Joe's competing in the Seattle Regional Spelling Bee this Sunday afternoon for the second year in a row, and he has actually been studying. This is the last year he will be eligible to partiicfpate and he came in about 25th out of 60 participants last year. I will figure out how to record his spelling segments and post them somewhere. His plan is to Rick Roll the audience if he misses a word and goes down in flames... that would go on YouTube.
Last year he got out on "camouflage" (he forgot my "lame mnemonic" of a mouse rolled in a camo flag) and the next week we were at GI Joes and I saw a pair of camo Chuck Taylor hi-tops and HAD to get them for him as an inside joke. Now he has two more pairs and never wears anything else.
He's competing in a Battle of the Bands event at School Friday (he's the lead singer and plays acoustic guitar for Overdrive) and the grades are acceptable in 4 classes, mildly horrid in two classes and better in the class he botched last quarter, go figure. I could never successfully balance all six classes either, but I can't tell him that. I have to be the hard-nosed parent expecting more and demanding better grades when I really want to tell him I know it's a b**ch balancing everything, but this is life. We all have to find balance in work, home, family, friends, social, housework... often more than six things at once.
***
It's not often I forget to post a blog entry - but I did, so now you get the update to the SPelling bee as well as the notice. The good news is we won't be whisking off for a trip to DC anytime soon. The bad news is Joe was eliminated in his second round with the word "bravura". My ESP just wasn't in tune apparently and it was not in the cards. He requested all available information about the word and I think hearing that it was Italian threw him so he tried to work in every possible vowel (brevieura) which is how it was pronounced.
He was disappointed, drowned his sorrows in a few Thomas Kempers, pizza and cupcakes at his consolation/victory party with family and friends. This was his last opportunity to compete as he will be 14 and complete eighth grade this year. The end of an era. Joe and I started attending the annual spelling bee when he was in first grade and even then he would keep track of the words and get at least half of them right. He's done us proud getting to the Regionals twice in two years.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
IBS eating guidlines? Worth a try.
Denise found some really good articles about cancer prevention and items to include in our diets, at http://health.msn.com/health-topics/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100233884&imageindex=1. The good news is I have incorporated some of these items into our routine, some cause me a bit of distress, but the end is worth the means, right?
I've spent a few weeks learning a lot about IBS and other colonic maladies that I thought might make sense to incorporate into my diet the guidelines that others have developed work well for them. Since no one seems to be making progress on dietary info for colon cancer survivors.
Here's what I found out. Since my system is now shorter/compacted, it is trying to do the same amount of work - get all the nutrients out of my food in less time. As soon as I begin eating anything, I get abdominal cramping signaling the digestive system to begin working, how most of us would describe "bowel urgency". The cramping gets worse when I eat a "trigger food" (which can be almost anything, usually high in fat and low in nutrients) or when there is a slack space in the digestive system so the muscles contract more in an empty section than in a full section. I've been combating this by eating more often and filler foods (not always nutritionally dense foods) - hence my weight gain. Apparently, that is not the way to go, as my pants have been telling me for months.
The new plan is to follow IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) guidelines and extremely limit my exposure to red meat, dairy, eggs, and fried foods. Yea, looks like fun if you've ever seen my dinner plate. Green salad is now a last course part of my meal and white, sourdough, or french bread begins every meal. On the plus side, my fondness for peppermint or chamomile tea is a natural digestive calming tonic, so I'll be carrying those with me more often. Fiber supplements help keep the "slack" out of the system and minimize cramping. Overall, I'm looking at more soluble fiber foundations for my dietary needs. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and absorbs the excess water in the digestive tract making things move more smoothly overall.
My staples are
Grains: limited WHOLE WHEAT - rice, pasta/noodles, Oatmeal, barley, Fresh white breads (French or sourdough), rice cereals, flour tortillas, Quinoa, Corn meal, Potatoes,
Veggies: Carrots, Yams, Sweet potatoes, Turnips, Rutabagas, Parsnips, Beets, Squash and pumpkins, Chestnuts
Fruit: Avocados, Bananas, Applesauce Mangoes Papayas (natural digestive enzymes)
Meat: Soy, White poultry meat,
Milk: soy, rice or oat milk. Cheeses, soy, rice or almond substitutes.
Be on the lookout for recipes utilizing these components.
Fish and Poultry in limited amounts, very little red meat as well as much smaller, more frequent meals to stay full and not let a lag in the process develop (that's also where the fiber supplements come in).
I don't expect changes as far as your cooking or when we have meals together. I just may bring more of my staples to add to the meal and may take less and don't want to offend anyone. The recipes I bring are bound to have at least one "Surprise ingredient" from now on; more than likely soy. I need to be more aware and diligent in staying away from foods that will not feel good later. Apparently, my system is a trial and error system and I think I've hit all the errors so it's time to start making some good choices and see where that takes me.
Hopefully, when I start putting better things in again, the urge to exercise will be easier to encourage. I'll let you know how the road is going.
Peace and Blessings,
Michelle ;-P
I've spent a few weeks learning a lot about IBS and other colonic maladies that I thought might make sense to incorporate into my diet the guidelines that others have developed work well for them. Since no one seems to be making progress on dietary info for colon cancer survivors.
Here's what I found out. Since my system is now shorter/compacted, it is trying to do the same amount of work - get all the nutrients out of my food in less time. As soon as I begin eating anything, I get abdominal cramping signaling the digestive system to begin working, how most of us would describe "bowel urgency". The cramping gets worse when I eat a "trigger food" (which can be almost anything, usually high in fat and low in nutrients) or when there is a slack space in the digestive system so the muscles contract more in an empty section than in a full section. I've been combating this by eating more often and filler foods (not always nutritionally dense foods) - hence my weight gain. Apparently, that is not the way to go, as my pants have been telling me for months.
The new plan is to follow IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) guidelines and extremely limit my exposure to red meat, dairy, eggs, and fried foods. Yea, looks like fun if you've ever seen my dinner plate. Green salad is now a last course part of my meal and white, sourdough, or french bread begins every meal. On the plus side, my fondness for peppermint or chamomile tea is a natural digestive calming tonic, so I'll be carrying those with me more often. Fiber supplements help keep the "slack" out of the system and minimize cramping. Overall, I'm looking at more soluble fiber foundations for my dietary needs. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and absorbs the excess water in the digestive tract making things move more smoothly overall.
My staples are
Grains: limited WHOLE WHEAT - rice, pasta/noodles, Oatmeal, barley, Fresh white breads (French or sourdough), rice cereals, flour tortillas, Quinoa, Corn meal, Potatoes,
Veggies: Carrots, Yams, Sweet potatoes, Turnips, Rutabagas, Parsnips, Beets, Squash and pumpkins, Chestnuts
Fruit: Avocados, Bananas, Applesauce Mangoes Papayas (natural digestive enzymes)
Meat: Soy, White poultry meat,
Milk: soy, rice or oat milk. Cheeses, soy, rice or almond substitutes.
Be on the lookout for recipes utilizing these components.
Fish and Poultry in limited amounts, very little red meat as well as much smaller, more frequent meals to stay full and not let a lag in the process develop (that's also where the fiber supplements come in).
I don't expect changes as far as your cooking or when we have meals together. I just may bring more of my staples to add to the meal and may take less and don't want to offend anyone. The recipes I bring are bound to have at least one "Surprise ingredient" from now on; more than likely soy. I need to be more aware and diligent in staying away from foods that will not feel good later. Apparently, my system is a trial and error system and I think I've hit all the errors so it's time to start making some good choices and see where that takes me.
Hopefully, when I start putting better things in again, the urge to exercise will be easier to encourage. I'll let you know how the road is going.
Peace and Blessings,
Michelle ;-P
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Querulous about Sesame St. characters?
quizfarm.com/quizzes/new/Calixta/which-sesame-street-character-are-you-many-outcomes
Too funny, this is a very in depth quiz about your mannerisms and preferences to determine which Sesame St. character you are most similar to. I'm most like Telly monster who is not one of my faves, nor the one I would have predicted. Anyway, it was an interesting way to waste 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Too funny, this is a very in depth quiz about your mannerisms and preferences to determine which Sesame St. character you are most similar to. I'm most like Telly monster who is not one of my faves, nor the one I would have predicted. Anyway, it was an interesting way to waste 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
You need a what by when?
Homework assignments. Are they more for parents or the kids? Are these teachers demented or just torturing us because they spend 5 hours a day with our kids? Will other kids learn history better because my 10 yo son wears a buckskin trousers? I don't think so, but I digress...
Nick arrived home last week with the announcement that he needs to be transformed into 16th century explorer, Louis Joulliet (travelled the Mississippi River in a canoe exploring for a trade route to China for the spice/silk road - now you know as much as we do) for a wax museum/report for social studies, but he doesn't know when it is. I didn't even know who Joulliet was until we had to get 3 report resources, but that was the task for LAST week.
First stop, mom uttering expletives against the teacher who assigned this task, second stop - the thrift store circuit. After 3 stores and lots of possibilities, including a$25 fake leather Western style jacket with tons of fringe, we ended up with a suede vest, sheepskin lined (all synthetic) for $3.00, some tan velour ladies stretch pants or $3.00 , a thermal top and our piece de resistance for $7.00, killer Eskimo mucklucks with fur and lacings in a mens' size 10. So he looks a little like a Neanderthal clown. Two hours of sewing work at home adding rustic-looking fringe to the top and pants sideseams, they look amazingly like buckskins and even more important Nick is pleased with the result.
What did our moms do without thrift stores and eBay? While I was busy channeling my grandmother and mother-in-law who each were "da bomb" at wacky school assignments, scout activities and costume production. If I had anything my mom couldn't handle, she would send me to my grandmother's house to complete the job. Gigi and I had a great time making diorama book reports, cooking native dishes and finding costumes for all sorts of events. She even rented me a white wig from a costume store to be Dolly Madison in one of mom's old prom dresses and such. She kept lots of my mom's dressy stuff and square dancing costumes to be reprised for use by the next generation.
Thrift stores in my youth were VERY scary places only the marginalized of society went to for purchases. In my 20s and 30s, I was a Goodwill groupie and Value Village vixen - that was my clothes horse stage when found I could afford a lot more on my meager paychecks there than even Ross. Then the pall was removed from Value Village when they became a franchise store and the prices rose with it. Gone were the days of finding a Jones New York outfit for $5 or a black velvet dress for new Years for $15. But by then I was looking for "mom clothes" that would be tragic to have ruined with "kid liquids".
The bidding starts at $50 for the first 4th grade parent with the foresight to call me in preparation for next year. Or maybe I'll start the "save it for the next generation" box...
Peace and Blessings ;-P
Michelle
Nick arrived home last week with the announcement that he needs to be transformed into 16th century explorer, Louis Joulliet (travelled the Mississippi River in a canoe exploring for a trade route to China for the spice/silk road - now you know as much as we do) for a wax museum/report for social studies, but he doesn't know when it is. I didn't even know who Joulliet was until we had to get 3 report resources, but that was the task for LAST week.
First stop, mom uttering expletives against the teacher who assigned this task, second stop - the thrift store circuit. After 3 stores and lots of possibilities, including a$25 fake leather Western style jacket with tons of fringe, we ended up with a suede vest, sheepskin lined (all synthetic) for $3.00, some tan velour ladies stretch pants or $3.00 , a thermal top and our piece de resistance for $7.00, killer Eskimo mucklucks with fur and lacings in a mens' size 10. So he looks a little like a Neanderthal clown. Two hours of sewing work at home adding rustic-looking fringe to the top and pants sideseams, they look amazingly like buckskins and even more important Nick is pleased with the result.
What did our moms do without thrift stores and eBay? While I was busy channeling my grandmother and mother-in-law who each were "da bomb" at wacky school assignments, scout activities and costume production. If I had anything my mom couldn't handle, she would send me to my grandmother's house to complete the job. Gigi and I had a great time making diorama book reports, cooking native dishes and finding costumes for all sorts of events. She even rented me a white wig from a costume store to be Dolly Madison in one of mom's old prom dresses and such. She kept lots of my mom's dressy stuff and square dancing costumes to be reprised for use by the next generation.
Thrift stores in my youth were VERY scary places only the marginalized of society went to for purchases. In my 20s and 30s, I was a Goodwill groupie and Value Village vixen - that was my clothes horse stage when found I could afford a lot more on my meager paychecks there than even Ross. Then the pall was removed from Value Village when they became a franchise store and the prices rose with it. Gone were the days of finding a Jones New York outfit for $5 or a black velvet dress for new Years for $15. But by then I was looking for "mom clothes" that would be tragic to have ruined with "kid liquids".
The bidding starts at $50 for the first 4th grade parent with the foresight to call me in preparation for next year. Or maybe I'll start the "save it for the next generation" box...
Peace and Blessings ;-P
Michelle
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
New Year's Resolution #1
Yes, it's February 3, I figure if I don't make one until now, I won't break it as early. There is a strategy in my procrastination. I resolve to write here more often. At least once a month... if I have anything interesting to say, and even if it's just random rambly ramblings because then I won't have broken my resolution. How's that for circular logic? P/B ;-P
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Attitude of Gratitude
I just like the sound of that, and what better time to have an attitude of gratitude than as a chaotic and stressful year comes to a close?! It's the characteristic that most entices me to return to our current place of worship. Every act of cleaning, assistance, fund-raising, charity, etc., that I have participated in at St. Columba's has been rewarded with a sincere thank you from someone not directly benefitting from my actions. Most are just glad that there are fresh folks to offer the many hands to make the work light.
I/we have a great deal of things to express gratitude for - SYMPTOMS!! We live in a country with medical resources to facilitate the early detection of cancers, we have adequate health care provided by our employer (our bill for my whole episode was under $1500). Friends and family were willing to care for the boys, me and my extended family upon request. Medical developments in surgical procedures that allow quick recovery within 2 months of surgery. Boys willing take mom for walks and to push a wheelchair for a few weeks, noticing the reactions of others and aware of challenges faced during that time. A new-found dedication to eating better... well, at least 80% of the time. And mostly, the chance to spend more precious time with my family, friends and raising the boys to be healthy, independent gentlemen - with a totally whacked sense of humor.
We've been trying for the last three days to catch Santa for our annual photo - Sunday he left 1/2 hour before we arrived, last night we just saw him pulling out of the parking lot and today we are going to be in line at the stroke of 5:00. One of those "simply have to's" of the season. Joe's fighting tooth and nail not to be subjected to this commercial display of advertising melee - but don't get me wrong, he TOTALLY wants gifts - and of the impractical variety. Nick is all over the Santa photo thing. It means he doesn't have to shop or spend $ on Mom. Dan would prefer to submit to a Santa photo than any thing else I've requested of him this year. Putting up house lights, making Dr. appts., etc. But he's had a heck of a year too, and been a great partner.
I hope this Season finds you healthy, wealthy in non-material ways, blessed in every way and peaceful as you enjoy the holidays in whatever manner suits your soul, psyche, and spirit.
Wishing you lasting Peace and MANY Blessings!
Michelle ;-P
I/we have a great deal of things to express gratitude for - SYMPTOMS!! We live in a country with medical resources to facilitate the early detection of cancers, we have adequate health care provided by our employer (our bill for my whole episode was under $1500). Friends and family were willing to care for the boys, me and my extended family upon request. Medical developments in surgical procedures that allow quick recovery within 2 months of surgery. Boys willing take mom for walks and to push a wheelchair for a few weeks, noticing the reactions of others and aware of challenges faced during that time. A new-found dedication to eating better... well, at least 80% of the time. And mostly, the chance to spend more precious time with my family, friends and raising the boys to be healthy, independent gentlemen - with a totally whacked sense of humor.
We've been trying for the last three days to catch Santa for our annual photo - Sunday he left 1/2 hour before we arrived, last night we just saw him pulling out of the parking lot and today we are going to be in line at the stroke of 5:00. One of those "simply have to's" of the season. Joe's fighting tooth and nail not to be subjected to this commercial display of advertising melee - but don't get me wrong, he TOTALLY wants gifts - and of the impractical variety. Nick is all over the Santa photo thing. It means he doesn't have to shop or spend $ on Mom. Dan would prefer to submit to a Santa photo than any thing else I've requested of him this year. Putting up house lights, making Dr. appts., etc. But he's had a heck of a year too, and been a great partner.
I hope this Season finds you healthy, wealthy in non-material ways, blessed in every way and peaceful as you enjoy the holidays in whatever manner suits your soul, psyche, and spirit.
Wishing you lasting Peace and MANY Blessings!
Michelle ;-P
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tampa Trip
All is well, travelling with my sister in Tampa (85 and HUMID, my bra's clammy) and this has been the Just in Time trip so far. Just in time for my connecting flight from O'Hare to Tampa, just in time for her class Monday after getting lost 3 times en route, just in time for a dolphin spotting cruise while I was getting lost going elsewhere. But it's great weather, somewhat relaxing and we have a convertible we can actually use here. What a concept. It has also cured me of desiring to purchase a convertible - no trunk room, two-doors with a 6' 13 yo would not work (I would be the one in the back seat). Among other things. Sun roof, may be a more reasonable adjustment! Left my photo transfer materials in room, will post photos including blurry dolphin shots later.
Peace and Blessings ;-P
Michelle
Peace and Blessings ;-P
Michelle
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