Today is a big day, going down to look at a power wheelchair for the first time. I've been fighting to keep this time away, but common sense tells me to start looking into it. Things like the grocery store, or going to Lowes, has gotten very hard. Stores and the like have ones you can use, but there are times when having your own would be beneficial. The boy's graduation is approaching, that is a long walk, have to decide if I want to spend all my stamps just getting to my seat, or have some left to enjoy?
A group of people I went to school with, 4 or 5 couples, want to start a cooking club, nothing fancy, something to do. Ideas are flying, how should it be done, where, when? One idea was to have everyone bring the same course, say your favorite appetizer, or desert. Last night a friend said how much she would like to be a judge on iron chef, and bing, an idea! Why not have a "secret" ingredient and have everyone make anything containing that one thing. We shall see how it plays out, be nice to spend an evening with friends regardless.
This weekend is the unofficial time people here in Baltimore open their pools. Wondering if everyone, including us will do it that way this year? The weather has been horrible here, and by the looks, many other place as well. The wife is going to be in charge of it this year, very little help from me, if any. I worry it's too much for her, not that she can't do it, she can do anything, just that it may be too much in addition to everything she already does. Either way the pool will be open soon, wish us luck.
Showing posts with label cooking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cooking. Show all posts
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Organic Food, Acupuncture For MS, and Pressure Cooker Pork
Remember when organic fruits and veggies hit the scene, grapes were $5, a piece! The cost of everything was through the roof. Organics were only offered at specialty stores, and they were hard to find. Things have changed, got a 3 lb. bag of store brand organic apples at Safeway for 5 bucks! Some pretty cool enterprises have popped up, not only selling organic, but local as well. Friends of ours have done just that, started their own CSA, Rousedale Farm, check it out!
Acupuncture. Any thoughts? The National MS Society says it may work, but there haven't been any studies,so they don't know? My Neuro does it, but doesn't seem confident it would do anything for the MS. No disrespect intended, but I need an old Chinese dude! The Chinese have been doing it for thousands of years, either they are easily fooled, or the stuff works. One of my cousins is sending me info, I have about 3,000, comes in handy! Let me know what you think.
Having a pork roast tonight, cooking it in the pressure cooker. I love the pressure cooker, reminds me of my grandmother, in fact, I have her old one, don't use it anymore, but I do have it. Honestly, I don't remember what she made in it, I just remember being mesmerized at that rocking, hissing pot she would smack with a big knife to make seal. I always thought how cool it would be if it blew up! Not for anyone to get hurt, but how cool a story would that be? Dude, what happened to your house? Oh, dinner blew up!
Acupuncture. Any thoughts? The National MS Society says it may work, but there haven't been any studies,so they don't know? My Neuro does it, but doesn't seem confident it would do anything for the MS. No disrespect intended, but I need an old Chinese dude! The Chinese have been doing it for thousands of years, either they are easily fooled, or the stuff works. One of my cousins is sending me info, I have about 3,000, comes in handy! Let me know what you think.
Having a pork roast tonight, cooking it in the pressure cooker. I love the pressure cooker, reminds me of my grandmother, in fact, I have her old one, don't use it anymore, but I do have it. Honestly, I don't remember what she made in it, I just remember being mesmerized at that rocking, hissing pot she would smack with a big knife to make seal. I always thought how cool it would be if it blew up! Not for anyone to get hurt, but how cool a story would that be? Dude, what happened to your house? Oh, dinner blew up!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Local Bowling Tournament, Top Chef I Am, and Dead Feeling In Hand Getting Worse
Got a text message from the boy, he's a plus 131 after 3. I thought that was a little arbitrary, then the wife remembered he is in a local tournament, and we forgot about it, we are the basement level of parents, didn't even go to our little babies event. He said no sweat, his grandparents were there. How the hell did they know? Aren't these the 2 that are worried they are forgetting things? I'll ask one of the old men up the bowling alley how he did, they will know it before me. He is in first place right now, hope he hangs on, this one is a mix of juniors and adults.
I made an incredible recipe for dinner tonight, used up the rest of the squash, onions, and tomatoes. I went out on limb, nobody here likes squash, but this looked so good, I couldn't resist. It was a success, even the girl ate it. The wife said it was the best side dish she had ever had, but she lies, tells me everything I do is perfect! The boy hasn't been home to eat since he was 7, and he wouldn't have tried it anyway, even at 17. I loved it, but I love everything.
1 medium bell pepper, cut in 1/2 in cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium zucchini or 4 small yellow squash
1 2 or 3 tomatoes
4 slices bread, toasted and cut in small cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Parmesan cheese
1. Saute onions&bell pepper in margarine for 5 minutes,add squash that has been sliced and cubed.
2. Saute 5 min more,add tomatoes, (break up whole tomatoes) cook 5 more minutes.
3. Add bread cubes and seasonings.
4. Put in 2 quart casserole,sprinkle top with parmesan cheese.
5. Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes.
Cooking is an area I am really seeing a difference in. Cutting things up has become increasingly harder, I need to do a little research on different ways to accomplish this task. I'm not recovering from these things as fast as I used to, if at all. The right hand is declining quicker then anything else to date. Writing is all but gone, anything that needs any dexterity has flown. I still have my left hand, so no panic, yet, but I am having some of the original twinges I had in my right now in my left. Not cool, I specifically remember asking to have only one side affected, where is Mr Demille?
I made an incredible recipe for dinner tonight, used up the rest of the squash, onions, and tomatoes. I went out on limb, nobody here likes squash, but this looked so good, I couldn't resist. It was a success, even the girl ate it. The wife said it was the best side dish she had ever had, but she lies, tells me everything I do is perfect! The boy hasn't been home to eat since he was 7, and he wouldn't have tried it anyway, even at 17. I loved it, but I love everything.
1 medium bell pepper, cut in 1/2 in cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium zucchini or 4 small yellow squash
1 2 or 3 tomatoes
4 slices bread, toasted and cut in small cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Parmesan cheese
1. Saute onions&bell pepper in margarine for 5 minutes,add squash that has been sliced and cubed.
2. Saute 5 min more,add tomatoes, (break up whole tomatoes) cook 5 more minutes.
3. Add bread cubes and seasonings.
4. Put in 2 quart casserole,sprinkle top with parmesan cheese.
5. Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes.
Cooking is an area I am really seeing a difference in. Cutting things up has become increasingly harder, I need to do a little research on different ways to accomplish this task. I'm not recovering from these things as fast as I used to, if at all. The right hand is declining quicker then anything else to date. Writing is all but gone, anything that needs any dexterity has flown. I still have my left hand, so no panic, yet, but I am having some of the original twinges I had in my right now in my left. Not cool, I specifically remember asking to have only one side affected, where is Mr Demille?
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Pool Days, Things Are Changing, and Who Are Those Guys Radio Interview
Gorgeous day here in Maryland, hot, not too humid, sunny, perfect pool day. The girl worked, the boy went bowling, so it was me and my baby to the pool! The neighborhood was positively abuzz with activity. Tons of pools in our stretch, all being used today. The smells of grilled animal flesh, sounds of children frolicking, their parents yelling for them to knock it off, summer was afoot. We floated for a bit, then talked, she sunned, I floated some more, perfect Sunday afternoon. Show her how to hook up the new auto vacuum tonight, hope it goes well.
It was a very nice day, one we have always enjoyed, but even relaxing is getting tough. I am exhausted, my legs and arms are jittery they're so numb. It was one of those epiphany days I have when I realize something is no longer easy to do, therefore not so relaxing. The kind of day all you want to do is cry and feel sorry for yourself. I remember when I had to acquiesce to the fact it was no longer enjoyable to go in the ocean. It was a tough thing to accept, remember, I was on the Presidential body surfing council! It's not the same when things have conditions. I miss being me.
It seems I have a famous radio personality in my midst? He always could tell a story with the best of them, he has grown past our circle and is hitting the airways. This is the dude that I worked with, he took me hunting, to cooking class, and now he's a famous competition BBQ chef. He has granted an interview to our local radio station, 1090 am WBAL, hosted by Dan Durian. The interview is to air at 7:45 am on Monday, if you get a chance, tune in. I'm sure I will be main thrust of his conversation with Dave, and the fact that he and his BBQ team are enjoying a rocketing rise in the competition BBQ world. I plan on getting up to give a listen, maybe even to call on to comment!
It was a very nice day, one we have always enjoyed, but even relaxing is getting tough. I am exhausted, my legs and arms are jittery they're so numb. It was one of those epiphany days I have when I realize something is no longer easy to do, therefore not so relaxing. The kind of day all you want to do is cry and feel sorry for yourself. I remember when I had to acquiesce to the fact it was no longer enjoyable to go in the ocean. It was a tough thing to accept, remember, I was on the Presidential body surfing council! It's not the same when things have conditions. I miss being me.
It seems I have a famous radio personality in my midst? He always could tell a story with the best of them, he has grown past our circle and is hitting the airways. This is the dude that I worked with, he took me hunting, to cooking class, and now he's a famous competition BBQ chef. He has granted an interview to our local radio station, 1090 am WBAL, hosted by Dan Durian. The interview is to air at 7:45 am on Monday, if you get a chance, tune in. I'm sure I will be main thrust of his conversation with Dave, and the fact that he and his BBQ team are enjoying a rocketing rise in the competition BBQ world. I plan on getting up to give a listen, maybe even to call on to comment!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Jughead's Baltimore Gardening Club
I'm going to be starting Jughead's Baltimore Gardening Club. We are going to be a group that gets together to exchange ideas, fruits and vegetables, and recipes. How cool would it be to trade zucchini to make bread, with that guy that has the pickling cucumbers for those killer bread and butter pickles? Got a ton of cherry tomatoes, but looking for musk melons, then this is the place. The only thing I ask is that you grow your stuff organically, and for every trade you make, you donate a fruit or veggie to the needy. It's a small thing, but let's make it our thing!
Andy
Andy
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Multiple Sclerosis, Rusted Steps, Brothers, and Stupid TV Commercials
Has everyone seen the Antwerpen car commercials? I'm trying to figure out what the hell the main idea of the ads are. I don't know if the 2 guys are related or not, but they are in all the ads. The one guy is the owner, so I suppose he OK's the ads, after all, he's in them! They almost all end up with them getting splashed with water, or shaving cream, or something along those lines. Why does that make me want to buy a car from them? It makes me want to NOT buy anything from them! I don't know that I would cross the street to put them out if they were on fire at this point! They rate right up there with that fat bastard that used to say "YEP" to every deal.
I'm going out with the brother tomorrow, going to watch him work and grab some lunch. Yes, it is a surprise, I'm not an only child. I'm actually the middle of three, we just talk about the other 2! The brother owns a landscaping business, so I will rag him all day tomorrow about the way he is doing things. I'm going to check the Baltimore Snackers website to find a good place to go for lunch. The last time we went Mexican, maybe Indian, or noodles? I'd better have a backup plan, the brother isn't that adventuresome and eater. I wonder if we can find a place that sells good manudo? Oh well, either way, it should be a nice day.
The side porch fell off of the house yesterday. OK, it didn't actually fall off, but the bottom step did. That isn't note worthy in many cases, but we have the traditional 1970's style side porch, made from steel, weighing about 6 tons! All the houses in here have them, and they are all starting to show serious signs of rust. My problem is I use the side door. I suppose you would say just use the front door, but it's not that easy. The front steps are cement, and there is a lip to the top step. I can not get my foot over that lip without getting the toe of my shoe caught. I guess I need to have a new porch put on, but we have to keep the 1970's aluminum awning, it's cool!
I'm going out with the brother tomorrow, going to watch him work and grab some lunch. Yes, it is a surprise, I'm not an only child. I'm actually the middle of three, we just talk about the other 2! The brother owns a landscaping business, so I will rag him all day tomorrow about the way he is doing things. I'm going to check the Baltimore Snackers website to find a good place to go for lunch. The last time we went Mexican, maybe Indian, or noodles? I'd better have a backup plan, the brother isn't that adventuresome and eater. I wonder if we can find a place that sells good manudo? Oh well, either way, it should be a nice day.
The side porch fell off of the house yesterday. OK, it didn't actually fall off, but the bottom step did. That isn't note worthy in many cases, but we have the traditional 1970's style side porch, made from steel, weighing about 6 tons! All the houses in here have them, and they are all starting to show serious signs of rust. My problem is I use the side door. I suppose you would say just use the front door, but it's not that easy. The front steps are cement, and there is a lip to the top step. I can not get my foot over that lip without getting the toe of my shoe caught. I guess I need to have a new porch put on, but we have to keep the 1970's aluminum awning, it's cool!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Backyard Smoker, Having Fun, Not Giving In
I got a new toy to play with, wanted one for a while, so it should be fun. I really like to cook, all kinds of cooking too. The only one I should stay away from is baking, everything turns out tasting like biscuits! I have always wanted to own a southern barbecue stand, probably the only thing I ever consistently wanted to do. I have smoked things in the back yard for years too, usually in a regular Weber grill, every once in a while in a bullet style smoker, but I always wanted an offset smoker.The best part of this toy is I didn't buy it, my brother did, and then I borrowed it!
OK, I will probably, I said probably, either give it back, or buy it from him, maybe? I was having a blue day this summer and told him we should start a barbecue business, he went right out and bought a smoker! We went out to lunch the other day, and I asked him if he was using it much? He informed me it was still in the box, not even assembled. So much for a barbecue business! I'm like the wizard of great ideas, standing behind my curtain, pulling levers, setting off smoke bombs, just thinking crap up! I went from not having the nerve when I was younger to take the chance to do something, to having a body that makes the decision for me.
So big deal, I won't be the next Andy Nelson, there are worse things in life, doesn't mean I can't have fun. I have a friend who has a competition barbecue team, I could steal all of his recipes and smoke up the neighborhood. I'm going to smoke chicken, pork butts, sausages, hot dogs, pork chops, bologna, and anything else I can think of. I have to go out back tomorrow and give it a good seasoning before I use it, then I suppose I should invite the brother over for a barbecue, after all, it is his smoker! I think some good beef hot dogs, and a few slices of beef bologna should be the first thing I make. I wonder if they are on any of the MS diets I have looked at? Who cares, I'm trying them out!
OK, I will probably, I said probably, either give it back, or buy it from him, maybe? I was having a blue day this summer and told him we should start a barbecue business, he went right out and bought a smoker! We went out to lunch the other day, and I asked him if he was using it much? He informed me it was still in the box, not even assembled. So much for a barbecue business! I'm like the wizard of great ideas, standing behind my curtain, pulling levers, setting off smoke bombs, just thinking crap up! I went from not having the nerve when I was younger to take the chance to do something, to having a body that makes the decision for me.
So big deal, I won't be the next Andy Nelson, there are worse things in life, doesn't mean I can't have fun. I have a friend who has a competition barbecue team, I could steal all of his recipes and smoke up the neighborhood. I'm going to smoke chicken, pork butts, sausages, hot dogs, pork chops, bologna, and anything else I can think of. I have to go out back tomorrow and give it a good seasoning before I use it, then I suppose I should invite the brother over for a barbecue, after all, it is his smoker! I think some good beef hot dogs, and a few slices of beef bologna should be the first thing I make. I wonder if they are on any of the MS diets I have looked at? Who cares, I'm trying them out!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Fat Intake and Multiple Sclerosis
I was sitting out back today reading my favorite magazine, Mother Earth News. They have a big article this month about eating like your grandmother told you to, low carbs, and low sugar. Let me think, did Hildred tell me to eat that way? She didn't have many sweets laying around, but she would fry you a steak if you were good. I also don't remember fruit being real big, or baked breads, or noodle casseroles. She did make a wicked spaghetti that she used to leave on the stove until it was gone, even if it took 3 days to eat it all! Was she ahead of her time with all the meat? I can't remember if she made a lot green leafies, but she would make me collards and shad roe every March.
Is red meat going to kill me, or make my heart leap out of my chest and run down the street? The more I read, the more I think the wool has been pulled down on me once again. We have a nation of fat people, but what are we eating? Can you really eat an Atkins style menu and live to talk about it? What if you have MS? I haven't eaten at McD's in a coons age, but I'm still struggling with my weight. What is going to hurt me more, McD's mule meat, or the carbs from all the rest? I wonder if that 30 days dude would tackle that one for me? Go 30 days only eating McD's meat and see what happens.
Calorie counting and reducing fat is a joke! Until I push my big ass away from the table I am going to have a weight problem. Swank had it's merits, but it wasn't good for weight loss as long as I gorged myself on grilled chicken and boiled potatoes. Weight has got to play a part in MS, it sure does for me. Logic says it is harder for me to get around on weak legs then it will be for a guy 100 lbs less then me. Sugar is going to be tough, I love sweet tea, pies, and donuts. I think I can stay away from those, it's the sammiches I'm going to miss. I will let you know how I make out, I'm thinking Monday is a good day to start? I had a cheeseburger sub for lunch today,, it was a piece of heaven!
Is red meat going to kill me, or make my heart leap out of my chest and run down the street? The more I read, the more I think the wool has been pulled down on me once again. We have a nation of fat people, but what are we eating? Can you really eat an Atkins style menu and live to talk about it? What if you have MS? I haven't eaten at McD's in a coons age, but I'm still struggling with my weight. What is going to hurt me more, McD's mule meat, or the carbs from all the rest? I wonder if that 30 days dude would tackle that one for me? Go 30 days only eating McD's meat and see what happens.
Calorie counting and reducing fat is a joke! Until I push my big ass away from the table I am going to have a weight problem. Swank had it's merits, but it wasn't good for weight loss as long as I gorged myself on grilled chicken and boiled potatoes. Weight has got to play a part in MS, it sure does for me. Logic says it is harder for me to get around on weak legs then it will be for a guy 100 lbs less then me. Sugar is going to be tough, I love sweet tea, pies, and donuts. I think I can stay away from those, it's the sammiches I'm going to miss. I will let you know how I make out, I'm thinking Monday is a good day to start? I had a cheeseburger sub for lunch today,, it was a piece of heaven!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Multiple Sclerosis, Vitamin D, and Binkert's Meat Market
I was just thinking, while I take my vitamin D, should I still be taking my Rebif injections? I will be the first one to admit it, I am looking for any reason I can to stop these damn shots, but has anyone asked that question yet? Are the 2 things compatible? Does one cancel the other out? Somebody tell me that Rebif doesn't turn vitamin D into sulfuric acid or some other thing that doesn't belong in my body! I need to get in touch with my neuro I suppose to get some answers on why I feel so bad. Is there anything wrong with the D regiment, or is this how I am going to feel from now on? Nah, it's the Rebif!
I remember when I was a kid, my one set of grandparents, who weren't any relations at all, but they were to me, used to let me eat these really strong, really greasy, really good sausages. They were always out on the kitchen counter with really funky cheese, both sitting under a glass cake plate. They were great! Did ya ever have the sausages that you had to peel the casing off before you ate it? I love it! There's this place on Philadelphia Rd called Binkert's that sells that kind of sausage. I took the boy a few years ago and the smell alone almost killed him! They must have 40 things that end in wurst!
I just read that Binkert's had a fire on Monday and is closed. That's really sad, and not just because I can't go for the best liverwurst, or German mustards, or even the sauerkraut. It's too bad because we don't have enough old world food sources here in Baltimore anymore. Hausners is gone, so is Pollock Johnnies. OK, PJ's maybe isn't a good example, but their hot dogs with everything were excellent! I think there is a German butcher shop on Harford Road, but I can't remember the name. We don't have markets like they do in the city, so I suppose I'm stuck with Weis! Yikes, that's not good. Do they even make head cheese, or souse, or lugenworther? Oh well, good luck to Binkerts, I miss ya already.
I remember when I was a kid, my one set of grandparents, who weren't any relations at all, but they were to me, used to let me eat these really strong, really greasy, really good sausages. They were always out on the kitchen counter with really funky cheese, both sitting under a glass cake plate. They were great! Did ya ever have the sausages that you had to peel the casing off before you ate it? I love it! There's this place on Philadelphia Rd called Binkert's that sells that kind of sausage. I took the boy a few years ago and the smell alone almost killed him! They must have 40 things that end in wurst!
I just read that Binkert's had a fire on Monday and is closed. That's really sad, and not just because I can't go for the best liverwurst, or German mustards, or even the sauerkraut. It's too bad because we don't have enough old world food sources here in Baltimore anymore. Hausners is gone, so is Pollock Johnnies. OK, PJ's maybe isn't a good example, but their hot dogs with everything were excellent! I think there is a German butcher shop on Harford Road, but I can't remember the name. We don't have markets like they do in the city, so I suppose I'm stuck with Weis! Yikes, that's not good. Do they even make head cheese, or souse, or lugenworther? Oh well, good luck to Binkerts, I miss ya already.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Swank Day 4, Multiple Sclerosis, And Bathroom Update.
291 on the old scalearooney this morning. At this rate I should be down to fighting weight by next Thursday! Had a bowl of cereal and a banana for breakfast, a bowl of black beans and rice with a half a chicken breast cut up in it and a couple of pieces of fried polenta for lunch. Dinner will be something good, maybe some shrimp or fish, with maybe a salad? Copious amounts of water are being consumed also, although not yet up to 32 oz 5 times a day yet!
Anytime I have ever stopped anything they say is bad for me, I pay the price in my legs. When I stopped caffeine and nicotine, it took me weeks to get my legs under me again, or as much as I ever have them anymore. Evidently fat intake effects me the same way. My legs aren't worth much, other than to look at! I'm hoping that's a good sign, because I am going to be truly pissed if stopping all these things doesn't do anything good for me! Snacking is still my biggest problem. The Raven's game won't be the same without chips and dip, nachos, and m&m peanut butter, but I shall muddle through.
We worked on the bathroom for a bit today. We were able to get the molding back on around the window, and caulk down one side of the shower enclosure. So much for being told we would finish everything today. At this rate we may be finished by Thanksgiving, but Christmas is just around the corner. That's it, I want the bathroom finished for Christmas, done and done! That's a load off, now I can hope I get an early present. I am thankful, really I am, I just don't like having to beg to get family to do things for me.
Anytime I have ever stopped anything they say is bad for me, I pay the price in my legs. When I stopped caffeine and nicotine, it took me weeks to get my legs under me again, or as much as I ever have them anymore. Evidently fat intake effects me the same way. My legs aren't worth much, other than to look at! I'm hoping that's a good sign, because I am going to be truly pissed if stopping all these things doesn't do anything good for me! Snacking is still my biggest problem. The Raven's game won't be the same without chips and dip, nachos, and m&m peanut butter, but I shall muddle through.
We worked on the bathroom for a bit today. We were able to get the molding back on around the window, and caulk down one side of the shower enclosure. So much for being told we would finish everything today. At this rate we may be finished by Thanksgiving, but Christmas is just around the corner. That's it, I want the bathroom finished for Christmas, done and done! That's a load off, now I can hope I get an early present. I am thankful, really I am, I just don't like having to beg to get family to do things for me.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
MS And The Modified Swank Diet, Day 2
Treadmill or exercise bike? Both are good choices, it's this squinky leg I'm trying to figure out. I know exercise is important, but I have to change what I have ingrained in my mind as exercise. I was never a huge fan of working out. I can remember the mandatory 30 minute runs during lacrosse season. I would cut down through the woods to a friends house for a smoke and something to eat, returning just as everyone else finished. Now the possibility of a vigorous 30 minute run is impossible. I need to except that maybe 3 minutes, 5 times a day is what I need? Anymore than that and things start to shut down, defeating the purpose.
What to eat isn't the problem with the Swank shtick, It's what not to eat. Boredom is my worse enemy when it comes to food. People not on my schedule have no idea what my days consist of. People try to make me feel better by telling me it's good, I can just take it easy, go at my own pace. Go where? I'm home, all day, everyday. It gets old, and it gets old fast! 11 years into it I thought I had my weight under control. Instead of filling my face with food, sit in my special spot outside and smoke. Plan change, that's not good for me either, so I'm smoke free, but food took its place. Snacking has become public enemy #1. Pretzels, chips, popcorn, and everything else you can think of are bad for anyone in vast quantities.
So my breakfast of a multi grain English muffin with a little jam and an apple was fine. So was the tomato sammich and plum I had for lunch. The problem comes in the time in between. That's the time I have to guard against grabbing a snack, or 2, or 3. Right now I have the goal of my niece's wedding in October, so I have something to shoot for. It would be nice to wear a suit to the wedding, not a moomoo and a fat guy hat! Dinner tonight is going to be a piece of boneless chicken breast, black beans and rice, and some steamed cabbage, with a homemade hot pepper vinegar. Good eats. My scale is still broken, it still says 300 with a groan!
What to eat isn't the problem with the Swank shtick, It's what not to eat. Boredom is my worse enemy when it comes to food. People not on my schedule have no idea what my days consist of. People try to make me feel better by telling me it's good, I can just take it easy, go at my own pace. Go where? I'm home, all day, everyday. It gets old, and it gets old fast! 11 years into it I thought I had my weight under control. Instead of filling my face with food, sit in my special spot outside and smoke. Plan change, that's not good for me either, so I'm smoke free, but food took its place. Snacking has become public enemy #1. Pretzels, chips, popcorn, and everything else you can think of are bad for anyone in vast quantities.
So my breakfast of a multi grain English muffin with a little jam and an apple was fine. So was the tomato sammich and plum I had for lunch. The problem comes in the time in between. That's the time I have to guard against grabbing a snack, or 2, or 3. Right now I have the goal of my niece's wedding in October, so I have something to shoot for. It would be nice to wear a suit to the wedding, not a moomoo and a fat guy hat! Dinner tonight is going to be a piece of boneless chicken breast, black beans and rice, and some steamed cabbage, with a homemade hot pepper vinegar. Good eats. My scale is still broken, it still says 300 with a groan!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Start Of My Modified Swank Diet, Or The Dawning Of Common Sense.
So here we are, no direction, no goal, simply no flow. I've been one shot or another for about 11 years, hated every day of it. Liking something isn't always a prerequisite for needing to do it. I stopped the Rebif a few months back for a few months, just to answer that nagging question of if the shots were doing anything. They were, I ended up like a big quivering bowl of Jello! Not a pretty image, but unfortunately an accurate one. I've been whining about getting a script for LDN, or more accurately not getting one. I decided last night it was time to do for myself, and if I don't, then know what to whine about!
Today starts my Swank diet, or my version of it. I quit smoking and drinking with a total immersion into abstinence, I'm going to wade into changing my eating habits. Worse case scenario is I loss some extra tonnage in the process. This isn't rocket science, eat good things, good things happen. My modified approach is one that can be, well modified. If things go well and I see a benefit, I will follow the diet more to the letter of the law.
First thing first, what am I going to eat? I need to plan out a strategy. Let's hope I'm right about this being common sense, and that I have a bit of it! Increase fruit and vegetables, decrease fats from animal carcasses and parts. Less cakes and pies, more rice and beans. I also have to attack portion size. Eating too much food that is good for you is bad too. I'm starting out at 300 lbs, or so I think? My scale only goes up to 300 and stops. I'm not sure, but I think I noticed the needle bend when it hit 300! I went and got my hair cut in hopes that helps with tomorrow's weigh in.
Breakfast was skipped today because I had a great nights sleep and didn't get up until lunch time. I must have been content with my decision to take control, or maybe it was the drugs that helped, who knows. Lunch was a whopping tomato sammich, courtesy of my idiot proof garden. Very filling, plus a big bunch of grapes and a soda. I'm going to cut the soda way down to meals, back to drinking gallons of water to flush out the old pipes. Dinner is going to be a Cantonese hot pot, basically chicken broth you cook veggies and meat in. I'm having tofu tonight, I love the stuff, along with cabbage, mushrooms, green onions and rice. Let me know what you think, and feel free to give me any menu suggestions.
Today starts my Swank diet, or my version of it. I quit smoking and drinking with a total immersion into abstinence, I'm going to wade into changing my eating habits. Worse case scenario is I loss some extra tonnage in the process. This isn't rocket science, eat good things, good things happen. My modified approach is one that can be, well modified. If things go well and I see a benefit, I will follow the diet more to the letter of the law.
First thing first, what am I going to eat? I need to plan out a strategy. Let's hope I'm right about this being common sense, and that I have a bit of it! Increase fruit and vegetables, decrease fats from animal carcasses and parts. Less cakes and pies, more rice and beans. I also have to attack portion size. Eating too much food that is good for you is bad too. I'm starting out at 300 lbs, or so I think? My scale only goes up to 300 and stops. I'm not sure, but I think I noticed the needle bend when it hit 300! I went and got my hair cut in hopes that helps with tomorrow's weigh in.
Breakfast was skipped today because I had a great nights sleep and didn't get up until lunch time. I must have been content with my decision to take control, or maybe it was the drugs that helped, who knows. Lunch was a whopping tomato sammich, courtesy of my idiot proof garden. Very filling, plus a big bunch of grapes and a soda. I'm going to cut the soda way down to meals, back to drinking gallons of water to flush out the old pipes. Dinner is going to be a Cantonese hot pot, basically chicken broth you cook veggies and meat in. I'm having tofu tonight, I love the stuff, along with cabbage, mushrooms, green onions and rice. Let me know what you think, and feel free to give me any menu suggestions.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
You Have To Try Fiesta Mexicana
Do your tastes change as you get older? I have always like just about anything. Yes, guacamole eggs and chocolate milk is still one of my favs for breakfast. I do find that the older I get, the more I appreciate really good food, as opposed to just different food. We were sitting around the house today, just me and my baby, the boy was at work and the girl moved back into the dorm today, trying to figure out what to do next? I said I had found a pretty good blog about local food and that we should see what was available that we hadn't tried. We were going to go to Sam's club to look around, and do one of my fav things, people watch.
We saw a review of what looked like a good Mexican restuarant, and it was in the right direction, so off we went. The name of the place is Fiesta Mexicana, 8304 Philadelphia Road Rosedale, Md. It was everything we read it was and more. Parking is interesting and we were past the dinner rush, so I bet at rush times it's a blast to park. It's just an old storefront on Rt. 7, but you don't need anymore then that. There was a table outside with an umbrella, and a woman standing at a BBQ grill cooking chicken that made me want to reach in and take a piece! The chef, I think she is the owner, welcomed us and said the menu was on the counter, and it was, on the counter under glass.
She followed us in and explained what we were in for. Taco Bell this aint! We got a Pambazos, I think I'm in love with food! It's a spiced roll that's fried, then stuffed with potatoes, sausage, lettuce and creme fresh. Swish! We also got Sopes with chicken and beef, and Flautas with chicken and Chorizo sausage. They gave us 2 different salsas, one green, the other red. They were both different, but equally delicious!
We don't go for fast food much anymore, it seems to have lost its appeal. I would rather not go out as often and really enjoy it when we do. We really enjoyed it tonight! The place was clean, bright and cheery. The people working really seemed glad we were there. They were cheerful and full of smiles, it was nice. The food was outstanding, the wife said she felt like she was in Mexico City! The sodas were served in glass returnable bottles, a nice touch. We are looking forward to going back and trying the rest of the menu, and another Pambazos!
We saw a review of what looked like a good Mexican restuarant, and it was in the right direction, so off we went. The name of the place is Fiesta Mexicana, 8304 Philadelphia Road Rosedale, Md. It was everything we read it was and more. Parking is interesting and we were past the dinner rush, so I bet at rush times it's a blast to park. It's just an old storefront on Rt. 7, but you don't need anymore then that. There was a table outside with an umbrella, and a woman standing at a BBQ grill cooking chicken that made me want to reach in and take a piece! The chef, I think she is the owner, welcomed us and said the menu was on the counter, and it was, on the counter under glass.
She followed us in and explained what we were in for. Taco Bell this aint! We got a Pambazos, I think I'm in love with food! It's a spiced roll that's fried, then stuffed with potatoes, sausage, lettuce and creme fresh. Swish! We also got Sopes with chicken and beef, and Flautas with chicken and Chorizo sausage. They gave us 2 different salsas, one green, the other red. They were both different, but equally delicious!
We don't go for fast food much anymore, it seems to have lost its appeal. I would rather not go out as often and really enjoy it when we do. We really enjoyed it tonight! The place was clean, bright and cheery. The people working really seemed glad we were there. They were cheerful and full of smiles, it was nice. The food was outstanding, the wife said she felt like she was in Mexico City! The sodas were served in glass returnable bottles, a nice touch. We are looking forward to going back and trying the rest of the menu, and another Pambazos!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Washer Toss Championship
I guess it may have to do with the Olympics, but I'm pretty sure I could qualify for the U.S. washer toss team. I played it today for the first time and I was awesome! I played against people that I'm pretty sure have played professionally, or at least have hustled for money? It was a cut throat match lineup, but my partner and I destroyed all comers. My partner was an anchor around my neck, but like I said, I was awesome!
We beat all the teams at the Westminster washer toss complex on a gorgeous day. I was able to perfect my left hand saucer toss. Most people have to throw an end over end washer, it's not too pretty, but it's adequate. I used to throw right handed, but that hand, along with my right leg, aren't worth a whole lot anymore. Luckily I'm amphibious, you know, I can use either hand, so I made the adjustment like a pro! It was scads of fun, at least for us winners, and an important historical event for everyone, even the losers!
Michael Phelps called me to say congratulations on my toss efforts, we are both Baltimore boys. I told Michael he had a good day too, beating the loud mouth frogs who only came to the games to beat the Americans. How's that plan working for you now Frenchies? Did the French see how high the gold medal signs were? Well our boys sure did! Way to go fellas, USA, USA, USA!
The WATG competition BBQ team faired pretty good. They scored a 5th place for pork, 15th ribs, and 19th brisket. They had a tough time with the chicken placing 40th out of I think 50 teams. I think there was a bone to pick with WATG from the judges, The food looked great, smelled great, was presented great. It was just great! Better luck next time guys, if you need any tips, feel free to ask me, my butt rub is known around venues nation wide as making a difference on butts, thighs, or even breasts. Just let me know, If I picked up the washer toss that fast, chicken thighs should only take me a few minutes! Viva Americanos!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Dreams Crushed By Cooking Contest
Now I know how the pilots not selected for the space program must feel. My dreams of winning the Damon's recipe contest have been thwarted by barley soup and chicken salad! My years of preparation and testing have all been for naught. I could go back to the drawing board and prepare for next year? I could also sell my kitchen appliances accept that some things are not meant to be!
I went into this culinary competition with a plan, a strategy, a secret weapon if you will. The best recipe wasn't going to be the one that won, and obviously it didn't. The winner of this gastronomic battle would be the one that could be reproduced cheaply. Oh yeah, they weren't going to go for a Maryland crab dish, or shrimp kabobs. Chicken salad! How mundane! I can make chicken salad out of anything! Cheap was king. Since they were going to serve the winning recipes for free to the patrons of the Perry Hall festival, cheap and easy was the winning strategy. Barley soup!
I had a chicken dish too, but no, they didn't want flavorful. My pounded chicken is world renowned! All right, my kids love it, but kids have to eat too. It's so juicy you could give it away and sell napkins. Now that's juicy! I didn't see zucchini fritters on the list of winning celebrity chef offerings. I can get my kids to eat zucchini for Lord's sake! Does Damon's know what they missed? Do they care that I sit and ponder what may have been? They don't care! They're a heartless corporation, not in the business of dream realization!
Do you think the battle could have been lost before it began? I'm not saying I wasn't prepared, I'm saying I was robbed! I bet the winners were employees of Rachel Ray! I'm glad I didn't win! If they had picked me I would have declined the nomination! Yeah, I would have said no, find someone else to heap the adulation and trimmings of victory upon! Yeah, you can take that to the bank and smoke it! All in all I have nothing to be ashamed of. I gave it my best shot and was royally screwed out of the victory! If they think I'm doing it again next year, they are dead on right. I shall be avenged and my triumph will be told for centuries to recipe contest hopefuls with a dream.
p.s. Send me what you think would be a winning recipe. Maybe I'll steal it for next year?
I went into this culinary competition with a plan, a strategy, a secret weapon if you will. The best recipe wasn't going to be the one that won, and obviously it didn't. The winner of this gastronomic battle would be the one that could be reproduced cheaply. Oh yeah, they weren't going to go for a Maryland crab dish, or shrimp kabobs. Chicken salad! How mundane! I can make chicken salad out of anything! Cheap was king. Since they were going to serve the winning recipes for free to the patrons of the Perry Hall festival, cheap and easy was the winning strategy. Barley soup!
I had a chicken dish too, but no, they didn't want flavorful. My pounded chicken is world renowned! All right, my kids love it, but kids have to eat too. It's so juicy you could give it away and sell napkins. Now that's juicy! I didn't see zucchini fritters on the list of winning celebrity chef offerings. I can get my kids to eat zucchini for Lord's sake! Does Damon's know what they missed? Do they care that I sit and ponder what may have been? They don't care! They're a heartless corporation, not in the business of dream realization!
Do you think the battle could have been lost before it began? I'm not saying I wasn't prepared, I'm saying I was robbed! I bet the winners were employees of Rachel Ray! I'm glad I didn't win! If they had picked me I would have declined the nomination! Yeah, I would have said no, find someone else to heap the adulation and trimmings of victory upon! Yeah, you can take that to the bank and smoke it! All in all I have nothing to be ashamed of. I gave it my best shot and was royally screwed out of the victory! If they think I'm doing it again next year, they are dead on right. I shall be avenged and my triumph will be told for centuries to recipe contest hopefuls with a dream.
p.s. Send me what you think would be a winning recipe. Maybe I'll steal it for next year?
Friday, June 20, 2008
Recipe Contest
That's right, I'm entering a recipe contest! Come on, take your best shot! It's my chance and fame and fortune, well not fortune, I don't think you win anything but an attaboy, but there is tons of fame involved! I can see it now, a string of restaurants with my face on the billboard. OK, maybe we will use someone else's face since people will be eating. I'm going to go for it, and I think my chances are pretty good.
The contest works like this. You write out your fav recipe, main dish, side dish, just not a satellite dish, and you send it to Damon's to be judged by their executive chefs. They aren't just using any old chefs, they're going whole hog and using the execs, oh yeah baby! So the execs will judge which of the entries are the best, actually the 3 best, and announce the winners, with samples for the crowd, at the Perry Hall Festival! I hope there is a crown involved!
I have always liked to cook, even when I was a kid. I can remember asking my Grandmother how she knew how much of everything to put in, she never measured anything? She told me the obvious answer and I felt like a real rube for not knowing it. She told me you put stuff in until it was right! DUH! I was able to learn anyway, mostly by just watching. My favorite thing was sticking my finger in the bowl. You ever been smacked with a razor sharp carving knife? Yikes! She would say, as she lashed out with her blade, "I can't keep the smell out of your nose, but I can keep the taste out of your mouth"! My Mom would always let me do things in the kitchen, and she didn't beat me with cutlery. I still enjoy cooking and spending time with my Mom and I miss cooking pig's feet and stewed tomatoes with Grandma.
Now I'm all growed up and can cook anything I want to, so there! But what to make? It can't be complicated, but it can't be simple either. I'm sure a contest like this will bring out the top gourmands from across the state. I'm hoping that nerves don't play a role in this, I'd hate to freeze up at the wrong time. I've taken a cooking class with a competitive cooking champion, so that's in my favor. It's just I need the perfect dish.
Simple is best. Yeah if it's too complicated the executive chef's may not be able to follow. Yep, nice and simple, but with a delicious taste. When I open my hot dog shop that's going to be my credo, nice and simple. You want to know what is the best part of the whole deal? I'm 46 years old, this is a free community fair that means absolutely nothing, and I'm excited about it. The older I get the more I realize how important the little dumb things are, and how much fun they can be. Here's to hoping that in 10 years dumb stuff still makes me smile, and you too!
The contest works like this. You write out your fav recipe, main dish, side dish, just not a satellite dish, and you send it to Damon's to be judged by their executive chefs. They aren't just using any old chefs, they're going whole hog and using the execs, oh yeah baby! So the execs will judge which of the entries are the best, actually the 3 best, and announce the winners, with samples for the crowd, at the Perry Hall Festival! I hope there is a crown involved!
I have always liked to cook, even when I was a kid. I can remember asking my Grandmother how she knew how much of everything to put in, she never measured anything? She told me the obvious answer and I felt like a real rube for not knowing it. She told me you put stuff in until it was right! DUH! I was able to learn anyway, mostly by just watching. My favorite thing was sticking my finger in the bowl. You ever been smacked with a razor sharp carving knife? Yikes! She would say, as she lashed out with her blade, "I can't keep the smell out of your nose, but I can keep the taste out of your mouth"! My Mom would always let me do things in the kitchen, and she didn't beat me with cutlery. I still enjoy cooking and spending time with my Mom and I miss cooking pig's feet and stewed tomatoes with Grandma.
Now I'm all growed up and can cook anything I want to, so there! But what to make? It can't be complicated, but it can't be simple either. I'm sure a contest like this will bring out the top gourmands from across the state. I'm hoping that nerves don't play a role in this, I'd hate to freeze up at the wrong time. I've taken a cooking class with a competitive cooking champion, so that's in my favor. It's just I need the perfect dish.
Simple is best. Yeah if it's too complicated the executive chef's may not be able to follow. Yep, nice and simple, but with a delicious taste. When I open my hot dog shop that's going to be my credo, nice and simple. You want to know what is the best part of the whole deal? I'm 46 years old, this is a free community fair that means absolutely nothing, and I'm excited about it. The older I get the more I realize how important the little dumb things are, and how much fun they can be. Here's to hoping that in 10 years dumb stuff still makes me smile, and you too!
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