What a day!!
We shopped til we dropped, or perhaps we shopped til we were broke!
We met the Wippell's truck in Pialba and collected our organic meat order.
We went into Office Works so that I could buy a $4 lever arch folder and came out with over $60 worth of gear. Oh how I love you Office Works.
We went into Go Natural for some chook food and came out with chook food and two bags of other goodies.
We went into Nana's Pantry for some coconut oil and some nuts and came out with quite a bit more than that.
We went into Stocklands for some dog food ingredients and came out with a trolley load of groceries, some flowers, a set of stainless steel saucepans and a scarf.
The saucepans that I have now were acquired from the prize cabinet at the Griffith ExServicemen's Club in 2003. They have done their time and I'm excited to now own a new set of delicious, good quality cookware.
We went into Harvey Normans to price a food processor (because mine is almost 12 years old and it's clip attachment decided to snap off yesterday!) and came out with a very large box with a very lovely processor that even has built in scales!
My food processor and blender are probably the two kitchen gadgets that I use almost daily, so the old one has had a damned good run. The new one has big shoes to fill!
Finally, we picked up our FROG box on the way home.
Needless to say, our car was chocka-block full to the brim by the time we arrived home.
We drank a cup of bone broth before we left home this morning and then each had a coffee at about midday and that was it all day. We both still had plenty of energy by the end of the day and after I unpacked our loot, I cooked up some chicken and salad for Adoring Husband before he set off for SES training and I had a bunch of grapes. My body is so well nourished, I still have plenty of energy tonight. It's a good feeling.
Tomorrow I'm going to groom the dogs (yes, I know, I've been meaning to do that all week!) and then I'm going to spend some time in the kitchen to christen my new food processor! Woot! Woot!
There is nothing like a bit of retail therapy to rejuvenate the mind :) and now I'm watching one of my favourite movies (in my top 5 list) "Dances With Wolves", so ...
Nite all.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Desk Envy
Finally!
I have the 'before' and 'after' photos of my work area.
We spent the morning doing some much needed housework and washing today and then the afternoon catching up on some more of the series of 'Nurse Jackie' that we've recorded.
Tomorrow will be a day of shopping and picking up our organic FROG fruit and vegetables as well as our big organic meat order. I guess I'll be spending the afternoon and evening packing everything away!
So I need to hit the sack right now!
Nite all.
I have the 'before' and 'after' photos of my work area.
We spent the morning doing some much needed housework and washing today and then the afternoon catching up on some more of the series of 'Nurse Jackie' that we've recorded.
Tomorrow will be a day of shopping and picking up our organic FROG fruit and vegetables as well as our big organic meat order. I guess I'll be spending the afternoon and evening packing everything away!
So I need to hit the sack right now!
Nite all.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Farewell Full of Love
Adoring Husband and I attended a funeral today.
The funeral of June Wallis, who was murdered by her husband, our local baker, on 22nd March.
I knew her husband a little better than I knew June, but I still considered her a close acquaintance.
She was only 32 years of age and was a happy, warm and friendly member of our community. Her crazy laugh could often be heard bubbling through the bakery doors.
June adored her children and family, and horses were her great passion. The presentation slide show of her life was full of photographs from her childhood and 95% of them contained at least one horse! What she didn't know about horses was not worth knowing. She was the local horse 'go to' guru.
AH and I estimated that there were more than 300 people who attended today's celebration of June's life and so many of us wore bright colours for that celebration which, I must say, was quite uplifting!
As people arrived with flowers, the ushers took them to the front of the church where there was a large stage and lay them along the front of it. By the time the funeral commenced, it was a sea of colour.
After we were all seated in this very large church - more like an arena - the casket was carried down the centre aisle, with her father, affectionately known as Wal, as lead pall bearer and I swear I could hear hearts shattering as we watched this broken man carry his baby to her final farewell. The physical pain that I felt was palpable and I struggled to hold it together. There were many who clearly did not hold it together.
Luckily, the friend with whom I sat, had spare tissues, because I forgot to take any.
When they placed the casket at the front of the church, they lay June's saddle and other horse riding paraphernalia upon it.
I'm not sure that you could call it a 'service' today. There were no prayers or hymns or scriptures, but simply beautiful words written by the family members telling the story of June's life and how she affected theirs. Incredibly moving and emotional.
Part way through, we were all invited to step forward to relate any stories that we wanted to share. I don't think there was a single person there with the emotional strength to publicly speak.
We listened to some of June's favourite music while people made their way to where ushers were holding baskets of gum leaves and each person selected a gum leaf to place upon the casket and embraced each member of the family to offer their condolences.
As heart breaking as that was to watch, the love in that church was overwhelming. You could feel it, it was tangible and like two giant arms wrapping around all of us.
An hour after the funeral began, we all followed Wal and the other pall bearers as they carried June's casket out to the waiting hearse.
It really was a beautiful celebration and a credit to the family for bringing it all together under such trying circumstances.
I know what it is to lose a child, but I cannot begin to comprehend the world of hurt that Wal and Sue and June's children are enduring right now. Thankfully, they have each other and there is love.
Nite all.
The funeral of June Wallis, who was murdered by her husband, our local baker, on 22nd March.
I knew her husband a little better than I knew June, but I still considered her a close acquaintance.
She was only 32 years of age and was a happy, warm and friendly member of our community. Her crazy laugh could often be heard bubbling through the bakery doors.
June adored her children and family, and horses were her great passion. The presentation slide show of her life was full of photographs from her childhood and 95% of them contained at least one horse! What she didn't know about horses was not worth knowing. She was the local horse 'go to' guru.
AH and I estimated that there were more than 300 people who attended today's celebration of June's life and so many of us wore bright colours for that celebration which, I must say, was quite uplifting!
As people arrived with flowers, the ushers took them to the front of the church where there was a large stage and lay them along the front of it. By the time the funeral commenced, it was a sea of colour.
After we were all seated in this very large church - more like an arena - the casket was carried down the centre aisle, with her father, affectionately known as Wal, as lead pall bearer and I swear I could hear hearts shattering as we watched this broken man carry his baby to her final farewell. The physical pain that I felt was palpable and I struggled to hold it together. There were many who clearly did not hold it together.
Luckily, the friend with whom I sat, had spare tissues, because I forgot to take any.
When they placed the casket at the front of the church, they lay June's saddle and other horse riding paraphernalia upon it.
I'm not sure that you could call it a 'service' today. There were no prayers or hymns or scriptures, but simply beautiful words written by the family members telling the story of June's life and how she affected theirs. Incredibly moving and emotional.
Part way through, we were all invited to step forward to relate any stories that we wanted to share. I don't think there was a single person there with the emotional strength to publicly speak.
We listened to some of June's favourite music while people made their way to where ushers were holding baskets of gum leaves and each person selected a gum leaf to place upon the casket and embraced each member of the family to offer their condolences.
As heart breaking as that was to watch, the love in that church was overwhelming. You could feel it, it was tangible and like two giant arms wrapping around all of us.
An hour after the funeral began, we all followed Wal and the other pall bearers as they carried June's casket out to the waiting hearse.
It really was a beautiful celebration and a credit to the family for bringing it all together under such trying circumstances.
I know what it is to lose a child, but I cannot begin to comprehend the world of hurt that Wal and Sue and June's children are enduring right now. Thankfully, they have each other and there is love.
Nite all.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Beneficial
The story of salt.
Refined white salt, such as commercial table salt is bad.
Most people have trouble making a distinction between unrefined and refined salt.
'Unrefined' salt, on the other hand, has not been put through a harsh chemical process.
Refined white salt, such as commercial table salt is bad.
Unrefined natural salt on the other hand is good, very good stuff, providing many health benefits.
Unrefined sea salt is healthy, as is Himalayan salt. Both are very easily metabolised by the body.
Unrefined sea salt is healthy, as is Himalayan salt. Both are very easily metabolised by the body.
Real salt (of various kinds) contains plenty of magnesium and other important minerals, which is why it usually does not affect blood pressure in a negative way.
They ‘lump’ all salt together as a bad substance. This is a mistake.
'Refined' salt has had its minerals removed and has been bleached to give it the white appearance that we are accustomed to seeing with salt. It is the fine, white salt that is available at almost any restaurant or supermarket.
It contains the natural minerals which are found in the natural product.
The mineral content gives it a distinct colour. The colours of unrefined salt can vary depending on where it is from and this is due to the changing mineral content of the various locations that it's taken from.
It is the minerals in unrefined salt that provide all the benefits. The minerals supply the body with over 80 trace elements needed to maintain and sustain health, plus, the minerals elevate the pH (correct acidity) and lower blood pressure.
Nature gave us salt—unrefined salt—with its full complement of minerals. It should be the salt of choice. It is a vital ingredient that needs to be part of everyone’s diet.
We NEED salt to survive.
Some of the benefits to our body includes preventing muscle cramps, strengthening bone structure, helping maintain muscle tone and strength, balancing sugar levels in the body, helping the body absorb nutrients through the intestinal tract and it helps regulate sleep.
One problem is that every processed food from dips to sauces to dressings to cakes to ice creams and crackers contain refined salt. Unless you are super vigilant, it's almost impossible to avoid.
So that's the salt story, the good and the bad.
This is what I found on my morning trike ride today. It might be a bit graphic for some, but this guy should have listened to Mama when she said "never touch two power lines at the same time"!
Another lazy day. A bit of cooking. A bit of cleaning. A bit of online shopping - ordered some nice organic meat from a beef, pork and lamb farmer up north. Pick it up on Thursday at the same time as we pick up our organic vegetables. I'm drooling just thinking about it!
I'm off to have some late night bone broth.
Nite all.
Another lazy day. A bit of cooking. A bit of cleaning. A bit of online shopping - ordered some nice organic meat from a beef, pork and lamb farmer up north. Pick it up on Thursday at the same time as we pick up our organic vegetables. I'm drooling just thinking about it!
I'm off to have some late night bone broth.
Nite all.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Lessons and Questions
Things you need to know about some popular health trends.
But they only work if you're eating a clean diet to begin with. If you're eating a lot of processed foods, sipping sugary drinks throughout the day, munching on crackers and cheese while slugging down a few beverages and then sometimes adding a few chia seeds to your morning smoothie expecting results, then it's not enough to cancel out all that bad stuff.
Another four minute video of Nora Gedgaudas talking about gut bacteria.
Now for a question that will get you thinking ...
If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose?
My shortlist was
My final decision is 'Gilmore Girls' - old movies and junk food and love abounds!
Adoring Husband has chosen 'Big Bang Theory' because it's funny and he can relate so well to Sheldon (the main character).
I'm off to make a late lunch/early dinner. We had a huge late breakfast of bacon, eggs, mushroom, tomato and avocado and I'm still not the slightest bit hungry 5 hours later, however, Adoring Husband is asking for food, so I'd best provide some healthful nourishment before he chooses to fill up on junk.
Nite all.
Superfoods: Chia seeds, Maca powder, Cacao powder, Goji berries etc.
Are they really super? Yes, these superfoods are extremely high in antioxidants and do have superior qualities.
Cacao is exceptionally high in iron and magnesium (justifying those chocolate cravings that tend to creep up during the menstrual cycle) and Goji berries are loaded with vitamin C (500 times that of oranges by weight) and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
But they only work if you're eating a clean diet to begin with. If you're eating a lot of processed foods, sipping sugary drinks throughout the day, munching on crackers and cheese while slugging down a few beverages and then sometimes adding a few chia seeds to your morning smoothie expecting results, then it's not enough to cancel out all that bad stuff.
Instead of treating superfoods as a cure-all, clean up your diet and then embrace superfoods as add ons to an already balanced diet. That's when they become really super and there are plenty of other nutritional powerhouse foods around like leafy greens, wild salmon, sweet potatoes and avocado that can also be classed as superfoods.
Supplements: Most supplements on the market are absolute crap. Yep, it's true. Someone I know who was a Naturopath and then accepted a job with a well known, highly respected supplement company, discovered after a year, that most of those little pills are loaded with impure additives including fillers, binders and lubricants. (The discovery was a huge disappointment to her and ethically and morally, she couldn't continue working there)
Those additives cause malabsorption and prevent your body from utilising the few benefits that are in the supplements, or in the food that you eat. Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?
No supplement is going to cure or take the place of a bad diet. Some supplements may be beneficial, but it's best to consult with a health professional whom you trust, before heading to the health food store to load up on herbs and supplements.
No supplement is going to cure or take the place of a bad diet. Some supplements may be beneficial, but it's best to consult with a health professional whom you trust, before heading to the health food store to load up on herbs and supplements.
A good diet (have I said this already?) is always better than anything else you can try.
Calorie Counting: Although the world is moving away from the calorie counting trend, it still rears its ugly head in the form of catchy marketing slogans. We see it everyday in advertising on our television screens and in the magazines. Food marketers still (successfully, unfortunately) use calorie totals to disguise the fact that their "health" foods aren't actually healthy. "Buy me! I'm only 100 calories!" And we buy them, because at one point in time, counting calories was all the rage.
The latest news? Calories don't matter. Clean food does matter. As a former (rather obsessive) calorie counter, I've gone the opposite way and have to tell you — it's beyond freeing.
The latest news? Calories don't matter. Clean food does matter. As a former (rather obsessive) calorie counter, I've gone the opposite way and have to tell you — it's beyond freeing.
As long as you are eating quality food and not eating beyond your body's needs, calories are insignificant. However, if you simply must buy packaged foods, don't completely ignore nutrition labels. They are still necessary to evaluate other aspects of the nutritional contents, such as sodium content and sugar.
End of today's lesson.
Another four minute video of Nora Gedgaudas talking about gut bacteria.
Now for a question that will get you thinking ...
If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose?
My shortlist was
- 'Moonlighting' - because I had the hots for Bruce Willis way back then.
- 'Will and Grace' because I adore Jack and Karen and they would be a blast to play with.
- 'Brothers and Sisters' just so that I can hang with Sally Field and possibly meet Harrison Ford who is married to one of the other stars, Calista Flockhart, oh and of course I'd meet the yummy Rob Lowe.
- 'Absolutely Fabulous' for the wine, travel and sarcasm.
- 'Sex and the City' for the cocktails/wine, shopping and friendship.
- 'Friends' for the friends and Phoebe would be my best friend!
- 'Gilmore Girls' because living in Stars Hollow would be fabulous, eating at Lukes would be interesting and watching old movies while eating junk food is my kind of heaven.
My final decision is 'Gilmore Girls' - old movies and junk food and love abounds!
Adoring Husband has chosen 'Big Bang Theory' because it's funny and he can relate so well to Sheldon (the main character).
I'm off to make a late lunch/early dinner. We had a huge late breakfast of bacon, eggs, mushroom, tomato and avocado and I'm still not the slightest bit hungry 5 hours later, however, Adoring Husband is asking for food, so I'd best provide some healthful nourishment before he chooses to fill up on junk.
Nite all.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Short and Sweet - enjoy it!
"Our Brain & Body Runs Better on Fat, Not Carbs" by Nora Gedgaudas (2012)
This is just a short 6 minute video of Nora Gedgaudas talking about fats and carbs.
Nora is the author of Primal Body Primal Mind, of which I own a copy, but haven't had a chance to read yet - along with 6 other books on my desk that I've only glanced at! One day!
To learn more about Nora, go here.
I had a quiet morning at home while Adoring Husband worked at our local markets, cooking breakfasts to raise funds for the SES.
For lunch, I cooked up a delicious roast chicken with garlic onion gravy. Roasted sweet potato, parsnip, carrot, capsicum, zucchini and beetroot accompanied the chicken along with some steamed broccolini.
Of course, today was Super Saturday for football and there were three games to watch on TV. AH didn't quite make it through the third game and headed off to bed.
We'd had a light dinner of chicken wings with a salad of baby spinach, rocket, onion, cucumber, avocado and pear dressed with balsamic vinegar.
The reason I always share a description of what we eat, is so that you can see that eating Paleo is nourishing and far from boring.
Tomorrow, I'm going to try a recipe from Pete Evans' new 'Going Paleo' book. The crispy skinned chicken recipe has been getting rave reviews, so I'll take photos and share the recipe, if it's as good as they say.
Time for bed. I think I might use my lavender essential oil tonight to lull me into a relaxed state of snoozing.
Nite all.
This is just a short 6 minute video of Nora Gedgaudas talking about fats and carbs.
Nora is the author of Primal Body Primal Mind, of which I own a copy, but haven't had a chance to read yet - along with 6 other books on my desk that I've only glanced at! One day!
To learn more about Nora, go here.
I had a quiet morning at home while Adoring Husband worked at our local markets, cooking breakfasts to raise funds for the SES.
For lunch, I cooked up a delicious roast chicken with garlic onion gravy. Roasted sweet potato, parsnip, carrot, capsicum, zucchini and beetroot accompanied the chicken along with some steamed broccolini.
Of course, today was Super Saturday for football and there were three games to watch on TV. AH didn't quite make it through the third game and headed off to bed.
We'd had a light dinner of chicken wings with a salad of baby spinach, rocket, onion, cucumber, avocado and pear dressed with balsamic vinegar.
The reason I always share a description of what we eat, is so that you can see that eating Paleo is nourishing and far from boring.
Tomorrow, I'm going to try a recipe from Pete Evans' new 'Going Paleo' book. The crispy skinned chicken recipe has been getting rave reviews, so I'll take photos and share the recipe, if it's as good as they say.
Time for bed. I think I might use my lavender essential oil tonight to lull me into a relaxed state of snoozing.
Nite all.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Senseless
Such a senseless tragedy.
In the Riverina, the community of Leeton is in mourning over the senseless loss of one of their own.
RIP Stephanie Scott.
My heart aches for her fiance, her family, her friends, her students, her work colleagues and her community.
The feeling of safety and security from living in a small country town is lost forever and life will never be the same for everyone involved.
In the Riverina, the community of Leeton is in mourning over the senseless loss of one of their own.
RIP Stephanie Scott.
My heart aches for her fiance, her family, her friends, her students, her work colleagues and her community.
The feeling of safety and security from living in a small country town is lost forever and life will never be the same for everyone involved.
Two senseless murders in the space of a month, both too close to home, leaves me reeling and questioning everything.
Nite all.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Emotionally Intense
Well I finally got to the boxes behind my desk today.
It was intense, to say the least!
All of my father's medical records and reports, as well as court reports related to the compensation claim made by my mother.
There were 8 large manilla envelopes filled tight with information and I read every page of it.
I assume it's because of my studies, that I can decipher and understand much more of the medical information this time round. Last time I read it, I skimmed over and skipped a lot of the medical jargon, but I looked at everything in detail today.
Honestly, there were so many reports saying the same thing, but in different words, and it was like reading a horror story over and over and hoping that the ending might change each time.
It was an emotional roller coaster for most of the afternoon and when I saw all of the information that Mum had to chase up on her own, over a two year period, I wonder where she got her stamina and emotional strength from.
She also had to endure psychiatric and psychological assessments to determine if she was eligible for compensation relating to shock and trauma for his wrongful death. Reading the specialist reports for these was heart breaking and I was left wondering if I did enough to help ease her pain.
I believe, after reading every detail of Dad's arrival at Gladstone Hospital, and the treatment that followed, that they got off very lightly for their errors. One simple mistake upon his arrival, that both Dad and his mate questioned, sent him slowly spiralling into a painful death spin. A split second bad decision by one staff member, changed our lives forever.
What followed were more stupid and simple mistakes, but they could have been avoided if the first one hadn't been made.
As I read the final note on his hospital charts - 'time of death 1.50pm' - I could feel myself at his bedside again, listening to that heart monitor as his heart stopped beating and we could see the line on the monitor go flat.
I was 37yrs of age but felt like a young child and as one of his brothers hugged me, I said "I'm too young to lose my Dad".
I remember being in the car on the drive home from the hospital and watching all the people continuing to live their lives, shopping, driving, walking, catching the bus, chatting in the streets and thinking to myself "My world has stopped, my Dad is dead, and nobody knows and nobody cares." Such an empty feeling that day.
Still, I wasn't the first person to lose a parent and I wasn't the last.
On a lighter note, I also found printouts of all of the emails that Adoring Husband and I wrote to each other in the first couple of months after we met online.
That was also an emotional ride! But a much happier one .. ah the romance of it all. As I read through those, I could remember that wonderful high that we were riding and the excitement of knowing there was a new email to open when we got home from work, or when we arrived at work in the mornings.
I remembered the first phone call and then the email that followed as we described our nerves leading up to making the call and the relief when we were able to chat as comfortably as we had been able to write.
Adoring Husband's funny jokes and his descriptions of when and how often he thought of me during the day. How quickly we believed that we were meant to be together, and considering the physical distance between us, figuring out how to implement a long term plan to reach that goal.
Those emails left me feeling very warm and fuzzy.
Then of course, there were my high school report cards when I was 14yrs of age! Here is the first one.
ENGLISH: "Inattentive and talkative"
MATHEMATICS: "Rozlyn is capable of much better work but is very talkative in class"
TYPING 1: "Little effort is made. Classroom behaviour is poor."
SOCIAL STUDIES: "If Rozlyn put as much effort into her work as she does into 'showing off' and distracting others, she could do well. She frequently refused to participate."
FOOD & NUTRITION: "Behaviour has deteriorated this semester."
GROOMING & DEPORTMENT: "A little overconfident - could apply her knowledge and benefit by it."
SPEECH: "Though talkative - is achieving well."
DRAMA: "Needs to co-operate with the group and make a more conscientious effort."
HEALTH ED: "Satisfactory."
PHYS. ED: "Satisfactory."
FINAL COMMENT: A poor student, Rozlyn will achieve little until her behaviour and her attitude improves. At present, her behaviour is hardly tolerable.
In my defence, this was the 16th school that had I attended and at the time, my father was imprisoned in another country (that's another story), leaving my mother to find work to pay the mortgage, so she was working at Pizza Hut from 4pm - midnight, leaving me (at the age of 14) to babysit my 11 yr old brother and 2 yr old sister.
I consider all of that a good reason for a fourteen year old girl to go off the rails a bit.
Then I found a 'dunny wall' poster that I had stuck on the wall in the dunny when I was 16 yrs old and where people I know wrote their memorable comments. I also had fake signatures of people like Boz Scaggs, Freddie Mercury, Les Gock, Rod Stewart, Peter Frampton and other hot superstars.
My brother wrote the same words on it twice - "Roz is a fat whale." Thanks bro.
There were lots of photos from my previous relationships and from fishing trips with Dad and of the kids when they were little - old Pixie photos - photos of me of various sizes ranging from 'normal' to 'Holy cow! Was I that big???!!'
So it's been an emotionally intense day for me, having re-experienced the highs and lows of a lifetime of heaven and hell.
The last job for me, is to clean out the magazine rack, which is piled very high with beading magazines and organic gardening magazines. Wish me luck parting with the latter!
I'll take that 'after' photo when I'm done.
Nite all.
It was intense, to say the least!
All of my father's medical records and reports, as well as court reports related to the compensation claim made by my mother.
There were 8 large manilla envelopes filled tight with information and I read every page of it.
I assume it's because of my studies, that I can decipher and understand much more of the medical information this time round. Last time I read it, I skimmed over and skipped a lot of the medical jargon, but I looked at everything in detail today.
Honestly, there were so many reports saying the same thing, but in different words, and it was like reading a horror story over and over and hoping that the ending might change each time.
It was an emotional roller coaster for most of the afternoon and when I saw all of the information that Mum had to chase up on her own, over a two year period, I wonder where she got her stamina and emotional strength from.
She also had to endure psychiatric and psychological assessments to determine if she was eligible for compensation relating to shock and trauma for his wrongful death. Reading the specialist reports for these was heart breaking and I was left wondering if I did enough to help ease her pain.
I believe, after reading every detail of Dad's arrival at Gladstone Hospital, and the treatment that followed, that they got off very lightly for their errors. One simple mistake upon his arrival, that both Dad and his mate questioned, sent him slowly spiralling into a painful death spin. A split second bad decision by one staff member, changed our lives forever.
What followed were more stupid and simple mistakes, but they could have been avoided if the first one hadn't been made.
As I read the final note on his hospital charts - 'time of death 1.50pm' - I could feel myself at his bedside again, listening to that heart monitor as his heart stopped beating and we could see the line on the monitor go flat.
I was 37yrs of age but felt like a young child and as one of his brothers hugged me, I said "I'm too young to lose my Dad".
I remember being in the car on the drive home from the hospital and watching all the people continuing to live their lives, shopping, driving, walking, catching the bus, chatting in the streets and thinking to myself "My world has stopped, my Dad is dead, and nobody knows and nobody cares." Such an empty feeling that day.
Still, I wasn't the first person to lose a parent and I wasn't the last.
On a lighter note, I also found printouts of all of the emails that Adoring Husband and I wrote to each other in the first couple of months after we met online.
That was also an emotional ride! But a much happier one .. ah the romance of it all. As I read through those, I could remember that wonderful high that we were riding and the excitement of knowing there was a new email to open when we got home from work, or when we arrived at work in the mornings.
I remembered the first phone call and then the email that followed as we described our nerves leading up to making the call and the relief when we were able to chat as comfortably as we had been able to write.
Adoring Husband's funny jokes and his descriptions of when and how often he thought of me during the day. How quickly we believed that we were meant to be together, and considering the physical distance between us, figuring out how to implement a long term plan to reach that goal.
Those emails left me feeling very warm and fuzzy.
Then of course, there were my high school report cards when I was 14yrs of age! Here is the first one.
ENGLISH: "Inattentive and talkative"
MATHEMATICS: "Rozlyn is capable of much better work but is very talkative in class"
TYPING 1: "Little effort is made. Classroom behaviour is poor."
SOCIAL STUDIES: "If Rozlyn put as much effort into her work as she does into 'showing off' and distracting others, she could do well. She frequently refused to participate."
FOOD & NUTRITION: "Behaviour has deteriorated this semester."
GROOMING & DEPORTMENT: "A little overconfident - could apply her knowledge and benefit by it."
SPEECH: "Though talkative - is achieving well."
DRAMA: "Needs to co-operate with the group and make a more conscientious effort."
HEALTH ED: "Satisfactory."
PHYS. ED: "Satisfactory."
FINAL COMMENT: A poor student, Rozlyn will achieve little until her behaviour and her attitude improves. At present, her behaviour is hardly tolerable.
In my defence, this was the 16th school that had I attended and at the time, my father was imprisoned in another country (that's another story), leaving my mother to find work to pay the mortgage, so she was working at Pizza Hut from 4pm - midnight, leaving me (at the age of 14) to babysit my 11 yr old brother and 2 yr old sister.
I consider all of that a good reason for a fourteen year old girl to go off the rails a bit.
Then I found a 'dunny wall' poster that I had stuck on the wall in the dunny when I was 16 yrs old and where people I know wrote their memorable comments. I also had fake signatures of people like Boz Scaggs, Freddie Mercury, Les Gock, Rod Stewart, Peter Frampton and other hot superstars.
My brother wrote the same words on it twice - "Roz is a fat whale." Thanks bro.
There were lots of photos from my previous relationships and from fishing trips with Dad and of the kids when they were little - old Pixie photos - photos of me of various sizes ranging from 'normal' to 'Holy cow! Was I that big???!!'
So it's been an emotionally intense day for me, having re-experienced the highs and lows of a lifetime of heaven and hell.
The last job for me, is to clean out the magazine rack, which is piled very high with beading magazines and organic gardening magazines. Wish me luck parting with the latter!
I'll take that 'after' photo when I'm done.
Nite all.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Cleaning Bug
I arrived home from my trike ride this morning to find half of our house devoid of furniture!
Adoring Husband decided that it was Spring cleaning time in Autumn. So I changed into my cleaning clothes and we got stuck into it!
We cleaned windows together and then while AH vacuumed and steam cleaned the tiles, I cleaned my work area.
Oh dear.
It took me four hours to clean my tall wall unit and my desk area! I know! Right?
I had forgotten how much information I had printed out during my studies and I spent a lot of time sorting it all out from the four different piles scattered over my desk. There were Chemistry printouts, Anatomy/Physiology printouts, practise tests, lesson plans, so many notes, flash cards, essay drafts, formula exercises, diagrams and then there was the paleo information and the recipes.
It was a shambles and it felt like it was never ending!
I did take a 'before' pic and when the job is complete, I'll take an 'after' pic and share them both on here.
I still have to go through a couple of boxes of 'stuff' that has been sitting behind my desk chair for a year or more and also my low side board, which is covered in jewellery making paraphernalia.
I'm thinking about selling all of my jewellery gear. That will be a major undertaking in itself. Sooooo many beads, bead containers, findings, measuring boards, tools, storage drawers, books and magazines. We'll put that idea on the back burner for a little while and work on it later.
So we have cleaning plans for the rest of the week and who knows? It may even be presentable enough to invite people over one day!!
I did have to stop twice to cook lunch and dinner and after standing on hard tiles all day, in bare feet for most of it, my body was certainly feeling a little the worse for wear, so with the promise from the weather bureau of a fresh cool night, I am going to bed for some solid sleep, so that my body can be fresh and ready for another round tomorrow.
So that's it from me.
Nite all.
Adoring Husband decided that it was Spring cleaning time in Autumn. So I changed into my cleaning clothes and we got stuck into it!
We cleaned windows together and then while AH vacuumed and steam cleaned the tiles, I cleaned my work area.
Oh dear.
It took me four hours to clean my tall wall unit and my desk area! I know! Right?
I had forgotten how much information I had printed out during my studies and I spent a lot of time sorting it all out from the four different piles scattered over my desk. There were Chemistry printouts, Anatomy/Physiology printouts, practise tests, lesson plans, so many notes, flash cards, essay drafts, formula exercises, diagrams and then there was the paleo information and the recipes.
It was a shambles and it felt like it was never ending!
I did take a 'before' pic and when the job is complete, I'll take an 'after' pic and share them both on here.
I still have to go through a couple of boxes of 'stuff' that has been sitting behind my desk chair for a year or more and also my low side board, which is covered in jewellery making paraphernalia.
I'm thinking about selling all of my jewellery gear. That will be a major undertaking in itself. Sooooo many beads, bead containers, findings, measuring boards, tools, storage drawers, books and magazines. We'll put that idea on the back burner for a little while and work on it later.
So we have cleaning plans for the rest of the week and who knows? It may even be presentable enough to invite people over one day!!
I did have to stop twice to cook lunch and dinner and after standing on hard tiles all day, in bare feet for most of it, my body was certainly feeling a little the worse for wear, so with the promise from the weather bureau of a fresh cool night, I am going to bed for some solid sleep, so that my body can be fresh and ready for another round tomorrow.
So that's it from me.
Nite all.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Change is coming
Apparently, our weather is going to cool down tomorrow, by a few degrees.
We can only hope!
I'm over the heat. We've had almost 5 months of above average temperatures with horrible humidity to boot.
It's just blurgh.
On an unrelated issue, I'm going to try this ... Chinese Recipe ... for a couple of weeks to see if it has an affect. I've never even heard of it before, but it sounds interesting! I used my first piece of ice this morning and it's surprising how long it takes for one little piece of ice to melt! I will keep you posted on how it goes.
We had a very pleasant evening down by the river for our monthly social barbecue. It was a glorious sunset, but I chose not to take any photos because as beautiful as it was, I have a lot of sunset photos from that spot, so the level of 'spectacular' has to be pretty high for me to get the camera out.
Finally, because I'm ready to head off to bed, I will leave you with a link to a site about gluten intolerance. This blogger's name is Dr Sarah Ballantyne Ph.D. and you can read about her amazing achievements here. She also has some great recipes on her site and in her books, which are on my wish list.
Happy reading :)
Nite all.
We can only hope!
I'm over the heat. We've had almost 5 months of above average temperatures with horrible humidity to boot.
It's just blurgh.
On an unrelated issue, I'm going to try this ... Chinese Recipe ... for a couple of weeks to see if it has an affect. I've never even heard of it before, but it sounds interesting! I used my first piece of ice this morning and it's surprising how long it takes for one little piece of ice to melt! I will keep you posted on how it goes.
We had a very pleasant evening down by the river for our monthly social barbecue. It was a glorious sunset, but I chose not to take any photos because as beautiful as it was, I have a lot of sunset photos from that spot, so the level of 'spectacular' has to be pretty high for me to get the camera out.
Finally, because I'm ready to head off to bed, I will leave you with a link to a site about gluten intolerance. This blogger's name is Dr Sarah Ballantyne Ph.D. and you can read about her amazing achievements here. She also has some great recipes on her site and in her books, which are on my wish list.
Happy reading :)
Nite all.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Betcha didn't know ...
So, who's feeling the after effects of too much Easter chocolate, hot cross buns, munchie foods and alcoholic beverages? I know a few who will be trying to be good this coming week, to make up for too much bad during these past 4 days!!
The worst that Adoring Husband and I did was eat chocolate mousse (sugar free, dairy free, gluten free - but full of delicious taste!) for dessert yesterday. We've had a no chocolate/eggs, no alcohol, no munchies Easter. All good healthy meals keeping us nourished and satisfied :)
I found this interesting article today that I know a couple of you will be interested in, and I know that many of you will not be the slightest bit interested lol.
What your food label really means
Added vitamins: One-dimensional factory versions of natural vitamins found in whole foods: ascorbic acid (man-made vitamin C) is usually synthesised from the fermentation of GM corn, while artificial vitamin E is commonly derived from petrol.
Soluble fibre: A healthier-sounding term for modified starch, which is widely used to reduce the quantity of more nutritious ingredients in processed foods, and keep down manufacturers’ costs.
‘Natural’ colourings: The only difference between these and artificial ones is that they start with pigments that occur in nature. Otherwise, they are made using the same highly chemical industrial processes, including extraction using harsh solvents.
Artificial ‘diet” sweeteners: Several large-scale studies have found a correlation between artificial sweetener consumption and weight gain. Accumulating evidence suggests that they may also increase our risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Enzymes: Used to make bread stay soft longer; injected into low-value livestock before slaughter, to tenderise their meat; and used in fruit juice processing to create a cloudier, more natural appearance.
‘Packaged in a protective atmosphere’: Food that has been “gassed” in modified air to extend its shelf life. It delays what food manufacturers call “warmed over flavour”, an off-taste that occurs in factory food.
Beef/pork/poultry protein: Collagen extracted from butchered carcasses, processed into a powder and added to low-grade meats. It adds bounce, increases the protein content on the nutrition label and, combined with water, is a substitute for meat.
Washed and ready-to-eat salads: “Cleaned” by sloshing around in tap water dosed with chlorine, often with powdered or liquid fruit acids to inhibit bacterial growth. The same tank of treated water is often used for 8 hours at a time.
‘Pure’ vegetable oil: Industrially refined, bleached, deodorised oils. Food processors often add chemicals to extend their “fry life”.
‘Natural’ flavourings: Even the flavour industry concedes that “there isn’t much difference in the chemical compositions of natural and artificial flavourings”. They are made using the same physical, enzymatic, and microbiological processes.
If you want to know more, (and a little warning .. it's a very long read), go here.
Something else that you might find interesting.
The Healthy Star Rating .. and you all know how I feel about that ...
If you're interested in reading an interesting argument against the validity of this rating, go here. If you can see the point of the argument and agree with it, you might like to sign the petition while you're there.
Meanwhile, the lovely Woman of Many Talents was kind enough to pick up my book from The Bay today and delivered it to me this afternoon.
The book is written by Honor Tremain, who was one of the speakers at the health seminar that we attended a couple of months ago. She is a qualified Nutritionist, a health writer and Nutrition Journalist. Her book is called "a diet in Paradise" - use your food as your medicine. 'Simple, easy, healthy ways to live and thrive'.
I've only briefly glanced through it, but it's a good quality book and I look forward to sitting quietly to have a good read before my studies recommence. Perhaps under a shady tree down by the river would be a nice way to pass a morning.
I'm off now to watch the rest of the footy.
Nite all.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Sorting thru the stash.
To know more about Paleo, click here
Today, I discovered one of the Foxtel channels was running a 'Friends' marathon. So I have been glued to the couch all day watching it.
I actually have the whole series on dvd, so I could watch it ad free any time I like, but instead I've spent many, many hours watching it with stupid ads every ten minutes! Sometimes I wonder about myself.
We enjoyed some Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Fried Rice for lunch, followed by Chocolate Mousse with Berries and Almonds.
I'm not sure if I've given the recipe for the Chocolate Mousse before, but today, I made up the recipe in my head, because I couldn't find the one I usually use.
Two avocados, 1 small banana, 1/4 cup raw cacao powder, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1 can of coconut cream - blend it all in the blender. Put some berries in the bottom of a dessert mould, then pour some chocolate mousse over the top, then add a tablespoon of stewed maple berries, pour some more chocolate mousse and then sprinkle roasted chopped almonds over the top. Refrigerate for an hour or two.
That made 2 large and 2 medium ramekins full of dessert.
Dinner was a Bacon and Vegetable Frittata with a side salad, leftover Cauliflower Fried Rice and fermented vegetables.
So we are full of nutritional goodness today.
Surprisingly, I received the results of my Anatomy and Physiology exam today. I wasn't expecting to hear until after the Easter break, so it was a pleasant surprise.
I was reasonably happy with 86% considering I spent so much time attempting to conquer Chemistry.
I can only hope for easier subjects in the next semester!
Some more old pics from my stash ...
Nite all.
Today, I discovered one of the Foxtel channels was running a 'Friends' marathon. So I have been glued to the couch all day watching it.
I actually have the whole series on dvd, so I could watch it ad free any time I like, but instead I've spent many, many hours watching it with stupid ads every ten minutes! Sometimes I wonder about myself.
We enjoyed some Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Fried Rice for lunch, followed by Chocolate Mousse with Berries and Almonds.
I'm not sure if I've given the recipe for the Chocolate Mousse before, but today, I made up the recipe in my head, because I couldn't find the one I usually use.
Two avocados, 1 small banana, 1/4 cup raw cacao powder, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1 can of coconut cream - blend it all in the blender. Put some berries in the bottom of a dessert mould, then pour some chocolate mousse over the top, then add a tablespoon of stewed maple berries, pour some more chocolate mousse and then sprinkle roasted chopped almonds over the top. Refrigerate for an hour or two.
That made 2 large and 2 medium ramekins full of dessert.
Dinner was a Bacon and Vegetable Frittata with a side salad, leftover Cauliflower Fried Rice and fermented vegetables.
So we are full of nutritional goodness today.
Surprisingly, I received the results of my Anatomy and Physiology exam today. I wasn't expecting to hear until after the Easter break, so it was a pleasant surprise.
I was reasonably happy with 86% considering I spent so much time attempting to conquer Chemistry.
I can only hope for easier subjects in the next semester!
Some more old pics from my stash ...
Nite all.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Chew Tail
The link between toxic oils, sugar and heart disease (click here)
It's been a lazy and quiet day in our house as we avoided the Easter fishing crowds.
So I've been browsing through some of my photos from last year ... (the first one he is chewing his tail!)
I think I'll try to get out and about with my camera next week, after the tourists have left town. I feel like I need to let some creative juices flow!
Nite all.
It's been a lazy and quiet day in our house as we avoided the Easter fishing crowds.
So I've been browsing through some of my photos from last year ... (the first one he is chewing his tail!)
Nite all.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Laughable Advice
Honestly, what hope is there? Scrambled eggs is a good idea, the rest is all kinds of wrong and will only contribute to malnutrition!! The other good piece of advice in this media release is to try a hearty rabbit stew or ragout ... but only if you are game????? Seriously????!!
MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 25 March 2015
Dietitians approve chocolate this Easter – for malnourished older Australians
The call comes as latest figures reveal malnutrition affects up to 1.7 million older Australians.
Dietitians Association of Australia Spokesperson Milena Katz said these figures are shocking in a developed country like Australia, but not surprising.
“Malnutrition is often overlooked or forgotten in the community, in aged care facilities and in hospitals, but can have a real impact on quality of life. It’s linked with decreased immune function, poor wound healing, muscle wasting and lethargy. So we need to take steps to reduce this terrible problem.
She said a third of hospitalised Australians aged 65 years and older are overtly malnourished, with a further 50 per cent at a high risk of malnutrition, while in the wider community, the condition affects almost one in 10 older Australians with another 40 per cent considered at high risk.
A decrease in muscle mass affects strength and ability to function independently. Getting enough protein and energy, or kilojoules, each day can help reduce muscle wastage,”
In a bid to help curb high rates of malnutrition among older Australians, dietitians have given the green light this Easter to spoil loved ones who may need a few extra kilojoules.
“Dietitians and other health professionals are working on many levels to address malnutrition, such as through screening programs.
“But with Easter just around the corner, it’s timely to remind families and friends that higher-kilojoule foods, like hot chocolate or hot cross buns with spread are ok choices for those either malnourished or at risk,” said Ms Katz.

So try these Easter treats for loved ones who need building up:
said Ms Katz.
Hot chocolate made with full-cream milk (and if you like, a scoop of milk powder added in)
‘Easter’ eggs - scrambled (with cheese added), fried or boiled, on toast spread with margarine
Hot cross buns with margarine, jam and cream
Good-quality chocolate Easter treats
And if you’re really game, try a hearty rabbit stew or ragu!
Ms Katz said an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) can help identify people who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, and work with them and their families to make sure they get the advice and support they need.
Note to Editors: The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is the professional body representing dietitians nationally. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is the only national credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veteran Affairs and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia. For more information visit www.daa.asn.au. For the Media section on the DAA website contains DAA’s media releases and position on topical nutrition issues in the media.
Just when I feel like the correct information is getting out there .. something like this pops up and makes me forehead slap myself.
Anyway, don't get me started :)
Nite all
MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 25 March 2015
Dietitians approve chocolate this Easter – for malnourished older Australians
The call comes as latest figures reveal malnutrition affects up to 1.7 million older Australians.
Dietitians Association of Australia Spokesperson Milena Katz said these figures are shocking in a developed country like Australia, but not surprising.
“Malnutrition is often overlooked or forgotten in the community, in aged care facilities and in hospitals, but can have a real impact on quality of life. It’s linked with decreased immune function, poor wound healing, muscle wasting and lethargy. So we need to take steps to reduce this terrible problem.
She said a third of hospitalised Australians aged 65 years and older are overtly malnourished, with a further 50 per cent at a high risk of malnutrition, while in the wider community, the condition affects almost one in 10 older Australians with another 40 per cent considered at high risk.
A decrease in muscle mass affects strength and ability to function independently. Getting enough protein and energy, or kilojoules, each day can help reduce muscle wastage,”
In a bid to help curb high rates of malnutrition among older Australians, dietitians have given the green light this Easter to spoil loved ones who may need a few extra kilojoules.
“Dietitians and other health professionals are working on many levels to address malnutrition, such as through screening programs.
“But with Easter just around the corner, it’s timely to remind families and friends that higher-kilojoule foods, like hot chocolate or hot cross buns with spread are ok choices for those either malnourished or at risk,” said Ms Katz.

So try these Easter treats for loved ones who need building up:
said Ms Katz.
Hot chocolate made with full-cream milk (and if you like, a scoop of milk powder added in)
‘Easter’ eggs - scrambled (with cheese added), fried or boiled, on toast spread with margarine
Hot cross buns with margarine, jam and cream
Good-quality chocolate Easter treats
And if you’re really game, try a hearty rabbit stew or ragu!
Ms Katz said an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) can help identify people who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, and work with them and their families to make sure they get the advice and support they need.
Note to Editors: The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is the professional body representing dietitians nationally. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is the only national credential recognised by the Australian Government, Medicare, the Department of Veteran Affairs and most private health funds as the quality standard for nutrition and dietetics services in Australia. For more information visit www.daa.asn.au. For the Media section on the DAA website contains DAA’s media releases and position on topical nutrition issues in the media.
Just when I feel like the correct information is getting out there .. something like this pops up and makes me forehead slap myself.
Anyway, don't get me started :)
Nite all
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Capturing my Interest
I searched for days to find this show, so that I could watch it while it was being aired last night, but I couldn't find it anywhere.
Luckily, one of my facebook friends found it and shared the link today.
'Catalyst' is one of my favourite shows for getting some real and honest information. They look for the truth for the common people, rather than the truth attached to big corporation advertising dollars.
So here is the link if you're interested in information regarding the chemicals to which we and our children are exposed on a daily basis and how we are being affected.
Today, Adoring Husband and I had a movie date and saw "What We Did On Our Holiday". It is one of the best movies I've seen for a long time and we absolutely loved it.
Unfortunately, it was funny enough that the audience laughter drowned out substantial sections of the dialogue, so I'm going to buy it when it's available on dvd so that I can see (and hear) the entire movie.
I believe that today was the final showing at the cinema, so hopefully, it won't be long before it's available to buy on dvd.
After the movie we went to lunch at the 'Wild Lotus Restaurant' on the Esplanade. It was recommended to me by Mardi and she was spot on.
The Lunch Menu
The food was great and the atmosphere inside the restaurant was very calming and comfortable. I had slow roasted pork belly and AH had seafood medley. I think the Wild Lotus will become one of our favourite lunch haunts.
Just have to add that the waiter (who I am led to believe, is also the owner) was very easy on the eye .. a nice bonus :)
It's been a very dull, grey, rainy day. Great for movie dates and great because we need the rain as well as the drop in temperature. March was officially declared our hottest March in history!
All the tourists are now arriving for the Easter break, during which time we have a huge fishing competition, that (I think) triples our population for a 4 day period.
It is our intention (as it is every Easter), to hibernate and avoid the crowds.
Nite all.
Luckily, one of my facebook friends found it and shared the link today.
'Catalyst' is one of my favourite shows for getting some real and honest information. They look for the truth for the common people, rather than the truth attached to big corporation advertising dollars.
So here is the link if you're interested in information regarding the chemicals to which we and our children are exposed on a daily basis and how we are being affected.
Today, Adoring Husband and I had a movie date and saw "What We Did On Our Holiday". It is one of the best movies I've seen for a long time and we absolutely loved it.
Unfortunately, it was funny enough that the audience laughter drowned out substantial sections of the dialogue, so I'm going to buy it when it's available on dvd so that I can see (and hear) the entire movie.
I believe that today was the final showing at the cinema, so hopefully, it won't be long before it's available to buy on dvd.
After the movie we went to lunch at the 'Wild Lotus Restaurant' on the Esplanade. It was recommended to me by Mardi and she was spot on.
The Lunch Menu
The food was great and the atmosphere inside the restaurant was very calming and comfortable. I had slow roasted pork belly and AH had seafood medley. I think the Wild Lotus will become one of our favourite lunch haunts.
Just have to add that the waiter (who I am led to believe, is also the owner) was very easy on the eye .. a nice bonus :)
It's been a very dull, grey, rainy day. Great for movie dates and great because we need the rain as well as the drop in temperature. March was officially declared our hottest March in history!
All the tourists are now arriving for the Easter break, during which time we have a huge fishing competition, that (I think) triples our population for a 4 day period.
It is our intention (as it is every Easter), to hibernate and avoid the crowds.
Nite all.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
I Am Shocked.
I am currently scouring through the website of Dieticians Association Australia.
%DI is based on the recommended amounts of energy and nutrients needed for an average adult diet to meet their nutritional needs. The percentages are calculated based on the following figures:
Nutrient Reference Value used in %DI
%DI is based on the recommended amounts of energy and nutrients needed for an average adult diet to meet their nutritional needs. The percentages are calculated based on the following figures:
Nutrient Reference Value used in %DI
Nutrient Average adult requirements
Energy 8700kJ
Protein 50g
Fat 70g
Sat fatty acids 24g
Carbohydrates 310g
Sodium <2,300mg
Sugars 90g
Dietary fibre 30g
8700kJ is equal to 2080 calories (for those of us who still count calories and can't convert from kilojoules)
Quite frankly, I am shocked at the recommendations for sugars (90g = 22 teaspoons!!!) PER DAY!!
310g of carbohydrates????? There are 28 grams of carbs in 2 slices of brown bread, so by the dietary guidelines you can have 20 slices of bread per day and still have carbs left over.
Accredited Practising Dieticians are directed to this site for guidelines when planning diets for their clients and customers.
Is it any wonder that we are such an overweight and obese nation.
I keep returning to this page to double check that I'm reading it correctly. I am in shock!
I watched an interview with a scientist by the name of Mat Lalonde from the Harvard University. He has a PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology.
He has recently completed studies to determine the most nutrient dense foods per 100g serving.
He determined that liver and heart were the most nutrient dense protein, along with bacon (he was very surprised by how nutritious bacon was). Seafood, especially oysters and clams. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach and chard and lastly eggs.
Per 100g serving, those foods provided the most 'essential nutrients'.
The top performing fruits were olives, avocado and coconuts which contained the most fat soluble vitamins.
He stated that where the governments provide dietary guidelines, the recommended daily allowance is only what will help you survive, or exist, NOT what will help you thrive.
Cooking your food loses a little of the nutrient value, but it also breaks down the plant fibre which makes it easier to absorb the nutrients, so it's better for you than raw foods. The human body struggles to absorb the nutrients from raw foods and they also make you lose muscle mass, rather than fat, which makes them less healthy.
Legumes (peas, lentils, peanuts) have fewer nutrients and are more difficult to digest.
He said that because of various 'agendas' (govt, corporate and agricultural) less than 10% of research results reach the public or health professionals.
Harvard research shows that corn, soy and wheat have the least value in the food chain and are not good for us, but governments subsidise growers, who provide to the big companies who create the processed foods and that is why processed foods are much cheaper in the supermarkets and in take away food chains.
Some of his recent studies have shown that what we eat effects the next generation, so our children not only inherit our genetics, but also our epigenetics (past traumas, fitness levels, exposure to toxins and chemicals, and our diets) and our gut microbiota, which can determine all types of disease and illness in our child's future.
Luckily for my generation and older, while we were having children, our diets were relatively healthy because except for fish and chips on Friday nights, fast food and junk food was non existent. Our diets were full of fresh produce.
Unfortunately, for our children, their diets are vastly different so there are many factors effecting the health of our grandchildren and great grandchildren, which in turn will effect future generations. So unless we self educate and learn to research for ourselves, instead of listening to the misinformed professionals of today, the news is not good for our future.
Finally, the words that I hear most often and which literally feel like a knife to my heart are "Oh well, I'm too old to change now, it's too late for me."
It's never too late. Almost every health story that I've listened to in the last week, could be, at the very least, improved considerably, if not fixed completely, with a change in diet.
Anyway, my biggest challenge in life is learning to zip my lip unless asked lol but oh my how difficult that is for me!
This morning while I was out photographing the sunrise, I ran into a lady who I haven't seen for at least a year or more and she asked me about my studies. She then asked me a specific question about health .. WELL .. the floodgates opened and I could feel my words gushing out of my mouth at a mile a minute! I knew that my time was limited and I wanted to tell her everything!! I think I scared her .. but that's nothing unusual. I think I scare a lot of people lol.
Speaking of sunrise, this was it ...
I was awake seeing Adoring Husband off for his trip to Brisvegas this morning, so I thought I would take advantage of the morning and catch the sunrise.
It was pretty spectacular colour, but I wish I had a more attractive scene to go with it.
Nite all.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Challenged
My day has been challenging.
That is .. it's been a challenge to find the motivation to get off my butt and actually 'do' something!
I had a nice ride this morning and saw my boys at the Seat of Knowledge, checked the mail, came home, decided what to have for dinner tonight, got organised for my hair appointment, spent 40 minutes having a conditioning treatment, trim and blow dry and then came home to plonk myself on the couch for an afternoon of mind numbing nothingness.
I've just edited a couple of photos from my time on the Sunny Coast.
That's it!
My day in a nutshell.
Nite all.
That is .. it's been a challenge to find the motivation to get off my butt and actually 'do' something!
I had a nice ride this morning and saw my boys at the Seat of Knowledge, checked the mail, came home, decided what to have for dinner tonight, got organised for my hair appointment, spent 40 minutes having a conditioning treatment, trim and blow dry and then came home to plonk myself on the couch for an afternoon of mind numbing nothingness.
I've just edited a couple of photos from my time on the Sunny Coast.
That's it!
My day in a nutshell.
Nite all.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Great Song with Meaning
This is a great song, with meaning, that I thought you would enjoy too.
I didn't edit my photos today.
Two football matches and the cricket World Cup Finals .. so I was otherwise engaged!
I got 10 litres of chicken bone broth stored and frozen today :)
That's about the extent of my productivity.
I've got big plans for getting 'stuff' done tomorrow morning and in the afternoon, I have a hair appointment.
I really have to plan my week and get everything done on the 'to do' list that's been floating around in my head for the past 3 months. Study will consume my time again soon and I want to start the next semester guilt free.
On that note, I'm off to bed for another early night. I slept solidly for nine hours last night. Not even a pee break! Very restful.
Too much information? lol
Nite all.
I didn't edit my photos today.
Two football matches and the cricket World Cup Finals .. so I was otherwise engaged!
I got 10 litres of chicken bone broth stored and frozen today :)
That's about the extent of my productivity.
I've got big plans for getting 'stuff' done tomorrow morning and in the afternoon, I have a hair appointment.
I really have to plan my week and get everything done on the 'to do' list that's been floating around in my head for the past 3 months. Study will consume my time again soon and I want to start the next semester guilt free.
On that note, I'm off to bed for another early night. I slept solidly for nine hours last night. Not even a pee break! Very restful.
Too much information? lol
Nite all.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Brothy Goodness
I have two batches of chicken bone broth gently simmering away at the moment. One in the slow cooker and one in a big pot on the stove. I've tasted both and they are delicious! They've been brewing since 10.30 this morning and I'll leave them going until tomorrow morning at about the same time.
Adoring Husband and I have been having a cup of bone broth every morning since Tuesday. We love it.
I opened a jar of bought kimchi tonight and we had some with our dinner. I was going to start our own batch today, but put it off until tomorrow. I think it takes about 5 days to brew and by then, the jar we currently have will be finished. To learn more about kimchi, go here.
We have about a tablespoon on our plate as a side to a meal.
Here is an interesting story about Coca-Cola.
I made a paleo version of hamburgers tonight. The base is a large portabello or flat mushroom, topped with a chicken and veg meat pattie, topped with bacon, then a fried egg, then some fried onion with a side of baby spinach, tomato, capsicum, avocado and my sriracha sauce.
It was surprisingly filling and quite delicious.
I often plan on doing a dessert, but I'm always so full and satisfied after dinner, dessert doesn't get a look in.
We had a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, tomato, onion and avocado this morning and then some fruit for lunch.
I've realised tonight, that I still have quite a few photos to go through from my few days on the Sunny Coast, so I think I will work on them tomorrow and share them here tomorrow night.
It's only 9pm but I think I will climb into bed. I just had half a cup of warm chicken bone broth and I think I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy and ready for sleep!
Nite all.
Adoring Husband and I have been having a cup of bone broth every morning since Tuesday. We love it.
I opened a jar of bought kimchi tonight and we had some with our dinner. I was going to start our own batch today, but put it off until tomorrow. I think it takes about 5 days to brew and by then, the jar we currently have will be finished. To learn more about kimchi, go here.
We have about a tablespoon on our plate as a side to a meal.
Here is an interesting story about Coca-Cola.
I made a paleo version of hamburgers tonight. The base is a large portabello or flat mushroom, topped with a chicken and veg meat pattie, topped with bacon, then a fried egg, then some fried onion with a side of baby spinach, tomato, capsicum, avocado and my sriracha sauce.
It was surprisingly filling and quite delicious.
I often plan on doing a dessert, but I'm always so full and satisfied after dinner, dessert doesn't get a look in.
We had a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, tomato, onion and avocado this morning and then some fruit for lunch.
I've realised tonight, that I still have quite a few photos to go through from my few days on the Sunny Coast, so I think I will work on them tomorrow and share them here tomorrow night.
It's only 9pm but I think I will climb into bed. I just had half a cup of warm chicken bone broth and I think I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy and ready for sleep!
Nite all.
It's a Lifestyle
I had a fabulous night in Bundaberg last night listening to Pete Evans and Luke Hines explaining all things Paleo.
Pete started the night by announcing that he has NEVER stated that Paleo cures any medical condition.
The media have falsely accused him AND the Paleo lifestyle of many things and he is generally thick skinned but that's the one thing he wanted to clear up.
Something else that he wanted to point out was that the media continue to create stories about how 'dangerous' the Paleo lifestyle is but have not ever provided evidence of this danger. The Paleo lifestyle has been around forever, and popular for the last 10-15 years, so if there was danger involved, we would certainly have evidence of it by now.
When he asked followers on his facebook page to provide personal stories about how the Paleo lifestyle had affected their lives, he received over 2400 responses on the first day alone. All of them positive and all of them about health improvements.
He and Luke cooked up about 15 different dishes during the show. The guys were funny and entertaining and shared their knowledge of food, nutrition, health and cooking.
I bought Pete's new book and one of Luke's books, but I only glanced through them very briefly when I got home last night (at midnight), and I've been out all day today, so I can't report their value yet.
One of my favourite parts of the show was when Luke, who is a personal trainer, and the one who sets the training schedule for the Paleo Way 10 Week program, told us all that if we don't want to exercise or train, we don't have to.
He said that moving is important, so doing something like dancing, mountain climbing, walking, gardening, housework etc., is great for keeping joints supple and the blood pumping, but heavy exercise (like what we see on shows like 'The Biggest Loser') is not necessary or unsustainable.
I'm really pleased that I got to attend the show, especially with Woman of Many Talents who I know shares my passion for finding optimum health.
I learnt a lot, and the healthy glow, endless energy and boundless enthusiasm that emanated from both men, was enough to inspire me to continue full steam ahead on this journey to good health.
This photo is of the crowd during the half time break where we all gave each other a neck and shoulder massage and stretched our legs. You can't see me .. but I know where I am :)
Today, Adoring Husband and I had a movie date and saw 'Manny Lewis' starring Carl Baron. We loved it. Our next date will be on Tuesday when we'll see 'What we did on our Holiday' with David Tennant and Billy Connolly. There are some good movies showing at the cinema at the moment, so while I'm on a study break, we might get to see a few.
Speaking of study, I got the results of my Chemistry exam today and although it was a little disappointing, it was still a good pass of 79%. The results of my Chemistry assignment came through at the same time and was a pleasing 100%. Chemistry is difficult .. for me .. but my study habits also didn't help.
All I'm waiting for now, is my Anatomy and Physiology exam results.
I'm going to use my study break to do some cooking and restock the freezer with deliciousness for the days when I'm too consumed with study to put any effort into our meals. I'm looking forward to spending some time in the kitchen.
I also have just three days to come up with an idea for this month's flickr challenge which is 'light' .. any light except sunlight. I have something in mind .. just not sure if I can pull it off.
Anyway, time for bed.
Nite all.
Pete started the night by announcing that he has NEVER stated that Paleo cures any medical condition.
The media have falsely accused him AND the Paleo lifestyle of many things and he is generally thick skinned but that's the one thing he wanted to clear up.
Something else that he wanted to point out was that the media continue to create stories about how 'dangerous' the Paleo lifestyle is but have not ever provided evidence of this danger. The Paleo lifestyle has been around forever, and popular for the last 10-15 years, so if there was danger involved, we would certainly have evidence of it by now.
When he asked followers on his facebook page to provide personal stories about how the Paleo lifestyle had affected their lives, he received over 2400 responses on the first day alone. All of them positive and all of them about health improvements.
He and Luke cooked up about 15 different dishes during the show. The guys were funny and entertaining and shared their knowledge of food, nutrition, health and cooking.
I bought Pete's new book and one of Luke's books, but I only glanced through them very briefly when I got home last night (at midnight), and I've been out all day today, so I can't report their value yet.
One of my favourite parts of the show was when Luke, who is a personal trainer, and the one who sets the training schedule for the Paleo Way 10 Week program, told us all that if we don't want to exercise or train, we don't have to.
He said that moving is important, so doing something like dancing, mountain climbing, walking, gardening, housework etc., is great for keeping joints supple and the blood pumping, but heavy exercise (like what we see on shows like 'The Biggest Loser') is not necessary or unsustainable.
I'm really pleased that I got to attend the show, especially with Woman of Many Talents who I know shares my passion for finding optimum health.
I learnt a lot, and the healthy glow, endless energy and boundless enthusiasm that emanated from both men, was enough to inspire me to continue full steam ahead on this journey to good health.
This photo is of the crowd during the half time break where we all gave each other a neck and shoulder massage and stretched our legs. You can't see me .. but I know where I am :)
Today, Adoring Husband and I had a movie date and saw 'Manny Lewis' starring Carl Baron. We loved it. Our next date will be on Tuesday when we'll see 'What we did on our Holiday' with David Tennant and Billy Connolly. There are some good movies showing at the cinema at the moment, so while I'm on a study break, we might get to see a few.
Speaking of study, I got the results of my Chemistry exam today and although it was a little disappointing, it was still a good pass of 79%. The results of my Chemistry assignment came through at the same time and was a pleasing 100%. Chemistry is difficult .. for me .. but my study habits also didn't help.
All I'm waiting for now, is my Anatomy and Physiology exam results.
I'm going to use my study break to do some cooking and restock the freezer with deliciousness for the days when I'm too consumed with study to put any effort into our meals. I'm looking forward to spending some time in the kitchen.
I also have just three days to come up with an idea for this month's flickr challenge which is 'light' .. any light except sunlight. I have something in mind .. just not sure if I can pull it off.
Anyway, time for bed.
Nite all.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Three Months
That is .. three months today since we celebrated Christmas. Let that sink in for a moment!
There has been a lot of negative talk in the media about the Paleo lifestyle lately. The media sure has it in for Pete Evans, but with 800,000 facebook followers and thousands already on his Paleo 10 week program, I guess there are a few industries experiencing a drop in profits.
The grain, dairy and sugar industries would be feeling pretty peeved at the rate that the numbers of Paleo followers are increasing .. although the farmers who provide these three commodities get ripped off by the big corporations, so they wouldn't be suffering.
The big corporations that create the processed foods that we are addicted to, might be feeling the pinch, as more and more people are understanding the health risks from eating their 'food like' substances. Since those industries support the media through advertising, then I guess the media is saving it's own butt, by convincing us that Paleo is killing us and our children.
One of the headlines that the media push is the 'supposed' food groups that Paleo lifestylers are foregoing.
Let's start with grains.
Grains are not actually a food group and it's impossible to be 'grain deficient'.
Every nutrient, vitamin and mineral that you get from grains, you can get in greater abundance, in fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. This also goes for fibre.
In science, grains are actually on the bottom of the pile for nutrient density, yet the outdated food pyramid tells us that grains have the most importance and that our diet should be mostly grains.
Grains are deficient because they contain anti-nutrients that impair the nutrition that you ingest from real food.
Let's look at dairy.
Where do we get our calcium, if not from dairy?
More than enough 'natural' calcium in a nutrient dense diet of fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds and seafood. Not to mention home made bone broth, that is consumed on a daily basis. The best thing about it is that you not only get calcium, but a shipload of other vitamins and minerals to go with it.
65% of the world's population (that's 7 billion people) are lactose intolerant to some degree. I didn't believe that I was intolerant until I removed all dairy for 8 weeks and then had some in a coffee. My body reacted .. as it has always reacted .. but because my body was in a constant state of inflammation due to grains, sugars and dairy, I never noticed it before.
It's difficult to explain to someone who hasn't removed those things from their diet, but when you have nothing to compare it to, you believe that your body copes with grains, dairy and sugars perfectly well. Once you remove them and then re-introduce them, that's when you feel your body's negative response.
It's a physical reaction that really is not pleasant.
I don't need to discuss the sugar situation .. I've written about sugar and all of the different names that it goes by, as well as the health concerns attached, a few times now, so I won't go over that again.
Paleo is also NOT about eating too much meat/protein. Meat, the size of the palm of your hand, is all that is necessary at any one meal .. the rest of the plate should be full of fruit and veg.
What keeps you most satisfied, is the inclusion of good fats like grass fed butter, duck fat, macadamia and coconut oils, avocado, nuts and seeds.
As far as Paleo goes, every day, there are hundreds more stories of people who have, by removing the inflammatory foods and increasing the nutrient dense foods, helped their body fight disease and illness so that medications could be reduced or stopped altogether.
This is what Paleo is really all about .. creating a healthy body with a strong immune system to heal itself.
Here's another Paleo story ...
Here is Kylie's (no relation) paleo story
I first heard about paleo 8 months ago when one of my best friends said he had "gone paleo". I had no idea what he was talking about. He suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for the previous 11 years and within a couple of months the changes in him were remarkable.
There has been a lot of negative talk in the media about the Paleo lifestyle lately. The media sure has it in for Pete Evans, but with 800,000 facebook followers and thousands already on his Paleo 10 week program, I guess there are a few industries experiencing a drop in profits.
The grain, dairy and sugar industries would be feeling pretty peeved at the rate that the numbers of Paleo followers are increasing .. although the farmers who provide these three commodities get ripped off by the big corporations, so they wouldn't be suffering.
The big corporations that create the processed foods that we are addicted to, might be feeling the pinch, as more and more people are understanding the health risks from eating their 'food like' substances. Since those industries support the media through advertising, then I guess the media is saving it's own butt, by convincing us that Paleo is killing us and our children.
One of the headlines that the media push is the 'supposed' food groups that Paleo lifestylers are foregoing.
Let's start with grains.
Grains are not actually a food group and it's impossible to be 'grain deficient'.
Every nutrient, vitamin and mineral that you get from grains, you can get in greater abundance, in fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. This also goes for fibre.
In science, grains are actually on the bottom of the pile for nutrient density, yet the outdated food pyramid tells us that grains have the most importance and that our diet should be mostly grains.
Grains are deficient because they contain anti-nutrients that impair the nutrition that you ingest from real food.
Let's look at dairy.
Where do we get our calcium, if not from dairy?
More than enough 'natural' calcium in a nutrient dense diet of fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds and seafood. Not to mention home made bone broth, that is consumed on a daily basis. The best thing about it is that you not only get calcium, but a shipload of other vitamins and minerals to go with it.
65% of the world's population (that's 7 billion people) are lactose intolerant to some degree. I didn't believe that I was intolerant until I removed all dairy for 8 weeks and then had some in a coffee. My body reacted .. as it has always reacted .. but because my body was in a constant state of inflammation due to grains, sugars and dairy, I never noticed it before.
It's difficult to explain to someone who hasn't removed those things from their diet, but when you have nothing to compare it to, you believe that your body copes with grains, dairy and sugars perfectly well. Once you remove them and then re-introduce them, that's when you feel your body's negative response.
It's a physical reaction that really is not pleasant.
I don't need to discuss the sugar situation .. I've written about sugar and all of the different names that it goes by, as well as the health concerns attached, a few times now, so I won't go over that again.
Paleo is also NOT about eating too much meat/protein. Meat, the size of the palm of your hand, is all that is necessary at any one meal .. the rest of the plate should be full of fruit and veg.
What keeps you most satisfied, is the inclusion of good fats like grass fed butter, duck fat, macadamia and coconut oils, avocado, nuts and seeds.
As far as Paleo goes, every day, there are hundreds more stories of people who have, by removing the inflammatory foods and increasing the nutrient dense foods, helped their body fight disease and illness so that medications could be reduced or stopped altogether.
This is what Paleo is really all about .. creating a healthy body with a strong immune system to heal itself.
Here's another Paleo story ...
********
Here is Kylie's (no relation) paleo story
I first heard about paleo 8 months ago when one of my best friends said he had "gone paleo". I had no idea what he was talking about. He suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for the previous 11 years and within a couple of months the changes in him were remarkable.
I thought that if paleo can do that for someone with an illness, what could it do for me, who I considered relatively healthy.
So I started looking into what paleo was. I came across Pete Evans Facebook page and started following. Then I saw a 10 week program was starting and thought what a great way to be introduced to the paleo lifestyle!
So I started looking into what paleo was. I came across Pete Evans Facebook page and started following. Then I saw a 10 week program was starting and thought what a great way to be introduced to the paleo lifestyle!
My main aim in undertaking the program was something rather simple - I just wanted to sleep better. For most of my adult life, most nights I woke 10 - 15 times during the night. This left me tired and irritable the next day, and often needing a nap after work. As a full time single parent to 2 children, and a nurse in a busy area, the lack of quality sleep was really taking a toll on me.
I am now in week 9 of the program and have never felt better.
I am now in week 9 of the program and have never felt better.
As a 42 year old, I feel I have more energy now than I did in my 20's!! I feel like singing to the world - "I'M SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT". It's such a simple thing but it has made much such a difference to my life. Most days I wake up before my alarm which is set for 6am. Afternoon naps have disappeared as there is no need for them. I wake up feeling refreshed and full of energy.
There have been other benefits too. I have lost 20cm so far, lost a few kgs and a dress size, my skin (after an initial detox breakout) is clear and healthy. My stomach is no longer always bloated and let's just say, I don't frequent the toilet so much anymore. My appetite has reduced and I am no longer constantly snacking throughout the day.
Another bonus is I have started eating things I always thought I didn't like - onion, capsicum, zucchini, ginger, okra, asparagus and cauliflower just to name a few. I even cooked with chicken livers for the first time ever! It was to make a delicious pate, but baby steps lol.
I am part of a wonderful supportive tribe who answer any of my questions, and share tips and recipes. The support from Pete and his crew on the program is awesome. The 10 week program has really helped me prepare for the rest of my life.
It's definitely a paleo lifestyle and not a diet. At the moment I am planning a dinner party and can't wait to share some amazing paleo dishes with my friends.
... and on that note (this is me again) ... I'm going to get some of that lovely sleep right now.
Nite all.
********
... and on that note (this is me again) ... I'm going to get some of that lovely sleep right now.
Nite all.
Home Again
The babysitting evening went incredibly well.
Mama and Dadu arrived home at 11pm. Yes, you read that correctly.
And FYI .. NOT because of that 'inevitable phone call' that I mentioned in yesterday's post.
It seems that Mama needed Chicklet before Chicklet needed Mama.
Small steps.
Chicklet and I filled our last day together, playing Aquanauts, dinosaurs, swinging in the back yard and playing catch.
As she went to bed with stories read by Mama, I hopped in the car with Dadu and drove to the train station.
I arrived 30 minutes early and had to sit alone at the station. I had my phone poised to call 000 just in case! Then a young man arrived. He had just spent 35 hours in a plane from France where he had spent a month on holidays, so he was feeling a bit 'chatty'. So the last 15 minutes went really quickly and the train arrived right on time.
It was a comfortable ride home with only 8 people on my carriage .. four of them coughing and spluttering with some kind of cold or flu. Annoying that so many germs were flying around!
Adoring Husband's smiling face was waiting for me at my destination and it was good to get home.
Oh and I finally received the results of my Chemistry Essay. What is supposed to take 2 weeks, took 7 weeks!! At least the 90% mark was worth waiting for.
Now I just have to wait for the last two exam results before I sign up for the next semester.
It's now well after midnight. Time for sleep.
Nite all.
Mama and Dadu arrived home at 11pm. Yes, you read that correctly.
And FYI .. NOT because of that 'inevitable phone call' that I mentioned in yesterday's post.
It seems that Mama needed Chicklet before Chicklet needed Mama.
Small steps.
Chicklet and I filled our last day together, playing Aquanauts, dinosaurs, swinging in the back yard and playing catch.
As she went to bed with stories read by Mama, I hopped in the car with Dadu and drove to the train station.
I arrived 30 minutes early and had to sit alone at the station. I had my phone poised to call 000 just in case! Then a young man arrived. He had just spent 35 hours in a plane from France where he had spent a month on holidays, so he was feeling a bit 'chatty'. So the last 15 minutes went really quickly and the train arrived right on time.
It was a comfortable ride home with only 8 people on my carriage .. four of them coughing and spluttering with some kind of cold or flu. Annoying that so many germs were flying around!
Adoring Husband's smiling face was waiting for me at my destination and it was good to get home.
Oh and I finally received the results of my Chemistry Essay. What is supposed to take 2 weeks, took 7 weeks!! At least the 90% mark was worth waiting for.
Now I just have to wait for the last two exam results before I sign up for the next semester.
It's now well after midnight. Time for sleep.
Nite all.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Vegan Chickie Birthday
It's been a good day, starting with breakfast at a lovely cafe, including a birthday lemon meringue pie (because you simply must have cake with every meal on your birthday).
Chicklet and I were then brought back home and Vegan Chickie and the Bare-chested Chef went to the movies. They dropped back home briefly, at Chicklet's request, to appease the worried child.
We watched Shrek One and Shrek Two, for the fourth time this visit. I pushed her on the swing for 45 minutes. We played crocodiles and friendly dragons. We had two special treats and dinner. We read 5 books.
Vegan Chickie and the Bare-chested Chef went out for dinner and are now at their motel, waiting, I'm sure, for the almost inevitable phone call requesting their return home.
This is the first night that they have ever spent away from Chicklet.
In four years, they've never been away from her overnight.
Chicklet's last words before she fell asleep were "I miss Mama" and she was instantly out to it.
I can tell that she has had quite a few struggles today. Her Asperger's has been very apparent and she has fought to hold it together, but somehow we have managed to make it through the day. Let's see how far through the night we get!
Anyway, this was bath time today ...
I have taken some photos today, but I'll wait until I get home, to edit and share them.
I should get some sleep, just in case the night is cut short.
Happy birthday Vegan Chickie xxx
Nite all.
Chicklet and I were then brought back home and Vegan Chickie and the Bare-chested Chef went to the movies. They dropped back home briefly, at Chicklet's request, to appease the worried child.
We watched Shrek One and Shrek Two, for the fourth time this visit. I pushed her on the swing for 45 minutes. We played crocodiles and friendly dragons. We had two special treats and dinner. We read 5 books.
Vegan Chickie and the Bare-chested Chef went out for dinner and are now at their motel, waiting, I'm sure, for the almost inevitable phone call requesting their return home.
This is the first night that they have ever spent away from Chicklet.
In four years, they've never been away from her overnight.
Chicklet's last words before she fell asleep were "I miss Mama" and she was instantly out to it.
I can tell that she has had quite a few struggles today. Her Asperger's has been very apparent and she has fought to hold it together, but somehow we have managed to make it through the day. Let's see how far through the night we get!
Anyway, this was bath time today ...
I have taken some photos today, but I'll wait until I get home, to edit and share them.
I should get some sleep, just in case the night is cut short.
Happy birthday Vegan Chickie xxx
Nite all.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Sleeping Babe
It's been a full day of play.
Hide n seek, tag (she's much faster than she looks .. or perhaps I'm much slower than I feel!), drawing pictures, colouring in, watching Shrek on dvd and then Mr Make It, bath time splashing fun, play time with Lizardy Lizard and Gecko Girl, finally five stories at bed time and then sleep.
She fell asleep, for the second time ever, in my bed with her legs draped over me. I was stuck for a while there!
It's now almost 8pm which makes it the 'longest' she's ever slept in my bed as well!
I wonder how long she will last. I wonder what time she will wake up and say "I need my Mama".
Ah well, I will enjoy it while it lasts.
It's been a good day .. but no photos.
Mama's birthday tomorrow, so we'll definitely get some pics then :)
Nite all.
Hide n seek, tag (she's much faster than she looks .. or perhaps I'm much slower than I feel!), drawing pictures, colouring in, watching Shrek on dvd and then Mr Make It, bath time splashing fun, play time with Lizardy Lizard and Gecko Girl, finally five stories at bed time and then sleep.
She fell asleep, for the second time ever, in my bed with her legs draped over me. I was stuck for a while there!
It's now almost 8pm which makes it the 'longest' she's ever slept in my bed as well!
I wonder how long she will last. I wonder what time she will wake up and say "I need my Mama".
Ah well, I will enjoy it while it lasts.
It's been a good day .. but no photos.
Mama's birthday tomorrow, so we'll definitely get some pics then :)
Nite all.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
A Fast Ride
The trip on the train this morning seemed to fly by!
I ordered lunch on the train. A gluten free roast chicken with veg and a creamy mushroom sauce.
I've had the roast chicken twice before and really enjoyed it, so much that I felt quite excited to be having it for a third time.
That was before I chose the Paleo lifestyle.
I'd only eaten half of it when I began to feel bloated and uncomfortable, so I checked the ingredients list.
Well, that was an eye opener! So many additives and the mashed potato (the last two times the potato was baked) was powdered potato. Preservatives, flavours, numbers, whey powder, protein powder, salt, sugar .. you name it.
I felt quite uncomfortable for about 3 hours. So disappointing and a hard lesson learned.
Once your body becomes accustomed to only, fresh real food, as soon as you put something into it that ISN'T fresh or real, it really lets you know about it!
The man sitting in front of me ordered the roast lamb with veg and gravy. He spent the next 30 minutes belching uncontrollably! I don't mean burping, I mean full force belching that echoed throughout the carriage! He must have been incredibly uncomfortable.
Anyway, I shared a taxi from the station with another lady, who was travelling to the next suburb. She was very nice and we chatted for the 20 minute ride, which made it go fast too.
I've spent the afternoon playing with my little Chicklet and every so often she stops and looks at me and says "I love you Bozzy Wozzy" or "I've missed you Bozzy Wozzy".
Makes my heart melt.
No photos taken today, but I will make a concerted effort tomorrow.
It's raining as I write this and I think we may be in for some more for the next couple of hours...
Good sleeping weather :)
Nite all.
I ordered lunch on the train. A gluten free roast chicken with veg and a creamy mushroom sauce.
I've had the roast chicken twice before and really enjoyed it, so much that I felt quite excited to be having it for a third time.
That was before I chose the Paleo lifestyle.
I'd only eaten half of it when I began to feel bloated and uncomfortable, so I checked the ingredients list.
Well, that was an eye opener! So many additives and the mashed potato (the last two times the potato was baked) was powdered potato. Preservatives, flavours, numbers, whey powder, protein powder, salt, sugar .. you name it.
I felt quite uncomfortable for about 3 hours. So disappointing and a hard lesson learned.
Once your body becomes accustomed to only, fresh real food, as soon as you put something into it that ISN'T fresh or real, it really lets you know about it!
The man sitting in front of me ordered the roast lamb with veg and gravy. He spent the next 30 minutes belching uncontrollably! I don't mean burping, I mean full force belching that echoed throughout the carriage! He must have been incredibly uncomfortable.
Anyway, I shared a taxi from the station with another lady, who was travelling to the next suburb. She was very nice and we chatted for the 20 minute ride, which made it go fast too.
I've spent the afternoon playing with my little Chicklet and every so often she stops and looks at me and says "I love you Bozzy Wozzy" or "I've missed you Bozzy Wozzy".
Makes my heart melt.
No photos taken today, but I will make a concerted effort tomorrow.
It's raining as I write this and I think we may be in for some more for the next couple of hours...
Nite all.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Done and Dusted
Exams done and dusted! Yay!!
Had a couple of wines tonight at the club. Had a nice time.
Making a list in my head of everything that I have to pack to take away tomorrow.
Looking at the clock and thinking that I should get to bed.
So I'll leave you with this ...
Now that it's all over, my brain is mush and there are no words forming in my brain to transfer to this page.
I will be with the Chicklet family tomorrow night. Maybe I'll have photos by then! Or maybe you'll have to wait until Sunday. Let's see what the weekend brings.
Nite all.
Had a couple of wines tonight at the club. Had a nice time.
Making a list in my head of everything that I have to pack to take away tomorrow.
Looking at the clock and thinking that I should get to bed.
So I'll leave you with this ...
Now that it's all over, my brain is mush and there are no words forming in my brain to transfer to this page.
I will be with the Chicklet family tomorrow night. Maybe I'll have photos by then! Or maybe you'll have to wait until Sunday. Let's see what the weekend brings.
Nite all.
Happy Friday
After tomorrow morning (Friday), when this exam hell is over, I am going to look forward to a wine or two tomorrow night .. not too many though, because I will have to pack my bags on Saturday morning and then travel on a train for over 2 hours.
Hangovers are not pleasant at the best of times, let alone on a train!
I'm looking forward to a couple of weeks study free, spending a few days with the Chicklet family, then a day with the girls going across the river for lunch at Woodgate and then the following day attending The Paleo Way cooking show in Bundaberg.
Such a lot to look forward to in the coming week!
In the midst of cramming today, I made Weiner Schnitzel for lunch, a double batch of Butter Chicken for dinner (leftovers in the freezer for AH while I'm away) and I currently have pork in the slow cooker to make Pulled Pork tomorrow, which will be for dinner tomorrow night and leftovers for AH's lunch the next day.
I hope to find time to make some energy balls, some of which I'll take with me down south.
So much to do, so little time!
Meanwhile, Cyclone Nathan is edging his way closer to my brother in Cooktown.
I worry about him, but I must say, I'd rather him be dealing with this weather event, in his laid back hippified kind of way, than me dealing with it in my stressed to the max, pathetic old lady kind of way!
Anyway, it's midnight. I'm off to bed.
Nite all.
Hangovers are not pleasant at the best of times, let alone on a train!
I'm looking forward to a couple of weeks study free, spending a few days with the Chicklet family, then a day with the girls going across the river for lunch at Woodgate and then the following day attending The Paleo Way cooking show in Bundaberg.
Such a lot to look forward to in the coming week!
In the midst of cramming today, I made Weiner Schnitzel for lunch, a double batch of Butter Chicken for dinner (leftovers in the freezer for AH while I'm away) and I currently have pork in the slow cooker to make Pulled Pork tomorrow, which will be for dinner tomorrow night and leftovers for AH's lunch the next day.
I hope to find time to make some energy balls, some of which I'll take with me down south.
So much to do, so little time!
Meanwhile, Cyclone Nathan is edging his way closer to my brother in Cooktown.
I worry about him, but I must say, I'd rather him be dealing with this weather event, in his laid back hippified kind of way, than me dealing with it in my stressed to the max, pathetic old lady kind of way!
Anyway, it's midnight. I'm off to bed.
Nite all.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Two More Sleeps
I've been cramming all day, so of course there is no news.
I was going to share some links to some short youtube videos about sugar, gluten, health and paleo but it's almost 11pm and I couldn't be bothered finding them. Not that I don't think you're special enough to bother for! I'm simply done for the day.
Two more sleeps til exam time. BIG day of study tomorrow!
Enough of this frivolity.
Nite all.
I was going to share some links to some short youtube videos about sugar, gluten, health and paleo but it's almost 11pm and I couldn't be bothered finding them. Not that I don't think you're special enough to bother for! I'm simply done for the day.
Two more sleeps til exam time. BIG day of study tomorrow!
Enough of this frivolity.
Nite all.
Overwhelmed .. again.
Yes.
I know.
The usual lead up to exam time.
Stressing to the max.
Wondering how I'm going to remember everything.
Feeling like I'm not prepared.
It only takes one wrong answer in a practise test, for me to believe that I'm going to fail.
My heart skips a beat every time I think about sitting these exams on Friday.
The problem with that is .. anything that I try to recap on now, gets lost in the splodgy (yes I made up that word) part of my brain.
It's possible that, at crisis point, some of that information will find itself where it should be .. on my answer sheet, in the correct position.
It's also possible, that it is lost forever, never to be found, never to see the light of day again, to spend eternity in the darkest annals of my grey matter.
Freaking me out!
Eating Fat Doesn't Make You Fat
Neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter, author of Grain Brain, told me the low-carb ketogenic diet prevents — and in some instances reverses — Alzheimer's disease and ADHD. "Carbs are devastating for the brain," said Dr. Perlmutter. "Even slight elevations in blood sugar have been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease."
Dr. Jeff Volek, author of The Art and Science of Low-Carbohydrate Living, told me the ketogenic diet reverses type 2 diabetes, prevents heart disease, and causes fast weight loss without hunger. "There are very few people that a ketogenic diet could not help," said Dr. Volek.
Dr. Westman, director of the Duke University Obesity Clinic, is pleased that mainstream media is finally debunking the myth that eating fat makes you fat and sick. To the contrary, he said: Eating fat makes you skinny and healthy.
"I tell my patients not to fear the fat," said Westman, author of Keto Clarity. "Eat lots of fat. Fat makes you feel full. There's no problem with fat. In fact, saturated fat, the fat that we've been taught not to eat, raises your good cholesterol best of all the foods you can eat."
I know.
The usual lead up to exam time.
Stressing to the max.
Wondering how I'm going to remember everything.
Feeling like I'm not prepared.
It only takes one wrong answer in a practise test, for me to believe that I'm going to fail.
My heart skips a beat every time I think about sitting these exams on Friday.
The problem with that is .. anything that I try to recap on now, gets lost in the splodgy (yes I made up that word) part of my brain.
It's possible that, at crisis point, some of that information will find itself where it should be .. on my answer sheet, in the correct position.
It's also possible, that it is lost forever, never to be found, never to see the light of day again, to spend eternity in the darkest annals of my grey matter.
Freaking me out!
I also want to share this exerpt from an online health and fitness magazine. Click on the links to read more information about the books mentioned.
********
Neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter, author of Grain Brain, told me the low-carb ketogenic diet prevents — and in some instances reverses — Alzheimer's disease and ADHD. "Carbs are devastating for the brain," said Dr. Perlmutter. "Even slight elevations in blood sugar have been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease."
Dr. Jeff Volek, author of The Art and Science of Low-Carbohydrate Living, told me the ketogenic diet reverses type 2 diabetes, prevents heart disease, and causes fast weight loss without hunger. "There are very few people that a ketogenic diet could not help," said Dr. Volek.
Dr. Westman, director of the Duke University Obesity Clinic, is pleased that mainstream media is finally debunking the myth that eating fat makes you fat and sick. To the contrary, he said: Eating fat makes you skinny and healthy.
"I tell my patients not to fear the fat," said Westman, author of Keto Clarity. "Eat lots of fat. Fat makes you feel full. There's no problem with fat. In fact, saturated fat, the fat that we've been taught not to eat, raises your good cholesterol best of all the foods you can eat."
********
It's after midnight. Must go to bed.
Nite all.
Monday, March 16, 2015
No News is Good News
Nothing to report. Studied all day.
Made Vietnamese Chicken Wings for lunch, served with a salad.
Made Lamb Rack with roasted vegetables - sweet potato, zucchini, onion and tomato - for dinner.
It's almost 11pm and I now only have 4 days left to study and as usual, I am beginning to panic and wondering if I've done enough for both exams.
Think positive!
Nite all.
Made Vietnamese Chicken Wings for lunch, served with a salad.
Made Lamb Rack with roasted vegetables - sweet potato, zucchini, onion and tomato - for dinner.
It's almost 11pm and I now only have 4 days left to study and as usual, I am beginning to panic and wondering if I've done enough for both exams.
Nite all.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
I Am Brilliant!
I understand Stoichiometry!
I can do stoichiometry calculations! AND come up with the correct answer!! AWESOME!
I was so excited, I was going to show you the problem and then show you all the steps to solving it, but lucky for you, I forgot to post here last night, and in the following 24 hours, I realised that you wouldn't find my calculations even the slightest bit exciting.
I hear you sigh with relief :)
So, I have been studying all day and aside from a great breakfast of bacon, eggs, mushrooms and tomato, I cooked a very disappointing dinner.
All I can do is share some inspirational quotes ...
More study tomorrow ... so much to learn in so little time! Just 5 days left to cram it all in.
Nite all.
I can do stoichiometry calculations! AND come up with the correct answer!! AWESOME!
I was so excited, I was going to show you the problem and then show you all the steps to solving it, but lucky for you, I forgot to post here last night, and in the following 24 hours, I realised that you wouldn't find my calculations even the slightest bit exciting.
I hear you sigh with relief :)
So, I have been studying all day and aside from a great breakfast of bacon, eggs, mushrooms and tomato, I cooked a very disappointing dinner.
All I can do is share some inspirational quotes ...
More study tomorrow ... so much to learn in so little time! Just 5 days left to cram it all in.
Nite all.
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