Items include:
* Marathon Entries
* Triathlon Entries
* Photography sessions
* Museum Passes
* And more
http://tnt-fundraiser.blogspot.com/
Thursday, December 30, 2010
For Sale- Items to Benefit Charity
I am selling various items to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. All sale items will be 100% tax deductible.
Items include:
* Restaurant gift certificates
* Marathon Entries
* Triathlon Entries
* Photography sessions
* Museum Passes
* And more
http://tnt-fundraiser.blogspot.com/
Items include:
* Marathon Entries
* Triathlon Entries
* Photography sessions
* Museum Passes
* And more
http://tnt-fundraiser.blogspot.com/
Thursday's Houshold Tip- 15 Health Tips for the New Year
Thanks Boston.com.
Year after year we make resolutions to exercise regularly, eat well, and give up smoking and other bad habits. Following such basic rules can cut heart disease risk by 80 percent, diabetes risk by 90 percent and cancer risk by 50 percent, according to the Harvard Nurses' Health Study. But most of us fail to keep our promises to ourselves. Last year, The Globe asked three prominent local experts for some practical ways to get -- and stay -- healthy. To us, the advice holds up for 2009, but you be the judge. At the end, tell us which tip you think is the most useful.
Wear a pedometer. New research suggests that routinely wearing a pedometer encourages people to walk about an extra mile each day, lose weight, and lower their blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking and a total of 10,000 steps per day.
-Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Don't forget strength training, involving both the upper and lower body. Too many people neglect resistance exercise, particularly women for whom it's crucial for preventing muscle and bone loss with age. Lift weights for at least 20 minutes, two- to three-times per week.
-Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Don't pop too many vitamins. Enthusiasm for vitamin pills is high, but evidence for their benefits is low. Try to get vitamins from foods and consider a multivitamin for insurance. Any woman thinking about getting pregnant should make sure to take a folic acid supplement. Women should get at least 1,000 mgs of calcium per day (1,200 mgs/day if you're past menopause) from food and/or supplements. Everyone should also get 800 international units of Vitamin D per day -- more than the federal "Recommended Daily Allowance."
-Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Eat at least two fish meals per week. The evidence is strong that the oils in darker types of fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring, are beneficial for the heart and brain and may even lower risk of cancer.
-Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin for heart protection but don't assume that it's right for you. A recent clinical trial suggested that healthy women younger than age 65 don't get heart protection from aspirin. Women who are the best candidates for long-term aspirin are age 65 or older or have a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. And be aware that aspirin has some serious risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding.
-Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Drink water. No matter where you are, water should always be the first thing you reach for when you're thirsty. Water truly is essential.
-Dr. Nancy Norman, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission
Sleep 8 hours a night. A number of recent studies have confirmed that you really do need at least 8 hours a night. Among the many benefits: Adequate sleep makes you feel better, decreases risk for cardiovascular disease, boosts memory and reduces the likelihood of being in a car accident.
-Dr. Nancy Norman, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission
Keep sugar and caffeine -- the "legal evils" -- to a minimum. It's hard to believe, but decreasing sugar actually increases people's energy, by minimizing the highs and lows that sweet foods triggers. Different people react differently to caffeine, but most of us are probably overstimulated already -- adding a stimulant just adds to things like road rage.
-Dr. Nancy Norman, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission
Consider acupuncture and massage as valid therapies for chronic problems, such as back pain and neuropathy. Seeing a good massage therapist for neck strain may work better than taking extra strength Tylenol and/or Advil regularly.
-Dr. Nancy Norman, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission
If you smoke, quit. There is nothing good about it. If you're having trouble quitting, start smoking less today -- smoke only half a cigarette, and skip as many of your usual smokes as you can -- and get help right away. Get some guidance about why it is you smoke to figure out how best to stop doing it. Smoking cessation groups can be extremely helpful and supportive, and medications like a nicotine patch can help decrease the cravings. Acupuncture may also be useful.
-Dr. Nancy Norman, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission
Don't focus on dieting. Focus on eating. If you're hungry, you're more likely to overeat, especially in the evening. Instead, of sacrificing all day and gorging later, it's better to eat enough during the day to avoid hunger pangs and uncontrolled eating at night. Eat every four hours or so, and make sure to eat a "second lunch" -- think of it as another meal rather than a snack -- in the mid-afternoon to keep your energy up and make you less hungry in the evening.
-Nancy Clark, a registered dietician, author and sports nutritionist with a practice at Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill
Budget your food as you do your money. A rough guideline for daily caloric intake: Multiply your ideal body weight by 10 (i.e., 1,200 calories if you want to weigh 120 pounds) and then add another 600 calories if you're moderately active, a few hundred more if you're very active. Divide those calories out across the day to keep yourself well fed.
-Nancy Clark, a registered dietician, author and sports nutritionist with a practice at Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill
Eat three different foods at every meal. Don't eat a scoop of tuna for lunch -- eat tuna on a roll with a salad.
-Nancy Clark, a registered dietician, author and sports nutritionist with a practice at Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill
Eating won't solve emotional problems. Many people eat to make themselves feel better when they're upset. It works in the short run; certain foods can temporarily boost mood. But in the long run, you'll have the same emotional problems -- plus the extra weight.
-Nancy Clark, a registered dietician, author and sports nutritionist with a practice at Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill
Don't drink too many calories. It's easy to drink calories without noticing: that eggnog latte at Starbucks has nearly as many calories as a Big Mac. It's okay to have one as an occasional treat, but consider it a meal, not a drink.
-Nancy Clark, a registered dietician, author and sports nutritionist with a practice at Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill
Wear a pedometer. New research suggests that routinely wearing a pedometer encourages people to walk about an extra mile each day, lose weight, and lower their blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking and a total of 10,000 steps per day.
-Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Don't forget strength training, involving both the upper and lower body. Too many people neglect resistance exercise, particularly women for whom it's crucial for preventing muscle and bone loss with age. Lift weights for at least 20 minutes, two- to three-times per week.
-Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Don't pop too many vitamins. Enthusiasm for vitamin pills is high, but evidence for their benefits is low. Try to get vitamins from foods and consider a multivitamin for insurance. Any woman thinking about getting pregnant should make sure to take a folic acid supplement. Women should get at least 1,000 mgs of calcium per day (1,200 mgs/day if you're past menopause) from food and/or supplements. Everyone should also get 800 international units of Vitamin D per day -- more than the federal "Recommended Daily Allowance."
-Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Eat at least two fish meals per week. The evidence is strong that the oils in darker types of fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring, are beneficial for the heart and brain and may even lower risk of cancer.
-Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin for heart protection but don't assume that it's right for you. A recent clinical trial suggested that healthy women younger than age 65 don't get heart protection from aspirin. Women who are the best candidates for long-term aspirin are age 65 or older or have a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. And be aware that aspirin has some serious risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding.
-Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
Drink water. No matter where you are, water should always be the first thing you reach for when you're thirsty. Water truly is essential.
-Dr. Nancy Norman, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission
Sleep 8 hours a night. A number of recent studies have confirmed that you really do need at least 8 hours a night. Among the many benefits: Adequate sleep makes you feel better, decreases risk for cardiovascular disease, boosts memory and reduces the likelihood of being in a car accident.
-Dr. Nancy Norman, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission
Keep sugar and caffeine -- the "legal evils" -- to a minimum. It's hard to believe, but decreasing sugar actually increases people's energy, by minimizing the highs and lows that sweet foods triggers. Different people react differently to caffeine, but most of us are probably overstimulated already -- adding a stimulant just adds to things like road rage.
-Dr. Nancy Norman, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission
Consider acupuncture and massage as valid therapies for chronic problems, such as back pain and neuropathy. Seeing a good massage therapist for neck strain may work better than taking extra strength Tylenol and/or Advil regularly.
-Dr. Nancy Norman, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission
If you smoke, quit. There is nothing good about it. If you're having trouble quitting, start smoking less today -- smoke only half a cigarette, and skip as many of your usual smokes as you can -- and get help right away. Get some guidance about why it is you smoke to figure out how best to stop doing it. Smoking cessation groups can be extremely helpful and supportive, and medications like a nicotine patch can help decrease the cravings. Acupuncture may also be useful.
-Dr. Nancy Norman, medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission
Don't focus on dieting. Focus on eating. If you're hungry, you're more likely to overeat, especially in the evening. Instead, of sacrificing all day and gorging later, it's better to eat enough during the day to avoid hunger pangs and uncontrolled eating at night. Eat every four hours or so, and make sure to eat a "second lunch" -- think of it as another meal rather than a snack -- in the mid-afternoon to keep your energy up and make you less hungry in the evening.
-Nancy Clark, a registered dietician, author and sports nutritionist with a practice at Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill
Budget your food as you do your money. A rough guideline for daily caloric intake: Multiply your ideal body weight by 10 (i.e., 1,200 calories if you want to weigh 120 pounds) and then add another 600 calories if you're moderately active, a few hundred more if you're very active. Divide those calories out across the day to keep yourself well fed.
-Nancy Clark, a registered dietician, author and sports nutritionist with a practice at Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill
Eat three different foods at every meal. Don't eat a scoop of tuna for lunch -- eat tuna on a roll with a salad.
-Nancy Clark, a registered dietician, author and sports nutritionist with a practice at Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill
Eating won't solve emotional problems. Many people eat to make themselves feel better when they're upset. It works in the short run; certain foods can temporarily boost mood. But in the long run, you'll have the same emotional problems -- plus the extra weight.
-Nancy Clark, a registered dietician, author and sports nutritionist with a practice at Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill
Don't drink too many calories. It's easy to drink calories without noticing: that eggnog latte at Starbucks has nearly as many calories as a Big Mac. It's okay to have one as an occasional treat, but consider it a meal, not a drink.
-Nancy Clark, a registered dietician, author and sports nutritionist with a practice at Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wordless Wednesday- Newest Family Photo
Monday, December 27, 2010
Discounted Photography Session- $125 obo
If you have had any personal contact with me, you know that I adore our family photographer, Kelsey Bigelow. Her images of my family have made my heart melt and I sing her praises to anyone that is in need of a photo session.
For tax reporting purposes our Federal Identification Number is 13-5644916.
I first met Kelsey when she was referred to me by a mom that I know. She had done a maternity session with my husband and me before the birth of our son, Sam. Since Sam’s birth, she has visually documented his 3 month, 6 month, and his 9 month pictures.
Kelsey Bigelow has generously offered a 2 hour photo session at the local location of your choice to be sold and the proceeds be given to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You will also receive $50 of print credit. That’s a $200 package!!
Fine Print- The photo session needs to occur by the end of January 2011.
Donations to qualified non-profits are 100% tax deductible.
For tax reporting purposes our Federal Identification Number is 13-5644916.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The Bentwood Inn (Jackson Hole, WY)- Single Night Stay
Available to bid on until Monday.
Please visit the following link to my EBAY listing for a single night's stay in Jackson Hole for charity.
Winter Night at The Bentwood Inn
100% of the sale price will be donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Please visit the following link to my EBAY listing for a single night's stay in Jackson Hole for charity.
Winter Night at The Bentwood Inn
100% of the sale price will be donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Need Stocking Stuffers??
Do you need stocking stuffers for family and friends that are caffeine addicts? Do you want to donate to charity at the same time?
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Henhouse Coffee, a specialty coffee roasting company, have partnered to raise money to fund blood cancer research, education and patient services.
Upon checkout, you will be the asked to select the participant you wish to support with your purchase (me, Angela Wilson). $3.50 of each bag of coffee and $2.50 of each tin of hot cocoa will go directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! Also, with FLAT RATE SHIPPING, there has never been a better time to stock up for the holiday season! ENJOY!
Coffee Selection Guide (Whole Bean and Ground)
Upon checkout, you will be the asked to select the participant you wish to support with your purchase (me, Angela Wilson). $3.50 of each bag of coffee and $2.50 of each tin of hot cocoa will go directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! Also, with FLAT RATE SHIPPING, there has never been a better time to stock up for the holiday season! ENJOY!
Coffee Selection Guide (Whole Bean and Ground)
- Breakfast Cup - Schoolhouse Blend
- After Dinner Cup - Henhouse Blend
- Espresso - Coffeehouse Blend
- All Day Versatility - Schoolhouse Blend, Henhouse Blend
- Taken with Milk - Coffeehouse Blend
- Boldest - Firehouse Blend
- Best Gift - Henhouse Blend
- Avid Coffee Drinker - Henhouse Blend, Firehouse Blend
- Decaf - Sumatra Decaf
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Discount 2011 Colorado Parks Pass
For 50-99 Passes (normally $ 70.00), I can get the price down to $ 56.00 each.
For100+ Passes (normally $ 70.00), I can get the price down to $ 52.50 each.
5% of every Park Pass purchase goes directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Once I receive all of the orders, I can let everyone know the total number of passes that I was able to sell and the final price/pass. At that time, I will also provide a paypal invoice for payment.
Please e-mail me at wilberta2006@yahoo.com if you are interested in purchasing a pass.
Friday, December 3, 2010
To Tree or Not to Tree, That Is the Question
If you put up a tree with your little one, how did you keep him/her away from it or child-proof it?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Another Silent Auction- Christmas Theme
Currently, I am in the process of organizing another Silent Auction, this time to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Current Information
Saturday, December 11th
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: TBD
Items Available for Auction (just in time for Christmas)
Saturday, December 11th
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: TBD
Items Available for Auction (just in time for Christmas)
- 12 Person Wine Tasting Party
- 2 Arapahoe Basin Lift Tickets
- 2 Eldora Lift Tickets
- 2 Hour Photography Session (with Kelsey Bigelow)
- 2 Mile-High Rafting Tickets
- Golf Package
- Multiple Restaurant Gift Certificates- Denver & Boulder
- Theater Tickets for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Sam's RSV Update
 |
| Road Trip!! |
My husband took our son to his follow up appointment for his RSV diagnosis from November 5th.
Based on the readings that they got (on room air) in the office, Sam is able to come of oxygen during the day but will have to go back on at night. That is still a great development.
Gunnison, here we come!!
By the way, if anyone is still wondering what to get me for my birthday later this month-- Toy Story 3
-- Hint! Hint!
-- Hint! Hint!Monday, November 15, 2010
Charlie's Soap Ultra Dirt Fighting Combo Kit for $35 with free shipping!
Visit Six Orange Grove, until the 21st, and get the following for only $35.
Value: $58 Price: $35
Savings: 40%
Includes FREE SHIPPING
Deal Details
This ridiculous deal includes:
Product Details
Charlie's Laundry Detergent is a revolutionary approach to laundry care. It does not cover up stains and odors with scents and brighteners - it really cleans. It is made with a unique blend of biodegradable coconut-based detergents and high-grade, completely soluble, Green River washing soda. * Needs only 1 TABLESPOON per large washload - That's all! This is not an additive. * All of the features of Charlie's Soap Laundry Liquid but more concentrated * Hypoallergenic - leaves no residue - perfect for babies and those who have sensitive skin * Dissolves completely / biodegradable * More convenient and portable than a liquid * Front-loader / HE compatible
Charlie's All Purpose Cleaner cleans everything from false teeth to diesel engines, from dirty hands to dirty dogs, doilies to dungarees, boats to bathrooms, and frillies to frying pans. Removes grease, grass, blood, red clay, mildew stain, mustard, tar, catsup, pine sap and poop. Biodegradable & safe for the environment. Give Charlie's Soap a bit of time to loosen some dirt and stains. It was made to gently remove dirt, not blast it off. Contains No Lye, Phosphates, Bleach, Dyes, Brighteners, or Cheap Perfume. Certified Biodegradable, Non-Toxic and Safe for the Environment
Value: $58 Price: $35
Savings: 40%
Includes FREE SHIPPING
Deal Details
This ridiculous deal includes:
- 2 Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder - 2.64 lbs Jar (80 Loads)1
- Charlie's Soap All Purpose Cleaner Sprayer
- 1 Charlie's Soap Laundry Liquid 16 oz.
Product Details
Charlie's Laundry Detergent is a revolutionary approach to laundry care. It does not cover up stains and odors with scents and brighteners - it really cleans. It is made with a unique blend of biodegradable coconut-based detergents and high-grade, completely soluble, Green River washing soda. * Needs only 1 TABLESPOON per large washload - That's all! This is not an additive. * All of the features of Charlie's Soap Laundry Liquid but more concentrated * Hypoallergenic - leaves no residue - perfect for babies and those who have sensitive skin * Dissolves completely / biodegradable * More convenient and portable than a liquid * Front-loader / HE compatible
Charlie's All Purpose Cleaner cleans everything from false teeth to diesel engines, from dirty hands to dirty dogs, doilies to dungarees, boats to bathrooms, and frillies to frying pans. Removes grease, grass, blood, red clay, mildew stain, mustard, tar, catsup, pine sap and poop. Biodegradable & safe for the environment. Give Charlie's Soap a bit of time to loosen some dirt and stains. It was made to gently remove dirt, not blast it off. Contains No Lye, Phosphates, Bleach, Dyes, Brighteners, or Cheap Perfume. Certified Biodegradable, Non-Toxic and Safe for the Environment
30% Off Fitness Items & Apparel
Please visit one of my other blogs Mission Probable to take advantage of 30% off at See Jane Run.
Starting my Newest Adventure
On Saturday, I attended the Kick-Off meeting for this season's The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training program to complete the Canyonlands Half Marathon on March 19, 2011 on my way to complete my first full marathon Colfax Marathon in May 2011.
I met some of my teammates and was even able to walk away with a free pair of training socks.
Check it out- Kick Off
I met some of my teammates and was even able to walk away with a free pair of training socks.
Check it out- Kick Off
Thursday, November 11, 2010
TMJ- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
I have heard of people with TMJ, but never thought that it would affect me.
TMJ- Temporomandibular joint disorder- is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment.
My jaw had been bothering me since mid last week, but I just thought that it was something small, so when the pain with away with Tylenol, I wasn't very worried.
The night my son was admitted to the hospital with RSV, I was unable to sleep because, whenever I laid down, my jaw was in tremendous pain. I kept trying to take Tylenol to make it go away, but even after 4 pills (and hours of not sleeping), the pain wasn't going away, at 2am I decided to go down the hall to the emergency room to find out what the hell was going on.
I was seen pretty quickly by a doctor who diagnosed TMJ and gave me 600 mg of ibuprofen and 6 Vicodin. After an hour, the ibuprofen still wasn't working, so I decided to take 2 Vicodin. After a half hour (around 3:30am), the pain subsided and I was able to sleep until 7am, when my son woke up. The rest of the weekend was much better for me, personally, but I continued to worry about Sam.
I have been taking the ibuprofen every 6 hours since then, but I have discontinued the Vicodin. I'm thinking that it was the stress that caused it.
Does anyone have TMJ? How have you deal with it?
TMJ- Temporomandibular joint disorder- is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The disorder and resultant dysfunction can result in significant pain and impairment.
My jaw had been bothering me since mid last week, but I just thought that it was something small, so when the pain with away with Tylenol, I wasn't very worried.
The night my son was admitted to the hospital with RSV, I was unable to sleep because, whenever I laid down, my jaw was in tremendous pain. I kept trying to take Tylenol to make it go away, but even after 4 pills (and hours of not sleeping), the pain wasn't going away, at 2am I decided to go down the hall to the emergency room to find out what the hell was going on.
I have been taking the ibuprofen every 6 hours since then, but I have discontinued the Vicodin. I'm thinking that it was the stress that caused it.
Does anyone have TMJ? How have you deal with it?
Monday, November 8, 2010
Children's Hospital at Parker is Awesome
I was hoping to never have to know the inside of the Children's Hospital at Parker, but alas, it was not to be. Sam had a fever on Wednesday night so Brian stayed home with him on Thursday. He wasn't sounding very well on Friday morning, so I took him to his pediatrician's office and, based on his pulse oximeter and RSV (positive) results, we were sent directly to the emergency room.
Considering we were at a hospital, the food was actually pretty good. The best meal that we had was Saturday night. Their ham and pineapple pizza was pretty good. I should have taken a picture of that.
Sunday morning and afternoon, Sam was doing just as well as he had been doing on Saturday. The nurse was somewhat optimistic that Sam would be able to get out later that day, but didn't want to commit to it. Sam could only leave the hospital if his oxygen content (on room air) needed to be above 90% or
he could leave if he was on 1/2 L of oxygen per hour and keep his oxygen content up.
Sunday night, around 6, we received a call in our room from Sam's doctor and, since he was on 1/2 L of oxygen per hour and keep his oxygen content up, we were allowed to take Sam home and set up a visit from a respiratory therapist to check his oxygen over the next few days (awake and asleep). We packed up and got Sam into bed around 8pm. Brian promised to stay home on Monday so that we could get the house in order before he went back to work.
Sam did very well today. He was his playful self. We were able to use a nasal bulb to get more of the gunk out of his nose, but the quantity was greatly reduced. We received 4 tanks of oxygen this morning to cover him for the next couple of days.
We received a call to set up an appointment with the respiratory therapist to check his oxygen between noon and 2pm tomorrow.
We will continue to keep everyone up to date on his progress and when he will be able to go back to daycare.
Thank you so much for all of your worry and good wishes. They have really helped us get through this trying time.
P.S. I'll talk about the TMJ that I developed on Friday night another time. :(
When the PA mentioned the words "emergency room" my eyes welled up and I was so worried. The PA told me that this is normal. Children do not always handle RSV very well, so this is a precaution. A nurse walked me to the emergency room and helped me get Sam checked in.
 |
| Initial Small Room |
He was immediately put on oxygen and x-rays were ordered.
We were put into a very small room for emergency patients. I called Brain and told him what was going on. He busted ass and got to the hospital within 50 minutes, by way of cab ride (paid for by his office) and his vehicle.
 |
| Large room |
It took a few hours, but Sam was formally admitted to the hospital and we got a very nice, big room where he had room to move around. We moved right in.
Friday night and Saturday morning were not the best days for Sam. His breathing was was not the best, so he had to be put on oxygen.
The first few nurses wanted to give him Neb treatments, but as before, they didn't do a lot to help unclog Sam. It was just something that annoyed Sam and was pretty worthless.
 |
| Sam's oxygen tube |
 |
| Suctioning treatment |
Staring on Saturday afternoon, he started feeling a lot better. The suctioning treatments were really starting to work and he was doing a lot better. We were pealing him off the walls. He was having a whole lot of fun.
 |
| Gunk from Sam's nose |
 |
| Playful Saturday afternoon |
Even though he was looking and acting well, tested him without the oxygen and his stats would drop again. They wanted to keep him overnight again, so we pulled out the pull-out bed and set up for another night at the hospital.
Considering we were at a hospital, the food was actually pretty good. The best meal that we had was Saturday night. Their ham and pineapple pizza was pretty good. I should have taken a picture of that.
Sunday morning and afternoon, Sam was doing just as well as he had been doing on Saturday. The nurse was somewhat optimistic that Sam would be able to get out later that day, but didn't want to commit to it. Sam could only leave the hospital if his oxygen content (on room air) needed to be above 90% or
he could leave if he was on 1/2 L of oxygen per hour and keep his oxygen content up.
Sunday night, around 6, we received a call in our room from Sam's doctor and, since he was on 1/2 L of oxygen per hour and keep his oxygen content up, we were allowed to take Sam home and set up a visit from a respiratory therapist to check his oxygen over the next few days (awake and asleep). We packed up and got Sam into bed around 8pm. Brian promised to stay home on Monday so that we could get the house in order before he went back to work.
Sam did very well today. He was his playful self. We were able to use a nasal bulb to get more of the gunk out of his nose, but the quantity was greatly reduced. We received 4 tanks of oxygen this morning to cover him for the next couple of days.
We received a call to set up an appointment with the respiratory therapist to check his oxygen between noon and 2pm tomorrow.
We will continue to keep everyone up to date on his progress and when he will be able to go back to daycare.
Thank you so much for all of your worry and good wishes. They have really helped us get through this trying time.
P.S. I'll talk about the TMJ that I developed on Friday night another time. :(
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thursday's Houshold Tip- Mouse Control
Anybody that has suffered a mice infestation will know only too well how much damage and destruction these creatures can cause. Infestations can have a disastrous effect as the invading army of mice eats their way through food supplies, belongings and furniture. Worse still, mice have the ability to carry a number of diseases that can have a detrimental effect on human life. Some simple housekeeping rules and some basic materials will help keep mice at bay.
You Will Need:
■Ammonia-based cleaning supplies
■Plastic containers
■A selection of household tools
■Caulking and sealants
■Steel wool
■Expanding foam
■Peppermint, cayenne or clove oil
■Mothballs
■Shed snake skin
Step 1– Thorough Cleaning
Make sure your home is thoroughly tidy. Mice only need a minimal amount of debris to make a nest, so make sure that all unnecessary waste and clutter is cleared away and binned effectively. Small pieces of food or crumbs can also attract mice, so be wary of drops and spillages by children in your home. If the attractions of food and shelter are removed, mice will be less likely to visit.
Step 2– Cleaning Products
Many of today’s popular cleaning products contain ammonia. Pour a small quantity of bleach or a similar product onto a cloth and wipe along the length of skirting boards and the edges of floors in every room. Ammonia is unpopular with mice because it smells like the urine of other predators.
Step 3– Kitchen cleanliness
Kitchens are the most common place to find mice because of the large number of food sources. Make sure that dirty plates and pans are cleaned and put away. Additionally, make sure that as much food as possible is kept in air-tight glass or metal containers. Mice will quickly become frustrated if they cannot access food.
Make sure that worktops are wiped daily and floors are regularly swept and mopped.
Step 4– Clearing Clutter
Remove as much clutter as possible from your home. Stacks of books or piles of clothing make wonderful nests, so find a place for your belongings that mice can’t access. Keep items away from walls to stop mice from hiding and consider the use of strong plastic storage containers to store out-of-season clothes.
Step 5– Sealing Cracks
Check around the home for signs of large cracks that mice could be using as a point of entry. Bearing in mind that a mouse can squeeze through a hole no bigger than a fingernail, it is vital that all potential access points are sealed up to prevent entry. A household sealer or caulking is ideal for this purpose.
Step 6– Spices and Mothballs
Soak pieces of cotton wool with cinnamon, cayenne or clove oil and place strategically around the home, especially along walls and in corners where mice like to hide. The use of mothballs in cupboards and wardrobes are also a great deterrent. Mothballs can also be used outside the home.
Step 7– Predators
Allow nature to take its course and leave predators be. Hawks and skunks enjoy feasting on mice, so don’t deter them from coming near your property. Alternatively, borrowing a cat from a neighbor for a few days might help to drive the mice population down.
■Ammonia-based cleaning supplies
■Plastic containers
■A selection of household tools
■Caulking and sealants
■Steel wool
■Expanding foam
■Peppermint, cayenne or clove oil
■Mothballs
■Shed snake skin
Step 1– Thorough Cleaning
Make sure your home is thoroughly tidy. Mice only need a minimal amount of debris to make a nest, so make sure that all unnecessary waste and clutter is cleared away and binned effectively. Small pieces of food or crumbs can also attract mice, so be wary of drops and spillages by children in your home. If the attractions of food and shelter are removed, mice will be less likely to visit.
Step 2– Cleaning Products
Many of today’s popular cleaning products contain ammonia. Pour a small quantity of bleach or a similar product onto a cloth and wipe along the length of skirting boards and the edges of floors in every room. Ammonia is unpopular with mice because it smells like the urine of other predators.
Step 3– Kitchen cleanliness
Kitchens are the most common place to find mice because of the large number of food sources. Make sure that dirty plates and pans are cleaned and put away. Additionally, make sure that as much food as possible is kept in air-tight glass or metal containers. Mice will quickly become frustrated if they cannot access food.
Make sure that worktops are wiped daily and floors are regularly swept and mopped.
Step 4– Clearing Clutter
Remove as much clutter as possible from your home. Stacks of books or piles of clothing make wonderful nests, so find a place for your belongings that mice can’t access. Keep items away from walls to stop mice from hiding and consider the use of strong plastic storage containers to store out-of-season clothes.
Step 5– Sealing Cracks
Check around the home for signs of large cracks that mice could be using as a point of entry. Bearing in mind that a mouse can squeeze through a hole no bigger than a fingernail, it is vital that all potential access points are sealed up to prevent entry. A household sealer or caulking is ideal for this purpose.
Step 6– Spices and Mothballs
Soak pieces of cotton wool with cinnamon, cayenne or clove oil and place strategically around the home, especially along walls and in corners where mice like to hide. The use of mothballs in cupboards and wardrobes are also a great deterrent. Mothballs can also be used outside the home.
Step 7– Predators
Allow nature to take its course and leave predators be. Hawks and skunks enjoy feasting on mice, so don’t deter them from coming near your property. Alternatively, borrowing a cat from a neighbor for a few days might help to drive the mice population down.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wordless Wednesday- Halloween with Daddy
Taken outside of the "Trick or Treat Street" at the Denver Children's Museum on 10/30. 
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Today, I'm Committed to Helping a Worthy Cause
Today, I signed all of the paper work to fund raise and train with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training program to complete the Canyonlands Half Marathon on March 19, 2011 on my way to complete my first full marathon Colfax Marathon in May 2011.
During my training, my goals are to:
During my training, my goals are to:
- Increase my pace.
- Continue to lose weight and get to my goal weight by the half marathon.
- Raise $2,500 to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives.
- Have fun and continue to make regular fitness a permanent part of my life.
- Make new friends.
Friday, October 8, 2010
10 Fall Foods to Add to Your Diet
I found this article on Active.com and agree with it. I hope to make a couple of the recipies in the coming weeks.
Seasons form a natural backdrop for eating. In today's world, it's so easy to forget about the seasons when we eat. Modern food processing and global distribution of food makes many foods available all year long. Recently, the concept of eating seasonally has grown because people want to honor the planet and all it offers naturally.
The term "season" refers to the specific time of year when a food is available at its peak ripeness, in terms of harvest and flavor. Seasonal also means that these items may be found at their most reasonable cost and are the freshest in the market.
By purchasing local foods "in season," you are eliminating the potential environmental damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles. Your food dollar goes directly to the farmer, and your family will be able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed produce. Buying seasonal produce also provides an exciting opportunity to try new foods and experiment with seasonal recipes.
During the autumnal months people traditionally yearn for warm soups, stews, casseroles, pies, fruit crumbles and crisps. When the leaves change color and the air turns chilly, it's nice to stay inside and recreate the comforts of the fall season with autumn's best offerings. Here are a few fall foods you can add to your diet:
Apples
The warm smell and crisp flavor of apples is a sure sign that fall is just around the corner. In the Northern Hemisphere apples are in season from late summer to early winter. In addition to being eaten raw, apples are a wonderful addition to a variety of recipes from salads to baked goods. According to the Environmental Working Group's 2010 report, apples are among the "Dirty Dozen" foods on which pesticide residues have been most frequently found. Therefore, individuals wanting to avoid pesticide-associated health risks may want to avoid consumption of apples unless they are grown organically.
Figs
The skin of fresh figs can vary from purple to pink or light brown, but the flesh inside is always a juicy crimson color. Unlike many fruits, figs contain protein and are also rich in calcium and iron. Choose those with firm, smooth skins. Figs are a sweet addition to salads. They can be sliced and used to top desserts, or served warm with cinnamon for a chilly evening treat. Fresh figs stuffed with goat cheese and chopped almonds can be eaten daily as a healthy protein rich snack.
Dates
Dates provide many healthy components to our systems. Minerals, such as calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, copper and potassium can be found in dates. They also contain fiber, amino acids, and even a small amount of essential fat. Dates are most popular for their high quality soluble and insoluble fibers. A high fiber diet may decrease risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancers, gastrointestinal disorders, weight loss and gain, blood sugar regulation and improved sleep patterns. Date are a wonderful addition to salads, grains and are extremely portable as an on-the-go snack.
Carrots
The best carrots are found during the fall and winter when their flavors are more robust. The antioxidant compounds found in carrots help to protect against cardiovascular disease and may promote sharp vision. While we associate carrots with the color orange, carrots are found with other colors such as, white, yellow, red, or purple. When stored, carrots should stay far from apples, pears, potatoes and other fruits and vegetables that may produce ethylene gas. When the produce comes in contact with carrots its flavor may become bitter. You can puree or dice carrots into warm soups, grate them into sauces, or juice them into marinades or beverages.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are known for their anti-aging qualities. The pomegranate fruit is a rich source of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins B and C, and iron. Pomegranate juice is rich in nourishing properties. Pomegrantes may also help level cholesterol and supports a healthy cardiovascular and immune system. Pomegranate may even be helpful in relieving certain menopause symptoms. Pomegranates are known for their antioxidant level which helps protect against stroke and heart attack. The pomegranate has a tremendous amount of flavonoids, which prevent cellular damage. Pomegranates are currently being studied as to their effects on slowing cancer growth and their ability to boost memory and mood.
Artichoke
The Jerusalem artichoke arrives around November, as a pile of muddy, knobby tubers. The tubers consistency is very much like a potato. Their raw form has a sweet nutty flavor. When sliced they fit perfectly into a salad or slaw. Jerusalem artichokes have 650 mg potassium per 1 cup serving, which makes them wonderful for recovery food after your fall Turkey Trot.
Onions
Autumn and winter are the traditional onion seasons. Onions have become a staple in any kitchen because they add flavor to virtually every recipe you can create. Onions are a very good source of vitamin C, chromium and fiber. They are also a good source of manganese, molybdenum, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, phosphorus and copper. Keep the flavors of summer alive when you add grilled onions to a shish kabob, flatbread pizza, or turn them into comforting baked onion rings.
Pears
Pears are a good source of vitamin C and copper. Both of these nutrients fall into the antioxidant family. Antioxidant nutrients help protect cells from free radical damage. Although not well-documented in research, pears are often recommended by many practitioners as a hypoallergenic fruit that may be less likely to produce a negative response in sensitive individuals.
Kale
Kale can provide some powerful heart healthy benefits when cooked. The fiber rich components in kale are more effective in the digestive tract when they've been heated. Kale has shown risk reduction benefits in cancer have recently been extended to include at least five different types of cancer. These types include bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. The flavonoid, kaempferol is known as the powerhouse antioxidant included in kale, followed by, quercitin. New research shows that up to 45 different flavonoids are present in kale. Bake up kale and break it into pieces as a substitute for potato chips.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is very high in carotenoids. Carotenoids give the pumpkin its orange color. Carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin are excellent at neutralizing free radicals. Carotenoids are known for promoting eye health. The seeds, are very high in protein, one ounce of seeds provides about seven grams of protein which is equivalent to one egg. Pumpkin oil is high in phytosterols, which are plant based fatty acids that are known for playing a part in the reduction of cholesterol levels.
When shopping this fall remember to choose fresh, organic produce in the season. Always strive for the recommended 6-10 servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
Butternut Squash and Cider Soup
1 medium shallot, minced
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
3 cups peeled, seeded and cubed butternut squash (about 1 pound)
2 cups chicken stock
3/4 cup apple cider
1/4 cup nonfat sour cream
2/3 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil, being careful not to burn.
2. Add squash, chicken stock and apple cider and cook until squash is soft enough to blend. Pour into blender container and blend until smooth.
3. Add sour cream, salt and pepper and continue to process until well mixed.
4. Divide among 4 bowls.
Makes 4 (3/4-cup) servings, each containing approximately:
85 calories
16 grams carbohydrate
1 grams fat
Trace cholesterol
3 mg. protein
321 mg. sodium
2 grams fiber
Pumpkin Bisque
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced yellow onions
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
pinch nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch allspice
1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin
2 cups water
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch ground black pepper
1. In a large saucepan combine olive oil, onions, celery and garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent.
2. Add nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice and stir for one minute.
3. Add pumpkin and water and bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 45 minutes.
4. Add apple juice, milk, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Heat through, but do not bring to a boil.
5. Cool slightly, transfer mixture to a blender container and puree until smooth.
6. Pour soup into a saucepan and warm over medium heat before serving.
Makes 6 (3/4-cup) servings, each containing approximately:
New England Apple Pie
Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup evaporated cane juice
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
12 tablespoons ice cold water
Filling:
4 peeled and thinly sliced Red Delicious apples
4 peeled and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
1/2 cup evaporated cane juice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Place flour in a medium bowl. Add salt and evaporated cane juice and mix well. Add butter and cut into flour, using a pastry cutter, until butter is the size of small peas. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Dough will begin to form a ball when enough water has been added. Gather dough with dry hands and form into a ball. Let rest for 5 minutes.
3. Split dough in half and roll out two circles to fit 10 inch pie pan. Line bottom and sides of pie pan with one circle of dough. Evenly spread thinly sliced apples over the dough.
4. In a small bowl mix together cinnamon and evaporated cane juice. Sprinkle over the top of the apples.
5. Place the other circle of dough over the top of the pie and pinch the edges together to make crust. Cut 5 slits in the center of the pie. Brush crust with egg whites. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until crust is golden.
Makes 12 servings, each containing approximately:
165 calories
30 grams carbohydrate
4 grams fat
10 mg. cholesterol
2 grams protein
46 mg. sodium
2 grams fiber
Cook's Note:
Use a mandolin to easily create thinly sliced apples.
Chrissy Wellington is co-author of Navigating the Supermarket: A Nutritious Guide to Shopping Well. To pick up a copy of her book, please visit willpowermatrix.com/public/120.cfm.
Seasons form a natural backdrop for eating. In today's world, it's so easy to forget about the seasons when we eat. Modern food processing and global distribution of food makes many foods available all year long. Recently, the concept of eating seasonally has grown because people want to honor the planet and all it offers naturally.
By purchasing local foods "in season," you are eliminating the potential environmental damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles. Your food dollar goes directly to the farmer, and your family will be able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed produce. Buying seasonal produce also provides an exciting opportunity to try new foods and experiment with seasonal recipes.
During the autumnal months people traditionally yearn for warm soups, stews, casseroles, pies, fruit crumbles and crisps. When the leaves change color and the air turns chilly, it's nice to stay inside and recreate the comforts of the fall season with autumn's best offerings. Here are a few fall foods you can add to your diet:
Apples
The warm smell and crisp flavor of apples is a sure sign that fall is just around the corner. In the Northern Hemisphere apples are in season from late summer to early winter. In addition to being eaten raw, apples are a wonderful addition to a variety of recipes from salads to baked goods. According to the Environmental Working Group's 2010 report, apples are among the "Dirty Dozen" foods on which pesticide residues have been most frequently found. Therefore, individuals wanting to avoid pesticide-associated health risks may want to avoid consumption of apples unless they are grown organically.
Figs
The skin of fresh figs can vary from purple to pink or light brown, but the flesh inside is always a juicy crimson color. Unlike many fruits, figs contain protein and are also rich in calcium and iron. Choose those with firm, smooth skins. Figs are a sweet addition to salads. They can be sliced and used to top desserts, or served warm with cinnamon for a chilly evening treat. Fresh figs stuffed with goat cheese and chopped almonds can be eaten daily as a healthy protein rich snack.
Dates
Carrots
The best carrots are found during the fall and winter when their flavors are more robust. The antioxidant compounds found in carrots help to protect against cardiovascular disease and may promote sharp vision. While we associate carrots with the color orange, carrots are found with other colors such as, white, yellow, red, or purple. When stored, carrots should stay far from apples, pears, potatoes and other fruits and vegetables that may produce ethylene gas. When the produce comes in contact with carrots its flavor may become bitter. You can puree or dice carrots into warm soups, grate them into sauces, or juice them into marinades or beverages.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are known for their anti-aging qualities. The pomegranate fruit is a rich source of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins B and C, and iron. Pomegranate juice is rich in nourishing properties. Pomegrantes may also help level cholesterol and supports a healthy cardiovascular and immune system. Pomegranate may even be helpful in relieving certain menopause symptoms. Pomegranates are known for their antioxidant level which helps protect against stroke and heart attack. The pomegranate has a tremendous amount of flavonoids, which prevent cellular damage. Pomegranates are currently being studied as to their effects on slowing cancer growth and their ability to boost memory and mood.
Artichoke
The Jerusalem artichoke arrives around November, as a pile of muddy, knobby tubers. The tubers consistency is very much like a potato. Their raw form has a sweet nutty flavor. When sliced they fit perfectly into a salad or slaw. Jerusalem artichokes have 650 mg potassium per 1 cup serving, which makes them wonderful for recovery food after your fall Turkey Trot.
Onions
Autumn and winter are the traditional onion seasons. Onions have become a staple in any kitchen because they add flavor to virtually every recipe you can create. Onions are a very good source of vitamin C, chromium and fiber. They are also a good source of manganese, molybdenum, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, phosphorus and copper. Keep the flavors of summer alive when you add grilled onions to a shish kabob, flatbread pizza, or turn them into comforting baked onion rings.
Pears
Kale
Kale can provide some powerful heart healthy benefits when cooked. The fiber rich components in kale are more effective in the digestive tract when they've been heated. Kale has shown risk reduction benefits in cancer have recently been extended to include at least five different types of cancer. These types include bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. The flavonoid, kaempferol is known as the powerhouse antioxidant included in kale, followed by, quercitin. New research shows that up to 45 different flavonoids are present in kale. Bake up kale and break it into pieces as a substitute for potato chips.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is very high in carotenoids. Carotenoids give the pumpkin its orange color. Carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin are excellent at neutralizing free radicals. Carotenoids are known for promoting eye health. The seeds, are very high in protein, one ounce of seeds provides about seven grams of protein which is equivalent to one egg. Pumpkin oil is high in phytosterols, which are plant based fatty acids that are known for playing a part in the reduction of cholesterol levels.
When shopping this fall remember to choose fresh, organic produce in the season. Always strive for the recommended 6-10 servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
Butternut Squash and Cider Soup
1 medium shallot, minced
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
3 cups peeled, seeded and cubed butternut squash (about 1 pound)
2 cups chicken stock
3/4 cup apple cider
1/4 cup nonfat sour cream
2/3 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, sauté shallots and garlic in olive oil, being careful not to burn.
2. Add squash, chicken stock and apple cider and cook until squash is soft enough to blend. Pour into blender container and blend until smooth.
3. Add sour cream, salt and pepper and continue to process until well mixed.
4. Divide among 4 bowls.
Makes 4 (3/4-cup) servings, each containing approximately:
85 calories
16 grams carbohydrate
1 grams fat
Trace cholesterol
3 mg. protein
321 mg. sodium
2 grams fiber
Pumpkin Bisque
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced yellow onions
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
pinch nutmeg
pinch allspice
1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin
2 cups water
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
pinch ground black pepper
1. In a large saucepan combine olive oil, onions, celery and garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent.
2. Add nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice and stir for one minute.
3. Add pumpkin and water and bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook for 45 minutes.
4. Add apple juice, milk, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Heat through, but do not bring to a boil.
5. Cool slightly, transfer mixture to a blender container and puree until smooth.
6. Pour soup into a saucepan and warm over medium heat before serving.
Makes 6 (3/4-cup) servings, each containing approximately:
New England Apple Pie
Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup evaporated cane juice
12 tablespoons ice cold water
Filling:
4 peeled and thinly sliced Red Delicious apples
4 peeled and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
1/2 cup evaporated cane juice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Place flour in a medium bowl. Add salt and evaporated cane juice and mix well. Add butter and cut into flour, using a pastry cutter, until butter is the size of small peas. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Dough will begin to form a ball when enough water has been added. Gather dough with dry hands and form into a ball. Let rest for 5 minutes.
3. Split dough in half and roll out two circles to fit 10 inch pie pan. Line bottom and sides of pie pan with one circle of dough. Evenly spread thinly sliced apples over the dough.
4. In a small bowl mix together cinnamon and evaporated cane juice. Sprinkle over the top of the apples.
5. Place the other circle of dough over the top of the pie and pinch the edges together to make crust. Cut 5 slits in the center of the pie. Brush crust with egg whites. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until crust is golden.
Makes 12 servings, each containing approximately:
165 calories
30 grams carbohydrate
4 grams fat
10 mg. cholesterol
2 grams protein
46 mg. sodium
2 grams fiber
Cook's Note:
Use a mandolin to easily create thinly sliced apples.
Chrissy Wellington is co-author of Navigating the Supermarket: A Nutritious Guide to Shopping Well. To pick up a copy of her book, please visit willpowermatrix.com/public/120.cfm.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
10/10/10 Promotion: 10 Nights at a Marriott for $10 Each
St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino
http://www.stkittsmarriott.com/
Valid for Travel: October 11-December 20, 2010
Reservations: If you are among the first 10 to respond with a tweet you will be contacted by the resort with booking information.
If you are able to be one of the lucky 10, remember who told you about this and let me take a couple of nights off your hands.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Death of an Appliance
I never really knew how much I relied on my microwave until it died last night.
I was heating up my son's leftovers from yesterday and I heard a pop, smelled an electrical burnt smell and the microwave shut off. First, I unplugged it, then I turned it all the way around to make sure that it wasn't on fire.
Sam still needed fed, so I took his dinner out of the plastic bowl and put it into a porcelain dish, turned on the oven and put his food in right away. The oven's alarm went off telling me it had preheated to 350 degrees, so I tested his food and it was a great temperature for a toddler.
I thought that I had heated up enough, but Sam was mighty hungry last night, so some of his dinner was still cold, but it didn't seem to bother him at all.
Never underestimate the draw of noodles for dinner for a toddler.
The bad think about this "death" is that we won't be able to replace the microwave until Saturday (at the earliest). I will have to use the oven for the rest of the week.
Sam still needed fed, so I took his dinner out of the plastic bowl and put it into a porcelain dish, turned on the oven and put his food in right away. The oven's alarm went off telling me it had preheated to 350 degrees, so I tested his food and it was a great temperature for a toddler.
I thought that I had heated up enough, but Sam was mighty hungry last night, so some of his dinner was still cold, but it didn't seem to bother him at all.
Never underestimate the draw of noodles for dinner for a toddler.
The bad think about this "death" is that we won't be able to replace the microwave until Saturday (at the earliest). I will have to use the oven for the rest of the week.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Going Green This Halloween
There are a few things that we are going to be doing this year to "Go Green" this Halloween.
3 Tips for going green this Halloween:
1. Reduce – Instead of handing out handfuls of candy to each little ghost and goblin, consider giving just one of something. You‟ll save money and your decision will likely be better for the health the children who come to your door (since they‟ll consume less) and for the planet since fewer resources will go into the making, packaging, transporting and/or disposal of the treat. Reducing can be applied to all of your holiday choices. And if you have reason to be concerned that your guests, kids, neighbors or husband will get scary on you when you announce your new plan to cut back on behalf of kids and the planet? Try reducing by just 25%. Chances are, no one will notice but you and your Mother Earth.
2. Reuse – Halloween could be the poster child for reusing. Nearly every aspect of the holiday can be celebrated in style without buying a single thing new. So don‟t rush out to buy costumes, décor and party games. Instead, stop and think. What can be reused or repurposed to make this holiday a smash hit without costing the planet? Rent, borrow or construct costumes from existing materials (making Halloween costumes from scratch can increase the fun factor, too), and keep your lawn ghouls and orange LED lights year after year. You might get tired of seeing them, but guaranteed, you‟re building a tradition – one the kids in your home and neighborhood will remember. You wouldn‟t want to mess with good memory making, now, would you?
3. Recycle – The best way to utilize the third and final R is to first, choose items that are made from recycled content instead of buying products made from raw or virgin materials. When the product you‟ve bought or acquired can no longer be used, it should be recycled. Recycling can happen in many ways such as through your waste management company, your compost pile (yes, most food can be recycled) or through your own creativity. Breathe new life into your husband‟s old flannel shirt and jeans, for example, by recycling them into a scarecrow for your front porch or a costume for your ten-year-old. And no matter what, always, always, compost made-by-nature Halloween décor such as wilting pumpkins and gourds instead of throwing them in the trash. Uneaten Halloween candy can also be “recycled” just be sure to remove the wrappers first.
- We will be putting Sam into the beautiful Jack-O-Lantern costume that Nana made him last year. It still fits and he will be able to run and jump around.
- I like the idea of only giving one piece of candy per child. Also, we will buy some pencils at Sam's Club to distribute instead of the candy. Parents will like that more than candy to rot their teeth.
- I like the scarecrow idea below (#3). I could use my old jeans that are WAY too big for me now.
- We are going to buy Sam a reusable fabric trick-or-treat bag that can be used for years and just needs washed between uses. I just need to make sure that all the candy is removed before it goes in the wash.
3 Tips for going green this Halloween:
2. Reuse – Halloween could be the poster child for reusing. Nearly every aspect of the holiday can be celebrated in style without buying a single thing new. So don‟t rush out to buy costumes, décor and party games. Instead, stop and think. What can be reused or repurposed to make this holiday a smash hit without costing the planet? Rent, borrow or construct costumes from existing materials (making Halloween costumes from scratch can increase the fun factor, too), and keep your lawn ghouls and orange LED lights year after year. You might get tired of seeing them, but guaranteed, you‟re building a tradition – one the kids in your home and neighborhood will remember. You wouldn‟t want to mess with good memory making, now, would you?
3. Recycle – The best way to utilize the third and final R is to first, choose items that are made from recycled content instead of buying products made from raw or virgin materials. When the product you‟ve bought or acquired can no longer be used, it should be recycled. Recycling can happen in many ways such as through your waste management company, your compost pile (yes, most food can be recycled) or through your own creativity. Breathe new life into your husband‟s old flannel shirt and jeans, for example, by recycling them into a scarecrow for your front porch or a costume for your ten-year-old. And no matter what, always, always, compost made-by-nature Halloween décor such as wilting pumpkins and gourds instead of throwing them in the trash. Uneaten Halloween candy can also be “recycled” just be sure to remove the wrappers first.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Another Milestone Starts on Monday
Sam is moving to the toddler room from the infant room.
He is old enough and moves well enough on his feet, that he is transitioning and will be in the toddler room permanently on Monday.
Of course we are happy that he is doing so well and our payments will drop a little bit per week. Of course, that's still over $10k/year that we will have to spend in daycare, but every penny ($260/year) savings is still a savings.
Of course we are happy that he is doing so well and our payments will drop a little bit per week. Of course, that's still over $10k/year that we will have to spend in daycare, but every penny ($260/year) savings is still a savings.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
I'm a Terrible Mother
Five minutes later he was playing around again and smiling.
Big kisses for such a big, tough boy!!!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I Hate Flies
Our family went camping at Jackson Lake State Park this past weekend and had a great time. Sam was walking around (while someone held his hand), playing in the grass (which he rarely does) and tried to eat gravel (thanks Andrea for making sure that he didn't).
I'm glad that it wasn't tent camping. Our ILs invited us to go in their Class C RV (very nice). Thank goodness for air conditioning and getting away from the loud neighbors.
I'm also glad that we had the RV because Sam's personal tent was able to fit in it, no problem.
We had a great time, until it was time to leave. Somehow (aka my husband) had the doors to my SUV open and a ton of flies invaded the vehicle. I would try to shoo them out, but they didn't want to leave. I bet if someone was looking at me do this, they would have thought that I was having a seizure.
I ended up getting all but one out of the vehicle and he wasn't much of a bother. He kept to himself and didn't upset me at all.
Mr. Fly got a free ride to Denver. I didn't even get a "Thank You."
I'm glad that it wasn't tent camping. Our ILs invited us to go in their Class C RV (very nice). Thank goodness for air conditioning and getting away from the loud neighbors.
I'm also glad that we had the RV because Sam's personal tent was able to fit in it, no problem.
We had a great time, until it was time to leave. Somehow (aka my husband) had the doors to my SUV open and a ton of flies invaded the vehicle. I would try to shoo them out, but they didn't want to leave. I bet if someone was looking at me do this, they would have thought that I was having a seizure.
I ended up getting all but one out of the vehicle and he wasn't much of a bother. He kept to himself and didn't upset me at all.
Mr. Fly got a free ride to Denver. I didn't even get a "Thank You."
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Class of 2014
I always get a kick out of the yearly lists about what college freshmen don't have any idea about, because they were born after these things became obsolete. Here is this year's list.
Most students entering college for the first time this fall—the Class of 2014—were born in 1992.
For these students, Benny Hill, Sam Kinison, Sam Walton, Bert Parks and Tony Perkins have always been dead.
1. Few in the class know how to write in cursive.
2. Email is just too slow, and they seldom if ever use snail mail.
3. “Go West, Young College Grad” has always implied “and don’t stop until you get to Asia…and learn Chinese along the way.”
4. Al Gore has always been animated.
5. Los Angelinos have always been trying to get along.
6. Buffy has always been meeting her obligations to hunt down Lothos and the other blood-suckers at Hemery High.
7. “Caramel macchiato” and “venti half-caf vanilla latte” have always been street corner lingo.
8. With increasing numbers of ramps, Braille signs, and handicapped parking spaces, the world has always been trying harder to accommodate people with disabilities.
9. Had it remained operational, the villainous computer HAL could be their college classmate this fall, but they have a better chance of running into Miley Cyrus’s folks on Parents’ Weekend.
10. A quarter of the class has at least one immigrant parent, and the immigration debate is not a big priority…unless it involves “real” aliens from another planet.
11. John McEnroe has never played professional tennis.
12. Clint Eastwood is better known as a sensitive director than as Dirty Harry.
13. Parents and teachers feared that Beavis and Butt-head might be the voice of a lost generation.
14. Doctor Kevorkian has never been licensed to practice medicine.
15. Colorful lapel ribbons have always been worn to indicate support for a cause.
16. Korean cars have always been a staple on American highways.
17. Trading Chocolate the Moose for Patti the Platypus helped build their Beanie Baby collection.
18. Fergie is a pop singer, not a princess.
19. They never twisted the coiled handset wire aimlessly around their wrists while chatting on the phone.
20. DNA fingerprinting and maps of the human genome have always existed.
21. Woody Allen, whose heart has wanted what it wanted, has always been with Soon-Yi Previn.
22. Cross-burning has always been deemed protected speech.
23. Leasing has always allowed the folks to upgrade their tastes in cars.
24. “Cop Killer” by rapper Ice-T has never been available on a recording.
25. Leno and Letterman have always been trading insults on opposing networks.
26. Unless they found one in their grandparents’ closet, they have never seen a carousel of Kodachrome slides.
27. Computers have never lacked a CD-ROM disk drive.
28. They’ve never recognized that pointing to their wrists was a request for the time of day.
29. Reggie Jackson has always been enshrined in Cooperstown.
30. “Viewer Discretion” has always been an available warning on TV shows.
31. The first computer they probably touched was an Apple II; it is now in a museum.
32. Czechoslovakia has never existed.
33. Second-hand smoke has always been an official carcinogen.
34. “Assisted Living” has always been replacing nursing homes, while Hospice has always been an alternative to hospitals.
35. Once they got through security, going to the airport has always resembled going to the mall.
36. Adhesive strips have always been available in varying skin tones.
37. Whatever their parents may have thought about the year they were born, Queen Elizabeth declared it an “Annus Horribilis.”
38. Bud Selig has always been the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.
39. Pizza jockeys from Domino’s have never killed themselves to get your pizza there in under 30 minutes.
40. There have always been HIV positive athletes in the Olympics.
41. American companies have always done business in Vietnam.
42. Potato has always ended in an “e” in New Jersey per vice presidential edict.
43. Russians and Americans have always been living together in space.
44. The dominance of television news by the three networks passed while they were still in their cribs.
45. They have always had a chance to do community service with local and federal programs to earn money for college.
46. Nirvana is on the classic oldies station.
47. Children have always been trying to divorce their parents.
48. Someone has always gotten married in space.
49. While they were babbling in strollers, there was already a female Poet Laureate of the United States.
50. Toothpaste tubes have always stood up on their caps.
51. Food has always been irradiated.
52. There have always been women priests in the Anglican Church.
53. J.R. Ewing has always been dead and gone. Hasn’t he?
54. The historic bridge at Mostar in Bosnia has always been a copy.
55. Rock bands have always played at presidential inaugural parties.
56. They may have assumed that parents’ complaints about Black Monday had to do with punk rockers from L.A., not Wall Street.
57. A purple dinosaur has always supplanted Barney Google and Barney Fife.
58. Beethoven has always been a dog.
59. By the time their folks might have noticed Coca Cola’s new Tab Clear, it was gone.
60. Walmart has never sold handguns over the counter in the lower 48.
61. Presidential appointees have always been required to be more precise about paying their nannies’ withholding tax, or else.
62. Having hundreds of cable channels but nothing to watch has always been routine.
63. Their parents’ favorite TV sitcoms have always been showing up as movies.
64. The U.S, Canada, and Mexico have always agreed to trade freely.
65. They first met Michelangelo when he was just a computer virus.
66. Galileo is forgiven and welcome back into the Roman Catholic Church.
67. Ruth Bader Ginsburg has always sat on the Supreme Court.
68. They have never worried about a Russian missile strike on the U.S.
69. The Post Office has always been going broke.
70. The artist formerly known as Snoop Doggy Dogg has always been rapping.
71. The nation has never approved of the job Congress is doing.
72. One way or another, “It’s the economy, stupid” and always has been.
73. Silicone-gel breast implants have always been regulated.
74. They’ve always been able to blast off with the Sci-Fi Channel.
75. Honda has always been a major competitor on Memorial Day at Indianapolis.
Most students entering college for the first time this fall—the Class of 2014—were born in 1992.
For these students, Benny Hill, Sam Kinison, Sam Walton, Bert Parks and Tony Perkins have always been dead.
1. Few in the class know how to write in cursive.
2. Email is just too slow, and they seldom if ever use snail mail.
3. “Go West, Young College Grad” has always implied “and don’t stop until you get to Asia…and learn Chinese along the way.”
4. Al Gore has always been animated.
5. Los Angelinos have always been trying to get along.
6. Buffy has always been meeting her obligations to hunt down Lothos and the other blood-suckers at Hemery High.
7. “Caramel macchiato” and “venti half-caf vanilla latte” have always been street corner lingo.
8. With increasing numbers of ramps, Braille signs, and handicapped parking spaces, the world has always been trying harder to accommodate people with disabilities.
9. Had it remained operational, the villainous computer HAL could be their college classmate this fall, but they have a better chance of running into Miley Cyrus’s folks on Parents’ Weekend.
10. A quarter of the class has at least one immigrant parent, and the immigration debate is not a big priority…unless it involves “real” aliens from another planet.
11. John McEnroe has never played professional tennis.
12. Clint Eastwood is better known as a sensitive director than as Dirty Harry.
13. Parents and teachers feared that Beavis and Butt-head might be the voice of a lost generation.
14. Doctor Kevorkian has never been licensed to practice medicine.
15. Colorful lapel ribbons have always been worn to indicate support for a cause.
16. Korean cars have always been a staple on American highways.
17. Trading Chocolate the Moose for Patti the Platypus helped build their Beanie Baby collection.
18. Fergie is a pop singer, not a princess.
19. They never twisted the coiled handset wire aimlessly around their wrists while chatting on the phone.
20. DNA fingerprinting and maps of the human genome have always existed.
21. Woody Allen, whose heart has wanted what it wanted, has always been with Soon-Yi Previn.
22. Cross-burning has always been deemed protected speech.
23. Leasing has always allowed the folks to upgrade their tastes in cars.
24. “Cop Killer” by rapper Ice-T has never been available on a recording.
25. Leno and Letterman have always been trading insults on opposing networks.
26. Unless they found one in their grandparents’ closet, they have never seen a carousel of Kodachrome slides.
27. Computers have never lacked a CD-ROM disk drive.
28. They’ve never recognized that pointing to their wrists was a request for the time of day.
29. Reggie Jackson has always been enshrined in Cooperstown.
30. “Viewer Discretion” has always been an available warning on TV shows.
31. The first computer they probably touched was an Apple II; it is now in a museum.
32. Czechoslovakia has never existed.
33. Second-hand smoke has always been an official carcinogen.
34. “Assisted Living” has always been replacing nursing homes, while Hospice has always been an alternative to hospitals.
35. Once they got through security, going to the airport has always resembled going to the mall.
36. Adhesive strips have always been available in varying skin tones.
37. Whatever their parents may have thought about the year they were born, Queen Elizabeth declared it an “Annus Horribilis.”
38. Bud Selig has always been the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.
39. Pizza jockeys from Domino’s have never killed themselves to get your pizza there in under 30 minutes.
40. There have always been HIV positive athletes in the Olympics.
41. American companies have always done business in Vietnam.
42. Potato has always ended in an “e” in New Jersey per vice presidential edict.
43. Russians and Americans have always been living together in space.
44. The dominance of television news by the three networks passed while they were still in their cribs.
45. They have always had a chance to do community service with local and federal programs to earn money for college.
46. Nirvana is on the classic oldies station.
47. Children have always been trying to divorce their parents.
48. Someone has always gotten married in space.
49. While they were babbling in strollers, there was already a female Poet Laureate of the United States.
50. Toothpaste tubes have always stood up on their caps.
51. Food has always been irradiated.
52. There have always been women priests in the Anglican Church.
53. J.R. Ewing has always been dead and gone. Hasn’t he?
54. The historic bridge at Mostar in Bosnia has always been a copy.
55. Rock bands have always played at presidential inaugural parties.
56. They may have assumed that parents’ complaints about Black Monday had to do with punk rockers from L.A., not Wall Street.
57. A purple dinosaur has always supplanted Barney Google and Barney Fife.
58. Beethoven has always been a dog.
59. By the time their folks might have noticed Coca Cola’s new Tab Clear, it was gone.
60. Walmart has never sold handguns over the counter in the lower 48.
61. Presidential appointees have always been required to be more precise about paying their nannies’ withholding tax, or else.
62. Having hundreds of cable channels but nothing to watch has always been routine.
63. Their parents’ favorite TV sitcoms have always been showing up as movies.
64. The U.S, Canada, and Mexico have always agreed to trade freely.
65. They first met Michelangelo when he was just a computer virus.
66. Galileo is forgiven and welcome back into the Roman Catholic Church.
67. Ruth Bader Ginsburg has always sat on the Supreme Court.
68. They have never worried about a Russian missile strike on the U.S.
69. The Post Office has always been going broke.
70. The artist formerly known as Snoop Doggy Dogg has always been rapping.
71. The nation has never approved of the job Congress is doing.
72. One way or another, “It’s the economy, stupid” and always has been.
73. Silicone-gel breast implants have always been regulated.
74. They’ve always been able to blast off with the Sci-Fi Channel.
75. Honda has always been a major competitor on Memorial Day at Indianapolis.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Thank you!!
Jay and Andrea, my wonderful in-laws, came over after having brunch with us at a local restaurant on Sunday afternoon and watched Sam while we got a bunch of cleaning done. While they took Sam to the local park we were able to:
- Clean the kitchen
- Clean both bathrooms
- Sort, fold and put away the piles of laundry that were covering the couch (I almost forgot the couch's color it was so covered)
and
- Start uncovering the dining room table from all of the paper. I should be able to complete that after Sam goes to bed tonight.
Unfortunately, since the swings were black and in the sun, they weren't able to put Sam on the swings so they hung out in the grass under a tree. I knew that Brian didn't like sitting in the grass because he is worried that people would have spit right where he was going to sit, but we really hadn't put Sam in grass very often.
According to them, Sam bent down to touch the grass, but wasn't very impressed. During the hour that they were at the park, Sam would not sit down in the grass. He would sit in their laps, but not on the grass. He would walk back and forth between them, but not sit down.
What a funny little boy. We might have to get him used to the grass this weekend when we are in Longmont cheering Brian on during his ADA Tour de Cure.
- Clean the kitchen
- Clean both bathrooms
- Sort, fold and put away the piles of laundry that were covering the couch (I almost forgot the couch's color it was so covered)
and
- Start uncovering the dining room table from all of the paper. I should be able to complete that after Sam goes to bed tonight.
Unfortunately, since the swings were black and in the sun, they weren't able to put Sam on the swings so they hung out in the grass under a tree. I knew that Brian didn't like sitting in the grass because he is worried that people would have spit right where he was going to sit, but we really hadn't put Sam in grass very often.
According to them, Sam bent down to touch the grass, but wasn't very impressed. During the hour that they were at the park, Sam would not sit down in the grass. He would sit in their laps, but not on the grass. He would walk back and forth between them, but not sit down.
What a funny little boy. We might have to get him used to the grass this weekend when we are in Longmont cheering Brian on during his ADA Tour de Cure.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
A Family Turn
I have not been up on this blog as much as I have been in the past. Our family has taken a turn toward healthy living and we are committed to that right now.
I started my current weight loss journey in mid-May and have lost over 23 lbs in 11 weeks. The #1 reason for my success, running. I am training to run the Rock 'n' Roll Denver Half Marathon in October and you have to put the miles in to train effectively.
The #2 reason for my success is that I have changed the quality (and quantity) of food that I eat and when, during the day, that I eat. I have pushed protein to breakfast and snack on garbanzo beans instead of potato chips and carbs throughout the day. I stay fuller, longer and have a much more sensible dinner.
My husband is becoming more fit, too. He does not follow his weight as closely and I have, but he can tell that his clothes are fitting better. His success has been training for a 50k (31 mile) charity bike ride for the Diabetes Tour de Cure. Weekly, I map out 10, 15, 20 and (this weekend) a 25-26 mile course to help him get used to being on a bike for several hours. He race is in Longmont, CO on Saturday, August 21st. If you are in the Denver area, come out to support the cause.
With my training, I have become preoccupied with my other blog, Mission Probable which I collect fitness, nutritional and racing articles. I also use this blog to record my training sessions and record my weight, weekly.
I have also adjusted the blogs that I read (which used to be about family related issues and are now about running and fitness), the twitter feeds that I follow and the Facebook pages that I "like."
The one thing that is currently missing from my fitness routine is weight lifting. Within my building, there is a small fitness room which has some weight machines, a stationary bike, a treadmill, elliptical machine and a stair stepper (which I will probably not EVER got on). Cardio is a great way to start to get to my goal, but I know that I will need to add weight bearing exercises as well.
We have free weights at the house. I should probably pull some out and bring them upstairs so that I don't have any excuse not to use them. I just need to make sure that Sam does not start playing with them. Steel is not a food group.
Please feel free to visit my fitness blog and if you are interested in donating to charity, here is a link to support Brian's charity bike ride for Diabetes.
I started my current weight loss journey in mid-May and have lost over 23 lbs in 11 weeks. The #1 reason for my success, running. I am training to run the Rock 'n' Roll Denver Half Marathon in October and you have to put the miles in to train effectively.
The #2 reason for my success is that I have changed the quality (and quantity) of food that I eat and when, during the day, that I eat. I have pushed protein to breakfast and snack on garbanzo beans instead of potato chips and carbs throughout the day. I stay fuller, longer and have a much more sensible dinner.
My husband is becoming more fit, too. He does not follow his weight as closely and I have, but he can tell that his clothes are fitting better. His success has been training for a 50k (31 mile) charity bike ride for the Diabetes Tour de Cure. Weekly, I map out 10, 15, 20 and (this weekend) a 25-26 mile course to help him get used to being on a bike for several hours. He race is in Longmont, CO on Saturday, August 21st. If you are in the Denver area, come out to support the cause.
With my training, I have become preoccupied with my other blog, Mission Probable which I collect fitness, nutritional and racing articles. I also use this blog to record my training sessions and record my weight, weekly.
I have also adjusted the blogs that I read (which used to be about family related issues and are now about running and fitness), the twitter feeds that I follow and the Facebook pages that I "like."
The one thing that is currently missing from my fitness routine is weight lifting. Within my building, there is a small fitness room which has some weight machines, a stationary bike, a treadmill, elliptical machine and a stair stepper (which I will probably not EVER got on). Cardio is a great way to start to get to my goal, but I know that I will need to add weight bearing exercises as well.
We have free weights at the house. I should probably pull some out and bring them upstairs so that I don't have any excuse not to use them. I just need to make sure that Sam does not start playing with them. Steel is not a food group.
Please feel free to visit my fitness blog and if you are interested in donating to charity, here is a link to support Brian's charity bike ride for Diabetes.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Atlanta Vacation- Good. Flight Home- Not So Good
On Wednesday night, my husband, son and I flew to Atlanta to visit my parents. (Just to let you know, I'm not from Atlanta. They moved there after I moved to Colorado.)
The flight out was great. No big meltdown from Sam. The long weekend was hot, humid and fabulous. We went to a Braves game, went out on Lake Lanier on their boat, went to the Georgia Aquarium, and had a great time playing on their Wii.
Now, here comes the bad part, the flight home.
Before heading off on another adventure into the Georgia sun, I went online and checked the status of our return flight. At that time, everything looked good and the flight was showing "On Time." I knew that we couldn't do the online check-in because they wanted to make sure that our son was really under 2 years old. If he was, we would have had to purchase a seat for him. The airlines definitely want their money.
My dad drove us to the airport 2 hours before our 7pm flight (I'm a stickler for getting there early) and everything still looked good. We got in line at the ticket counter and there were rumors flying around (no pun intended) that the flight was going to be delayed until after midnight.
It took us over an hour to get to the front of the line where we were confronted with the realization that we would have to hang out in the Atlanta airport until after midnight. As of today, I still have not received a decent explanation as to why. There were some rumors flying around that it was (1) because of an emergency landing, (2) the crew never showed up, (3) plane trouble, or (4) it was because of a medical emergency landing. If I have time this week I will try to find out.
So, we were given the option of staying overnight in Atlanta and fly out at 4pm today or hang out in the airport for a replacement plane that would get in at 11:45pm and probably wouldn't take off for Denver until after midnight. Either way, we would be given $14 each for food (not including Sam) and $200 flight voucher good for 1 year.
I was all for staying over in Atlanta, but my husband couldn't do it.
I just knew that we wouldn't be home until after 2am, so I called and left a message for my boss saying that I wouldn't be into the office until noon (at the earliest). I suggested that Brian do the same, but he insisted that he would be okay with such little sleep.
We decided to eat dinner (on Frontier's dime), so we headed to Houlihans and found a small table in their lounge. Because we didn't check anything, we had a ton of stuff surrounding our table. I requested a highchair from our server and she said that there were some upstairs, but didn't make any effort to retrieve on for us. Of course I was pissed.
I headed upstairs to realize that they had a nice big dining room with a ton of room, so I went back to our table and told my husband about the room. He agreed, and I packed up all of our stuff and headed upstairs.
Dinner went smoothly. Everything tasted great and we were very happy for the extra room.
Our next destination was through security. That went very smoothly, too. They didn't even blink about the milk that we had packed for Sam. They didn't even do any tests on it.
Sam was wide awake for the first few hours, but I knew that he was going to be getting tired (aka- cranky) so I put his head on my shoulder and started to lull him to sleep. He fought so hard to stay awake, but eventually nodded off.
Getting on board went very smoothly, too. There wasn't anyone in the aisle seat so the 3 of us had the entire row to ourselves. After takeoff, we laid our son between us and he slept for about an hour. He overflowed his diaper, so I changed him and the outfit in the restroom and he went right back to sleep between us for the rest of the flight (even touchdown- not a peep).
We arrived in Denver after 1:45am. Our carseat that we had gate checked was accidently put through to baggage claim, which was a pain. The shuttle that we had reserved for our ride home wouldn't be available to take us home until between 3-4 am. There was no way that I was going to wait for that.
The cab ride cost $53 (as opposed to the $32 that we would have paid for the shuttle), but getting home earlier was a priority.
We walk in our front door just after 2:30am. Our son was awake on the ride home, so getting him to go back to sleep took a little time, but he eventually crashed just before 3am.
I got our Sam's food ready for the next day and we went to bed, too.
I don't know how my husband is doing after going to work on only 4 hours sleep, but Sam took a 1.5 hour nap (along with the 4 hours that he slept in his crib) before I had to start getting to work, so I feel pretty good.
I don't know how long I'm going to be able to stay awake tonight, but I'm going to do my best to get Sam back on our normal schedule and get his food ready for this week and go to bed.
The flight out was great. No big meltdown from Sam. The long weekend was hot, humid and fabulous. We went to a Braves game, went out on Lake Lanier on their boat, went to the Georgia Aquarium, and had a great time playing on their Wii.
Now, here comes the bad part, the flight home.
Before heading off on another adventure into the Georgia sun, I went online and checked the status of our return flight. At that time, everything looked good and the flight was showing "On Time." I knew that we couldn't do the online check-in because they wanted to make sure that our son was really under 2 years old. If he was, we would have had to purchase a seat for him. The airlines definitely want their money.
My dad drove us to the airport 2 hours before our 7pm flight (I'm a stickler for getting there early) and everything still looked good. We got in line at the ticket counter and there were rumors flying around (no pun intended) that the flight was going to be delayed until after midnight.
It took us over an hour to get to the front of the line where we were confronted with the realization that we would have to hang out in the Atlanta airport until after midnight. As of today, I still have not received a decent explanation as to why. There were some rumors flying around that it was (1) because of an emergency landing, (2) the crew never showed up, (3) plane trouble, or (4) it was because of a medical emergency landing. If I have time this week I will try to find out.
So, we were given the option of staying overnight in Atlanta and fly out at 4pm today or hang out in the airport for a replacement plane that would get in at 11:45pm and probably wouldn't take off for Denver until after midnight. Either way, we would be given $14 each for food (not including Sam) and $200 flight voucher good for 1 year.
I was all for staying over in Atlanta, but my husband couldn't do it.
I just knew that we wouldn't be home until after 2am, so I called and left a message for my boss saying that I wouldn't be into the office until noon (at the earliest). I suggested that Brian do the same, but he insisted that he would be okay with such little sleep.
We decided to eat dinner (on Frontier's dime), so we headed to Houlihans and found a small table in their lounge. Because we didn't check anything, we had a ton of stuff surrounding our table. I requested a highchair from our server and she said that there were some upstairs, but didn't make any effort to retrieve on for us. Of course I was pissed.
I headed upstairs to realize that they had a nice big dining room with a ton of room, so I went back to our table and told my husband about the room. He agreed, and I packed up all of our stuff and headed upstairs.
Dinner went smoothly. Everything tasted great and we were very happy for the extra room.
Our next destination was through security. That went very smoothly, too. They didn't even blink about the milk that we had packed for Sam. They didn't even do any tests on it.
Sam was wide awake for the first few hours, but I knew that he was going to be getting tired (aka- cranky) so I put his head on my shoulder and started to lull him to sleep. He fought so hard to stay awake, but eventually nodded off.
Getting on board went very smoothly, too. There wasn't anyone in the aisle seat so the 3 of us had the entire row to ourselves. After takeoff, we laid our son between us and he slept for about an hour. He overflowed his diaper, so I changed him and the outfit in the restroom and he went right back to sleep between us for the rest of the flight (even touchdown- not a peep).
We arrived in Denver after 1:45am. Our carseat that we had gate checked was accidently put through to baggage claim, which was a pain. The shuttle that we had reserved for our ride home wouldn't be available to take us home until between 3-4 am. There was no way that I was going to wait for that.
The cab ride cost $53 (as opposed to the $32 that we would have paid for the shuttle), but getting home earlier was a priority.
We walk in our front door just after 2:30am. Our son was awake on the ride home, so getting him to go back to sleep took a little time, but he eventually crashed just before 3am.
I got our Sam's food ready for the next day and we went to bed, too.
I don't know how my husband is doing after going to work on only 4 hours sleep, but Sam took a 1.5 hour nap (along with the 4 hours that he slept in his crib) before I had to start getting to work, so I feel pretty good.
I don't know how long I'm going to be able to stay awake tonight, but I'm going to do my best to get Sam back on our normal schedule and get his food ready for this week and go to bed.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Thursday's Houshold Tip- Simple Ways to Save on Air Conditioning Costs
Small changes around the house can significantly reduce your air conditioning costs. Make over your home and your electric bill with these money-saving tips:
•Keep lamps and other heat producers away from the thermostat. They'll cause your air conditioner to run more than it needs to
•Upgrade to CFL bulbs. They generate significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs
•Turn off lights when not in use. Even CFL bulbs produce some heat
•Minmize the use of your oven. Microwaves, crockpots and toaster ovens are great warm-weather stand-ins
•Wait until after the sun goes down to run your dishwasher, dryer and other heat-producing appliances
•Lne-dry your clothes to avoid using the dryer all together
•Mnimize the use of rock, cement and asphalt on the south and west sides of your house
•Plant for shade near your condenser unit. Cooler outdoor air means your HVAC system won't have to work as hard to cool your home
•Keep curtains and blinds closed during the heat of the day
•Use Smart Strips to turn off electronics that aren't in use. Anything that draws power also produces heat
•Insulate ductwork in attics, crawlspaces, garages and other unconditioned spaces
•Install reflective window tint on windows that get a lot of sun to minimize heat absorption
•Plant fast-growing shade trees along the south and west side of your house
•Get a yearly maintenance check of your system and change the filter regularly. A well-tuned system will run more efficiently
•Install a programmable thermostat. Then, set it to bump up the temperature when you aren't home.
•Keep lamps and other heat producers away from the thermostat. They'll cause your air conditioner to run more than it needs to
•Upgrade to CFL bulbs. They generate significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs
•Turn off lights when not in use. Even CFL bulbs produce some heat
•Minmize the use of your oven. Microwaves, crockpots and toaster ovens are great warm-weather stand-ins
•Wait until after the sun goes down to run your dishwasher, dryer and other heat-producing appliances
•Lne-dry your clothes to avoid using the dryer all together
•Mnimize the use of rock, cement and asphalt on the south and west sides of your house
•Plant for shade near your condenser unit. Cooler outdoor air means your HVAC system won't have to work as hard to cool your home
•Keep curtains and blinds closed during the heat of the day
•Use Smart Strips to turn off electronics that aren't in use. Anything that draws power also produces heat
•Insulate ductwork in attics, crawlspaces, garages and other unconditioned spaces
•Install reflective window tint on windows that get a lot of sun to minimize heat absorption
•Plant fast-growing shade trees along the south and west side of your house
•Get a yearly maintenance check of your system and change the filter regularly. A well-tuned system will run more efficiently
•Install a programmable thermostat. Then, set it to bump up the temperature when you aren't home.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
English Lesson- For All Intensive Purposes???
How many times have you used the phrase "for all intensive purposes?" Me, probably 25,876 times.
While I was on vacation in DC, my cousin, a Gastroenterologist heard me use this phrase and let out a small laugh. During one of her years in college, her English professor pulled her aside and explained to her the real phrase when she used it in a paper.
I guess that I didn't pay as much attention in English class as I had thought.
While I was on vacation in DC, my cousin, a Gastroenterologist heard me use this phrase and let out a small laugh. During one of her years in college, her English professor pulled her aside and explained to her the real phrase when she used it in a paper.
The phrase is a corruption of "for all intents and purposes" by persons who have heard the phrase, but have not read it in it's proper form. It means "for all intents, and for all purposes."
This phrase dates back to the 1500s and originated in English law, where it was "to all intents, constructions, and purposes." In modern usage, "for all intents and purposes" is also acceptable. The phrase means "for all practical purposes" and is generally used to compare two nonidentical acts or deeds, i.e., "She went to his room and drank with him, which she viewed to all intents and purposes as consent to sex." (In reality, only a sober 'yes' is consent to sex so to all intents and purposes she is a rapist). A shorter equivalent phrase is "in effect."
I guess that I didn't pay as much attention in English class as I had thought.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Auction Items Still Available for Bidding- Colorado AIDS Walk
Auction Blog
1. Night Out #1 (Value $318.00)
-2-Night Stay at Hotel VQ at Mile High and Comedy Works Tickets
2. Night Out #2 (Value $325.00)
- 2-Night Stay at Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast and Comedy Works Tickets
3. Night Out #3 (Value $90.00)
- $50 Happa Sushi Grill/Sake Bar Gift Certificate and Two (2) Comedy Works Tickets
4. Night Out #4 (Value $87.00)
- $25 Maggiano's Little Italy Gift Certificate, Two (2) Passes to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Two (2) Comedy Works Tickets.
5. Night Out #5 (Value $62.00)
- Two (2) Passes to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Two (2) Comedy Works Tickets.
6. Chauncey Billups Autographed Nuggets T-Shirt (Value $50.00)
7. Two (2) Arapahoe Basin Lift Tickets (Value $130.00)
8. Two (2) Passes to Elitch Gardens Theme Park. (Value $81.98)
9. Two (2) 60 Minute Massages at Renaissance Aveda Spa & Salon. (Value $85.00)
10. $30 Wahoo's Fish Taco Gift Certificates (Value $30.00)
11. $45 Gift Certificate to Grease Monkey (Value $45.00)
12. $45 Gift Certificate to Grease Monkey (Value $45.00)
Please bid as high as you can. 100% of proceeds are donated to the Colorado AIDS Project and are fully tax deductible.
1. Night Out #1 (Value $318.00)
-2-Night Stay at Hotel VQ at Mile High and Comedy Works Tickets
2. Night Out #2 (Value $325.00)
- 2-Night Stay at Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast and Comedy Works Tickets
3. Night Out #3 (Value $90.00)
- $50 Happa Sushi Grill/Sake Bar Gift Certificate and Two (2) Comedy Works Tickets
4. Night Out #4 (Value $87.00)
- $25 Maggiano's Little Italy Gift Certificate, Two (2) Passes to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Two (2) Comedy Works Tickets.
5. Night Out #5 (Value $62.00)
- Two (2) Passes to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Two (2) Comedy Works Tickets.
6. Chauncey Billups Autographed Nuggets T-Shirt (Value $50.00)
7. Two (2) Arapahoe Basin Lift Tickets (Value $130.00)
8. Two (2) Passes to Elitch Gardens Theme Park. (Value $81.98)
9. Two (2) 60 Minute Massages at Renaissance Aveda Spa & Salon. (Value $85.00)
10. $30 Wahoo's Fish Taco Gift Certificates (Value $30.00)
11. $45 Gift Certificate to Grease Monkey (Value $45.00)
12. $45 Gift Certificate to Grease Monkey (Value $45.00)
Please bid as high as you can. 100% of proceeds are donated to the Colorado AIDS Project and are fully tax deductible.
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