CHRYSALIS

Sweet Potatoes

2009-01-15T13:03:00.001-05:00

Todays lunch is a yummy sweet potatoe with butter and brown sugar. Pie for lunch. I can't wait!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Menu Changes

2009-01-14T13:07:00.002-05:00

Well, I have begun to bring my lunch everyday to work. No more fast food. I actually feel more full with fruit and veggies and a sandwich or soup and a sandwich. The scale has not changed much but I feel lighter. I have begun to do my Denise Austin tapes. Man! She sure has a lot of energy!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Deviled Eggs

2008-12-15T14:00:00.004-05:00

I had the pleasure of eating some sun dried pesto deviled eggs on Saturday and what a treat they were. They were the best eggs I have ever tasted! I had about 6. Now I have searched on line for a basic recipe to try at home. I will be trying the one below and doctoring it up to suit my tastes! Never again will I eat a plain deviled egg. Or make one, that is!!

2 dozen large eggs (preferably several days old)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (homemade is best)2 or 3 dashes chili pepper sauce (DeFrance prefers Tabasco)
Dash Worcestershire sauce
6 to 8 drops fresh lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Paprika to taste

Basic Eggs:1 1/2 teaspoons Durkee Famous Sauce or Dijon mustard1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, drainedChopped fresh chives for garnishPesto Eggs:1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted2 tablespoons prepared basil pestoChiffonade of fresh basil, for garnish

Sun-Dried Tomato Eggs:2 teaspoons sun-dried tomato pesto1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, blotted dry and patted dry, finely choppedAdditional sun-dried tomatoes, blotted and cut into strips for garnish

1. Cover eggs with cold water in a large pot and bring to a rapid boil. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
2. Run cold water over eggs to cool. Peel and cut each egg in half lengthwise. Place egg yolks in bowl and mash. Add Chile Pepper Sauce, Worcestershire, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to yolks and mash to desired consistency. Divide mixture among 3 bowls.
3. To make basic eggs: Mix Durkee sauce, or Dijon mustard, and sweet pickle relish into one bowl of yolk mixture. Fill 16 egg white halves with the mixture. Garnish with chopped chives.
4. To make pesto eggs: Mix all but 2 tablespoons pine nut and the pesto into second bowl of yolk mixture. Fill 16 egg white halves with mixture. Garnish with remaining 2 tablespoons pine nuts and basil.
5. To make sun-dried tomato eggs: Mix tomato pesto and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into remaining bowl of yolk mixture. Fill 16 halved eggs whites with the mixture. Garnish with strips of sun-dried tomatoes.
Yield: Makes 8 servings.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Steps Forward and Back

2008-12-15T09:28:00.002-05:00

Breakfast began good. Grapefruit. Red. Which was just lovely! It was glorious to eat. Then ome tea. Green tea with acai berries. Just brimming with anti-oxidants. Then the sin. The little debbie cake. The Chocolate Swiss Roll. Boy was IT GOOD! That was the start of the good day.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Breakdown

2008-12-12T13:09:00.003-05:00

Well, I finally had to breakdown and go to the doctor for my bronchitis. I have been coughing non-top for about 3 weeks, now. I got a strong antibiotic, some sort of steroid/anti inflammatory to help with the breathing and a strong, thick syrup for the cough. So far, so good. It seems to be helping since all my home remedies failed long ago. I do look forward to next week. I should be a good as new then! When all else fails, go to the doctor!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

MBT Shoes for Christmas

2008-12-03T19:37:00.003-05:00

With my focus on loosing weight, I would love a pair of MBT shoes. I have not tried any on locally. I have just gone to the store and looked at the various types and styles. The price has been out of my daily budget so all I have done is look. I am thinking that I might have to break down and get a pair for myself for Christmas. I would like any of these featured below. Has anyone out there tried them and liked them? I do not know anyone personally who has a pair.

This is the unisex pair.
The ones below are just for women.

I have no idea there was a hiking boot, but I like it!

WOW! There is even a Mary Jane! Who knew???

Any Santa' s out there..take note. I would be happy with a pair of MBT shoes!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

CP Shrimp Wonton Soup

2008-12-03T12:23:00.003-05:00

I have been buying this shrimp wonton soup for the past year and it is just out of this world good. So much flavor and the shrimp are big! It is the perfect lunch for me. I have eaten it each day this week. Now it is time to run to Costco and get more. The best thing is that it only has 90 calories. Who can say no to just 90 calories? It is a little high in sodium but I rarely add any salt to my food. EVER!

If you have not tried this soup...DO! You will not be dissappointed!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Who is to Blame?

2008-12-02T10:56:00.002-05:00

WHO is to blame for this miserable cold that I have? My employer of course. We work in what I believe is a million dollar property right on the water at a marina. Beautiful prime real estate. The thing is that my boss looks for ways to save money. In the winter he does not turn on the heat. Really. No heat so we sit in our coats and sweaters shivering all day. In the past 2 weeks it has just turned cold. I have been freezing each day at work. I bundle up but you get chilled to the bone. The cold wind off the water permeates the building like there is no insulation at all.

So now I have a bad cold. This is the 2nd winter for me here freezing. He has provided a small space heater that I now have at my desk. It helps but it is still cool all day. Who is to blame? The boss. Saving money at the expense of the health of your employees is not right!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Liquid Day

2008-12-01T12:56:00.000-05:00

I have been swimming in liquid all day today. I have a light cold so I have been pushing the fluids all day. As a result I have also spent a lot of time getting rid of all that water as well. I feel better...no so stopped up as my nose is clearer. I wonder why a cold makes you feels so miserable. I just want it to go away. By this weekend. I have a big one planned. A holiday formal on Saturday night. I do not want to be all dressed up and sneezing my fool head off.

Lunch was soup. Clear liquid with shrimp wontons. It was really good but it was still just the same consistency as water with five little shrimp. Tonight I will have a little thicker soup. Lentil. Yes. It has been a very liquid day.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Souped up

2008-11-30T09:44:00.004-05:00

I drive around town and I see cars that are all souped up. Some I think look just plain crazy because they are now painted with Reeses Pieces or Dora the Explorer logos and characters. They have the big wheels and spinners and are most loud and vibrating with the loud music if you happen to be next to them in a lane. I had not really ever thought about doing anything like that to my car, but I guess I could if I fancied that. I have a plain car and I think that souping it up might make it look funny. Then again...how funny do those other cars look to me?

If you fancied that you could begin on the Turbocharger site. They have everything to make any model of car transformed. Hondas, VW's, Fords and even an audi turbo. They have all you need to make your car a master of the road. The site had the best selection of new and remanufactured turbo chargers and nose cones. And just what the heck do they do for your car? They increase performance and speed. The site is very ecnomical, availabe 24/7 and shipping to you is within days of ordering.

For the neophyte like me I was able to read about the benefits on the learning page. My car has no get up and go at all, so having something to increase speed would be great. I can see me doing that. More energy and power from the engine is what I need. If your car needs a pick-me-up, be sure to check out Turbocharge. They are the professionals when it comes to souping up your ride!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Love of Brussels Sprouts

2008-11-30T08:36:00.004-05:00

I have always loved Brussels sprouts. I had always seem them looking like little cabbages. I have never seen how they REALLY look till I went to my local organic food store and I bought some there. I was amazed! I got them and the figs you see behind them. I was also enticed into buying some pollenta as well. They were doing a cooking demo with it.

I bought a stalk and they kept for a long time in my fridge. I was able to pluck enough for two big freezer bags. It is amazing how things really look in their natural forms. Not only do they look good but they are good for you. they are very high in fiber and also are in the cancer fighting category of cabbages. They are low in calories and high in vitamin C. You can't go wrong with Brussels sprouts!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Black Grapes

2008-11-30T08:25:00.004-05:00

I was in Costco last week and got a carton of black grapes. They were great! Juicy and meaty. After checking them out I realized they had more health benefits than I realized. I know that all the purple foods have the most antioxidants, but I did not realize that eating then in mass quantities could cure ailments. I plan to eat more black grapes because heart disease runs on my fathers side of the family. He actually died in a year after having a pace maker put in. On my mother's side there is cancer. So I truly believe we are what we eat. Eating better is the key to longevity. So for me, more fiber is key!

Used as a supplement or an alternative to medicine, and eaten in a therapeutic dose, raw fresh grapes aid in the treatment and prevention of many disorders:
• Arthritis—eating exclusively 2-3 pounds of black grapes for 1-5 days will provide amazing therapeutic relief, depending on severity of symptoms
• Heart Disease—experimenters in the Soviet Union have shown that eating nothing but 1-3 pounds of black grapes for 5-7 days has a detoxifying effect on the muscles and valves of the heart and also purifies and balances the bloodstream
• Prostrate disorders—exclusively for 1-3 days at 1-3 pounds
• Menstrual disorders—exclusively for 1-5 days at 1-3 pounds
• Cancer—2-4 pounds of grapes a day for a week to a month will help detoxify all tissues and organs in the body, and restore organic integrity to starved cells when used solely for a prolonged period of time

Full article here: Prevention through Nutrition: Black Grapes

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Colonics? Yes or No

2008-11-30T08:05:00.003-05:00

While up very early this morning I had the fun and exciting opportunity to watch several infomercials about colon cleansing. I have been thinking I need to do this. I want to do this but I do not want to get any products on the infomercial. I wish I knew someone personally who has done this. With IBS I think I need to clean it all out from time to time. It might help. Recently my stomach is in a state of constant gurgle. The IBS is about gone but my stomach is now very noisy. It has never been that way before. Other people standing or sitting next to me can hear it. It is loud.

What I have seen that I think I will try is what Oprah suggested on her show. The cleanser and acai berries. I feel that if Oprah can use it, it must be okay. She has the golden touch. Yet, I do not know. Our bodies are designed to keep us clean. We just need to eat the proper food. Fiber, fiber and more fiber. I think I will ponder it some more before I take the leap. I will change what I eat and will try to use my juicer more. I think I have only used it once in the past month. I think I will go juice up some beets, carrots and apples right now.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Gear for the Peacekeepers

2008-11-30T07:30:00.002-05:00

Whether you are on your local police force or in the military, you too are in need of nice gear for the job. I used to be in a program in my college days that was geared to getting students to join the police academy. I used to be in uniform while in this program, but it was all standard issue. I looked just like the REAL officers on the street. Everything was provided by the city. These days I guess there is much more diversity and you can actually buy your own stuff to wear. I guess this would depend on the job or division you were in.

If you have this freedom, the be sure to check out 5.11 Tactical Pants. They have clothing and accessories that will actually enhance the effectiveness of people in law enforcement or the military. After checking the site, the military and government have actually been using these goods for the past 20 years so they are tried and true. They even have some sales going on now. Just in time for Black Friday weekend shopping. If you buy any two clothing items, shipping is free and they will give a free hat. If your purchase is over $125.00, more free gifts come your way...a travel mug. That is a bargain. A lot of things are on sale and their is even a clearance section. That is my kind of shopping!

Need new things for your peacekeeping honey? Be sure to check out 5.11 Tactical Pants. You just might be able to fill his stocking with useful things!

Disclosure

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Under the Weather

2008-11-30T07:13:00.002-05:00

It has been a rough night. I have come down with a cough and cold and my throat is totally raw. I will stay in today and not go to church. I guess I will break out the home remedies. First will be putting peroxide in my ears. That does work. I use it every winter. Then will come the eating of whole garlic cloves and drinking lemon water. You know. Just water and lemon juice squeezed into it.

Whenever I tell my coworkers to do the above things they just look at me very strangely. A few have tried and they do say it works.....especially the peroxide. It is easy to do. I have had remarkable results in curing the flu and cold within 12 to 14 hours by administering a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into each infected ear, (sometimes only one ear is infected). It starts working within 2 to 3 minutes in killing the flu or cold; there will be some bubbling and in some cases mild stinging occurs. Wait until the bubbling and stinging subside (usually just a few minutes), then drain the excess fluid onto a tissue and repeat the process in the other ear. It is easiest to lie on your side in bed while using this method, and a Q-tip or cotton ball work well to administer the peroxide. I have just poured a little into my ears from the cap. That works also.

So...later today I hope to feel better.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Holiday Food

2008-11-29T16:57:00.002-05:00

Well it has begun. The holiday eating. This is what my boss gave me and some of the other managers for Thanksgiving. It was very nice. I have just tried a few things out of it. Last year I was not included...me and one other. I thought that was bad. The big boss just did not think. He gave money instead.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

A Little Better

2008-11-10T10:22:00.002-05:00

Well I have been uffering with IBS bouts for the last 3 months. Finally it is getting a little better. I have been doing all I can to reduce stress, eat more fiber, be more active and heal. It just takess time. This is my wake up call. I can't see having this chronically. I have to get healthier and stay that way. It is all about changing your lifestyle. Not a diet.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

30 Year Reunion

2008-09-26T12:35:00.002-04:00

This October my high school will be having its' 30 year reunion. I thought at first I was going to go. Now I do not think I will. I just do not want to go the way I look now. I do not look bad. It is just that I know there are some skinny minnies there. The last reunion I went to was at 20 years. I was the same size I was now, and while I heard no comments, I heard in around about way there were some. I am not really intimidated by that, I just think that people who are saying things are shallow and not worth the time for me to socialize with. I really have better things to do....like work out. May I will go to the next one. I will be slinky and thinner.

I have never missed a reunion. I have been to them all. The same stuck up people when I was in high school were exactly the same. People still talked to each other that night like they were in high school. Who has time for that? Not me.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Raw Food and Feeling Fine!

2008-09-26T12:23:00.004-04:00

Since I have been having trouble with IBS lately, I have been trying to add more roughage in my diet. I have been eating lots of raw fruits and more vegetables. I have just about finished an entire plastic container of black mission figs. I love those and they are so good for you for all around dietary purposes. If you want something sweet, do not reach for the candy bar. Reach for the figs. I also have been eating lots of medjool dates. I have offered each to my co-workers and noone has taken me up on a thing.

I did eat the other half of my subway sandwich left over from yesterday. It was good but I had double meat and cheese on it. I know that was bad. It was so good. That will be the last of that! The tuna will be what I will be eating from now on. I need to get healthy and food has to be the start of it. To help with the IBS I have also been drinking aloe vera gel. It helps. I do feel better internally and I have started again with the Kerfir. All that with the CeraLyte I ordered should fix me right up. I want to avoid the doctor. I truly believe that a change in diet and intake will cure all thing. I mean, is it not true that we get a new body totally regenerated each month? I want that new body to be maintained.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

CeraLyte

2008-09-25T07:15:00.002-04:00

When I went out of the country last summer I went with something called a diarrhea kit in the event I got sick. Luckily I did not have to use it. It had cipro, wipes, immodium and CeraLyte in it. With the ISB now active and getting better...thank God...I have had to break out the CeraLyte. It has made a big difference. I actually feel much better. I have also been using the aloe vera gel as well. It is helping.

The three samples I got last summer are now gone. I have called all my local pharmacies and noone carries CeraLyte. I called GNC. They have never heard of it. Well. The next step was to check on line. I found the website for CeraLyte and ordered the 20 pack kit. It is a rice based oral rehydration powder. Mix a pack in your bottled water and you will be as right as rain. A litte about it:

Rice-based oral electrolyte solutions are effective in reducing volume and duration of diarrhea. CeraLyte provides the minerals and salts needed for replacing fluids lost from diarrhea. Use under medical supervision. CeraLyte packets can be used for adults or children, and can speed up early recovery.

CeraLyte 50 is for mild Dehydration or for maintaining fluid balance and volume, and is available in packets and ready-to-drink liquid.
. CeraLyte 70 is for mild to moderate diarrhea, to prevent and correct dehydration. Ideal for travelers.
. CeraLyte 90 is for severe diarrhea and dehydration--where fluid losses are high--such as in cholera or with short bowel or ileostomy.

Hopefully it will be here in a few days. I only have one pack left and I will wait as long as possible before I use it today. Misery comes in the form of IBS. Relief comes in the form of CeraLyte!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Stress and Me

2008-09-18T07:21:00.003-04:00

Stress and me have been fast friends over the last year and finally stress have overpowered me...for now. About 8 years ago I was having gastro problems and found out I had a slight case of IBS. Well that IBS has flared up. It has been giving me problems for the last 2 weeks. It will eventually calm down but for now the constant running to the bathroom and at times rectal bleeding is most uncomfortable.

So now I am cutting out all things that might make it worst. Caffeine....I have decided to reduce adn finally cut out all coffee. You know that will be hard. I am trying to get over caffeine headaches now. No more chocolate...caffeine is it it as well. No spicy foods...well I never ate them anyway for fear of causing a flareup. I have been trying to go bland in the last week. I have seen some improvement. It will just take time. IBS or irritated bowel syndrome is no fun! It is...

A common disorder of the intestines that leads to abdominal discomfort or pain and changes in bowel habits. The person with IBS seems to have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual.

More info here: IBS

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

A Dental Disaster

2008-09-17T07:19:00.002-04:00

On Saturday I had a took fracture. The upper 1/4 just broke off in my mouth. I was not eating at the time. It left the filling exposed with a very sharp edge that cut into my tongue the entire weekend. I could not talk, eat or drink. Every slight movement of my tongue made that filling dig even deeper. Monday morning it was a quick trip to the dentist. The did xrays and thought about filing the filling down so that sharp edge would go away. Instead they decided the best option was a second appointment in the afternoon to have the filling removed, a new one put in and a crown.

When they began to work on the tooth the remaing upper 1/4 on the other side of the filling fell apart, so I was left with good tooth just above the gum line. The dentist showed me with a hand mirror. Not pretty. They made a new tooth with some sort of dental material and now all it needs is a cap. That will be put on with in the next week or so. My tongue? It is healing. It still hurts to eat or talk, but that is getting better.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Popping Pimples at Work!

2008-09-07T00:20:00.002-04:00

When is it EVER appropriate to pop pimples at your desk at work? There is a girl t my office who sits around popping pimples at her desk. Gross! At least get up and go to the bathroom. All last week I saw her daily popping pimples. Some were not ready so she kept bothering them. By the end of the week, she has a large open scab/sore on her forehead. She is one who never washes her hands. They are always sticky and dirty. How do I know? Our office has lots of glass and whenever she touches anything, she leaves deep, nasty prints. What IS that on her hands? No wonder she has pimples. She is touching her face with filthy hands!

When I see her popping pimples, I do tell her that she needs to go do that in the bathroom. She says she is just fine where she is. I just need to remember to NEVER touch anything at her desk!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Headaches Today

2008-08-23T23:58:00.005-04:00

Today I had a headache just about all day. I woke up with it and I do not know why. I was also very tired. Maybe it was a very long and busy week that finally caught up with me. I napped on and off all day and that headache stayed with me. It would not go away. I did not have any Aleve with me, so I tried the pressure point thing to no avail. Normally it works but not today. Finally I could suffer no more, I broke down and got some Aleve. I took 2 about 4 and felt better about 5pm. A headache can wear you out!

I have always been in favor of using pressure points to relieve a headache. Here are the tips on finding them. They work and practice finding the points will improve the rate at which your headache goes away.

Draw an imaginary line between the middle of both ears to the top of your head using your finger. This is a pressure point that commonly relieves headaches, as well as dizziness and low energy.
Move your finger from your shoulder to your neck until you feel a depression. Apply pressure as needed in the area that is the most tender. This pressure point relieves migraine headaches as well as neck pain, shoulder tension, dizziness and stress.
Slide your finger to the place where your thumb and index finger meet. You should be able to feel a depression in this pressure point. Pressure applied to this point treats headaches that are in the front of your head.
Locate the next point by placing your finger in the depression between your big toe and your second toe. Feel where the tendons meet, then press where it is most sore. This will not only relieve migraine pain, but also anger, irritability, stress, menstrual pain and anxiety.
Massage one or more of these points for three to five minutes, or until you feel relief. Acupressure can be repeated if necessary. For best results, apply pressure with the tip of your finger, your knuckle or the eraser end of a pencil.

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~

Cravings

2008-08-18T12:57:00.002-04:00

I am having cravings today for chicken liver, of all things. Why? I am not sure. I was thinking back to the best chicken liver I ever had and it was at a small deli downtown. Chopped chicken liver was on the menu and it was out of this world! That deli closed many years ago and I have not had anything that tastes like it since.

Maybe about once a year I will buy chicken livers from the store and sautee them with onions. Good! That is about all I need to get my chicken liver fix. I think it had been over a year since I have had any chicken livers. I will have to get some this weekend!

You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it. But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder.
~~Unknown~~