Ok, now I really think I stink.
It all started because of a free meal today from a drug rep. I know, I know, I'm morally against taking gifts from drug reps because I think that it contributes to the ridiculousness of drug prices (although a very small portion of the budget...), but maybe my morality in that regard will kick in once I'm getting paid something.
ANYWAY- I ordered a spinach salad with grilled chicken, bacon, eggs, and strawberries (Bob Evans style). I ate it, with the distinct idea that hey-this chicken has been marinated.
But what was I supposed to do? I was in a meeting, I had it in front of me, and I had no other options. I'd also been feeling funny all morning (shaky and short of breath), I think because I was hungry and my blood sugar was bottoming out?
Now I feel even more funny. Kind of spacey and short of breath. And I'm hungry but full. And my stomach is grumbly.
What complicates things is that I don't know how people normally feel when they've eaten something contaminated. I'm not quite sure how to tell. I feel "funny" a lot, so should I always blame it on gluten and move on, or should I go see my doctor like the little voice in the back of my head is nagging me to do?
Darn salad.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
I Think I Stink
I've gotten a little lax about what I eat. Now, I'm not a total dorkface who goes around eating obvious sources of gluten, I just haven't been too careful. If I really wanted to be good, I would only eat whole foods that I know are OK. Unfortunately, life happens, and it just isn't that easy.
For example, I went to a dinner and presentation last night at a "fancier" restaurant than I'm used to. I talked to the girl who was asking which dinner I'd like at the registration table, and to my shock and awe, she understood my question about gluten (the second time I asked, but hey- she might be hard of hearing). She said she would check on it and get back to me. Salads were served. I ate mine, hoping for the best with the vinaigrette. Obviously, I passed on the rolls. After much confusion (dinner was served during the presentation, so there was a lot of murmuring going on at my table between the wait staff and myself...), I was served plain chicken breast with potatoes and cabbage-y vegetables. It was alright. At least it wasn't dry.
The biggest dilemma of the evening came at dessert. Suddenly, a caramel pecan cheesecake appeared in front of me. Graham cracker crust. I asked the server if she knew if the cheesecake had any flour in it. She looked at me kind of funny and said "Um, no, you don't put flour in cheesecake." Duh, but you never know.
Not two minutes later, she comes rushing back and says "Yes, there's flour in it, don't eat it!" I was just quick enough to have savored my first crust-avoidant bite. I was then sad and pouted for the rest of the presentation. Once it was over, some friends of mine convinced me that the cheesecake must be ok, she was probably referring to the crust. They are not Celiac experts. Most of what they know came from me.
But you know what? I believed them. I wanted to.
I love cheesecake, and I'm tired of being a freak.
I ate every bite, with the exception of a cheesecake buffer zone next to the crust.
Now today, I pretty much feel crappy. I feel like I'm in more of a daze than usual, partly from lack of sleep, and maybe from gluten??
People at "work" have been asking how I know if I've eaten something contaminated. I tell them I have no clue. Plus, I haven't really felt better enough to recognize when I'm feeling bad.
Is it because I stink at being careful?
I eat my natural flavors, chinese takeout in white sauce with a sprinkle of generic brand soy sauce (no wheat, but caramel color?? flavors?), Breyers ice cream, and other products that are not specifically gluten-free. Of course I read labels and ask questions at restaurants, I'm not asking for it, but I'm also not avoiding everything questionable.
Is it possible to balance what I should eat, what I want to eat, and not drive myself crazy by depriving myself?!
For example, I went to a dinner and presentation last night at a "fancier" restaurant than I'm used to. I talked to the girl who was asking which dinner I'd like at the registration table, and to my shock and awe, she understood my question about gluten (the second time I asked, but hey- she might be hard of hearing). She said she would check on it and get back to me. Salads were served. I ate mine, hoping for the best with the vinaigrette. Obviously, I passed on the rolls. After much confusion (dinner was served during the presentation, so there was a lot of murmuring going on at my table between the wait staff and myself...), I was served plain chicken breast with potatoes and cabbage-y vegetables. It was alright. At least it wasn't dry.
The biggest dilemma of the evening came at dessert. Suddenly, a caramel pecan cheesecake appeared in front of me. Graham cracker crust. I asked the server if she knew if the cheesecake had any flour in it. She looked at me kind of funny and said "Um, no, you don't put flour in cheesecake." Duh, but you never know.
Not two minutes later, she comes rushing back and says "Yes, there's flour in it, don't eat it!" I was just quick enough to have savored my first crust-avoidant bite. I was then sad and pouted for the rest of the presentation. Once it was over, some friends of mine convinced me that the cheesecake must be ok, she was probably referring to the crust. They are not Celiac experts. Most of what they know came from me.
But you know what? I believed them. I wanted to.
I love cheesecake, and I'm tired of being a freak.
I ate every bite, with the exception of a cheesecake buffer zone next to the crust.
Now today, I pretty much feel crappy. I feel like I'm in more of a daze than usual, partly from lack of sleep, and maybe from gluten??
People at "work" have been asking how I know if I've eaten something contaminated. I tell them I have no clue. Plus, I haven't really felt better enough to recognize when I'm feeling bad.
Is it because I stink at being careful?
I eat my natural flavors, chinese takeout in white sauce with a sprinkle of generic brand soy sauce (no wheat, but caramel color?? flavors?), Breyers ice cream, and other products that are not specifically gluten-free. Of course I read labels and ask questions at restaurants, I'm not asking for it, but I'm also not avoiding everything questionable.
Is it possible to balance what I should eat, what I want to eat, and not drive myself crazy by depriving myself?!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
I remember...
Some brief thoughts I had this morning...
I remember when the word "terror" wasn't even part of my vocabulary. Or if it was, I was referring to my little brother.
I remember hanging out in the local airport, mesmerized by the planes coming and going, waiting impatiently at the gate to welcome Dad back from a business trip. Or later in life- an embarrassing procession of American flags and loud songs to send my favorite Schnucki back to Germany after her exchange year.
I remember when Afghanistan was another place on a map I learned in geography. Or something I covered up with while laying on the couch.
I remember feeling protected in my country, naive from growing up during peaceful times (relatively speaking).
I remember when I thought that every person must innately place some value on human life.
Today is a day of remembrance. I don't often realize how much things have changed, how much I've changed, until I think back to before. We can never go back to before.
Many thoughts, too many to dive into here.
Do you remember?
I remember when the word "terror" wasn't even part of my vocabulary. Or if it was, I was referring to my little brother.
I remember hanging out in the local airport, mesmerized by the planes coming and going, waiting impatiently at the gate to welcome Dad back from a business trip. Or later in life- an embarrassing procession of American flags and loud songs to send my favorite Schnucki back to Germany after her exchange year.
I remember when Afghanistan was another place on a map I learned in geography. Or something I covered up with while laying on the couch.
I remember feeling protected in my country, naive from growing up during peaceful times (relatively speaking).
I remember when I thought that every person must innately place some value on human life.
Today is a day of remembrance. I don't often realize how much things have changed, how much I've changed, until I think back to before. We can never go back to before.
Many thoughts, too many to dive into here.
Do you remember?
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Almost Autumn
Once upon a time, I didn't like autumn. It was so depressing and hum-drum to have to go back to school after an exciting (or at least somewhat relaxing) summer off. Summer was just the ultimate.
The junior high years consisted of going to the pool and trying to find anything to do in our small town. We'd ride our bikes, eat ice cream at least once a day, play basketball in the driveway (usually against my friend Kevin and my lil bro... I lost a lot), and have campouts in the backyard. In high school it was mostly community theatre musicals and my first summer job at the ice cream shoppe. College summers were great for moving home, mooching off the parents, eating anything but cafeteria food, and finally making some money (although not much) from pharmacy jobs. One summer, I spent an entire month in Germany working at an English Camp. Great memories. All of these experiences led me to falsely believe that summer is definitely the best time of year!
Now that I've spent my past two summers in grad school, the ideal of summer has become somewhat tarnished. Summer is hot. As much as I love to be outside, there is nothing better than your own A/Ced house on a day that's pushing 100 degrees. Most of the things I loved about summer (lack of school being the most significant) have fallen by the wayside. I think I may have gone swimming twice this summer. Theatre is sadly a thing of the past. It just didn't have that giddy, sunny summer feel.
Thus, I have come to the realization that fall is my favorite time of year. I can smell it already. I opened up the house today as I cleaned, and the breeze was wonderful. It's not just the weather- I also love football. I had college football on the TV all day today. (By the way, did anyone else see Appalachian State beat Michigan? Hilarity!). I'm actually kind of sad that I'm missing the UT game I can currently hear... Could've gotten in for free if I'd had someone to go with. Eh, too many drunk people to deal with. Got puked on at the last one I went to. ANYWAY, back to the point. Football, leaves turning, apples, bonfires, pumpkins, hayrides, I pretty much love it all.
The junior high years consisted of going to the pool and trying to find anything to do in our small town. We'd ride our bikes, eat ice cream at least once a day, play basketball in the driveway (usually against my friend Kevin and my lil bro... I lost a lot), and have campouts in the backyard. In high school it was mostly community theatre musicals and my first summer job at the ice cream shoppe. College summers were great for moving home, mooching off the parents, eating anything but cafeteria food, and finally making some money (although not much) from pharmacy jobs. One summer, I spent an entire month in Germany working at an English Camp. Great memories. All of these experiences led me to falsely believe that summer is definitely the best time of year!
Now that I've spent my past two summers in grad school, the ideal of summer has become somewhat tarnished. Summer is hot. As much as I love to be outside, there is nothing better than your own A/Ced house on a day that's pushing 100 degrees. Most of the things I loved about summer (lack of school being the most significant) have fallen by the wayside. I think I may have gone swimming twice this summer. Theatre is sadly a thing of the past. It just didn't have that giddy, sunny summer feel.
Thus, I have come to the realization that fall is my favorite time of year. I can smell it already. I opened up the house today as I cleaned, and the breeze was wonderful. It's not just the weather- I also love football. I had college football on the TV all day today. (By the way, did anyone else see Appalachian State beat Michigan? Hilarity!). I'm actually kind of sad that I'm missing the UT game I can currently hear... Could've gotten in for free if I'd had someone to go with. Eh, too many drunk people to deal with. Got puked on at the last one I went to. ANYWAY, back to the point. Football, leaves turning, apples, bonfires, pumpkins, hayrides, I pretty much love it all.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Koala Crisp and pizza cravings
Two things:
1. Koala Crisp- another EnviroKidz cereal (like P.B.P.P.s from last post). My first reaction was "eh". Not like Canadian "eh?", but "eh" as in mediocre. Kind of a cross between Rice Krispies and Cocoa Pebbles, but not as sweet and more crunchy. However- I decided to make Koala Crisp Treats, along the lines of the Cocoa Pebbles Treats I made before. They seem to lend well to the marshmallowy-ness because they are less sweet. I don't know if Koala Crisp will become a breakfast staple, but I think I'll buy it again to make Treats out of.
2. Pizza- I was never one to crave pizza. All of the subpar "free pizza" I'd eaten throughout my college years had left me kind of sick of the idea. I'd enjoy some homemade pizza every once in awhile, often with a pita as crust, but it wasn't usually something I'd go crazy for. But, as we all know, you don't know what you got 'til it's gone. I hadn't had pizza in a month or two until we went on vacation last month (and I haven't since). My lovely mom bought me Kinnikinnick 7-inch pizza crusts. I was pleasantly surprised, as my last pizza crust attempt failed miserably. The only downfalls would be that they are hard to find (I have to go to a specialty health food store that is kind of far away) and that they are pretty expensive (about $7.50 or so for 4). Regardless, I'm definitely buying some the next time I have a chance!
1. Koala Crisp- another EnviroKidz cereal (like P.B.P.P.s from last post). My first reaction was "eh". Not like Canadian "eh?", but "eh" as in mediocre. Kind of a cross between Rice Krispies and Cocoa Pebbles, but not as sweet and more crunchy. However- I decided to make Koala Crisp Treats, along the lines of the Cocoa Pebbles Treats I made before. They seem to lend well to the marshmallowy-ness because they are less sweet. I don't know if Koala Crisp will become a breakfast staple, but I think I'll buy it again to make Treats out of.
2. Pizza- I was never one to crave pizza. All of the subpar "free pizza" I'd eaten throughout my college years had left me kind of sick of the idea. I'd enjoy some homemade pizza every once in awhile, often with a pita as crust, but it wasn't usually something I'd go crazy for. But, as we all know, you don't know what you got 'til it's gone. I hadn't had pizza in a month or two until we went on vacation last month (and I haven't since). My lovely mom bought me Kinnikinnick 7-inch pizza crusts. I was pleasantly surprised, as my last pizza crust attempt failed miserably. The only downfalls would be that they are hard to find (I have to go to a specialty health food store that is kind of far away) and that they are pretty expensive (about $7.50 or so for 4). Regardless, I'm definitely buying some the next time I have a chance!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Peanut Butter Panda Puffs
Try saying it ten times fast, it's kinda fun! Anyway, I tried this new cereal (actually found it at the supermarket in the organic section, go figure). It's really pretty good! It makes for a nice breakfast as I'm whizzing down the highway to the hospital at 6:45 every morning. I'm just glad for something new. Thank you to Liz at Kill.The.Gluten for posting about cereal!
I've again done a terrible job at updating this. I don't know how real bloggers do it. I've been on a computer pretty much all day long working on projects and spending tedious hours on PubMed, and I still have to work up my presentation for tomorrow. Yay for becoming more nearsighted!
I ate Thai Kitchen noodles today for lunch- Pad Thai flavor. It was OK. It was a participant in my hodge-podge lunch of whatever I could throw in my Toy Story lunchbox. I think it's going to be soup tomorrow, even though it's 95 degrees outside.
Maybe I ought to write about something other than food. Maybe I would write more... Only no one wants to hear me rant, and that's probably what it would be. Pet peeves and such. Like people who mistake my "assured clear distance" for an engraved invitation to cut in front of me on the highway. I'm reminded of why I like living in the country better.
Adios for now. I'm off to go review potassium and magnesium imbalances. Fun!
I've again done a terrible job at updating this. I don't know how real bloggers do it. I've been on a computer pretty much all day long working on projects and spending tedious hours on PubMed, and I still have to work up my presentation for tomorrow. Yay for becoming more nearsighted!
I ate Thai Kitchen noodles today for lunch- Pad Thai flavor. It was OK. It was a participant in my hodge-podge lunch of whatever I could throw in my Toy Story lunchbox. I think it's going to be soup tomorrow, even though it's 95 degrees outside.
Maybe I ought to write about something other than food. Maybe I would write more... Only no one wants to hear me rant, and that's probably what it would be. Pet peeves and such. Like people who mistake my "assured clear distance" for an engraved invitation to cut in front of me on the highway. I'm reminded of why I like living in the country better.
Adios for now. I'm off to go review potassium and magnesium imbalances. Fun!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Ramblings
I'm not doing so hot with the regular postings, so I apologize if anyone has been repeatedly checking the blog, anxious to hear whatever I have to say next (ha!). I've been relatively busy at the hospital, long days, but I have learned a lot so far and hope to continue learning as much as I can. Haven't had a whole lot of homework so far, which is amazing, I'm not used to mostly free evenings! Of course, a chunk of my evening is occupied by food- trying to figure out what in the world we're going to have for supper, then coming up with a lunch plan for the next day.
I really think that planning ahead would be a great idea, but for some reason that's hard for me to do. I'm never sure when I'm going to get to the store, and I'm bound to forget something, then not feel like having what the schedule says to have. What a dilemma. I'm sure I'm the only person in the world with that problem (insert sarcasm here).
I ate a lot of rice this week. Heck, I always eat a lot of rice. I pretty much love it. But I don't want to depend on it too much. I ate Fruit Roll Ups too. Why? Because I could. I think. Betty Crocker does a pretty poor job of providing gluten information.
Anyway, what is my point of this rambling post? I don't particularly have one. I was thinking that I ought to update on some GF products. My personal new favorite- Pamela's Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Mom bought some for me before vacation. Waaaay better than my cookie baking attempt. Kinda sad, eh? My freshly baked cookies couldn't even compare to storebought boxed cookies? Ok, enough with the food talk. I'm getting hungry.
Actually, that's the story of my life the last couple of days. Besides that I think I'm finally starting to feel a bit better (albeit tired), I have been STARVING constantly. Almost anything sounds good. All the time. Maybe my body's just trying to compensate for not eating much the last couple of weeks. Curious.
I really think that planning ahead would be a great idea, but for some reason that's hard for me to do. I'm never sure when I'm going to get to the store, and I'm bound to forget something, then not feel like having what the schedule says to have. What a dilemma. I'm sure I'm the only person in the world with that problem (insert sarcasm here).
I ate a lot of rice this week. Heck, I always eat a lot of rice. I pretty much love it. But I don't want to depend on it too much. I ate Fruit Roll Ups too. Why? Because I could. I think. Betty Crocker does a pretty poor job of providing gluten information.
Anyway, what is my point of this rambling post? I don't particularly have one. I was thinking that I ought to update on some GF products. My personal new favorite- Pamela's Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Mom bought some for me before vacation. Waaaay better than my cookie baking attempt. Kinda sad, eh? My freshly baked cookies couldn't even compare to storebought boxed cookies? Ok, enough with the food talk. I'm getting hungry.
Actually, that's the story of my life the last couple of days. Besides that I think I'm finally starting to feel a bit better (albeit tired), I have been STARVING constantly. Almost anything sounds good. All the time. Maybe my body's just trying to compensate for not eating much the last couple of weeks. Curious.
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