My 9 Day Food Test

       I have had enough ! This didn't start out as a test, but looking at the past nine days, it seems to be that anyway. Stress, food, exercise, happiness, weight control, time management, all in one. But again, that didn't start that way.
     I take care of a child who has been in and out of schools, emotional problems and again waiting  for another school to be found. So he was away and it was time for him to come home again. This time going to get him, I wasn't s upbeat and hopeful as I usually was on other trips. My think was, here we go again and why am I still doing this?
    Anyway we arrived home and just managed the way to a few days before New Years Eve when I decided to grocery shop, like I haven't done in a few years. I also put my firm foot down, more than before. He would no longer spend my time because he put himself in this situation. He is a cute and lovable little guy, yet after two years, something or someone has to give and it felt like me.  Two day before getting him, I woke with a painful and stiff neck adding to my, well to my feelings about it all.
      Well I and he as well went on a plant based way of eating. This I tried three years ago and felt great, no kids in the house. In a month I lost25 lbs without feeling like I was trying. So here I went again and this time, was not buying different foods for this guy. He gained a lot of weight when he was away and he's short. So seven days pass, I lost seven pounds and then thinking I may be depriving him, buy some ice cream and pizza and a donut each. Horrible, just horrible ! Before I indulged I started to sleep better, keep better hours, was popping up off my chair, moving around like crazy.
    Then I indulged and God help me, I just wanted to sleep most of the day and my energy was zapped. I'm not joking. I felt like crap. Well this happened between yesterday and today. I don't want to move. I only want to sit and watch TV. I'm now finished with bring crap into the house for good.
  Tomorrow I wake up and eggs, sweet potatoes wait for me and I them. I made beef broth from a shin bone, have fresh vegetables. Imagine. I just can't wait. Roasted cauliflower ? Never thought I would love that before ice cream. I do.

LOZO-select your personal coupons

       This came from a Dr. Oz show I saw about two months ago. I signed up and receive coupons selected to the way of my interests. But I never used them as I try so hard to shop only the outside isles. This morning I get the reminder e mail and decide to take another look.
      Aha! I see Progresso soups which I love, Yogurt, cereals of a healthier kind, hygiene products, weight watchers frozen foods (which I never eat) so I thought I'll try one. Then an assortment of hot pockets, perdue chicken, tombstone pizza and so much more. Personally I think the foods  are geared toward a larger family who uses a lot of frozen foods. Dr. OZ had people on to show how much they saved using those coupons at the time.
       But they were families with kids at home. Most cereals were the junk food kind, so the doctor is again a bit talking out of both sides of his yapper, and I know, like TV, just don't clip them, turn the channel. We all have a choice.
      I would still take a look, see what fits you and I have to say the good thing is you don't have to print one whole page just to get one coupon. Slide your mouse over a coupon and click. At the end the site wants to install a certain something because of bar codes, takes a minute and probably worth it. Oh Pantene shampoos, shaving stuff and laundry detergents too. Take a look, nothing to lose, maybe something to gain.

RSD ? You really Can't Imagine Unless..

    I am about to go out and as I'm getting ready, with the TV on, The Doctors show is announcing RSD and showing a young woman whose foot has ballooned four times its' size. She had an injury. Someone stepped backwards on her foot and  a few days later that small injury showed an infestation of infection of some kind.
    She wasn't about to know what it was exactly until it diagnosed. This foot and leg were red, purple, pink and looks like her skin will explode at any moment. Her pain is somewhat handled by a pump tube in her stomach, giving her what she needs, yet doesn't help very much.
     We can imagine pain when we see it, such as with this young woman who has RSD. But what about what we can't see ? Just think about that. Right now it was presented to this woman by a Military doctor that they see this in people who are wounded, RSD is fairly common as wounds that don't heal, like Kathy's on the Doctors, The answer is a series of using a hyperbolic ( baric ?) chamber, a psychologist, FOOD, Food, FOOD and PRAYER ! It isn't a complete cure, but sometimes it is for many things.
     One thing was noticed in Kathy interview. She ate a lot of processed foods throughout the day which has a load of salt, causing water/fluid retention. Holistic approaches is a way to go and use what we know and have available to us. Faith, Hope, knowledge, medical knowledge and support systems. Put them all together and they spell Peace.
     A last note about Food. Jsut my won experience . About a year and a half ago, I went plant based, still had meats, but not as often. My whole life felt better. The swelling in my feet went down as I was a big carb eater,  frozen pizza's and all that water retention foods, but changing my eating habits, changed me without realizing what was happening. Give it a try :)

Children, Choices. Control and Parents

     I guess I could repeat it all again, but instead could you trip the link to Maggies blog. It's all about kids and to be honest I am trying to get the news of Kids Count by way of Maggies Blog, out there.
                              Maggieshelpcenter.com
Who has control, who wants it and how to make your kids feel better and be happier.

Thank you...Hey it's almost Mothers Day, and next month Fathers day-why because you have kids you love and want them to be as happy, giving and just good people as possible.

Better Grilled Cheese 4 U & Kids, healthier

      About a year or so ago when visiting a friend in New York she made eggs on these small thin type breads. Now I know they are called thin bread rolls, round and thin. I love Stroehman, but Arnold's is good too and even better is any store brand, so much less expensive.
     The serving size is one sandwich roll, has 100 calories, 3 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein. Now this is of course the brand I use, store brand. So a healthier way to make a grilled cheese is to start by using flatter breads   and cooking very slow.
    I do spray the pan, but also add a very small amount of butter just before the cheese is almost melted. On one slice of bread I use a tiny spread of B B Que sauce, my special ingredient in a few foods, one slice of cheese and of course slap together. Cook slowly and you have a tasty, low cal, healthier kind of grilled cheese. Of course you can add tomatoes for yourself or the kids if they like tomatoes.
     On the side of the plate, grapes and or make sweet potatoes. For two young children at lunch this will seem like a picnic, and the colors? Inviting.

 

Brooklyn's Salty Dog & a Candyman

       In case you never heard of a salty dog, I'm about to tell you the best kind.
Located in Bay Ridge Brooklyn on third avenue between seventy-fifth and seventy-sixth street, it's a restaurant, and a bar, and both suit me very well.
       This past Saturday was very important for me as I finally got back there with a childhood friend of mine. We missed too many times at The Salty Dog and made up fr them Saturday. The Salty Dog is a Firehouse, converted into a bar/Restaurant where generations of families and friends meet for a fantastic time of food and drink and meeting up with acquaintances, and the best of the best. For me that means, Larry and Kelly and I am sorry I forgot the guy who deserves a lot of thanks, their busboy/young man. I watched him so busy Saturday keeping his eye on a path of traffic so as not to bump into anyone or on anyone.
     As this good looking and pleasant personality guy zoomed in and out, tables were cleared to keep busy servers, busy and a kitchen cooking. These three, Larry, Kelly and the busy bus boy make things work. For reasons not important here I am able to go up, only about once a year, and boy is it memorable.
    This particular evening my friend and I who recently lost her husband and son two days apart, two months ago, very much needed this time out. The people who were taking care of us gave us attention which only meets the highest of standards when it comes to personal attention. For myself who rarely has a drink I usually order two, and a great burger and fries. However my usual drink wasn't available and while I waited, I see a man pass us who is an old neighborhood friend of my friends'. His nickname is, The candy Man. I think he caught my eye first as my friends' back was toward him, so he gave a quick turn about and stopped to offer condolences. She was not only happy to see a familiar face, but comforted in his words.
     As he needed to leave to make deliveries, the bartender came to me with Larry. Wow was he personable and I meant to get his name, but didn't. Sorry guy:)
Either way he suggested a certain drink as did Larry ensuring it was a tasty drink. So yes, I went with the guys and it was great, called The Nutty Irishman, I could have had four, but knew better or I might just hop, yup hop on the bar and dance.
    Kelly returned a few times, Larry stopped passing but not hovering to make sure we had what we wanted. Kelly had a nice chat with us as the restaurant was slowing down. The Candy Man stopped again to talk more to my friend and invite us both over to his home another time and I watched as my friend had a whole and complete, feel good experience. She didn't want to leave suggesting I have another drink, but if I did, I wouldn't be responsible for my actions:)
     For the bartender, I am sorry I didn't say so long and thanks again for your kind words. Your personality was so welcoming my friend noticed too and let me know what a great and freeing night this is turning out to be.
    For anyone who might read this weather you live close to the Salty Dog or are going to Brooklyn, please do your self a favor. Start with dinner and take some time to check the menu. Listen to the servers. They do know their food as well as beverages very well. It's a blast. It may be a ,little noisy at times, but so what. You're out for a good time right. Take plenty of money, have a few drinks and show your appreciation at the end of an awesome evening. By the way, they also have  a DJ. Music was just starting as we were leaving.
    On my next trip, I want to plan to adjust my time so I alternate lunch and dinners at The Salty Dog. My Friend wants to go to the local hotel  as I usually stay there. It's all about new experiences, some things she has put off way too long. So just imagine, a hotel stay, waking up when yo want and then meals and music at The Salty Dog. One last note, while I love Larry, Kelly, The bus guy, and now adding the bartender, I have been there enough to have different servers, and I've been there with teen boys(foster care) and family and never a negative comment. Bringing the kids in from another state I Let them know about my favorite place to dine. these kids always ask to go back.
      Larry, Kelly and the whole Salty Dog team, I am sincerely thankful to all of you for making me feel like one of the neighborhood regulars. That's what it's all about.
    

77 yrs.old, No Meds, 45.Co-Pay

        As I walked over to the Deli isle to pick up spinach flat bread, A womans' voice said, "I never thought I'd  see you here". I joked very little and said me too, usually I come early mid week so I don't see anyone. She said she was sorry. Oh crapola I thought, I didn't mean to hurt her feelings and in turn I apologized and said well, I'm off. I like to get in, shop quickly and out. But guilt set in and I made a mental note to be nicer next time I see her.
        As I'm leaving there she was again next to me. This time I slowed down. I would see her at my local post office from time to time walking with a walker. Today she had a cane. I asked on the way out, so are you feeling better using a cane? Then it came, rushing as if a flood. "No", she said, "my walker broke and I can't get another one yet because I need to go to the doctor but I can't afford the forty-five dollar co-pay."
        Oh Crapola again. She went on, "I'm seventy-seven years old and my husband died five years ago, so my daughter helps by paying rent but not much and I still don't have money."  We finally got out of the store and I asked her a few questions about , would she sit down with someone who could work out a plan so she wouldn't have to go without meds and doctor visits. She wouldn't. She told me, I'll see you at the post office and  my address is---- so now you know where I live. I just said okay, thanks.
      I watched her walk off to her vehicle and thought well at least she can drive and afford that to give her some freedom. But I got in my car and thought about her giving me her address. Why would she--- oh, okay, she wanted to  stop in and visit-maybe? That wasn't like me and I knew I wouldn't, but I did know that soon, I could put some money in an envelope and leave it for her at the post office. I know that wasn't her reason for telling me. Sometimes ya just have to vent and only want an ear, someone to understand and know that just because
your venting doesn't mean you want something for nothing. Old people and kids are the loneliest people. Sometimes people think old people just want to be left alone, and many do and sometimes people think,  how can a kid be lonely? Walk in their shoes and you'll know why.
        I rode home thinking long and hard about her and how fortunate I am. I know doctors have to be paid and maybe her doctor doesn't know her situation, but people can make payment plans, yet, how do you even do that if you just don't have the money. I remember her one small bags of groceries, her look of helplessness and the sign at the check-out asking for food bank donations. I make it my business each time to tack five bucks on, but usually if the cashier asks, or I just don't think about it.
       People might look at her and think, wow this lady sure has enough to eat, but I know how poverty is. I came from a large family and we all ate well every day and we even had apples and oranges, but that didn't mean my parents never made those big pot meals to stretch the budget. About three times a week we had, a pot of pea soup with either potatoes or sliced hot dogs in it, loads of bread and butter, then we'd have pizza sandwiches, very filling and of course some chicken or mac and baked cheese.  I still love Pea soup. Whew! Just think about that makes me want to go to the local convenience store and buy two containers of mac n cheese, and then, I think  about that forty-five dollar co-pay. There but for the Grace of God go I.

AML-8 Types, Deadly

      Recently a young guy I knew passed away from AML, a type of cancer/leukemia that studies show, if you're very young or older than sixty, your chance of survival is higher, but if you're between twenty-five and forty-five you have a five window and the chances are higher you won't live.
     Last night I was talking to my friend who just lost her son, and her husband was killed two days before her son died. The enormous grief, I can't imagine.
She taught me, that there is more than one type of AML. Sandy let me know about eight different types of AML. She is sitting and reading all about this now as she did before her son died. But then is was mainly about the type her son had.
      She is returning to work next week. How does a grief stricken parent go on. Yes, I know, a day at a time. But I wonder about cancer research. Where are we?

      My first memory of cancer was so many years ago, I was just a child. Cancer research has come a long way, but why aren't we told enough. Oh sure every so often we hear a little bit but even then it's just something like, detection early for survival. That is great, but what about a cure?  A cure for cancer so people don't even have to go through it.

       A guest doctor was on the Dr. OZ show a few days ago. He stated that he and Dr. OZ are outdated about cancer. He stated invasive procedures make cancers spread, that if left alone they will just go away. I wouldn't want to take that chance. But what he did say and what we are learning is we are born with cancer cells, so in order to not let them grow, we need to eat what God provides, not food with preservatives, and not food that has been altered, frozen,  or colored such as cereals.
      Me? I'm still working on it, a day at a time.
 

My Christmas/ Holiday Pledge

Hello Everyone,
Here's wishing you all a nice Thanksgiving. Recently I was talking to a young man, filled with so much more wisdom and courage that most of us have. It's the courage not to do what most of us have been brought up to do. Here's the list of what we have been trained to do: Spend, build up credit cards over and beyond what we can afford, become stressed so much it affects our relations ships and more important out health, teach our children to become greedy little people, weigh and measure all of the, why didn't I get what he got stuff, and make others rich at the expense of all of the people spending. http://maggieshelpcenter.com
Look at the stress to start with. How many times do you say to yourself, will he/she like this? Do I have the right size & color? Did I spend enough, and I really can't afford to spend more. Now for the kids. How many of us tell the kids to make a list? Poor choice. Why are we doing this and who started it all? Ever hear of group think? This is almost universal thinking. Think for yourself and do what's right for you and your family.
What are we teaching kids about giving them so much? We are teaching them that they deserve a bunch of gifts for nothing every year because "everyone else does it". They can get poor grades, show disrespect for adults, parents, teachers, neighbors, and even destroy what they already have. Let's say they don't do all that but are very nice children. Does that mean you own them your financial life by going into debt, spending your last full paycheck? No, what you owe them is to teach them how to be giving children. Don't turn this around and say well we're giving adults. If you do, good, but who and why are you giving. How many are unemployed, sick, without homes.
Take a child out of school for one day and take him or her shopping for groceries for one family, or a winter coats, blankets, or even pay a utility or rent bill, but only what you can afford without going into debt. My daughter is adopting a family for Christmas. My son's wife asked for gently used clothes for her newborn, and they can afford new clothes, but that's not the point. They believe as many do, save the earth, but save the earths people.
My pledge this year is to give one gift for each person, but mainly I will make things. Yes, I know everyone can't make things, but if you believe in the Christmas story or not-for the sake or argument-WWJD=What would Jesus Do? DO you really think he wants us to live "paying" for a man made holiday kind of Christmas the rest of the following year. Personally I do believe in Jesus, and also believe he would want us to nurture and help another rather than spend money at TOYS R US-MACY"S- FAO SCHWARTZ , and on and on. He would want us to make sure we have enough to feed our families, pay our bills, not have this false sense that this time of year is to create greedy children and have them turn into greedy adults, only and always expecting mom and dad to bail them out of everything, after all...
What do you really owe your children?