended them with olive oil, diced onions and a pinch of salt! I served them with sliced apples or plain rice cakes. I am glad to see him expand once again! As far as veggies, I have comprised and started buying those premade juices. A juicer is still on my want list, and I think the next time I see one in the second hand store, I will pick one up. Thank you for the comments about picking one up on e-bay. It seems there are too many reasons to spend money, of course. I did treat myself, a bit. My birthday is coming up and my feet were hurting from 'overuse.' I bought myself a mountain bike. Here's the good news: it's a great way to get exercise while taking a break from running. It's also a great way for my nine year old and I to bond. He loves riding on bumpy trails!

I am job hunting again. It's hard to figure out which type of employment I should go after right now. I still love my dream, and I still intend to study and grow. But right now, I need some kind of steady part time income while my boys and I adjust to this new life.

The boys will be better off if I or my soon to be ex can take care of them. So - do I look for a completely flexible internet job? Do I go back to school and dig into student loans? Do I work the "Dad" days like a fiend and then take care of the boys during my days? (Scheduling at least one day off, of course.)

And of course, I do not know what his contribution will be yet. Upcoming court dates and all that.

My children are wonderful, special and talented. But they are both just a little bit different, too. My oldest sits on a stability ball and types out his homework. This helps him focus and lessens his frustration. My youngest is tolerating more dairy (not that I care, I stick to the neutral cheeses or yogurts) but it does help that he has more choices than he used to. Lunches are still gluten free, and I haven't had much success yet. The little one cannot wake up in the morning to save his life. And of course, he doesn't want to leave his cozy bed and go to school. Usually, breakfast ends up being eaten in the car. Homemade waffles or muffins, gluten free quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat, etc. (whatever flour I have and whatever gluten free stuff I can add to it.) Both of them hate vegetables now. I keep dicing them up and serving them, but it's just a no go. With winter coming, maybe experimenting with gluten free pizzas (I make a top crust,stuff it a bit, and add a top crust) will receive a thumbs up. I think artichokes will blend in with pizza sauce pretty well, especially if I use a blender.

I love hot soup or stew in the winter, so hopefully my little one will expand his palate. Meanwhile, you can't go wrong with warm peanut butter rice noodles!

I have tried to sit down and write this blog at least 3 times. Where does the time go?

I had a fabulous sunset run. Two cups of coffee prior timed just right- and I would have to credit my brown rice and tofu lunch several hours prior. I have also been eating my Ezekiel noodles with goo goo sauce (peanut butter, soy sauce, a little spice and honey, etc.) There is most certainly an obvious difference in my running and energy level when I eat quality grains prior to a run. Certainly, caffeine can boost you -- but I swear- I feel very different after I eat whole grain versus processed white rice.

I followed my run with a simple water and honey drink. Sometimes one needs a little salt- I added some sea salt to my water, but it upset my stomach. Too much perhaps? Cold water versus warm? I seem to remember something about needing room temperature water versus cold immediatley after extreme exertion. Cold water was an obvious no-no.

I visited the local naturopathic doctor- Dr. Julia Whipkey. She is a big Dr. D fan and has had the privlege of working him briefly ( a seminar or conference, I believe?). She trained traditionally as a nurse, didn't like what she saw, and became a ND through Trinity College. She is also a breast cancer survivor and treated herself. My goodness, what a fabulous role model I have met! Unfortunately, she is planning on leaving Rockford soon. (How soon, I am not certain and for how long I am not certain.)

She took a blood, urine, and saliva sample. Together we looked at my blood under the microscope. How fascinating. Good news- my blood does not clump together inappropriately and ergo my diet is pretty clean! Hooray! Bad news- red blood cells are too few and there is a little bit of liver stress.

I am also low in calcium. That one surprised me. I know one thing- I drink too much coffee. Caffeine interferes with absorption. Many things interfere with absorption. Goodness! What is a girl to do?

I was advised by a friend to juice 3 carrots, one beet, and half an apple. This would provide 100% of my daily iron allotment. Of course, I need more than 100% due to my exercise routine and stress level. I am beginning to understand why Dr. D advises moderate strength training and 'hiking' versus serious running. I have always had trouble absorbing iron and been slightly anemic for as long as I can remember.

I look forward to my next doctor appointment, as Dr. Julia will have studied my samples for 72 hours. She will be able to conclude what supplements I need to add to my diet. We are also seriously talking about a 'detox.' Considering the fact I am an ex-smoker, it makes sense to me.

Meanwhile, I am off to the grocery store for a few simple veggies. I will hold off on buying a juicer for now. I suspect it will be worth the investment, but then I need to commit to making the time to clean that darn machine!

Iron. I have researched this topic so many times. Yet, I am still uncertain of exactly how much iron I need every day and how I am going to get it. Here's what I do know: Under severe times of stress, the body has a tendency to secrete more vitamin C than usual. Vitamin C is helpful in the absorption of iron. Bind that with too much coffee drinking, (Caffeine interferes with absorption), and you are asking for a low energy, bad mood swing kind of day.

Several bruises have appeared on my leg along with a severe crabby mentality. I broke down, poured myself a glass of red wine, and fried a steak.

That's right- I said fried. I used olive oil, garlic, and ginger. The pan was beautifully hot and the steak carmelized nicely.

My energy level went up, my mood improved, and I concluded that I am once again iron deficient.

My sinuses also bothered me the next day. Whether it was the lectins in the red meat or the sulfites in the wine (or both), I traded one benefit for one con.

I started to pull out food items from my fridge. Certainly, many things have 10 to 15 percent iron per serving, and I always focus on dark greens.

But considering the number of miles that I run, or the number of times a week that I strength train, or even the number of times I am short on sleep and high on caffeine, I am simply not getting enough.

I still want to detox with the help and advice of the local naturopath, but an unexpected 500 dollar bill (car repair) put that goal on hold.

Life is about to become super busy. So- before I buy another supplement, it's time to bite the bullet and hook up with an expert locally. I will take all my supplements in, explain what I am feeling, and ask her for advice.

Breakfast was funny today. I raced 6 miles in very hot and humid weather. My friends and I went out for breakfast. Now, everyone immediately grabs a recovery drink and a bagel or banana after the run. I got stuck with the traditional recovery drink because I had forgotten to bring my own. Bananas and oranges are off limits, so I went for the bagel (still an avoid, but at least it was a grain.) I followed it up with scrambled eggs and coffee.

Everyone was so worried at breakfast that I wasn't eating enough. It's not just "calories in, calories out."

I arrived home, grabbed some grapes, and discovered that I am quite full for now. Later, I will saute spinach and eat fish.

My kids will be in school next week. After inspecting the bus stops, and dealing with homework issues, I should be able to squeeze in an appointment with the local naturopathic doctor. My gluten free child still reacts to oatmeal, so his school lunch will be interesting. My older child was found to be low in potassium, which doesn't surprise me. He craves wheat and meat and cheese only.

He may need the calcium for now. So- breakfast will be a compliant cheese and high fiber fruit for my O.

I can feel the effects of this mornings race. My face is tired, and my thoughts are not quite as clear. Fish and soy sauce sounds great! (Need the salt, I suspect.)

Thanks for reading and God Bless.

Oops, I meant to preview that last bit, not save! Anyway- my brain power isn't what it used to be. Over time, studying has taken more effort. But the current "Deborah", the child within me, has leaned toward a more well rounded and holistic approach for years. I envision a small house with large windows and plenty of sunlight. I envision a small kitchen where people are taught how to prepare their healthy super foods. I envision weekly group shopping trips to the public grocery stores, the nearby organic farms, and the local farmer's markets. I believe in rocking chairs, group motivation, and positive coaching.

I envision a true community of people who work in all areas of life, but believe in taking responsibility for their choices. I believe in Chi running, trail running, good friends, and trying to make a positive difference within the world. I believe in the ancient motto "Let food be your medicine."

What an absolute beautiful morning. I can't wait to try and call the local holistic doctor Monday morning. I was going to meet with her for advice on detoxing appropriately, but now I think our visit will be much more meaningful. And Kate Whimster, what a delightful article! I hope to work part time with the local chiropractor, licensed massage therapist, physical therapist, and the local holistic doctor.

It may take me 15 years to finish this journey, but what a lovely yellow brick road I have chosen...................