Dear Diary: I Miss You Minnesota.

I feel like a school girl right now when I act like, "Dear Diary: I Miss You Minnesota."

But it's true. 

I love California. Ryan and I and our dogs explore the hell out of this place. We love many things, mostly the outdoors and the beauty that surrounds us. 

But the "sentimental" side of me has come around so often lately. And it says, "You can't put a price on what I can't describe about Minnesota." And that's just the truth.

Here are my (most) favorite things about Minnesota:

1. The People. You always hear about "Midwest Nice." It's true. Believe it.
2. The Summer (or something like that). The second it hits 50 degrees, kids are wearing shorts to school and people are out and about. Minnesotans appreciate anything that resembles a nice day. And I appreciate that about Minnesota.
3. Country Roads. My parents live there. Many of my friends grew up there. You can get lost. And you can not see anyone or anything for miles. It's the exact distance from people, place and thing that you just crave sometimes.
4. Less 'tude. Where I'm from, people just accept. Life isn't necessarily about "making it big" or "who you know," but instead it's about people who have your back. Friends who are friends because they adore something money can't buy.

Those are just 4 reasons. I'm not looking to give you my "100 Things I Love About Minnesota" (though I could). But the biggest thing? Who gets placed in this "diary" on the page, "I Miss You Minnesota?" My Family. My Friends. And all the people, places and things I LOVE the MOST (except for my Sister-in-Law and her family in another state....and a few other relatives in other states as well, of course!)! You can be anywhere in the world and be happy when the people you love the most are right there...and by "right there," I mean closer than a phone call away!

Dear Diary: I Miss You Minnesota.

Minnesota Visit

I've decided to simplify this process even more. I won't be writing what day I'm on anymore! It's just one more "to do" that I'm done doing!

So I survived MN with GAPS. But, mistakes were made. I won't lie or sugarcoat it at all.

Friday night we went out - I ate and drank. Immediately upon eating, a huge, red dot appeared in my mouth. The next morning my left side hurt badly. I did well all day Saturday. Then, Saturday night I ate and drank again. And again on Sunday night in the airport I made a food mistake.

However, I made many less mistakes than I thought I would. Nonetheless, I made them.

I'm okay with it, though. I'm back on "task." I feel so much better when I go back to my normal.

It wasn't the most pleasant day today. My stomach was bad in the morning post-run. I did get sick. And my mouth annoyed me some. I was tired, too, but I also had a very busy weekend!

Being back in Minnesota made me so happy. Sure I love California. I love my life here, the wather, adverntures, friends and running. (I also love th eaccess to Whole Foods!) But, I really miss home. I miss family, friends and a more simple life. I miss time - time that seems to escape when we miss out on things. The kids grow up so fast and our friends and family build stronger relationships with each other.

But I know that this too shall pass.

I am focusing this week on my super-clean diet SO THAT I can be the Best Pied Piper Leader I can be!

Here is what I ate today (no new additions):

• Chicken
• Magic Mineral Broth
• Chicken Broth
  
• Ground Turkey - slowcooked
• Raw Sauerkraut, Raw Vegi-Delite, White Miso
• Artisana Raw Pecan/Cashew Butter
• Honey
• Banana * 2
  
• Wild Salmon Burger + Coconut Oil
  

I made sure to take my Probiotics, HCL and Enzymes. No Fish Oil today.