I was reading an article online today (http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/is-it-okay-to-talk-about-your-daughters-weight-if-it-s-for-the-national-good-579635/) about news that obesity in America's children is rising, and how Michelle Obama was recently told that her girls are getting a little chunky. I don't understand. We see pictures all the time of the children, and they don't look over weight to me. They look healthy, like pre-pubescent and tween girls should look.
Now Michelle seems to have talked about her concerns about her girls' weight with the press. While we appreciate that she and her husband are trying to be open and communicative with the American public about all things, there is such a thing as too much information. These girls will hear about this story if they haven't already been told about it. Imagine the complete anger, hurt and humiliation that they feel! Knowing that prospective first crushes will be looking at them through the eyes of criticism. Wondering if she really should have an extra milk, or a cupcake instead of an apple, or wondering if the bulk under the coat is just coat or a little fat girl?
Average children go through a chubby phase. It's the body's preparation for the growth to come. I was a very skinny child until about 14, at which time I became chubby. My mother started me on a diet immediately, telling me if I'm fat, I'll never "land a man". That it's unattractive, etc. A year later I went through a growth spurt and by the time I entered high school, I was one of the tallest in my class, at 5'7" and 15 years old. I lost the weight but only because I did grow into it. Once I got out on my own at 17, without the critical eye and supervision of my mother, I ate everything in sight and haven't been thin since.
No child should go through that. But now... the Obama girls are, and it's out there. What can be done? Go back in time? Michelle needs to publicly apologize to her girls to putting them under the microscope, and get "diet advice" from a professional that understands that ALL health children need a little something on their bones to help with the growth they are going through right now. The "family doctor" who gave her that advice is twisted.
We already have too much attention placed on appearances. Yes, there are many actual obese children in this country, but these two girls don't fall anywhere near that category. That's absolutely ridiculous! Those two girls have their parents' body structures: long and beautiful. Malia and Sasha are perfect, pretty, and blessed to be wonderful. Mommie Dearest needs to give that apology, and soon!
Absolutely promote healthy eating: Less meat, fried foods, sugar and dairy. More water, legumes, fruits and veggies. Less TV and more movement (not necessarily exercise because what tween wants to do aerobics for 20 minutes!).
Ok, I'm off my soap-box now.
Showing posts with label Diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diet. Show all posts
Recipe: Basil Pork Chops
I don't like pork chops. I had a bad experience with some in the early 80's and haven't eaten them since. But they were on sale this week at King Soopers, and Hubby likes them, so I did this recipe for him, in the crockpot as usual. HE said it tasted pretty good.
Ingredients:
4 pork chops
1 cup water
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons minced dried basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bell/sweet pepper, sliced into strips
Directions:
Spray or oil the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the cloves on the bottom of the crockpot. Place the porkchops and onion in the crockpot. Add water. Mix basil and olive oil to a paste and spread across the top of the chops. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add pepper about an hour before serving. (At this time I also added about a large handful of whole mushrooms because Hubby loves mushrooms.)
The porkchops came off the bone so be careful when serving. I'm sure this could be modified to pan frying or baking.
I modified a holiday ham recipe from a scandanavian cookbook.
= = = =
I also made baked potatoes last night, and a pot-roast (I sure do love my double-crockpot!). The Kid ate a baked potato with lots of sour cream, carrots, pumpkin seeds, and GF butter-bread. I'm makig taco meat tonight to serve with corn tortillas (for Hubby and me) and for the Kid, who can't have corn and doesn't like beef, he'll get baked beans with an organic hot dog cut up in them. For tomorrow's breakfast, I'll place some GF oats and amaranth in a crockpot with water, which will cook overnight. Yum!
= = = =
We've named our quail: Ella is the one with the bad eye (which is getting better) because she loves to sing (after Ella Fitzgerald - named by Hubby). Pecka is the other female, named by the Kid because she likes to peck at the blue plastic of their cage. I named who we think is the boy ... Nervous Ned, because he likes to pace. He spent most of yesterday trying to fly up to the perchs/poles towards the top of the cage, and by late afternoon and about 40 tries, he's succeeded twice. Odd quail.
No eggs last night or this morning. Could be because we moved the cages from the living room to the garage. They are right across from the Angora Rabbit so they can keep each other company. Also, so we don't track hay and birdseed into the apartment. Quail don't like to be moved much so they must be settling down. Blanca, the bunny, was a bit wary about her noisy neighbors but this morning seemed to be better about it.
= = = =
We bought an imitation Wii for Christmas... 2 actually, called "Wireless Sport Plus" and "Wireless Fit". Finally got them hooked up yesterday, and had some fun last night. Hubby and the Kid played horseshoes, and then while the Kid got ready for bed, Hubby and I played bean-bag toss. It was great fun, but we really shouldn't play them so late at night. Took forever to get the Kid calmed down to get to bed. Wonder if he slept last night? He just got up so I'll ask him when he's coherent. (He says "good".)
Hopefully, we can use these "games" during the day to help the Kid get rid of some of his extra energy, and help Hubby and I get healthy.
I've been sticking with being gluten-free, although I crave pizza and burgers pretty often. Found a great GF sub for wheat pizza crusts, but not thrilled with the GF burger buns. Still working on it. Meanwhile, I've considerably cut back on cow's milk products. Still love my swiss, provolone and mozzarella cheese tho! My weight loss seems to have stopped; probably because I'm sucking on cough drops all day. My mouth still hurts from my oral surgery last week; wonder of my cough-drop sucking is contributing to that?
Guess that's it for now. Enjoy the pork chops! Vikki
Ingredients:
4 pork chops
1 cup water
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons minced dried basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bell/sweet pepper, sliced into strips
Directions:
Spray or oil the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the cloves on the bottom of the crockpot. Place the porkchops and onion in the crockpot. Add water. Mix basil and olive oil to a paste and spread across the top of the chops. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add pepper about an hour before serving. (At this time I also added about a large handful of whole mushrooms because Hubby loves mushrooms.)
The porkchops came off the bone so be careful when serving. I'm sure this could be modified to pan frying or baking.
I modified a holiday ham recipe from a scandanavian cookbook.
= = = =
I also made baked potatoes last night, and a pot-roast (I sure do love my double-crockpot!). The Kid ate a baked potato with lots of sour cream, carrots, pumpkin seeds, and GF butter-bread. I'm makig taco meat tonight to serve with corn tortillas (for Hubby and me) and for the Kid, who can't have corn and doesn't like beef, he'll get baked beans with an organic hot dog cut up in them. For tomorrow's breakfast, I'll place some GF oats and amaranth in a crockpot with water, which will cook overnight. Yum!
= = = =
We've named our quail: Ella is the one with the bad eye (which is getting better) because she loves to sing (after Ella Fitzgerald - named by Hubby). Pecka is the other female, named by the Kid because she likes to peck at the blue plastic of their cage. I named who we think is the boy ... Nervous Ned, because he likes to pace. He spent most of yesterday trying to fly up to the perchs/poles towards the top of the cage, and by late afternoon and about 40 tries, he's succeeded twice. Odd quail.
No eggs last night or this morning. Could be because we moved the cages from the living room to the garage. They are right across from the Angora Rabbit so they can keep each other company. Also, so we don't track hay and birdseed into the apartment. Quail don't like to be moved much so they must be settling down. Blanca, the bunny, was a bit wary about her noisy neighbors but this morning seemed to be better about it.
= = = =
We bought an imitation Wii for Christmas... 2 actually, called "Wireless Sport Plus" and "Wireless Fit". Finally got them hooked up yesterday, and had some fun last night. Hubby and the Kid played horseshoes, and then while the Kid got ready for bed, Hubby and I played bean-bag toss. It was great fun, but we really shouldn't play them so late at night. Took forever to get the Kid calmed down to get to bed. Wonder if he slept last night? He just got up so I'll ask him when he's coherent. (He says "good".)
Hopefully, we can use these "games" during the day to help the Kid get rid of some of his extra energy, and help Hubby and I get healthy.
I've been sticking with being gluten-free, although I crave pizza and burgers pretty often. Found a great GF sub for wheat pizza crusts, but not thrilled with the GF burger buns. Still working on it. Meanwhile, I've considerably cut back on cow's milk products. Still love my swiss, provolone and mozzarella cheese tho! My weight loss seems to have stopped; probably because I'm sucking on cough drops all day. My mouth still hurts from my oral surgery last week; wonder of my cough-drop sucking is contributing to that?
Guess that's it for now. Enjoy the pork chops! Vikki
Sarah Palin + Fox News = Boycott
I usually don't write about politics. I'm didn't graduate as a poli sci major, I vote my conscience but not necessarily the party, and I live my life as best I can. HOWEVER... I'm making an exception tonight.
Hubby just told me that Sarah Palin was talking about joining Fox News in some capacity. I waved my hands and poo-poo'd the idea. Fox would never be so terribly idiotic, especially after the book that came out today about how horrible she was during her Vice-Presidential campaign.
Boy was I wrong. Hubby brought up the info on his computer and proved it. Sarah Palin has signed a multi-year deal to offer her political commentary and analysis across all Fox News platforms, including Fox Business Channel, FoxNews.com and Fox News Radio. She will also participate in special event political programming for Fox Broadcasting.
Really? The twit who couldn't name a couple of decent media during her Katie interview? Who can't quite control what comes out of her mouth? Who has hinted that she wants to run for President in 2012 (like 2 years of governership and being a news contributor will qualify her for THAT job!)? Who wrote (ha!) one of the most BORING books ever to be released?
Fox... you made a stupid mistake. Sure she's a hot ticket. You met her price, right? You wanted to strike while the iron was (somewhat) hot. Yep, people will tune in out of curiosity. For a while. What happens when people get bored with her petty anecdotes and sprawling drawl? I'm gonna beat the rush and NOT watch Fox news programs at all. How about... not watch Fox channels at all! I realize I'm just one little old person but it will make me feel better to boycott a TV network that makes such idiotic choices.
= = = =
As a sidenote, at 9:09 p.m. we found another egg from a quail! This time, we were anticipating it, and just missed it's laying by about 5 minutes. We know who it came from too.
And the quail with the injured eye is getting worse. We might have to, er, execute the plan. Argh. Gonna watch over the next day. Hubby will decide when he gets home from work tomorrow.
= = = =
I made quinoa/oatmeal for dinner tonight. One cup of quinoa, one cup of gluten-free oats and 3 cups of water. Placed in a crockpot, on high, and it was ready about 3 hours later. Added a little sugar and butter and yum! Quick gluten-free meal. Just added carrots, peas, and some walnuts. Well, not IN the quinoa/oatmeal!
Hubby just told me that Sarah Palin was talking about joining Fox News in some capacity. I waved my hands and poo-poo'd the idea. Fox would never be so terribly idiotic, especially after the book that came out today about how horrible she was during her Vice-Presidential campaign.
Boy was I wrong. Hubby brought up the info on his computer and proved it. Sarah Palin has signed a multi-year deal to offer her political commentary and analysis across all Fox News platforms, including Fox Business Channel, FoxNews.com and Fox News Radio. She will also participate in special event political programming for Fox Broadcasting.
Really? The twit who couldn't name a couple of decent media during her Katie interview? Who can't quite control what comes out of her mouth? Who has hinted that she wants to run for President in 2012 (like 2 years of governership and being a news contributor will qualify her for THAT job!)? Who wrote (ha!) one of the most BORING books ever to be released?
Fox... you made a stupid mistake. Sure she's a hot ticket. You met her price, right? You wanted to strike while the iron was (somewhat) hot. Yep, people will tune in out of curiosity. For a while. What happens when people get bored with her petty anecdotes and sprawling drawl? I'm gonna beat the rush and NOT watch Fox news programs at all. How about... not watch Fox channels at all! I realize I'm just one little old person but it will make me feel better to boycott a TV network that makes such idiotic choices.
= = = =
As a sidenote, at 9:09 p.m. we found another egg from a quail! This time, we were anticipating it, and just missed it's laying by about 5 minutes. We know who it came from too.
And the quail with the injured eye is getting worse. We might have to, er, execute the plan. Argh. Gonna watch over the next day. Hubby will decide when he gets home from work tomorrow.
= = = =
I made quinoa/oatmeal for dinner tonight. One cup of quinoa, one cup of gluten-free oats and 3 cups of water. Placed in a crockpot, on high, and it was ready about 3 hours later. Added a little sugar and butter and yum! Quick gluten-free meal. Just added carrots, peas, and some walnuts. Well, not IN the quinoa/oatmeal!
Foods I plan to eat more of...
I read this article about foods to eat/drink to lose weight and get healthy, yesterday on yahoo, and most of it is ridiculous, but it got me thinking. I looked at the list (which included coffee!!), and picked some that I plan to incorporate in my health plan:
- grapefruit (1/2, 3 times a day)
- apple (1 a day)
- eggs (?)
- beans (1/2 cup 3/4 times a week)
- salmon (my doc says 1000 gms fish oil/day)
- full-fat milk (I'll do goat, thank you!)
Are these self-sufficient foods? Well, as soon as we get settled and get our huge (ok, big) greenhouse built, we'll buy miniature citrus fruit trees, miniature avocado trees, and keep "summer" veggies and fruits growing year-round. So, yes for the grapefruit, although we can do without if we need to. Yes to the apples because they can grow outside here and I've done it before. Eggs? Absolutely - chickens and quail. Beans? Yes, already grew and ate and love the process. Salmon? Yuck but I'll eat more fish and we're planning on having a tilapia tank when we can. As to the full-fat milk, well, we can hardly wait until we have our goats, and the ones we chose have a high fat content. So can we do these as self-reliant homesteaders? Yes!
= = = =
When I weighed at the doc's office yesterday, according to their scale, I had lost 5 pounds since Dec 31. That's in 6 days! I think I'm on the right path, with this cutting-out gluten, don't you?
Unfortunately, yesterday was a horrible day. I got up after a second night of NO sleeping pills (that's good, right?!?), got a few things done, and left for my dental appointment with Kid and his schoolwork in tow. I hate going to the dentist. My mouth is sooo sensitive. It took 6-7 doses of numbing agent (read: syringe/needle) to be able to work on my teeth. That caused a major panic attack (yes, mine) and such a crying jag that I begged the dentist and his assistant to make sure my Kid (out in the waiting room) wouldn't see. Heart didn't stop racing till well into the evening. But I couldn't pass out when I left the dentist... had more stuff to do.
I stopped by Vitamin Cottage (health food store) and picked up some fav GF bread they held for us, and some GF hamburger rolls (for my lunch today) and some GF cinnamon rolls (for the Kid). Then we went into Target where I got one of those cup-mixer-twisty-thingies for my dinner last night. Then on the way home, I stopped by Grease Monkey to get replacement windshield wipers (mine were broken and we got snow yesterday). Home to take a 30 minute nap, then the "woman doctor" who was a man. He checked my hormones, my breast lump (gone!), a few other things, and sent me down for bloodwork. Then home, and I passed out until Hubby got home.
Eventually, after not eating since breakfast (a banana with some peanut butter), around 7 p.m., I made myself a couple of fried eggs, and a smoothie in the twisty-cup-thingy (banana, blackberry, blueberry, goat yogurt, and hemp protein). I took my blood pressure pill (was through the roof due to the injections at the dentist's), my stomach-acid pill, and 2 pain killers. Then TV and bed. No sleeping pill again. Three days.
I'm expecting today to be better. My mouth, face and jaw feel a little better, so that's a start, right?
= = = =
How can a self-reliant person get around NOT going to the dentist? Take better care of their teeth? Learn do-it-yourself dentistry?
- grapefruit (1/2, 3 times a day)
- apple (1 a day)
- eggs (?)
- beans (1/2 cup 3/4 times a week)
- salmon (my doc says 1000 gms fish oil/day)
- full-fat milk (I'll do goat, thank you!)
Are these self-sufficient foods? Well, as soon as we get settled and get our huge (ok, big) greenhouse built, we'll buy miniature citrus fruit trees, miniature avocado trees, and keep "summer" veggies and fruits growing year-round. So, yes for the grapefruit, although we can do without if we need to. Yes to the apples because they can grow outside here and I've done it before. Eggs? Absolutely - chickens and quail. Beans? Yes, already grew and ate and love the process. Salmon? Yuck but I'll eat more fish and we're planning on having a tilapia tank when we can. As to the full-fat milk, well, we can hardly wait until we have our goats, and the ones we chose have a high fat content. So can we do these as self-reliant homesteaders? Yes!
= = = =
When I weighed at the doc's office yesterday, according to their scale, I had lost 5 pounds since Dec 31. That's in 6 days! I think I'm on the right path, with this cutting-out gluten, don't you?
Unfortunately, yesterday was a horrible day. I got up after a second night of NO sleeping pills (that's good, right?!?), got a few things done, and left for my dental appointment with Kid and his schoolwork in tow. I hate going to the dentist. My mouth is sooo sensitive. It took 6-7 doses of numbing agent (read: syringe/needle) to be able to work on my teeth. That caused a major panic attack (yes, mine) and such a crying jag that I begged the dentist and his assistant to make sure my Kid (out in the waiting room) wouldn't see. Heart didn't stop racing till well into the evening. But I couldn't pass out when I left the dentist... had more stuff to do.
I stopped by Vitamin Cottage (health food store) and picked up some fav GF bread they held for us, and some GF hamburger rolls (for my lunch today) and some GF cinnamon rolls (for the Kid). Then we went into Target where I got one of those cup-mixer-twisty-thingies for my dinner last night. Then on the way home, I stopped by Grease Monkey to get replacement windshield wipers (mine were broken and we got snow yesterday). Home to take a 30 minute nap, then the "woman doctor" who was a man. He checked my hormones, my breast lump (gone!), a few other things, and sent me down for bloodwork. Then home, and I passed out until Hubby got home.
Eventually, after not eating since breakfast (a banana with some peanut butter), around 7 p.m., I made myself a couple of fried eggs, and a smoothie in the twisty-cup-thingy (banana, blackberry, blueberry, goat yogurt, and hemp protein). I took my blood pressure pill (was through the roof due to the injections at the dentist's), my stomach-acid pill, and 2 pain killers. Then TV and bed. No sleeping pill again. Three days.
I'm expecting today to be better. My mouth, face and jaw feel a little better, so that's a start, right?
= = = =
How can a self-reliant person get around NOT going to the dentist? Take better care of their teeth? Learn do-it-yourself dentistry?
Quail Experiment
Although Hubby and I have decided to raise quail once we've bought our mini-farm, neither of us have eaten either the quail meat or quail eggs. It's time we did, don't you think? So Hubby got online yesterday and found a someone nearby (well, within 45 min driving). We're taking a drive up on Sunday to get 2 quail birds and a dozen quail eggs. Hubby neglected to get the price and whether the birds will be alive or not so.... won't this be fun!
I'm planning on taking pictures of our cooking experiments so will post them here. Won't it be nice to know if (1) we actually like quail and (2) if I can cook them to be decent eating?! Plus, the Kid isn't thrilled about trying eggs from anything other than a chicken so... perhaps (ssshhh) I'll mix 1 or 2 quail eggs with a chicken egg, or better yet, give him scrambled eggs on Monday and not tell him they are quail.
Ah, the things mothers do!
= = = =
I have a dentist appointment in about an hour, then the Kid needs a haircut, we need to pick up more gluten-free bread at Vitamin Cottage (Montina - very yummy), and then I have a "woman" doctor appointment, after which I plan to go to target to get one of those quick blender thingies so I can make smoothies. We have one. Or two. No clue what box they are in and I don't feel like hunting for it. Them. Whatever.
My eating yesterday was excellent. GF raisin bread for breakfast. Avocado with GF crackers for lunch. Snack was pecans and dark choc kisses. Dinner was a baked potato, carrots and a turkey GF sandwich. Did have 1 7-up but mostly drank herbal tea. I was dead-tired by the time Hubby was ready for bed, and passed out quickly. Hard long day but left me with a good feeling that I did my best to be healthy.
Now if I can just get rid of the pneumonia! I've started getting nauseous in the morning too, but no it's not what you think... it's the yuck night-time accumulation getting into my stomach.
Ok... enuf grossness.
The Kid had a writing assignment yesterday "write a short story about Krypto the Superdog" which is one of his favorite characters. He's pretty much written a book... I had to tell him to put it away and finish the rest of his schoolwork. He plans to finish the story today while I'm at the dentist (quaking here). I knew today would be a long day gone so I planned for him to only do math. Hopefully finishing the story will keep him busy at the dentist. Maybe he'll take a couple of books too. I'm soooo glad he's an avid reader like I am.
I want a cheeseburger.
The "woman doctor" appointment, which is actually with a man, will not only check my breast/underarm lump, but also check my hormones, do a pap, and do an overall check to see what the hairy heck is going on since all of the tests I've had over the past 3 years show I'm NOT in menopause, and yet, I barely cycle. I'm hoping this gyn is a bit more knowledgeable and can help figure out why I'm not pregnant. I don't have much time left, seeing as I'm over 45.
I guess that's it for now. I'm excited about trying quail this weekend. The Kid is excited that today is a short school day. Hubby is excited about drawing the logo for the school. And I have more work to do for the Kid's life skills subjects this afternoon upon our return home.
Have a great day, everyone! Vikki
I'm planning on taking pictures of our cooking experiments so will post them here. Won't it be nice to know if (1) we actually like quail and (2) if I can cook them to be decent eating?! Plus, the Kid isn't thrilled about trying eggs from anything other than a chicken so... perhaps (ssshhh) I'll mix 1 or 2 quail eggs with a chicken egg, or better yet, give him scrambled eggs on Monday and not tell him they are quail.
Ah, the things mothers do!
= = = =
I have a dentist appointment in about an hour, then the Kid needs a haircut, we need to pick up more gluten-free bread at Vitamin Cottage (Montina - very yummy), and then I have a "woman" doctor appointment, after which I plan to go to target to get one of those quick blender thingies so I can make smoothies. We have one. Or two. No clue what box they are in and I don't feel like hunting for it. Them. Whatever.
My eating yesterday was excellent. GF raisin bread for breakfast. Avocado with GF crackers for lunch. Snack was pecans and dark choc kisses. Dinner was a baked potato, carrots and a turkey GF sandwich. Did have 1 7-up but mostly drank herbal tea. I was dead-tired by the time Hubby was ready for bed, and passed out quickly. Hard long day but left me with a good feeling that I did my best to be healthy.
Now if I can just get rid of the pneumonia! I've started getting nauseous in the morning too, but no it's not what you think... it's the yuck night-time accumulation getting into my stomach.
Ok... enuf grossness.
The Kid had a writing assignment yesterday "write a short story about Krypto the Superdog" which is one of his favorite characters. He's pretty much written a book... I had to tell him to put it away and finish the rest of his schoolwork. He plans to finish the story today while I'm at the dentist (quaking here). I knew today would be a long day gone so I planned for him to only do math. Hopefully finishing the story will keep him busy at the dentist. Maybe he'll take a couple of books too. I'm soooo glad he's an avid reader like I am.
I want a cheeseburger.
The "woman doctor" appointment, which is actually with a man, will not only check my breast/underarm lump, but also check my hormones, do a pap, and do an overall check to see what the hairy heck is going on since all of the tests I've had over the past 3 years show I'm NOT in menopause, and yet, I barely cycle. I'm hoping this gyn is a bit more knowledgeable and can help figure out why I'm not pregnant. I don't have much time left, seeing as I'm over 45.
I guess that's it for now. I'm excited about trying quail this weekend. The Kid is excited that today is a short school day. Hubby is excited about drawing the logo for the school. And I have more work to do for the Kid's life skills subjects this afternoon upon our return home.
Have a great day, everyone! Vikki
I slept last night.
Among my many diagnosed physical problems, I have insomnia (trouble getting to sleep), hypopnia (trouble staying asleep), sleep apnea (trouble breathing while asleep) and restless legs (trouble calming the legs down so I can try to sleep). For years, I've taken something to help me sleep... whether using my CPAP machine for sleep apnea, a knock-out sleeping pill, or even a tylenol p.m..... something!
But last night, other than vitamin supplements (fish oil, garlic, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, COQ10, etc.), I took nothing. Not even a pain reliever.
Was it what I ate yesteday? I did eat only kinda healthy....
Breakfast: pecans, 4 choc merignes, gf raisin brd
Lunch: eggsalad, flax crackers, apple
Snack: 6 dark choc kisses
Dinner: quinoa flatbread, carrots
Snack: rice cereal with rice milk
Drink: instant decaf tea with stevia
I still have my bad cough and pneumonia so it's not because I'm well, because I'm not. Is it because I haven't eaten gluten in over a week? Or is it in my mind?
Does it matter?
I actually slept last night, and it felt restful! Yippee!!!
But last night, other than vitamin supplements (fish oil, garlic, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, COQ10, etc.), I took nothing. Not even a pain reliever.
Was it what I ate yesteday? I did eat only kinda healthy....
Breakfast: pecans, 4 choc merignes, gf raisin brd
Lunch: eggsalad, flax crackers, apple
Snack: 6 dark choc kisses
Dinner: quinoa flatbread, carrots
Snack: rice cereal with rice milk
Drink: instant decaf tea with stevia
I still have my bad cough and pneumonia so it's not because I'm well, because I'm not. Is it because I haven't eaten gluten in over a week? Or is it in my mind?
Does it matter?
I actually slept last night, and it felt restful! Yippee!!!
Big Grocery Day
| I can't believe how much we spent at the grocery today.... between Sam's Club for sodas and such for Hubby, and Wally World for cans and cans of baked beans, fruit cocktail and pears for the Kid, and many other miscellaneous things, well, let's just say that I'll be soooo glad when we out on our property and taking care of ourselves. = = = = How can a person cut out a dependency on sodas and other non-water drinks? I'm ok with water, as long as it's filtered, and I like making herbal teas. I like an occassional soda but can do without. My Hubby, on the other hand, well, it took a lot to get him off of caffeinated sodas. Now he gets a couple flats each of 7-up, Gatorade and Lipton Tea at the first of the month, and often goes back for more by mid-month. I worry about him. The Kid, however, drinks about a gallon of water every 2 days. I'm glad. He drinks rice milk with his cereal, and very seldomly will ask for a soda, but for the most part, it's only water. Great! = = = = I'm tired. We didn't get much sleep last night. The people in the apartment above us turned on the TV very loudly at 1:30 and didn't seem to mind the neighbors yelling at him. Them. Very inconsiderate. Obviously, no news on the house. Yet. Worked on the Kid's schoolwork last night. I have at least 2 months planned for all subjects except for World and US History, and Life Skills (manners, dating, gardening, etc.). Will work on it tomorrow. I've been coughing so much that the right side of my chest aches. I hope I'm not doing any permanent damage. But I'm faithfully taking my meds, drinking lots of liquids, staying away from gluten and all milk products, and taking hot showers to loosen what I can. Guess I'll quit for now. Not much self-sufficiency learning going on here. I hope to get back at it on Monday. Meanwhile, enjoy your weekend! Vikki |
Good Start to a Good Year
Pic to the right: Hubby and Son, Halloween 2008 - yes, we're big ole hippies so his costume wasn't such a stretch for us! Ain't my SuperKid cute! And yes, that's our chihuahua (now gone) dressed as a pumpkin!= = = =
I'll start with last night. After our errands, we stopped at the nearby Village Inn for dinner. Geez, lots of drunks already on the road at 5 p.m.! Anyway, I'm proud to note that I order the steak and eggs breakfast, with hash browns and fruit instead of pancakes. Hot decaf tea. Yum! Then Hubby brought his slice of pecan pie home and he ate that with his dairy-free ice cream from the freezer while the Kid and I had a piece of gluten-free pecan pie (leftover from Christmas) and organic ice cream from the freezer. Delicious end to the day. Decided to not drink any champagne or other alcoholic drink because of all of the meds I'm on. Not that we're much on drinking anyway.
Hubby and I cuddled up in the bed and watched TV and read while the Kid watched movies on his computer. Until 5 minutes till midnight. Then we watched the ball drop, took our meds, and passed out... all of us!
I was up early this morning, had 3 pieces of raisin toast (GF), took my meds, and finished reading "Under the Dome" by Stephen King. I won't spoil the ending but daggone!!! Excellent read, King.
Afterwards, I made some detox herbal tea and crawled back in bed to watch TV on mute. I do that a lot. I hate commercials, plus I didn't want to wake up Hubby. Finally, he and the Kid got up around 11. Okay, maybe later. By the time we did some talking (we have business plans for 2010, and HAD to discuss our possible house again), I started lunch. I had found some organic grass-fed beef hot dogs at the health food store the other day, so those in addition to gluten-free hot dog buns, we had a right tasty lunch. Delicious dogs! The Kid had 2, as did I. Plus I had an apple. Hubby had 1 of these dogs on a hamburger bun, then I cooked him up a package of regular hot dogs and he had 3 more of those.
Meanwhile, I'm very proud of me staying with my health plan.
= = = =
On a separate note, I had a thought about self-reliant hygiene last night. Was in the shower and got the sudden urge to shave my legs. Now, I don't do this very often. Not just because I'm fat and my big ole belly makes it difficult, but I just hate shaving. This was the longest I'd gone without shaving - guess it had been about 8-9 months. Oh my gosh! When I got done, I looked like I had scraped all the skin off my legs, there was a lot of blood. It took about 8 tissues to finally get the bleeding stopped. I had to leave 2 on when we left to run errands and to eat last night. The tissues were stuck on so.... well, you get the picture. As I was trying to go back to sleep this morning, I got to thinking: why do women shave? I know I know... it makes us look all feminine and smooth and sexy, but really?
Found this website: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/625/who-decided-women-should-shave-their-legs-and-underarms - underarm hair shaving started due to a marketing campaign in 1915. Before then, people might have cared but didn't do anything about it. Shame on you, Harper's Bazaar! It doesn't give a year, but Betty Grable's pinup poster with smooth legs might have been the start of our current female leg torture.
The point is... if I had to do without shaving for a long period of time, or ever again, at all, I could and would do so. It's been LESS THAN 100 years since we started, and female humans have had hair for a whole lot longer than that. According to wikipedia, It has been suggested that the hair itself acts with a natural "anti-friction" quality between the upper arm and the thorax. More importantly, armpit hair naturally wicks moisture away from the skin, which aids in keeping the skin dry enough to prevent colonization by odor-producing bacteria.
My Hubby, bless his heart, doesn't care if I shave anywhere. Not even the errant hair on my neck that gets about 3 inches long before I notice it and pull it. (OMG, did I just write that?) Although I'll need to shave before my underarm lump appointment next week, after that, I'm tucking all of my razors away until I absolutely HAVE to shave again... whether another lump appointment (please, god, no).
And that's MY take. Eliminate what's not needed. Don't want to shave. Don't have to shave. Not gonna.
= = = =
I like the Norwegian word: Velstand. Did I mention that Hubby is of Norwegian descent? We're working on learning recipes and traditions that we're afraid we might lose without writing them down. We have learned how to make aquavit (a VERY strong drink that I can't even sip but Hubby can - one bottle has lasted 3 years so far!) and how to make brown cheese from whey (which I haven't actually done yet).
My heritage is basically a mutt. Lots of European countries in there and a tiny bit Native American. I'll borrow my husband's ethnicity for now. And my Kid... he's a complete mutt too!
= = = =
Hubby and I cuddled up in the bed and watched TV and read while the Kid watched movies on his computer. Until 5 minutes till midnight. Then we watched the ball drop, took our meds, and passed out... all of us!
I was up early this morning, had 3 pieces of raisin toast (GF), took my meds, and finished reading "Under the Dome" by Stephen King. I won't spoil the ending but daggone!!! Excellent read, King.
Afterwards, I made some detox herbal tea and crawled back in bed to watch TV on mute. I do that a lot. I hate commercials, plus I didn't want to wake up Hubby. Finally, he and the Kid got up around 11. Okay, maybe later. By the time we did some talking (we have business plans for 2010, and HAD to discuss our possible house again), I started lunch. I had found some organic grass-fed beef hot dogs at the health food store the other day, so those in addition to gluten-free hot dog buns, we had a right tasty lunch. Delicious dogs! The Kid had 2, as did I. Plus I had an apple. Hubby had 1 of these dogs on a hamburger bun, then I cooked him up a package of regular hot dogs and he had 3 more of those.
Meanwhile, I'm very proud of me staying with my health plan.
= = = =
On a separate note, I had a thought about self-reliant hygiene last night. Was in the shower and got the sudden urge to shave my legs. Now, I don't do this very often. Not just because I'm fat and my big ole belly makes it difficult, but I just hate shaving. This was the longest I'd gone without shaving - guess it had been about 8-9 months. Oh my gosh! When I got done, I looked like I had scraped all the skin off my legs, there was a lot of blood. It took about 8 tissues to finally get the bleeding stopped. I had to leave 2 on when we left to run errands and to eat last night. The tissues were stuck on so.... well, you get the picture. As I was trying to go back to sleep this morning, I got to thinking: why do women shave? I know I know... it makes us look all feminine and smooth and sexy, but really?
Found this website: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/625/who-decided-women-should-shave-their-legs-and-underarms - underarm hair shaving started due to a marketing campaign in 1915. Before then, people might have cared but didn't do anything about it. Shame on you, Harper's Bazaar! It doesn't give a year, but Betty Grable's pinup poster with smooth legs might have been the start of our current female leg torture.
The point is... if I had to do without shaving for a long period of time, or ever again, at all, I could and would do so. It's been LESS THAN 100 years since we started, and female humans have had hair for a whole lot longer than that. According to wikipedia, It has been suggested that the hair itself acts with a natural "anti-friction" quality between the upper arm and the thorax. More importantly, armpit hair naturally wicks moisture away from the skin, which aids in keeping the skin dry enough to prevent colonization by odor-producing bacteria.
My Hubby, bless his heart, doesn't care if I shave anywhere. Not even the errant hair on my neck that gets about 3 inches long before I notice it and pull it. (OMG, did I just write that?) Although I'll need to shave before my underarm lump appointment next week, after that, I'm tucking all of my razors away until I absolutely HAVE to shave again... whether another lump appointment (please, god, no).
And that's MY take. Eliminate what's not needed. Don't want to shave. Don't have to shave. Not gonna.
= = = =
I like the Norwegian word: Velstand. Did I mention that Hubby is of Norwegian descent? We're working on learning recipes and traditions that we're afraid we might lose without writing them down. We have learned how to make aquavit (a VERY strong drink that I can't even sip but Hubby can - one bottle has lasted 3 years so far!) and how to make brown cheese from whey (which I haven't actually done yet).
My heritage is basically a mutt. Lots of European countries in there and a tiny bit Native American. I'll borrow my husband's ethnicity for now. And my Kid... he's a complete mutt too!
= = = =
Added at 6:16 P.M.: I did something today that I didn't give much thought to. Just did it. I googled the girl that I lived next to for many years, when I was growing up in Louisville, KY. Janet Kelly. She's been on my mind lately because I, well, I wasn't a very nice person growing up. I was bullied so I sometimes I took it out on Janet and a few others. I googled her and found her on Classmates.com so I joined and posted my own profile. Weird. Something I never gave any thought to, or had any ambition to post. So, I did it.Posted a pic of my son and Hubby too (at the top) and this pic to the right is the Kid in Fall 2008 with our chihuahua on his lap and a stray we took care of that day before finding his family. Note the dying tomato plants by the front door! They gave and gave until we had a hard frost. Yummy yellow pear tomatoes.
By the way, I'd love to touch base with Janet, Susan Taylor, Donna Sheets, Sheila Stopher, Carrie Applebaum, and more. If I didn't mention you, high school buddies, it's just because my memory is quite, uh, ok, gone.
= = = =
Guess that's it for now. Have a wonderful Friday, and January 1, 2010.
Doctors and Diets and Goaties
Did well with diet yesterday. Didn't have any gluten at all. Snacked on pecans. By the time we got done with the doctor (more about that later), I was too wiped to cook so we stopped by McDonald's. I had salt-free medium fries, orange juice, and some of my split-peas with bacon from my crockpot. Not bad, right? Had a dark chocolate bar for a snack.
= = = = =
Anyway, first things first. I e-mailed with a Nigerian Dwarf goat farmer in Conifer, just a bit west of Denver so not far away. She won't have the number of milking goats that I need by May but might have one. So I found 2 more breeders not too far away (Kiowa and Colorado Springs) and am in contact with them. Perhaps between the three of them, we can get 4 milking does and in the Fall, 1 non-related buck to breed with them. The first woman is even willing to show us how she raises them, what she feeds them, cares for them, and, most importantly, how to milk them!
= = = =
Some research I did on infertility showed me not only how gluten sensitivity effects hormones (more on that below) but that I should completely cut out all cow's milk products. Ah man! I'm a cow's milk addict! I find a gallon of milk half-off, a day or two before the expiration date, and it's all gone by the next day. I love swiss cheese, provolone, and cream cheese. I love greek yogurt (you know, the really thick almost-sour-cream-texture yogurt).
But no more. Sigh.
We went to Vitamin Cottage today, for several reasons. One was to get some flavored goat yogurt for when I get the craving. I also got a big container of plain goat yogurt to use as sour cream. I'm making tacos tonight. Yum... lots of onions, gluten-free salsa (Wal-Mart brand - great job, guys!), and lettuce. Ooops. Forgot the lettuce.
= = = =
Which reminds me, when Hubby gets home, we need to take a load of toys and craft materials to the local children's hospital. Maybe we'll get some lettuce on the way home.
= = = =
I'm all over the place today! Anyhoo... while I was doing more research last night on how gluten sensitivity effects hormones, well... OMG! Every source I found online supports that almost every one of my symptoms and possibly most of my disabilities, can be attributed in some way to my gluten sensitivity. I don't have gluten-intolerance (that is mostly the stomach problems associated with gluten-products: wheat, rye, barley and uncertified oats). So... I made the right move taking gluten back out of my diet. It turns out that for most people, gluten-intolerance creates a mal-absorption of nutrients and fat globules which causes the person to lose weight. In other people, those with gluten sensitivity, the mal-absorption of nutrients and fat globules causes the person to GAIN weight. Is my research right? Could this explain why, even when I eat healthy but with gluten, that I still pack on the weight? And why, when I delete gluten, I seem to drop the weight with barely any effort?
I'll keep you informed.
Meanwhile, I've planned out my diet to make sure I don't eat one grain more than others. For example:
Breakfast will be either certified gluten-free oats or granola made from them, puffed millet cereal with rice milk, goat yogurt or quiche.
Lunch will be homemade flax crackers (I'll post the recipe when I get a chance) with tuna salad, peanut butter, egg salad, hummus, or perhaps (especially in the Summer) salad, or organic non-hormone hot dogs with gluten-free purchased hot dog buns.
Here's the dinner schedule for the grains/starches, not just for me but for the whole family. Of course, the main dish will depend on what I feel like cooking, whether the picky-eater Kid will eat what I fix, and whether I'm cranky or not!
Monday: quinoa
Tuesday: potato (not a grain but still...)
Wednesday: corn
Thursday: rice (in the form of pasta)
Friday: amaranth
Saturday: leftovers!
Sunday: rice
= = = =
Now to the doctor part. My cough has gotten worse, not better, so I called my provider yesterday and was requested to come in immediately to make sure I don't have pneumonia. I had no temp, blood pressure was average, but pulse was high. A chest x-ray showed I have congestion which might be just bronchitis or could be pneumonia, so they put me on a couple of medications and sent me home. Unfortunately the two new medications kept me awake all night so I sat in the living room with my heavy robe on and read the first 324 pages of Stephen King's "Under the Dome" - love it! After Hubby got up, I packed his lunchbox and he left, I took a Nyquil (yes, at 6:45 a.m.!) and my morning dose of meds, and slept off and on for about 2 hours. By then, the elephants in the apartment above were up and disruptive, as usual, so I woke up the kid, and headed out. I hadn't moved my car since the last snow so I scraped it off, with the help of 2 passing garbagemen (thanks, guys!) and went to Vitamin Cottage.
I needed more gluten-free bread for the Kid, got that goat yogurt for me (and more for the Kid), some raw goat milk cheese for me (tacos tonight, remember?) and some detox tea. Hoping the tea will help push out the remnants of gluten quicker. We'll see.
= = = =
I also scheduled a gyn appointment for Jan 6 ... follow up about a lump I found near by left breast. Seems to be reduced byt needs to be checked out again. Plus I want a hormone workup.
Ok... time to get something for lunch. It's about 12:41. Kid hasn't eaten anything since his goat-yogurt breakfast either. Hubby just called (as always, during lunch). I'm gonna eat then take a nap. Or, at least, try. Have a great day, all.
Vikki
= = = = =
Anyway, first things first. I e-mailed with a Nigerian Dwarf goat farmer in Conifer, just a bit west of Denver so not far away. She won't have the number of milking goats that I need by May but might have one. So I found 2 more breeders not too far away (Kiowa and Colorado Springs) and am in contact with them. Perhaps between the three of them, we can get 4 milking does and in the Fall, 1 non-related buck to breed with them. The first woman is even willing to show us how she raises them, what she feeds them, cares for them, and, most importantly, how to milk them!
= = = =
Some research I did on infertility showed me not only how gluten sensitivity effects hormones (more on that below) but that I should completely cut out all cow's milk products. Ah man! I'm a cow's milk addict! I find a gallon of milk half-off, a day or two before the expiration date, and it's all gone by the next day. I love swiss cheese, provolone, and cream cheese. I love greek yogurt (you know, the really thick almost-sour-cream-texture yogurt).
But no more. Sigh.
We went to Vitamin Cottage today, for several reasons. One was to get some flavored goat yogurt for when I get the craving. I also got a big container of plain goat yogurt to use as sour cream. I'm making tacos tonight. Yum... lots of onions, gluten-free salsa (Wal-Mart brand - great job, guys!), and lettuce. Ooops. Forgot the lettuce.
= = = =
Which reminds me, when Hubby gets home, we need to take a load of toys and craft materials to the local children's hospital. Maybe we'll get some lettuce on the way home.
= = = =
I'm all over the place today! Anyhoo... while I was doing more research last night on how gluten sensitivity effects hormones, well... OMG! Every source I found online supports that almost every one of my symptoms and possibly most of my disabilities, can be attributed in some way to my gluten sensitivity. I don't have gluten-intolerance (that is mostly the stomach problems associated with gluten-products: wheat, rye, barley and uncertified oats). So... I made the right move taking gluten back out of my diet. It turns out that for most people, gluten-intolerance creates a mal-absorption of nutrients and fat globules which causes the person to lose weight. In other people, those with gluten sensitivity, the mal-absorption of nutrients and fat globules causes the person to GAIN weight. Is my research right? Could this explain why, even when I eat healthy but with gluten, that I still pack on the weight? And why, when I delete gluten, I seem to drop the weight with barely any effort?
I'll keep you informed.
Meanwhile, I've planned out my diet to make sure I don't eat one grain more than others. For example:
Breakfast will be either certified gluten-free oats or granola made from them, puffed millet cereal with rice milk, goat yogurt or quiche.
Lunch will be homemade flax crackers (I'll post the recipe when I get a chance) with tuna salad, peanut butter, egg salad, hummus, or perhaps (especially in the Summer) salad, or organic non-hormone hot dogs with gluten-free purchased hot dog buns.
Here's the dinner schedule for the grains/starches, not just for me but for the whole family. Of course, the main dish will depend on what I feel like cooking, whether the picky-eater Kid will eat what I fix, and whether I'm cranky or not!
Monday: quinoa
Tuesday: potato (not a grain but still...)
Wednesday: corn
Thursday: rice (in the form of pasta)
Friday: amaranth
Saturday: leftovers!
Sunday: rice
= = = =
Now to the doctor part. My cough has gotten worse, not better, so I called my provider yesterday and was requested to come in immediately to make sure I don't have pneumonia. I had no temp, blood pressure was average, but pulse was high. A chest x-ray showed I have congestion which might be just bronchitis or could be pneumonia, so they put me on a couple of medications and sent me home. Unfortunately the two new medications kept me awake all night so I sat in the living room with my heavy robe on and read the first 324 pages of Stephen King's "Under the Dome" - love it! After Hubby got up, I packed his lunchbox and he left, I took a Nyquil (yes, at 6:45 a.m.!) and my morning dose of meds, and slept off and on for about 2 hours. By then, the elephants in the apartment above were up and disruptive, as usual, so I woke up the kid, and headed out. I hadn't moved my car since the last snow so I scraped it off, with the help of 2 passing garbagemen (thanks, guys!) and went to Vitamin Cottage.
I needed more gluten-free bread for the Kid, got that goat yogurt for me (and more for the Kid), some raw goat milk cheese for me (tacos tonight, remember?) and some detox tea. Hoping the tea will help push out the remnants of gluten quicker. We'll see.
= = = =
I also scheduled a gyn appointment for Jan 6 ... follow up about a lump I found near by left breast. Seems to be reduced byt needs to be checked out again. Plus I want a hormone workup.
Ok... time to get something for lunch. It's about 12:41. Kid hasn't eaten anything since his goat-yogurt breakfast either. Hubby just called (as always, during lunch). I'm gonna eat then take a nap. Or, at least, try. Have a great day, all.
Vikki
Eating Habits CAN be Changed
Yes, I know it's only Day 2 of my new "diet" (geez, I hate that word) but I'm doing just fine. Yesterday, here's what I had:
Breakfast: 3 GF apple cinnamon waffles with honey
Lunch: 20 rice crackers with peanut butter
Snack: handful of pecans
Dinner: GF pizza w/pesto, chicken, artichokes, onions, provolone
Snack: dark chocolate Hershey bar
Drinks: 1 quart of herbal tea, then 1 quart of instant decaf tea
Remember, my goal was to go gluten-free and increase movement. I exercised twice yesterday. Not vigorously because of being on such a heavy period, but still.... I increased my movement.
Today, for breakfast, I had a handful of pecans. A couple hours later, I had an apple. Then around lunchtime, I cooked up some bacon for all of us (and put some in the crockpot with the split peas and garlic) so I ate my third of what I fried. I ate a dark chocolate Hershey bar a little bit ago (that ole chocolate craving!), however, I'm still hungry so I think I'll get a snack of carrots, or maybe some cheese and crackers.
= = = =
It's still cold today, but clear. Perhaps a little chilly to sit on the verandah. Today would be perfect for having a fire going in a rustic stone fireplace, curled up with a snoring dog, a large mug of hot herbal tea, snuggled in my grandmother's afghan, and reading a good book.
= = = =
Hubby's off today (his last vacation day of the year) so he's taken a walk down to the library to pick up several books I'd reserved. I have to finish working on the Kid's schoolwork for 2010 (8th grade), and needed reference books on dating and relationships, manners and etiquette, and other things. Plus I can't find the box with his 2010 classic literature books, so I reserved Robin Hood and Watership Down to start him off next week. WD probably first. I loved that book, and remember writing a sequel to it. Mother lost it years ago. Bummer.
= = = =
We have no plans for New Year's Eve or Day. Just taking one day at a time.... resisting the urge to make regular brownies, or text Hubby to bring home a pack of cigarettes. Yes, bad news. I still have the urge to smoke. Haven't smoked since I gave it up before I got married 3 years ago, but I still crave in times of stress. This is definitely a time of stress: family problems, trying to get pregnant in the midst of perimenopause, waiting to buy a mini-homestead, conflict between Hubby and my Son, and now.... giving up gluten. It's not that I eat a ton of bread, just that it's a mental thing.
I know from experience that when I eat gluten items, my skin breaks out (called "dermatitis herpetiformis") and my hormones go wonky. In order to adjust my hormones so that I start cycling regularly so that I ovulate and possibly get pregnant, I HAVE to give up gluten. I just keep telling myself... bread and burgers and brownies OR a baby. Which is more important.
= = = =
I tried to read Sarah Palin's book the other day. Hubby brought it home from the library. BORING! Right wing. Anti-choice. Obvious errors in memory, recollection, etc. I couldn't force myself to read past the first few pages; just skimmed the rest. Made me almost sick. Send it back to the library today with Hubby. Not worth wasting my time. Would rather take a nap!
= = = =
I found a bunch of new recipes to try for while we're on this diet. And yes, while I'm following this regimen, Hubby has to too. Well, kinda. Gluten-free products are kinda expensive so he gets wheat buns for sloppy joes while I get potato chips or corn chips.
He's back. What books has he brought me?
= = = =
GF = gluten-free
Breakfast: 3 GF apple cinnamon waffles with honey
Lunch: 20 rice crackers with peanut butter
Snack: handful of pecans
Dinner: GF pizza w/pesto, chicken, artichokes, onions, provolone
Snack: dark chocolate Hershey bar
Drinks: 1 quart of herbal tea, then 1 quart of instant decaf tea
Remember, my goal was to go gluten-free and increase movement. I exercised twice yesterday. Not vigorously because of being on such a heavy period, but still.... I increased my movement.
Today, for breakfast, I had a handful of pecans. A couple hours later, I had an apple. Then around lunchtime, I cooked up some bacon for all of us (and put some in the crockpot with the split peas and garlic) so I ate my third of what I fried. I ate a dark chocolate Hershey bar a little bit ago (that ole chocolate craving!), however, I'm still hungry so I think I'll get a snack of carrots, or maybe some cheese and crackers.
= = = =
It's still cold today, but clear. Perhaps a little chilly to sit on the verandah. Today would be perfect for having a fire going in a rustic stone fireplace, curled up with a snoring dog, a large mug of hot herbal tea, snuggled in my grandmother's afghan, and reading a good book.
= = = =
Hubby's off today (his last vacation day of the year) so he's taken a walk down to the library to pick up several books I'd reserved. I have to finish working on the Kid's schoolwork for 2010 (8th grade), and needed reference books on dating and relationships, manners and etiquette, and other things. Plus I can't find the box with his 2010 classic literature books, so I reserved Robin Hood and Watership Down to start him off next week. WD probably first. I loved that book, and remember writing a sequel to it. Mother lost it years ago. Bummer.
= = = =
We have no plans for New Year's Eve or Day. Just taking one day at a time.... resisting the urge to make regular brownies, or text Hubby to bring home a pack of cigarettes. Yes, bad news. I still have the urge to smoke. Haven't smoked since I gave it up before I got married 3 years ago, but I still crave in times of stress. This is definitely a time of stress: family problems, trying to get pregnant in the midst of perimenopause, waiting to buy a mini-homestead, conflict between Hubby and my Son, and now.... giving up gluten. It's not that I eat a ton of bread, just that it's a mental thing.
I know from experience that when I eat gluten items, my skin breaks out (called "dermatitis herpetiformis") and my hormones go wonky. In order to adjust my hormones so that I start cycling regularly so that I ovulate and possibly get pregnant, I HAVE to give up gluten. I just keep telling myself... bread and burgers and brownies OR a baby. Which is more important.
= = = =
I tried to read Sarah Palin's book the other day. Hubby brought it home from the library. BORING! Right wing. Anti-choice. Obvious errors in memory, recollection, etc. I couldn't force myself to read past the first few pages; just skimmed the rest. Made me almost sick. Send it back to the library today with Hubby. Not worth wasting my time. Would rather take a nap!
= = = =
I found a bunch of new recipes to try for while we're on this diet. And yes, while I'm following this regimen, Hubby has to too. Well, kinda. Gluten-free products are kinda expensive so he gets wheat buns for sloppy joes while I get potato chips or corn chips.
He's back. What books has he brought me?
= = = =
GF = gluten-free
My Goals for a New Life
I'm old, almost 50. I'm fat. I have little energy. Bad health. Bad teeth. Bad habits. High anxiety. Panic attacks. I decided to NOT wait until the new year to make and start following new goals. I want a new life NOW. So... here's the changes I'm making in my life as of today:
- new body: I weighed today. 270 lbs at 5'7". Fat, I know. And quite unhealthy, with various diseases, and bordering on diabetes. Plus, I want to get pregnant before I completely lose the ability. I want to mini-homestead so I can have more control over what foods we put in our bodies. I want to take better care of my teeth. Better care of my body, of my hair, of my circulatory system. I want to have a better respiratory system so that the next time the swine flu or other respiratory disease comes around, I can fight it off. I've started on this already. I've been up for about 2 hours. In that time, I've walked-in-place for 5 minutes (sorry, all I could manage), taken a shower, brushed my teeth, used mouth-rinse, and taken vitamins. Well, also packed my Hubby's lunchbox, started a load of laundry, and a few other non-me things. My goal for this first week: (1) increase movement, (2) take out all gluten from diet. Just that to start.
- new mind: I'm tired of being tired. Of trying to think and it just being so tiring. Trying to keep track of all of our schedules, and not having the energy to do a better job. Not sure yet how to accomplish this, except perhaps, with a better body, I'll be able to sleep better.
- new voice: I used to sing professionally. Now I sing when I get a song stuck in my head and just can't let it go. I want to sing more.
- new income: With my disabilities, my income capabilities are limited. Still.... I want to pull out my old books that I wrote years ago, dust them off, edit, and see if they are sellable. Perhaps even get back to writing non-fiction again.
- new parenting: I love my son, but I think I can do a better job guiding him. I may ask for help with this, from time to time, but it will be worth it. He's a happy 13 yr old, but he could have more opportunities to have friends. Perhaps joining a club, once we move.
I guess that's it for now. I'm changing my life. If you are too, I hope you'll join my blog and keep us updated!
Vikki
A Blue Christmas
I was so looking forward to my phone call/skype with family in Kentucky last night. I had put my hair (long - down to my butt) in curlers, and actually applied mascara. We had all dressed up and were feeling great about seeing and talking with family.
Five minutes after we were expecting the skype-call, we got a cell-phone call. Dad. Sorry, everybody left. He was ticked but couldn't do anything about it. Then I got ticked. I gathered up everybody, the pecan pies and the gifts, and went to Mom-In-Law's house. (MIL) (She and Father-in-law are divorced but for some reason, he still expects to be included in everything, especially holidays and running him to doctor appointments and other errands. Ok, don't get me started.)
Nice, comfy time just us, but before we enjoyed ourselves, the Kid and I called Dad back. The Kid sang "Happy Birthday" to Dad then handed over the phone to me. I asked him to explain again what happened and why people left. The details are still vague, but basically, people just weren't in the mood. Selfish moments, I guess.
I never really did cheer up. Hubby was starting to feel sick, tho, so by the time Hubby's father and sister arrives, Hubby was fading and I was very concerned about him. The Kid was in the basement watching TV. Father-in-law (FIL) and Hubby are somewhat estranged and believe me, last night did nothing to help. Made things worse, in fact. FIL barely acknowledged our presence, and had to practically be forced to eat a piece of my pecan pie. Never did say hi to me. Then, after dessert, it was gift time. Very thoughtful presents from sister-in-law and MIL... a gorgeous teapot, a MIL-painted picture, etc., and great gifts for the Kid. FIL brought nothing. Not even a card. Fine if he had at least said: money's tight this year so I just bring you my good wishes, or, forgot all the gifts back at home (in Kansas), or, just didn't have the time. Whatever. But nothing.
I'm not a gift-minded greedy person. I really am not. But I believe in at least giving the children a gift. If you can't afford anything, a card will work fine. Or a squash you grew yourself. Or something that you make yourself. Anything to acknowledge the specialness of the day.
This man hasn't brought gifts to us for 2 years. Nor has he acknowledged the Kid's birthday, or even his own son's b-day (my Hubby).
This year we painted ceramics for them, plus gave a gift card, or in FIL's case, we gave him several packets of heirloom seeds to go with the ceramic flower pot Hubby painted. He threw the seeds onto the couch and laughed at the ceramic pot.
Next year, he gets a card. Only.
= = = =
So... yesterday was a sucky day. Thankfully we have our own little blended family, Hubby's mom, and my Dad. We can pretty much count on them to show they care. Meanwhile, we made our way home early last night, arriving from the harrowing trip over iced roads around 9 p.m. Kid went to bed (but I'm sure, not to sleep), Hubby took some medicine and went to sleep, and I stayed up and watched TV. I got up early to wrap the Kid's gifts, and the Kid made his entrance just after I finished the last one. He was thrilled. Hubby went back to bed. I put a turkey breast in the crockpot with olive oil and garlic, and made cinnamon rolls (gluten-free for the kid, and regular for Hubby and me).
I slipped off the gluten-free path, but need to go back on soon. It (gluten) plays with my hormones, and when I fall off the GF path, I'm in perimenopause. Since I finally started my period yesterday (the first time since July), I've decided I absolutely got to get back on it. Monday. That's right. Monday. Not January 1.
= = = =
I just sent an e-mail to a local Nigerian Dwarf goat farm. Wanted to give them a heads up that we want 4 milking does and 1 buck probably sometime in May. And want to visit the farm in the next few weeks to see how they do things so that we can do something similar (so the goats won't feel too out of place). Hope she responds next week so we can talk, and I certainly hope she'll have 4 does and 1 non-related buck when we're ready for them. Of course, we need the house, and then we'll need to build the barn. We COULD wait on the buck until Fall since we won't be breeding anyone till then.
= = = =
After a google search and some research, I came up with some ideas about the barn we'll need to build. Hope getting a permit won't be a difficult job, and we'll be allowed to build what we want. Here's what we need:
Five minutes after we were expecting the skype-call, we got a cell-phone call. Dad. Sorry, everybody left. He was ticked but couldn't do anything about it. Then I got ticked. I gathered up everybody, the pecan pies and the gifts, and went to Mom-In-Law's house. (MIL) (She and Father-in-law are divorced but for some reason, he still expects to be included in everything, especially holidays and running him to doctor appointments and other errands. Ok, don't get me started.)
Nice, comfy time just us, but before we enjoyed ourselves, the Kid and I called Dad back. The Kid sang "Happy Birthday" to Dad then handed over the phone to me. I asked him to explain again what happened and why people left. The details are still vague, but basically, people just weren't in the mood. Selfish moments, I guess.
I never really did cheer up. Hubby was starting to feel sick, tho, so by the time Hubby's father and sister arrives, Hubby was fading and I was very concerned about him. The Kid was in the basement watching TV. Father-in-law (FIL) and Hubby are somewhat estranged and believe me, last night did nothing to help. Made things worse, in fact. FIL barely acknowledged our presence, and had to practically be forced to eat a piece of my pecan pie. Never did say hi to me. Then, after dessert, it was gift time. Very thoughtful presents from sister-in-law and MIL... a gorgeous teapot, a MIL-painted picture, etc., and great gifts for the Kid. FIL brought nothing. Not even a card. Fine if he had at least said: money's tight this year so I just bring you my good wishes, or, forgot all the gifts back at home (in Kansas), or, just didn't have the time. Whatever. But nothing.
I'm not a gift-minded greedy person. I really am not. But I believe in at least giving the children a gift. If you can't afford anything, a card will work fine. Or a squash you grew yourself. Or something that you make yourself. Anything to acknowledge the specialness of the day.
This man hasn't brought gifts to us for 2 years. Nor has he acknowledged the Kid's birthday, or even his own son's b-day (my Hubby).
This year we painted ceramics for them, plus gave a gift card, or in FIL's case, we gave him several packets of heirloom seeds to go with the ceramic flower pot Hubby painted. He threw the seeds onto the couch and laughed at the ceramic pot.
Next year, he gets a card. Only.
= = = =
So... yesterday was a sucky day. Thankfully we have our own little blended family, Hubby's mom, and my Dad. We can pretty much count on them to show they care. Meanwhile, we made our way home early last night, arriving from the harrowing trip over iced roads around 9 p.m. Kid went to bed (but I'm sure, not to sleep), Hubby took some medicine and went to sleep, and I stayed up and watched TV. I got up early to wrap the Kid's gifts, and the Kid made his entrance just after I finished the last one. He was thrilled. Hubby went back to bed. I put a turkey breast in the crockpot with olive oil and garlic, and made cinnamon rolls (gluten-free for the kid, and regular for Hubby and me).
I slipped off the gluten-free path, but need to go back on soon. It (gluten) plays with my hormones, and when I fall off the GF path, I'm in perimenopause. Since I finally started my period yesterday (the first time since July), I've decided I absolutely got to get back on it. Monday. That's right. Monday. Not January 1.
= = = =
I just sent an e-mail to a local Nigerian Dwarf goat farm. Wanted to give them a heads up that we want 4 milking does and 1 buck probably sometime in May. And want to visit the farm in the next few weeks to see how they do things so that we can do something similar (so the goats won't feel too out of place). Hope she responds next week so we can talk, and I certainly hope she'll have 4 does and 1 non-related buck when we're ready for them. Of course, we need the house, and then we'll need to build the barn. We COULD wait on the buck until Fall since we won't be breeding anyone till then.
= = = =
After a google search and some research, I came up with some ideas about the barn we'll need to build. Hope getting a permit won't be a difficult job, and we'll be allowed to build what we want. Here's what we need:
- Each female needs it's own pen, but since Nigerian Dwarf goats don't get taller than 2 feet, they only need about 4 square feet of space, but almost double that for when they kid, so for 4 does, we need 4 pens/stalls, each 8 square feet. They can double up when they aren't kidding or have no kids. Their pens will open up to the east, to the "backyard" where the pastures will be. Each pen will have feed boxes, hay trough and water buckets where we can easily fill them.
- The chicken coop will be on the same side as the doe pens. Will hold nesting boxes, easily placed to get to the eggs. MIGHT make a separate area for a broody hen so we can hatch some eggs, which will mean we'll need yet another small pen for a rooster.
- The buck will need to be on the opposite side of the barn, separated by a wall. If the bucks are too close to milking does, it makes the milk have a strong taste. So, we'll have 2 small 4-square feet stalls for the buck (the second just in case we need it later). This side will open to the front yard
- On the other side of the buck's pens and a large door will be a large feed storage area (feed, hay, veggies, etc.) for all of our critters.
- In the center, with a wall and a door, will be the quail coop (aviary) and rabbit hutches, all over the worms for vermicomposting.
Did I get everything? Rabbits. Quail. Chickens. Worms. Goats (male and female). Oh, and the milking stand will be in the center too.
= = = =
Guess that's it for now. Hubby's asleep behind me. The Kid's in his room reading one of his new books. I have the TV on to help provide enough glow for me to type.
Hope you all had a good holiday. Blessings, from our family to yours.
Vikki
Beef Stew and Baked Beans
Yesterday I was busy. Again. We had a major snowstorm so I didn't feel like leaving, but I had plenty to keep myself busy. I worked on the Kid's curriculum (it'll take at least another week, probably 2, before I have it ready). I did another couple loads of wash, hanging them on the shower bars. Cleaned the kitchen.
And made the best beef stew ever!
For Thanksgiving, I talked Hubby into getting a double-crock crockpot, so on the right one, I made baked beans for the Kid. Beef stew on the left. Here's how:
Beef Stew
Ingredients:
1/2 lb beef stew meat
1 cube vegetable boullion
4 cups water
1/3 can tomato paste
1/4 lb bacon, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 small potatoes, chopped, peel on
10-15 baby carrots
2 tablespoons dried garlic powder
4 tablespoons tapioca flour (or wheat flour)
Directions:
Spray the crock with pan spray and add the meat. Cook until brown. Add the water, the boullion, and the tomato paste and cook for another 4 hours. Stir well. Add the bacon, chopped onion, chopped potatoes, carrots and potatoes. Cook another 3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the flour to thicken the broth into a gravy. Salt/pepper to taste. Delicious!
Baked Beans
Ingredients:
2 cups white beans
4 cups water
3/4 lb bacon, chopped
3/4 can tomato paste
2 tablespoons onion powder
Directions:
Add the beans and water to the crockpot. Cook for a minimum 4 hours, until the beans soften. Add the bacon and tomato paste, stir, and cook for another 3-4 hours. Add onion powder about 30 minutes before serving. Salt/pepper to taste.
= = = =
The Kid generally doesn't like my beans so I usually have to buy the cans. But for these he said, and I quote, "they don't have much taste". "They don't?" I was upset. "No, but I can really taste the bacon, and that's great!" Okay, so maybe these beans aren't as good as what's in the can, but he ate an entire bowl full last night along with a baked potato, and he was thrilled, so sure, these might be a little bland for you, but I got my kid to eat some protein, and that counts for something!
As far as the stew is concerned, I couldn't believe how delicious it was. I didn't even use any of the herbs I'd bought to experiment with. I guess it was the browning of the stew meat, and then the boullion cube that made the difference. I ate 2 bowls, Hubby had a huge bowl of that and baked beans, and I put 2 containers in the fridge for lunches later on.
At King Soopers the other day, I'd bought a 3-pound container of stew meat, almost expired so it was discounted with an orange sticker for 50% off, or $10.13 for the 3 pounds. I divided it into six portions, and used one portion for the stew last night. I bagged the other 5 and placed them in a bigger baggie for the freezer. I'm thinking that's 5 weeks of making beef stew once a week. Yum!
= = = =
I made 2 more pecan pies today. We're going to my mom-in-law's in about an hour, and we're taking the 2 gluten-free pecan/chocolate chip pies. Just having dessert and exchanging presents. Father-in-law should be there too (somewhat estranged from Hubby) and my sister-in-law and her hubby. Fun fun.
About my pecan ooey gooey ... I put the extra "batter" into a corningware dish, and it turned into pecan/chocolate caramel.... yum! Great side effect. Ok... yep, I gotta start my diet. I think I'll be traditional and start it on January 1. It's time I reduce from my very heavy weight. Hope you don't mind, but I think I'll use this blog for my diet too.
When we come home tonight, hopefully the Kid will go to bed (we never did the Santa Clause thing so we don't have to pretend or anything). But he does want us to wrap at least some of his gifts. We couldn't do a tree this year, so we're leaving them on the couch in the living room. We'll give Blanca Bunny an apple for her Christmas present, and Hubby and I exchanged clothes. (Read: I bought him some clothes, and got me some too!)
= = = =
Well, it's about time to skype Dad and many members of my family who are eating at his house, so I need to finish getting my hair done and purty myself up. Then we leave for Mom-in-Law. Have a great night tomorrow, and a great day tomorrow.
And made the best beef stew ever!
For Thanksgiving, I talked Hubby into getting a double-crock crockpot, so on the right one, I made baked beans for the Kid. Beef stew on the left. Here's how:
Beef Stew
Ingredients:
1/2 lb beef stew meat
1 cube vegetable boullion
4 cups water
1/3 can tomato paste
1/4 lb bacon, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 small potatoes, chopped, peel on
10-15 baby carrots
2 tablespoons dried garlic powder
4 tablespoons tapioca flour (or wheat flour)
Directions:
Spray the crock with pan spray and add the meat. Cook until brown. Add the water, the boullion, and the tomato paste and cook for another 4 hours. Stir well. Add the bacon, chopped onion, chopped potatoes, carrots and potatoes. Cook another 3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the flour to thicken the broth into a gravy. Salt/pepper to taste. Delicious!
Baked Beans
Ingredients:
2 cups white beans
4 cups water
3/4 lb bacon, chopped
3/4 can tomato paste
2 tablespoons onion powder
Directions:
Add the beans and water to the crockpot. Cook for a minimum 4 hours, until the beans soften. Add the bacon and tomato paste, stir, and cook for another 3-4 hours. Add onion powder about 30 minutes before serving. Salt/pepper to taste.
= = = =
The Kid generally doesn't like my beans so I usually have to buy the cans. But for these he said, and I quote, "they don't have much taste". "They don't?" I was upset. "No, but I can really taste the bacon, and that's great!" Okay, so maybe these beans aren't as good as what's in the can, but he ate an entire bowl full last night along with a baked potato, and he was thrilled, so sure, these might be a little bland for you, but I got my kid to eat some protein, and that counts for something!
As far as the stew is concerned, I couldn't believe how delicious it was. I didn't even use any of the herbs I'd bought to experiment with. I guess it was the browning of the stew meat, and then the boullion cube that made the difference. I ate 2 bowls, Hubby had a huge bowl of that and baked beans, and I put 2 containers in the fridge for lunches later on.
At King Soopers the other day, I'd bought a 3-pound container of stew meat, almost expired so it was discounted with an orange sticker for 50% off, or $10.13 for the 3 pounds. I divided it into six portions, and used one portion for the stew last night. I bagged the other 5 and placed them in a bigger baggie for the freezer. I'm thinking that's 5 weeks of making beef stew once a week. Yum!
= = = =
I made 2 more pecan pies today. We're going to my mom-in-law's in about an hour, and we're taking the 2 gluten-free pecan/chocolate chip pies. Just having dessert and exchanging presents. Father-in-law should be there too (somewhat estranged from Hubby) and my sister-in-law and her hubby. Fun fun.
About my pecan ooey gooey ... I put the extra "batter" into a corningware dish, and it turned into pecan/chocolate caramel.... yum! Great side effect. Ok... yep, I gotta start my diet. I think I'll be traditional and start it on January 1. It's time I reduce from my very heavy weight. Hope you don't mind, but I think I'll use this blog for my diet too.
When we come home tonight, hopefully the Kid will go to bed (we never did the Santa Clause thing so we don't have to pretend or anything). But he does want us to wrap at least some of his gifts. We couldn't do a tree this year, so we're leaving them on the couch in the living room. We'll give Blanca Bunny an apple for her Christmas present, and Hubby and I exchanged clothes. (Read: I bought him some clothes, and got me some too!)
= = = =
Well, it's about time to skype Dad and many members of my family who are eating at his house, so I need to finish getting my hair done and purty myself up. Then we leave for Mom-in-Law. Have a great night tomorrow, and a great day tomorrow.
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