Yo's Kitchen Counter

2011-01-19T21:00:00.001-08:00

For quite a while now I have been wanting to try out one of the many fresh fruit/veggie home delivery services that exist in the Reno area. I have had many a client tell me about the various produce services they subscribe to, but, as always, I never quite seem to get around to doing the research and legwork necessary to find a service that works best for my family. Until now.

Over Christmas break, I had a friend introduce me to Basket Case and it was pretty much love at first sight. Here is how the company website describes their service:

Basket Case Organics is Washoe County's home, office and co-op delivery service of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Each week of the year we deliver the freshest organic goodies directly to your door at very competitive prices, usually lower than in-store prices.

The fruits and veggies are all organic but they are not all locally grown. I know that it would be best if it was all grown locally, but I am a busy wife/mother/business owner and I am not perfect. And on that note, I have accepted my flaws and simply go on doing the best I can. . . And I do try to eat locally as much as I can . . . and to patronize small locally-owned businesses . . . and recycle, even if it means I have to carry trash all over town . . .

Here is a quick summary of the process for those of you who are like me and want things spelled out for you:

First you sign up online (basic contact info) and choose the basket-size and weekly or bi-weekly delivery.
You get an email that tells you what your delivery day and time is (and gives you a run-down of how the process works).
A few days before your delivery day, you get an email with a link to the pre-selected produce list. You check out the list and make all the additions and substitutions you want (for us that means adding A LOT of fruit). This is also the time when you can opt to skip your next delivery.
Once you have finalized your list, you get an invoice with a link that allows you to pay online (or leave a check for the delivery person).
You get an email the day before delivery reminding you to put out your empty box from the last delivery (you pay a deposit for the box with your first order).
You happily go to you front door where Basket Case has removed your "old" box and replaced it with a new one filled with beautiful, fresh fruits and vegetables!

There are 3 sizes of "baskets" (we chose the medium sized Bountiful Basket) and we chose to have our box of yumminess delivered every-other-week (their bi-weekly service). I was out of town for our first delivery, but I did get a very happy phone call from my youngest son describing in great detail everything in the basket.

The problem with our first Bountiful Basket was that my kids ate all the fruit in less than a week. Clearly we need to make adjustments until we figure out the right size basket and the right frequency of delivery.

There are a few things that I really appreciate about Basket Case Organics and here they are:

I can make substitutions and additions to their pre-made baskets (with many services "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit" as my kids would say. This is understandably so because the produce is locally grown and you are simply getting what is in season). Variety and freshness is my goal right now, so being able to customize is very appealing to me.
I can pay online via pay pal instead of signing up for an automatic bank withdraw (this also allows for the flexibility of adjusting the amount of produce I get in each delivery). I also have the option of leaving a check on the doorstep on the day of delivery.
I can choose to skip a delivery if we are going out of town or something comes up (and we all know that for this family, something ALWAYS comes up.

I have to say that another really cool part of the whole process has been sharing it with my 5 year old. He loves reading through the list and making adjustments. We talk about how much we should order, what we wanted more of last time, and what dishes we might cook with our produce. Eric loves putting the old box out on delivery morning and coming home after school to inventory and unpack the new stuff. What more can I ask for than spending time with my child talking about fruits and veggies???

Alright, check them out, friends!

http://basketcaseorganics.com/index.html

In Health,
Yo

An Apple a Day is Not Enough - A Poem by Taylor Mali

2011-01-18T18:24:00.000-08:00

Shingles, Schmingles!

2010-10-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

No sooner did I blog about a new mystery ailment I am courting, when I was found myself suffering the joy that is Shingles. Nope, not making this stuff up. Mystery ailment has been put on hold for now.

You probably know that Shingles has something to do with the chicken pox, right? Well, I am here to tell you more. The varicella-zoster virus causes chicken pox. The varicella-zoster virus can also reside in nerve tissue in your body. When you become immunocompromised - because you have been undergoing chemotherapy, for example - the varicella-zoster virus can "awaken" and then BAM! nerve pain like you have never experienced.

Now what would have woken this little bugger up you ask? Apparently stress can trigger a Shingles outbreak. Hmmmmm.

And so another week and a zillion prescription meds later, I am forced to lie in bed for about 17 hours/day. I keep my fingers crossed that the pain will be controlled enough that I can sleep for a few of those hours.

As I sit in bed tonight I am reminiscing about this very night 7 years ago when I was looking at Todd while shaking and saying (pleading?), "this is a RI-DI-CU-LOUS amount of pain!!!". On the night of October 23, 2003 I wasn't suffering from Shingles pain, I was experiencing contractions.

Let me back up a bit. 10 weeks before my due date I suffered a torn placenta. I was in the hospital for days, passing out, losing blood, and trying to mentally prepare for a 10 week premature baby. I remember getting to the hospital where a bunch of nurses and doctors were running around me as I faded in and out of conciousness. My blood pressure kept dropping and I would pass out, come to, and pass out again. During a moment of conciousness I remember looking at Todd and saying "I swear. I promise. I will do whatever they tell me to do just as long as I don't have this baby early." And I did exactly what the perinatologist asked me to do - lie in bed, all day, everyday, until my due date. It was horribly painful - emotionally, not physically. I was desperate to lie motionless if it meant my baby would be okay.

And on October 23, 2003, my official due date, I went into labor naturally. My first born son was born the next morning and he was a silly 8 pounds 15 ounces. He was supposed to be named Eric . . . but one look at him and we knew he was not Eric. He was perfect, but he was not Eric.

Kyle Owen and I spent 40 weeks sharing a body. He and I fought like crazy for the last 10 so that he could enter the world as healthy as possible. And healthy Kyle is. This morning he played a double header and immediately went on to play a soccer game this afternoon. Kyle is fast, and smart, and kind. He isn't perfect, but he owns a piece of my heart.

Happy Birthday, Kyle . . . to both of us.

Kick A Girl While She is Down, Why Don't You

2010-10-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

Yea, yea, so I was all excited to start blogging more regularly after months (or a year) of struggling to "only" be 10 paces behind where I needed to be. Part of my plan to get back on track was to visit some doctors and get some routine visits behind me. Mind you, at 40 I have a ridiculous amount of health issues - need both knees replaced, have narcolepsy, blah, blah, blah. I had ignored some of the more routine check-ups I needed to do because . . . oh, I don't know, my dad died, then my 19 year old cat died, and then our 12 year old golden retriever died and then my mom died (and somewhere in that 1.5 year span, my sister had a stroke, underwent major heart surgery, died twice on the table before having a pacemaker put in, and my mother-in-law suffered a rotten bout of c-diff and then had a stroke herself). Awesome, right? And let me (or any of my friends who have traveled this road with me) tell you that I am just giving you the highlights.

The moment the kids were back in school for the fall, I made some appointments and had some bloodwork done. Mission accomplished - I had taken care of myself. I must confess that I was primarily concerned about my lipid panel and blood sugar labs because I have some rotten family history in those areas. The day after I had my blood drawn I get a phone call from the nurse at one of the doc's offices telling me that I need to get back in the office ASAP because I have some disturbing lab results. REALLY? Yea, no, sorry, I don't have time. I was actually taking this phone call as I was getting ready to board a plane to NM (last minute trip to help my siblings put out yet another fire). I was going to be in NM for less than 24 hours and and then I was booked solid with work for the next week. I, somewhat defiantly, told the nurse I would not be available to be bothered with my poor health until the following week. And PS, blood sugar and lipids look fabulous. Yea. Whoop-dee-doo.

Over the next few days I start to panic. Holy crap (sorry, crap is one of my favorite words), HOLY CRAP! WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH ME??? I have amazing friends, as those of you who read regularly (or are one of those amazing friends) already know. These amazing friends have knowledge in many, many areas and I have to say it is quite handy. At this time I turn to those amazing friends who have medical knowledge. They know this stuff because they have spent years of their lives practicing medicine. Their comments are equally as fabulous as they are . . . I read them my labs and they say things like "Are you dead yet?", "Whoa. That aint right", "Huh, that explains a lot.", "WHAT THE ???" and "yea, now looking back on it, you have looked pretty pale." Thanks. Gawd, I love my friends and their sense of humor. After making me laugh with their clear insensitivity they offered up sound advice . . . and an offer of valium and wine.

I tell you all of this so that you will #1, cut me some slack for slacking on the blog and #2 so that you can feel sorry for me - because I have found the sympathy that I have gotten to be quite comforting.

What lies ahead is a quest to find the answer to whatever the heck is wrong with me . . . more labs, more tests, and hopefully a treatment that gets me feeling better. While all of this is going on I hope to blog more about BEING HEALTHY and less about being unhealthy.

In Health (whatever that is),
Yo

My life as a clairvoyant OR ICK

2010-09-12T21:50:00.001-07:00

I have heard some cra-hay-zee things as a dietitian. I am certain of it and I am also certain I can't tell you a single one of those tales. Even if I wanted to share some of the crazy with you, I simply can't remember any of it. I tried to explain this to someone recently who was hesitant to be completely open with me because we run in the same social circle. As a mom, you never show weakness. Just kidding, that was a joke. The never show weakness part, that is.

Anyway, I know that people sometimes hold back when it comes to telling me what they eat (and other personal details about their lives - and let me take this opportunity to say that those personal details make a giant difference when I am trying to help someone. The way we choose to eat is tied to all aspects of our lives. The roots run DEEP when it comes to our feelings about food). I guess clients don't want to tell me that they eat an entire cheesecake every night because I am going to remember that forever and then when I see them at Marie Callendars carrying out a week's supply of cheesecake I am going to instantly judge them and tell everyone in the restaurant all about it. Nothing could be further from the truth. In all honesty, I have somehow cultivated this fabulous skill of "out-of-body assessment and counseling". It is kinda like I am a clairvoyant, actually. People come in to talk to me and even if I know them really well, I can shut off the YO part of me and go into Yo, RD, CDE mode. I will take in everything a client is telling me and know exactly what it is I want them to learn and understand. The second they walk out the door, I re-enter my body as YO and have virtually no recollection of what we just talked about. I don't want to say it is auto-pilot, because I can tell you that I am completely engaged while in Yo, RD, CDE mode. I actually leave consults totally exhausted - emotionally and physically - because I am so thoroughly engaged in my sessions. I think part of the reason I am an RD Clairvoyant is because I have a really horrible memory. I blame it on a lifetime of disturbed sleep, untreated narcolepsy, and a roller blading accident in my 20's. The reason I am thankful for this skill is for self preservation. I could not survive if I wasn't able to shut off the food/nutrition/counseling "stuff" outside my office. I don't WANT to go out to eat with friends and judge what they are eating. Jeezus, I just want us to have a good time. And I SO don't want to run into someone at the grocery store and start telling them to put things back on the shelf. Puh-lease, that is so not my style, it benefits no one, and is most likely going to make the person shrink away in shame and order a big mac to quiet the guilt and self hatred.

Here is the one downside . . . when people ask me a nutrition question in a casual setting I can't go into clairvoyant mode 100%. One issue is that you have those people who don't really want my opinion on what fabulous new supplement they are taking - they just want to tell me all about it, agree with them about it's life changing powers and then agree to sell it for them. It doesn't take but a couple times engaging this type of person in conversation/debate to learn how to politely smile and nod (and then run). The other type of person is the person who I would absolutely love to sit down and talk to about their questions but that would require a long conversation. Every time I try to quickly answer someone's question while loading the kids in the car I end up giving an answer I am not happy with and is definately not complete. Truth of the matter is that I would love to answer their question but only if I can give them 100% and it is impossible to give 100% when you don't have my full, undivided, clairvoyant attention. You are just going to get scattered, unorganized snippets of info. So not how I like to do things.

Meanwhile, since you are probably curious about the weird stuff dietitians hear, you gotta read this RD's list of top 10 . . . uh . . . how shall we say . . . "interesting" food choices. This is the portion of this entry I call "ICK". And mind you I just read the list and the only thing I remember is that they grossed me out!

Eating Right: Quirky eaters share some of their habits NOLA.com

In Health,
Yo

Sleep and Childhood Obesity

2010-09-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

You probably heard at least a sound bite earlier this week about the results from a study that links inadequate sleep in infants/toddlers/children etc with childhood obesity. This didn't come as a suprise to me whatsoever, but I was really happy to see the numbers. Having suffered from a variety of sleep disorders my entire life, I am really sensitive to the toll that inadequate sleep takes on a person - physically and emotionally.

It seems like americans are getting less and less sleep as time goes on. We live in such crazy times where multi-tasking, over-booking and over-scheduling are the norm. I remember going weeks with horribly disturbed sleep when the boys were infants and thinking "it is amazing a person can function on such little sleep." This doesn't mean we are functioning well, just means we are functioning.

Ofcourse just because we acknowledge that we (and the kids) need more sleep, doesn't mean the sleep fairies are gonna swoop down and make it a reality. I do, however, think that we need to at least acknowledge the fact that we need more sleep and do our best to make a plan that will help accomplish the goal of meeting our sleep requirements. Let me just say that I have found that the earlier the boys go to bed, the quicker they fall asleep and the later they sleep.

At any rate, I read a ton of articles summarizing the study's findings for you and I am giving you the link to what I thought was one of the better articles I read. I like that it outlines how many hours were considered "too little" and what the CDC recommends in terms of sleep by age categories.

http://parentingsquad.com/sleep-and-childhood-obesity

In (sleep) Health,
Yo

To-Schedule or Not-to-Schedule, That is the Question

2010-09-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

My sister (who has successfully raised three amazing children to the ages of 29, 27, and almost 20) and I had a discussion the other day about my kid's schedules. We were reminiscing about the hours spent outside riding our bikes in the neighborhood and playing kick-the-can after dark. I was lamenting the fact that I love taking my kids to all their various activities but that it also feels like I am in the car all day long, frantically running them from one activity to another. My mother was never frantic and she was never running us from one activity to the other. She simply kicked us out of the house for the day. Here is the issue: I do not feel comfortable allowing my 5 and 6 year old to ride bikes through the neighborhood all day. And so the over-scheduling dilemma. I always said I wouldn't be the type of mom to overbook my kids. Never say never, right?

Initially we started signing up for organized activities because it is hard to keep two very active boys busy, while keeping your sanity and house in tact. Activities outside the home gave the boys and I something to do. And thank goodness for all those hours spent at The Little Gym and at Gymnastics and Swim Lessons because I met some of my closest friends in those very place and those activities helped keep me sane!

Today our activities are more about getting in daily physical activity that is so crucial in a world where kids spend more and more time inside (either because it isn't safe for them to be outside and/or their parents are neurotic freaks like Todd and I). My goal is for the kids to have an hour of organized physical activity once/day while in school. This takes the form of Swim Team twice/week, Tennis twice/week, Soccer twice/week and lots of biking and hiking and playing on the weekends. The schedule will change - soccer season will end and ski season will begin - but the goal is the same: to be outside, burning energy, clearing our heads and getting our heart rate up.

I was happy to read the article below and re-evaluate our schedule. Are the boys overbooked? Not at all. If anything, I am frantic because I am responsible for getting them where they need to be and making sure they have the appropriate equipment when they get there (and I am a type A, control freak). Do my boys get some "down time" to play and use their imagination? Absolutely! Some of our best playtime happens in the two hours before we head out to school in the morning. We still have time to get home after our "physical-activity-of-the-day", eat dinner as a family, do homework, play for a bit, read books and get to bed. And I am proud to say that the boys still sleep 11 hours/night.

My take home message? I am doing exactly what I know is best for the boys. I am teaching them to make physical activity a part of their everyday lives. I am teaching them skills and lessons that will last a lifetime through the sports they engage in. I just need to learn how to relax and enjoy it all!

ARE WE OVER-SCHEDULING OUR CHILDREN?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laura-vanderkam/the-notsooverscheduled-ch_b_700257.html

In Health (both physical and emotional),
Yo

Start Packing those Lunches!

2010-09-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

My older son started first grade this week. It has been a long week filled with apprehensions and questions-for me that is. Is this the "right" school? Is this the "best" class? Will he know how to get to the restroom? Kyle, as opposed to mom, has taken it all in stride. He was a bit nervous and wondered if he would make new friends, but all of those nerves seem to have passed just fine. He and his life-long buddy figured out how to buy milk at lunch to supplement the lunch we pack and both boys appear to be okay with their teacher's firm disposition. Kyle is smiling when I pick him up, so I consider the week to be a success. As always I need to remember to listen and watch his cues in an effort to figure out his level of comfort instead of managing him based on my level of comfort. So much easier said than done.

And so once again I am reminded how parenting, and life in general, is all about phases. There is the pregnancy phase and the infant phase. There is the "looking for a perfect preschool phase" and now I find that the school-aged years are a whole 'nother ball of wax. Unchartered territory ahead . . . ready or not, here come the O.G.s.

My worlds, mommyhood and Dieitian, once again collide as I have had tons of requests for lunch box ideas as the kiddos all head back to the classroom. Here are some of the tips that I have found most helpful when planning lunches while doing your best to avoid the "sandwich, apple, bag of chips" slump.

Have every
thing you need on hand - a couple lunch boxes, containers of all different sizes (love those ziploc/rubbermaid containers) disposable (or at least cheap) spoons that you wont mind never seeing again.

Don't limit yourself to sliced bread. Of course I always want everyone to be eating whole grains, but buy a variety of bread alternatives. The kids and I love those cool sandwich rounds that seem to be popping up all over the place. Whole wheat tortillas can turn a boring turkey & cheese sandwich into a fun tortilla roll-up. Use a little creamcheese as a spread to help the roll stay rolled and then slice up into pinwheels! I also love, love, love the whole-wheat mini pitas from Trader Joes. Cut the pita into wedges and have some hummus in the lunch box for dipping. The younger set definately thrives on small finger foods and they can manage easily.

Include a source of Carbohydrate, Protein, a Fruit and a Vegetable in your child's lunch everday. It is the O.G. mantra - Carb, Protein, Fruit, Veggie.

Apples are awesome, but remember to provide variety! Cut up some fresh fruit on the weekend and set it aside so that you can give the kids a scoop everday. Melon and grapes will stay yummy at least through Wednesday.

No need to include "dessert" everyday. Let me tell you that when you rarely include something sweet in your little one's lunch they REALLY appreciate it when you do. I much rather have a child come home excited and suprised that they had a treat in their lunch than having a cranky kid complain there wasn't dessert in their lunch!

Find out if your child's teacher allows snacks in the classroom (I have found that most do). Remember that your body (including your brain) runs off of the fuel that food provides. Having a little carb/protein snack (eg crackers and a string cheese) mid-morning is going to boost their ability to focus and learn - thereby making is more likely that they will get a fantastic job and support us in our old age! Just checking to see if you are reading!

In Health, Yo

Goodbye Lazy Days

2010-09-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

September. Seriously. So hard to believe. I am not sure why each year goes by faster and faster. Is it because a year makes up a smaller percentage of our lifetime? Who knows.

Summer was filled with lots of good times for us. We spent a ton of time at the pool and on the tennis courts as always. Ky and I played in our first parent/child tennis tourney. Ky was the youngest player by at least 3 years and I was the least talented player by a long shot. Still we showed up (and in Kyle's case with sweatband on head)and did our best. I can't wait to do it again next year because already we have gotten MUCH better than we were earlier this summer.

Our family finally managed to go rafting down the Truckee. Eric's birthday was the occasion for that Wednesday outing.

We spent some time in Tahoe and had visits from family. The O.G.s spent a few nights at the cabin for a Gammill/Dahl/Peterson reunion of sorts over the 4th of July.

Highlight of the summer was spending a few days at the cabin with one of my dearest friends. Peggy and her fam have been living in Paris for a couple of years now. She and I spent a crazy 24 hours together in Las Vegas around Christmas time. This visit came complete with our kids. This time we dialed back the crazy and increased the relaxation. .

I have a (kinda) new way of relaxing - taking photos. I am pretty proud of some of the shots that I got this summer so I shall share many (one of which I think might actually be Peggy's shot, but ignore that little detail).

A few final notes . . .

Expect some lunch ideas for the kiddos in the near future. I have had lots of requests!

Visit Peggy and read all about her life raising kids as an American in Paris. Good Stuff, fo' sho'!

http://ruerice.blogspot.com/

It's Been A Long, Cold, Lonely Winter

2010-06-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all, you know that music has great importance in my life. I started playing the piano when I was 5 years old. I went on to play the flute and the oboe in various bands and orchestras. Playing music was the foundation of my youth and I continued to play music until the end of my freshman year of college. At that point I decided that while I had tremendous appreciation for music composition and theory, I didn't have the passion necessary to make music my career. While my desire to study music faded, my love of lyrics and melodies and theory, never has. Now I love to sit back and read lyrics and listen and absorb that passion in others.

I have slowly and steadily been crawling out from under a giant boulder of pain the last few months. Real joy has pretty much eluded me since August 20, 2009. This doesn't mean I have been miserable 24/7 or that I haven't had fun on occassion, just that I hadn't felt my heart sing in many, many months. I have felt warmth and compassion, understanding and support, but I hadn't felt joy . . . until a couple of weeks ago.

I was out on the tennis court playing tennis for the first time since last August. The sun was shining and I felt warm and comfortable and I was hitting tennis balls. Joy. You would think that I grew up playing tennis or that I was great at playing tennis, but the truth is this: At my absolute best, I have mere glimpses of mediocrity on the tennis court. It didn't matter that I lost far more games than I won, that I double-faulted a zillion times or that I was awake with knee pain that whole night. For a moment with the sun shining down on me on a warm spring day and I felt something I hadn't felt in close to a year. Joy.

The past few weeks I have been doing more Nutrition Counseling and getting back into the swing of things business-wise. I taught a Diabetes class last week and talked to many fabulous people at a health fair on Friday. I had a fun consult with a new mom who is transitioning her 1 year old into her vegetarian lifestyle and I am quite excited about a consult this week with a young, healthy, cyclist who has type 2 diabetes. I have even felt like writing, again.

If you know me at all, you know that I am a huge Beatles fan. What you might not know is that Here Comes the Sun has always been my favorite Beatles song. I know it is kind of a strange choice - it was written by Harrison (with help from Eric Clapton) and Lennon had no contribution to the recording. Something about that particular song has always lifted me up. The last few days as I once again explore my passion for all things food and nutrition, I have had some old, familiar lyrics playing in the back of my mind . . . only this time they have new meaning.

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
It's all right

So, here's to the snow melting and here's to the smile returning to the faces.

In Health (and with a sprinkle of Joy),
Yo

2009-12-05T16:32:00.000-08:00

Two or three years ago I saw an article in a woman’s magazine about life in your 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. There were a ton of quotes from women about what defined them at specific times in their lives. I thought about my own decades and how I would define them.

My twenties, I decided, were all about moving and lessons learned. Moving from house to house, city to city and state to state. Of course I did all the moving myself. I schlepped my used, broken, hand-me-down furniture from location to location, never feeling entirely settled. All the while I was learning lesson after lesson and figuring out what is most important to me and what type of life I wanted to create.

My thirties, I decided at the time, were all about being more comfortable in my skin and finding my niche. The year I turned 30 I got married, I launched my career and we bought our first home. My 30s were, thankfully, about buying new furniture, and hiring movers and designers and painters. My thirties were all about finally being settled. It wasn’t so much about wanting and wishing and searching anymore. It was about enjoying what Todd and I had cultivated. We had kids and built a community of exceptional friends. We insulated ourselves with what I always call “good peeps”. Our good peeps are wonderful, kind, honest people. They are people who inspire me and people with whom I want to spend my increasingly limited and precious time. No matter how chaotic or stressful my days were (and are) with two kids, a husband, a dog, a cat, a frog and a business, I wouldn’t change any of it because at my core was peace.

Over the past six weeks I am afraid I have began to define my 30’s as something else altogether. I am afraid that my 30’s will forever be the decade when I lost both of my parents. The decade where I built the strongest of foundations and then held on for dear life as an earthquake threatened to destroy my core and devour every ounce of peace I had cultivated. An earthquake apparently wasn’t enough, because I feel like it has been followed by a flood and I am being held under.

I remember an episode of Run’s House. Rev Run and his wife lost their baby during childbirth. The entire family gathered around the mom’s hospital bed and held hands as Rev chanted over and over. “ We Are Blessed, We Are Blessed, We Are Blessed”, he kept saying. I remember thinking that I would be standing there saying “I am pissed, I am pissed, I am pissed.”

Well, I am pissed, beyond pissed, really. And I am in horrible pain. And I am blessed. I am so blessed that the good peeps that have insulated our family have gathered around and held on to my entire family in an effort to stabilize us during the aftershocks. So blessed that the people who we sought to surround ourselves with are willing to dive into the flood waters and let us stand on their shoulders so that we might catch our breath for a few moments.

So I am blessed and I am ever so thankful. I don’t, for one second want to take for granted the people that have and continue to get all of us through. And so I have many, many good peeps to thank.

To Peggy, whose pain and sympathy for me was palpable all the way from Paris. We still haven’t talked since my mom passed and yet I feel her presence all the time.

To Allison who, after losing her father, said “I knew your father died, but I had no idea.”

To Miriam who lost her mom in her twenties and told me “pretty soon it wont be so close to the surface.”

To Reece, who called me last year to tell me that both of her parents had died. I had no idea where I was headed and now I know why she was dropped back into my life.

To my childhood friend, Sarah, who I got in touch with a few months before her own mother passed away. She was one of the only people I felt like hearing from in the days following my mom’s passing.

To Susan, my friend, my sister, my surrogate mom, for forcing me to face the inevitable and see it for what it really was. And then stood by ready.

To Steve, who thankfully promised not to send flowers and who summarized my feelings best when he sent me an email saying “you must be fried.”

To “the guys” at my office. Just for being incredibly kind and allowing a tornado of estrogen to rip through their otherwise calm work environment.

To Tony who showed up at the hospital everyday and whose pain was evident. To Sylvia for telling me her dream and to Paula and Michael who were so kind to a cousin they hadn’t seen in 30 years.

To Holly for listening to me with no judgment whatsoever. Sometimes you meet a person for the first time and realize you have known them forever.

To Sandi who got in touch with me because she simply felt something was not right.

To my boy’s teachers who have provided the extra hugs they have needed are but are too young to ask for.

To Kris who took me to see Todd Snider right after I returned from the funeral. She fed me wine and then held on to me while I sobbed through the entire concert.

To Jody who reminded me of the details of the last time I saw my mom.

To Leslie for calling me on my birthday to tell me about a conversation she once had with my mom about me. And to Linda for making me a birthday peach cobbler. Now if I had only been there to eat it . . .

To Inez and Eva for listening and crying along with me every night during those horrible two weeks. I know they hurt as much as I do because they loved her as much as I do.

To Sue for leaving me a message that radiated with her love for me, Todd and the kids. I hope she can feel the love coming right back at her family as she enters into the eye of her own storm.

To Elyse and Audrey, Val and Tiffany, Christina, Michelle, Sarah, Tammy and Krista who I know are ready at a moment’s notice to provide the hugs and distraction that I might need to get me through a little bit longer.

To Carole and Megan, who I know tried their very hardest to find me the answers that I wanted. I am so sorry that they had to make such a difficult phone call.

To Amy, who I only met because of my mom’s passing. She has this tiny little link to my mom that I simply don’t want to lose.

And to those of you who I know only peripherally that took the time to write me and tell me about your own parent’s passing.

To the over two hundred people who loved my mom so much that they stopped everything they were doing to give me a hug and tell me exactly what she meant to them. My mom was adored.

To my sister, with whom I will forever hold onto with a death-grip. I could not get through the next minute if I didn’t know you were there.

When I was in college and poor, I gobbled up a gig that paid the unheard of amount of $30/hour. I had to dress up as a cow for the dairy council and pose with little kids for pictures at the balloon races. It was a huge, stuffy, sweaty, all-out college mascot type suit that I gladly wore for three chilly September mornings. Because it was difficult to see from inside the costume, I made Todd accompany me. He was my eyes and ears - the man behind the . . . Uh, cow. On the last day, during the last hour, a vender who was being bombarded by a crowd of about twenty 10 year olds yelled and pointed.

“Look everyone, there’s the cow! Everyone go say hi to the cow!”

Time all but stopped. Todd and I looked at each other , looked at the mad crowd barreling towards me and looked back at each other once again. For a moment the world moved in slow motion and I began to hear the chariots of fire music playing, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOO” Todd yelled. He planted his feet and grabbed me around the waist. With every ounce of energy he had he held me stable while I was attacked by a crowd of wild banshee ten year olds. This earthquake has nothing on my love who is forever refusing to let anyone or anything take me down.

It Takes A Village

2009-08-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

My twenties were all about moving. I picked up and moved several times - usually on a whim and sometimes not knowing a soul. I moved to San Francisco without ever having visited and come to think of it, that was the case when I move to Wisconsin. I woke up on a Saturday morning in San Francisco and decided I was done living there. I was on a plane by the end of the day. I have always loved the adventure and I look back on all of those moves very fondly. I used to crave that feeling of walking in somewhere new not knowing a single soul. Before I knew it I would be surrounded by friends I never would have known had I not taken a risk.

These days I am all about saying in one place. I think that having kids has done that for me. What do I love today? That every place that I walk into I know someone. That if I need to find a painter or I need advice on schools in the area all I have to do is ask my friends. Today I am surrounded by familiar faces. Through my years working in health care I have met teachers and police officers, judges and private investigators. I've met car dealers and CPAs, lawyers and doctors. And I have met moms and dads. I don't know what I would do without all the moms and dads.

This past weekend we threw a party for Eric's 4th (gulp) birthday. There was crawdad catching and tennis playing. There was pizza eating and there was swimming. And there were friends. I love that all the moms and dads at the party were catching up with one another and that there was always someone willing to watch one of your kids so you could take care of the other. Looking back at the amazing photos a good friend took at the party I was taken aback by all the smiling kids and chatting parents.

Sometimes I miss "the moving" and I tell Todd that I would like to close my eyes, point to place on the map, pack up the car and go. But more often than that I look forward to walking into the grocery store or to tennis or to the swimming pool where I know my kids and I will be greeted with warmth and a sea of familiar faces.

Todd

2009-06-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think that my beloved and I could not be any more different.

He is the oldest of three and I am the youngest of five. He is responsible and and self-motivated while I am flighty and impulsive. Todd is the person standing in the back of a party being dignified. I am the one in the center of the room telling embarrassing stories. He is a saver and I am a spender. I like to make a quick decision so that I don't have to ponder any longer . . . he prefers not to commit for as long as possible. He prefers to play golf and fish by himself - I want to be surrounded by friends at all times. He insists the kitchen be spotless at all times and I simply reap the benefits of his kitchen tidiness since I would prefer to clean a toilet than wash a dish.

Todd is athletic and I am . . . well, not. A few weeks ago Todd ran the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey. This is a 178 mile relay race that takes about 30 hours to complete. He was invited to run on a team that consisted of 2 acquaintances and 9 total strangers. Todd told me about his recruitment 6 weeks before the race. Although I am not athletic, I am surrounded by friends who are absolute warriors - friends who run marathons and do iron mans. I have friends who have done that crazy bike ride from San Francisco to LA. While I am completely incapable of such feats, I know quite a bit about physiology, training and sports nutrition - I can talk glycogen stores and VO2 max. with the best of them. That being said, Todd and I really didn't talk about his training at all. He plays racquetball several times/week (and went undefeated for 2 years) and he occasionally runs on the treadmill.

While many people would actually seek out my expertise, Todd, in typical Todd fashion, silently started his training for the Odyssey and just as quietly finished. He completed three legs on 2 hours of sleep. He ran down Kingsbury Grade at 2am with a lantern strapped to the front of his hat and another strapped to the back. He texted me and called me a couple times during the race and I could tell he was having an awesome time.

And when it was all over the boys and I met him at the finish line where I found a not-so-typical sight. There was Todd with a huge grin on his face - looking almost as proud of himself as I was of him.

Congratulations, Todd. Not just for the Odyssey, but for all of your amazing accomplishments (none of which I will mention because I know you wouldn't want me to). You are the yin to my yang and I love you more today than I have in the 15 years I have known you. I hope that some of your fabulousness will eventually rub off on me. XOXO Yo

Here's To You, Moms!

2009-05-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

I haven't paid too much attention to the fact that Mother's Day is on Sunday. We have some crazy weekends ahead of us. Baseball games, birthday parties, Mother's Day Tea, a visit from my sweet Ali . . . lots of stuff going on.

I remember being pregnant with Kyle on Mother's Day and insisting to Todd that after enduring 16 weeks of morning sickness that I was already a full-fledged mom. I still believe that my journey into motherhood was most definately cemented at that point but wow, I couldn't have imagined how much more intense and amazing the journey would become. And believe me, I am well aware that my journey has only begun.

Those of you who know me on a personal level know that I analyze everything. Ev-er-y-thing. I am continually replaying scenarios and thinking through how I may have better handled a particular situation. I watch other mom's and think "wow, what a great way to handle that".

This mother's day I want to applaud all the awesome mom's around me who have amazing attributes I so, so admire.

Mary - for always putting Aspen's best interst ahead of her personal feelings. She has had to do this more than anyone else I know and I admire her strength.

Peggy - for packing up her entire family and moving to Paris. For living with two kids in an apartment a fraction the size of my lower floor and surviving without knowing the language and the culture and half the time not knowing what she is eating. I would have done it in a heart-beat, but I know I wouldn't have done it as gracefully. And I would have done it in Birkenstocks.

My Sister (her formal title) - for being able to sit back and let a situation play itself out instead of acting on emotion. I gotta work on that one.

Susan - for always being honest with her kids - she has an 11 year old and 18 year old and that is unchartered territory for me. Being honest with a 3 and 5 year old is fairly simple. Adolescents is a whole other ballgame.

Sara - a mom at swimming that always seems to have such patience with the kids. She has such a sweet voice and never seems to get flustered to frustrated. Add that to my list of things to work on.

Christina - for laughing. She will see things that the kids do and bust out laughing. It is awesome. That probably sounds odd, but sometimes I am just so frazzled that I forget to even enjoy the moment. Christina makes me stop and laugh.

Kris - for being able to keep the kids on task at home. When we are home we are big lumps of slack. Kris has the kids at the park and has meals and snacks on time. Her girls' hair is always combed and their clothes always look brand-new. We take showers everynight - but hair combing and matching outfits are totally optional. In fact, Eric has insisited on wearing his shirts backwards for months. Oh well.

Allison - for being in the trenches with me. We can always talk about being tired and frustrated and clueless and still know that neither one of us would trade in any aspect of our lives in a million years. Plus she will drop everything to meet me at the gym or throw on jeans and a t-shirt and meet me for a last minute burrito.

Thanks you all ladies for giving me something to aspire to.

In Health,
Yo

Cobb Salad

2009-04-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

I spent a wonderful hour on the elliptical yesterday. I love going to the club on a weekend afternoon when very few people are there. Much of the time I spent on the elliptical was also spent thinking about what to cook for dinner when I left. I started taking a mental inventory of what was already in the fridge and decided I was going to make a big fabulous Cobb Salad. It was so delightful that I repeated the recipe today for lunch. I would say it took all of about 15 minutes to make the salad (start the hard-boiled eggs first).

Ingredients:
Lettuce Mix - a variety of greens with some purple cabbage thrown in for color and taste
Blue Cheese
Tomatoes
Hard Boiled Eggs (I used 2)
Bacon cooked very crisp so that I could crumble it up (I used 3 slices)
Avocado - I used 1 small avocado
Light Ranch Dressing - I like just a little bit of dressing because I don't want to overpower the other flavors

Now let's see if this idea gets as much feedback as my chicken salad pita did!

In Health,
Yo

Cookbooks for Kids

2009-04-19T10:29:00.001-07:00

A friend recently asked me if I could recommend some "kid cookbooks". He wanted something he and his wife could use with their 4 year old son - fun recipes they could prepare together and would enjoy eating together. The research that I did to accommodate their request managed to open my mind up a bit.

The kids help me cook all the time, but they help me cook whatever it is that I had planned to make. I don't believe in making special recipes for kids. There shouldn't be any reason to "hide" veggies in a spaghetti sauce. If you feel like you should have to "hide" food it simply sends the message that this food needs to be hidden. Our job as parents is to provide healthy foods to our children - to expose them to a wide variety of healthful foods. Their job is to decide what and how much of it to eat. This is a soap box of mine that can go on for hours so I am going to stop there.

No offense, Emilio, but looking for kid's cookbooks wasn't the most exciting request I have gotten lately. Part of the problem is that I am still fuming at the title of one cookbook that got a lot of press recently- "Deceptively Delicious". Really? You have to be deceiving to get your kids to eat vegetables? Come on, now. Nonetheless Emilio's request made me do some exploration (both literally and figuratively) and I was quite inspired by what I found.

Chef Bobo's Good Food Cookbook (English)
(ISBN: 9780696221507)

Synopsis: A leading chef and culinary instructor introduces more than 150 of his tasty, easy-to-prepare recipes for healthful dishes for the entire family, accompanied by tips on how to involve the entire family in creating home meals, advice on how to cook with kids, suggestions for healthy eating, personal anecdotes, and full-color photographs.

Recipes written for adults, but easy enough for older children to make. Robert Surles was a former instructor at the French Culinary Institute. "The Calhoun School, a private school serving kindergarten to 12th-grade students in New York City, was searching for a chef to revolutionize school lunch and kids' eating habits. And that's where you'll find him today...." - from the publisher. Nominated for 2005 IACP Award in the Health and Special Diet Category.

William - Sonoma: The Kid's Cookbook
(A Great Book for Kids Who Love to Cook! - ISBN: 9780848726072 )

Synopsis: Provides more than fifty easy-to-follow recipes for menus that cover breakfast and lunch, dinner, side dishes, snacks, and desserts. This Williams Sonoma spiral bound cookbook by Abigail Johnson Dodge has more than 40 recipes with easy to follow instructions. Classic cooking techniques are explained with lots of photos. A glossary of ingredients includes photos for easy identification. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Real Cooking for Kids
(Inside-Out Spaghetti, Lucky Duck, and More Recipes for the Junior Chef - ISBN: 9780762413232)

Synopsis: Introduces basic kitchen equipment and techniques, and offers recipes for stuffed foods, egg dishes, meatballs from around the world, items to put on skewers, snacks, and other dishes. Real Cooking for Kids is full of recipes that will introduce kids to the fun and exciting world of the kitchen. Rob Seideman, president and founder of the renowned Cooking School of Aspen, has collected more than 40 of his favorite recipes from the school's hugely popular children's classes. Kids and adults alike will enjoy his entertaining recipes, as well as his lighthearted but informative presentation of cooking basics. Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

I gave Emilio the above list and he went to the bookstore to see what he could find. He ended up buying another cookbook that was not on the list. He brought the book for me to look at and I really liked it. "C is for Cooking" is an aesthetically pleasing cookbook that is spiral bound (important feature of a cookbook in my world) and has beautiful pictures on glossy pages (also important to me and the kids). The cookbook is built around our Sesame Street friends and is written by a Registered Dietitian (RD). I loved the layout and the format.

And so now my mission is to build a library of awesome kid's cookbooks - one that teach kids how to love and appreciate food. I want my kids to appreciate the flavors and colors and textures that whole foods offer. I want them to understand that preparing food can be an awesome way to show love to the people around you. I want them to understand that choosing a wide variety of healthful foods is a way to show their body that they respect all the great things it has done for them!

In Health,
Yo

Dylan's Rolling Stone

2009-04-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Todd and I met in 1994 while living in Las Vegas, NV. We dated for about a year and a half before I decided to move to Reno to go back to college. My move to Reno initiated what I lovingly refer to as the Shit-Or-Get-Off-The-Pot stage of our relationship. Ultimately Todd chose to move to Reno with me. We moved to northern NV not knowing a single soul. It was just Todd and I setting out to create our lives together.

The summer following our move to Reno, we took another step towards happily-ever-after. We got a dog.

My hesitant counter-part and I drove north of town to see a litter of 7 four -week-old golden retriever puppies that were born on the fourth of July. I had already told the breeder I was interested in a quiet female puppy. He suggested the runt before we even got there. “She is a bit of a loner” he said, “tends to keep to herself.”

At a mere four weeks the puppies were still tiny - their eyes barely opened and their ears were still plastered to the sides of their heads. Todd sat on the sofa, arms crossed and unwilling to even touch a puppy. I handed him the runt and he glared at me. I chatted away with the breeder and met the proud puppy parents. About 10 minutes in I heard a faint “Yo?” and then I felt a tap on my shoulder. Annoyed that my attention was being called away from the glorious pile of fur and bare bellies, I turned around to find a look on Todd’s face I hadn’t ever seen before. “I want this one.” he said referring to the runt who was now snuggled up to his neck fast asleep. Four weeks later our perfect little ‘runt’ was ready to come home.

I picked the name “Dylan” for our little girl. Since she was a purebred we knew that we needed one of those fancy names that purebred’s have on their official papers - you know, names like “Desert Shiloh’s Pride and Glory”. We joked that since Dylan was being named after Bob, her formal name would be “Dylan’s Rolling Stone.

It took no time at all for not-a-dog-person-Todd to become completely sucked into Dylan Dog’s world. And she was our world. I feel like Dylan was the catalyst that sealed the deal for Todd and I. We have always lived very separate lives with very different interests. Dyl (or my little “Dyl Pickle“ as I like to call her), was the first “thing” we both cared about very deeply. Dylan brought out a side of Todd that I hadn’t seen before. Todd became increasingly gentle and nurturing and it made him all the more endearing to me. It became the three of us taking road trips and going camping. It was the three of us sleeping in on weekend mornings and the three of us watching television from the sofa. Dyl was our first real collaboration and for 6 short years the three of us were our own little family - Todd, Dylan and I.

Todd will tell you that Pickle was our first step towards becoming parents because we had to think about her before we thought of ourselves. I will tell you that my dream had come true - I had an awesome dog that was very much a full-fledged family member. We took many a teary trips with her to the after-hours Vet and stayed up all night when she vomited for a week straight (we finally figured out she was drinking out of our roommate’s toilet that had flushable cleanser in it). We rushed her to the vet in the middle of a work day when she was stung by a bee and had an allergic reaction. Todd carried her down a mountain on his shoulders when she tore her paws up from a particularly difficult hike. Where we went, Dylan went.

Lot’s of normal dog things were beneath Dylan. She hated to lick and give kisses (thank gawd) and she refused to swim. She wouldn’t ever jump up on you although she would tap dance in front of you making it painfully obvious that it was taking every last bit of restraint not to. Pickle was also too smart for fetch. She was perfectly capable, she simply didn’t see the point. She would bring the ball back to us once, maybe twice, but after that, what was the point? She took naps with our cats and loved to sit with her nose on your leg while you watched TV. I always got the impression that she sincerely never wanted to be any trouble. If she wanted to come in the house she would let out a single bark to tell you so. Once inside she would simply nudge you once, and place her chin on your knee to make herself available for petting. If you told her “not now”, she would immediately walk away. She didn’t ever want to be a burden.

As the years went on we added our yellow lab Jackson, and our boys Kyle and Eric to our family and our lives moved ahead. We bought a house, had a cat pass away and Todd became a partner in his firm. We got married and bought a second house and had a second cat pass away. Todd sold his business, I started my own and we picked up a cat. The clock ticked and as our lives grew more and more hectic, Dylan graciously accepted the fact that she had to share our time and our attention.

This past Wednesday morning Dylan caught my eye. I was standing in the kitchen and she was lying on the grass in the back yard. We locked eyes for a long moment and I thought “wow, she looks sad.” At a mature 12 years of age, her now white face has been showing signs of aging for a while. She’s been limping from bad hips and a leg injury. The vet suggested we not operate because of her “advanced age” which Todd and I rolled our eyes at - we swear we just picker her out yesterday. I do have to say that Dylan’s age had become the elephant-in-the-room lately. An elephant that Todd and I preferred to walk around. Nevertheless, Dylan would bark once when she wanted to come inside at night. She would do her tap dance at our feet and when she thought we weren’t looking she would head to the cat bowl to devour Gwynnie’s food.

I came home at 1:00 that same Wednesday. As usual Dylan heard my arrival and did her single bark asking me to let her into the garage so she could snuggle on her dog bed. At 4:00 I went into the garage again but this time she didn’t tap dance. In fact, she didn’t move at all. Dylan was gone. I imagine she simply did not want to be a burden because she gave us no warning signs. Twelve years old? Really? I swear we just picked her out yesterday.

There are several things I am thankful for today. I am thankful that Dylan had normal, albeit slow days all the way to the end. I am thankful she didn’t have to go through a bunch of tests and blood work and that we didn’t have to make horrible medical decisions about her care and ultimate demise. I am so thankful that she passed when the boys were at school because Todd and I were able to grieve together without needing to be strong for the boys. And finally I am most thankful that for an hour last Wednesday afternoon it was just Todd, Dylan and I one last time.

A Day to Remember

2009-03-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

I was just telling some friends that I always feel like I have to defend living in Reno. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love it here. I love it more and more with every passing year. It is just that I think the general perception of Reno isn't always so great. There are always the FAQs and their respective answers - No we don't work in a casino and in fact, I can't remember the last time I stepped foot into a casino. Yes, actually there is a lot to do that has nothing to do with gambling.

A definite perk of living in this neck-of-the-woods is the proximity to Tahoe and all that Tahoe has to offer. We got a message on Friday night that my niece, Lindsay and her husband, Arturo were going to be spending the weekend Snow Boarding at The Resort at Squaw. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the resort and what followed was a beautiful afternoon of food, live music, swimming and catching up with the Planells.

So for those of you in the area, check out the resorts at Tahoe. Even if you don't ski, there are a million and one things to do. The Squaw website is awesome and if you haven't taken the kids on the Gondola to high camp, make it a priority!

In Health,
Yo

A Breakfast, A Lunch, and An Oldie but a Goody

2009-03-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

Are those of you living in Reno frustrated with the weather? 70 degree clear days followed by crazy wind and snow? I am so ready for summer's arrival.

I lived in Seattle for a year while I was interning. You always hear people talk about SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder) and the depression that can accompany days and days of overcast weather. I absolutely loved Seattle. What an amazing city. I did feel like everything was always damp - my car, my clothes, my paperwork. It wasn't until I was back in Nevada that I realized how much I missed the blue skies. Todd would pick me up from the airport and I was absolutely stunned into silence by how bright it was. I believe the dreary weather had more of an effect on me than I thought. That is the problem with depression in general, right? Sometimes you don't know how stressed, or depressed or funky you feel when you are in the midst of it.

At any rate, with age I have become more and more fond of warm, clear weather. I love summer in Reno. I love the concerts at Bartley Ranch and at the Amphitheater downtown. I love play dates at the park and picnic lunches in the grass. I love the Log Ride at Great Basin Adventure Park and playing hide-n-seek with the kids in the gardens at San Rafael. I love sitting on the bench watching the kids play tennis. Ahhh summer. Bring it on.

On a food note - some pictures for you. Breakfast - flax pancakes, strawberries and the rare couple of slices of bacon. Lunch - turkey and cheese sandwich with a pre-school sized apple and some sugar snap peas (buy a big bag at Costco and the kids will work through it in no time). The oldie but goodie? Ants-On-A-Log. Peanut butter and raisins on celery. I never ate this as a kid and this is the first time my kids have had it. My kids don't usually eat peanut butter - that is unless they make something with it. They made their Ants-On-A-Log and happily devoured them!

In Health,
Yo

Great Little Sandwich Shop

2009-03-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

My beautiful friend, Elyse and I met for lunch last Saturday. Elyse suggested 'Rose's' for this month's gab session. This comfy-cozy sandwich shop is located in a little house on Center Street. I had heard great things about Rose's for a while but I always seem to forget to try it. This will not be the last time I visit Rose's. I had the Frida Sandwich and Elyse had the Gobbler. She has been to Rose's many times but loves the Gobbler so much she has yet to try another sandwich on the menu. I had my Frida on Marbled Rye and it was super yummy.

Please take a special effort to support locally owned businesses and if you are in Reno, check out Roses.

Rose's has a great website that includes the address and sandwich descriptions. Check out the site and then call in an order for you and your co-workers. Or call me and I will meet yout there!

Rose's website:
http://rosescafereno.com/

In Health,
Yo

St. Patty's Day Menu

2009-03-17T08:05:00.001-07:00

On the menu this morning? Green Eggs and Strawberries! I picked the strawberries up from Costco and they are amazing. I know they are not going to last for long around here. The boys addded a touch of green food coloring to the eggs and I used some green gel icing to liven up the plate. I would have made it fancier, but the troops were restless.

In Health,
Yo

Honesty and Friday Night at the O.G. House

2009-03-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

I hope that you all have an honest, lay-it-on-the-line friend. I do. Her name is Peggy but we call each other "Gayle" when we need to be honest. Peggy (and Gayle) moved to Paris (France, not Texas) about a year ago. The move was a bit traumatic for me. When she was living in Dallas we talked 2-3 times/day on the phone. I knew the time difference between Paris and Reno was going to put a serious damper on our relationship. We don't talk as often but I still feel as close to her as ever. Apparently she feels close to me as well because Gayle sent me an email the other day complaining about my blog.

Gayle, it seems, can't stand when I post articles. She wants to hear what is going on in my life and what I am feeding the kids. She wants the recipes and fun nutrition tidbits that I have posted in the past.

As busy moms, sometimes things get hectic and life gets in the way of creativity. Guilty. Sinus infections, a critically ill family member and client appointments have indeed squashed my innovation lately. I explained this to Gayle and she said that was fine, she would continue to check out my pathetic blog for a bit longer while I got my booty back in gear.

And so here is what is cooking at the O.G. house . . .

Friday night is "movie night" at our house. The boys come home from school, eat some dinner, take showers, get in their jammies and watch a feature-length film (during the week TV is limited to a 30 minute show). Todd had gone to play racquetball with friends on Friday afternoon so I was just the boys and I for dinner. We often do Pizza on movie night but we had resorted to that earlier in the week so I needed a quick, "clean" meal for them to chow down on.

My 'eat clean' campaign means eating as little processed food as possible. Friday night this meant green beans, mango and chicken breast. Dinner was ready in about 10 minutes and the boys were happy. They devoured the green beans and mango first and then ran to our 'height wall' to see if they had grown after eating their fruits and veggies.

In Health,
Yo

The 3 R’s? A Fourth Is Crucial, Too: Recess

2009-02-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/health/24well.html?_r=1&ref=health

Article from the Washington Post

2009-02-24T11:36:00.000-08:00

An Innocent Word Can be a Heavy Burden

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/23/AR2009022302368.html

Recipe

2009-02-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have been putting some menus together for a couple clients and found this nifty little recipe (I actually think of it as an activity) for you and the little ones. I know that my 3 and 5 year olds are going to love this. I will love it because it is quick and easy - it may be messy but my husband* does all the kitchen cleaning so I don't really care. I would love to take photos of the boy's creations for you but I am awaiting my new camera's arrival. Feel free to send me pics you are willing to let me download to the blog!

*just checkin to see if you are reading, Todd!

Coconut Bananas (Reproduced with Permission from Today's Dieitian)

Ingredients:
1½ T cocoa
1½ T shredded coconut
2 bananas

Directions:Place cocoa on a plate and coat another plate with the coconut. Roll banana slices in cocoa, and then dip in coconut.

Makes 2 servings
Nutrition Analysis Per Serving
Calories: 141.86
Protein: 2.16 g
Carbs: 31.28 g
Total Fat: 2.31 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 12.6 mg
Fiber: 4.01 g

Updated Exercise Guidelines.

2009-02-20T07:44:00.000-08:00

The American College Of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) latest exercise guidelines can be read about here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29122093/

US Newswire

2009-02-18T07:33:00.000-08:00

Registered Dietitians Can Do Much to Help Educate Americans and Eliminate Health Disparities in U.S., Says Former Surgeon General

CHICAGO, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former U.S. Surgeon General Kenneth P. Moritsugu urged members of the American Dietetic Association to draw on their science-based nutrition knowledge and patient-care skills to prevent diseases such as obesity and diabetes, to help eliminate health disparities that exist in the United States and to educate Americans to take charge of their nutrition, health and well-being.

Moritsugu, who was Deputy Surgeon General from 1998 to 2006 and Acting Surgeon General from 2006 to 2007, delivered the keynote address February 8 for ADA's Public Policy Workshop, an online meeting of more than 1,000 Association members to update them on ADA's 2009 legislative priorities and activities.

Moritsugu is now chairman of the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute and a member of ADA's Board of Directors. He noted he is not only a colleague and observer of registered dietitians, he is "one of your clients. I have Type 1 diabetes and have received counseling from several dietitians regarding my diet and dietary practices. You have played, and continue to play, a significant role in my continuing health and well being; as well as that of America."

Referring to registered dietitians as "the credible and recognized experts in food and nutrition and diet," Moritsugu urged RDs to share their knowledge, skills and science base to "help policy makers make better decisions for the public good. Make your voices heard. You connect the dots between good diet, good choices and good health. And you keep the focus on the patient at the center of what we do."

In reviewing the current state of the country's health-care system, Moritsugu said the system "has not yet fully realized the importance of prevention in the overall health equation. In our country, where overweight and obesity are affecting more than two out of three Americans, and overweight and obesity are associated with Type 2 diabetes, this is an excellent example of what is wrong with our health-care system, when only 5 percent of our health-care dollar is spent on prevention and 95 percent is spent on fixing things after they are broken."

Moritsugu called for the country to develop a "patient-centric" model of health care based on "a stable and balanced triangle" of research, accessible practice and responsible policy. However, he said, "a widespread problem is seriously inhibiting our progress." That problem is low health literacy, which he defined as "the ability of an individual to access, understand and use health-related information and services to make sound, thoughtful health decisions. Indisputably, low health literacy contributes to disparities and impacts health," he said.

"People with low health literacy are less likely to know how to navigate the health-care system, understand basic health information or get preventive health-care services. They are more likely to use expensive emergency care services and to be hospitalized more often and for longer periods of time," Moritsugu said, noting nearly nine in 10 American adults "lack the skills needed to take care of their own health or know how to prevent disease."

Language and cultural barriers "add another layer of complexity," Moritsugu said. "Every day, public health care professionals are witnessing the health literacy gap. This gap is the chasm of knowledge between what professionals know and what patients understand. And the problem is bigger than many of us perceive. We need to build bridges between what we as health professionals know and what our patients understand."

Moritsugu said it is the responsibility of health professionals such as registered dietitians "to communicate in such a way that those we serve can hear, understand, embrace and ultimately put into action, the knowledge, the science, the evidence, the counsel that we provide them, so they can make better health decisions for themselves."

He added: "As the people we serve, better appreciate and understand health information we provide to them, they will be better equipped to take care of themselves and their families. And the health of our communities improves as well."

The American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

SOURCE: AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION

Have Eggs Gotten A Bad Wrap?

2009-02-16T19:27:00.001-08:00

Eggs not dangerous for heart health: Study
11-Feb-2009
Related topics: Science & Nutrition

Concerns over egg consumption and cholesterol increases are unfounded, according to new findings from British researchers.

The link between eggs consumption and raised cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolaemia), which ultimately could lead to cardiovascular disease, was based on out-of-date information, said Professor Bruce Griffin from the University of Surrey.

The researchers wrote in Nutrition Bulletin: “ The egg is a nutrient-dense food, a valuable source of high quality protein and essential micronutrients that is not high in SFA or in energy. In the current difficult financial climate, eggs can play a useful role as a relatively inexpensive source of nutrition for all and especially for people on low incomes.

“It is high time that we dispelled the mythology surrounding eggs and heart disease and restored them to their rightful place on our menus where they can make a valuable contribution to healthy balanced diets,” they concluded.

Source: Nutrition Bulletin
March 2009, Volume 34, Pages 66-70, doi: 10.1111/j.1467-3010.2008.01735.x
"Eggs and dietary cholesterol – dispelling the myth"
Authors: J. Gray, B. Griffin

A Today Show Story

2009-02-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

There was an awesome segment on the today show on Monday, February 9, 2009 about how lack of sleep can lead to weight gain - or more accurately how getting a good night's sleep can help you lose weight.

As many of you know I have some major sleep issues - narcolepsy, bruxism, periodic limb movement disorder, blah, blah, blah. Being treated for these disorders has changed my life so this story was of particular interest to me.

Here is to a good nights sleep!

In Health,
Yo

If the link does not work on your computer you can cut and paste the address below:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29057007/

Fiber Chart

2009-02-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

In the last post I talked about the importance of and benefits of fiber. Below is a link to a fiber chart that you are allowed to print. Beans, Lentils and Legumes are an excellent way to get some fiber in. Black bean soup, and my favorite, split pea soup are excellent sources of fiber.

http://www.lifelongfitnessalliance.org/step-it-up/Fiber%20Content.pdf

In Health,
Yo

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

2009-02-05T08:10:00.000-08:00

Hello all and thanks so much for filling my inbox with amazing notes of well-wishing. It will never cease to amaze me how many absolutely incredible people I have met through my decade as a Dietitian and it was fantastic to hear from so many of you.

As I write I am sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast. The boys are eating scrambled eggs with cheese, a banana and some skim milk. Many of you will quickly be able to guess what my breakfast looks like. Ahhhhh, my wonder food - Kellogg's All Bran Bran Buds. An entire blog can easily be written about beloved Bran Buds.

All of those anatomy and physiology classes I took? The hours spent in the lab studying cadavers? All the organic chemistry and bio chem classes I sat through? It all comes down to this. FIBER IS KING!

Fiber can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. I feel that I see better cholesterol results when I spend my time talking about fiber with clients than if I spent the entire time talking about fat. Most adults should be getting about 25-35 grams of fiber/day. The clients I see for the first time are maybe, just maybe getting in about 8-10/day.

My love affair with Bran Buds has been going on for years. 1/3 cup has 13 grams of fiber. Imagine - one serving/day and you are half-way to your daily goal! Remember, fiber is going to affect your GI transit time (fancy way of saying your poop is going to change) Finding the right balance is a bit of an art. For example (forgive me Todd) - I can easily eat 1 cup every morning and get the desired results. Todd maxes out at about 1/2 cup. Much more and his gut is not happy. Oddly, he tests his limit out every so often. I don't get it.

Start out with 1/4-1/3 cup. Mix it in with another cereal you like (currently my household is LOVING Kashi Autumn Wheat)and some skim milk. See how you do with that amount over the next few days and slowly increase the amount until you figure out what is a decent serving for you. For those of you who can't tolerate milk, try mixing some in with your yogurt. If you are lactose intolerant, it is possible that while you can't tolerate milk, you will be able to tolerate some yogurt. Another note: DRINK LOTS OF WATER so you don't get "stopped up".

Bran Buds are certainly not the only way to get your fiber in and they do have High Fructose Corn Syrup in them so if that is something your are avoiding there are other choices out there. In fact, I will post some other options in the next couple of days.

In Health,
Yo

A Month Is Much Too Long . . .

2009-01-19T14:38:00.000-08:00

to go without posting. Needless to say, a lot has happened.

I spent a few days in Santa Fe before Christmas visiting my mom and my uncle, who isn't recovering so well from a surgery he had back in October. My sister met me in Santa Fe and we managed to spend some awesome time with my uncle in spite of how ill he is. We had some great conversations. I was also able to eat some of the fabulous cuisine that only Santa Fe can offer. There was a tense 24 hours when snowstorms in New Mexico and in Reno had me wondering if I would make it back home to my boys on time for the holiday. Fortunately I did.

We spent a nice, quiet Christmas eve and day by ourselves. It was awesome watching the boys open their presents - Ky rips them open in no time flat and Eric savors every last moment. And then we were off to Boise and the Cabin for a week of Snow Fun. We ice skated, snowshoed, sledded and snowboarded like never before. The boys had an abolute blast hanging out with their cousins.

Finally, I have spent the last week or so moving into my new office space. I happened upon a sweet little deal and am loving how official it feels to be in my own space. I love it and hope that some of you will soon join me there for a visit.

In Health,
Yo

Two Big, Giant, Fabulous Announcements - well they are to me, anyway

2008-12-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

Announcement #1:

I am no longer Yolanda B Ortega-Gammill, RD. And believe me, I didn't leave Todd, that would be crazy.

I am now:

Yolanda B Ortega-Gammill, RD, CDE

That is right, readers, I have passed the exam to become a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). I am sure you all remember (not so fondly) how much I grumbled about having to study. Well, in retropect it was well worth it. All that time spent at the cabin and at Barnes & Noble have paid off. Thank you Todd for putting up with my snippy, stressed-out disposition. As Ky would say, I am now "an expert in Dia-beebees!".

Announcement #2:

At the end of July I told you that I had left my job at Renown to go into private practice. The day has come when I am officially open for business.

My website can be accessed from the blog page and at:

http://yoskc.com/

Please let your families and friends know about my blog and the website. Thanks to some sophisticated computer software, I am able to provide distance education. It is nice to offer this service since so many of you would tell me "I really wish you could talk to my mom, but she lives in North Dakota". Now your ma and I can consult on the phone from our bed in our jammies if we want!

If you or someone you know is interested in booking an appointment or in finding out more about my services they should fill out the "contact us" form on the website. I will then be in touch.

I will continue to blog and it will continue to have the same "Yo flava' ". I will blog about family, friends and food - whatever happens to move me at the time. I also hope to have some guests blog as well.

I am off to practice my new signature!

In Health,

Yo, RD, CDE

Eat An Apple To Free Your Heart

2008-12-09T21:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I think that my dear, sweet Kyle has a mighty sophisticated brain going on in that 5-year-old head of his. My kids have gotten used to me taking pictures of them eating and now Ky has started to come up with ideas for "Yo's Kitchen Counter". The day after Thanksgiving he had a brilliant idea. He wanted me to make him a turkey and cheese sandwich (on 7 grain bread) and cut it into a heart. I asked him what kind of fruit we should have. "Apple. I will eat the apple to free my heart".

Sometimes I think that my dear, sweet Kyle does not have a very sophisticated brain going on in that 5-year-old head of his. This past Saturday we had an awesome time at the annual Sunflower Holiday Party. This is the first year the boys have agreed to even be in the same room as Santa. This year they even agreed to a sit on his lap.

"Have you been a good boy this year, Kyle?"

"Not so much," he says, "Just a little bit."

Go eat an apple today and think of Kyle - it will free your heart. It has mine.

In Health,
Yo & Kyle

Quick Chicken Salad

2008-12-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

I love making (and eating) chicken salad. I tooks some pictures of my last creation for you to look at. Lemon Pepper and Dill are essential. I like to include a fruit - this time I used granny smith apples, but mandarin oranges or grapes work well, too. I added blue cheese and some lightly candied pecans. I use less mayo than I think I need - just enough to make it all stick together. Today I scooped the final mixture into half of a whole wheat pita. De-lish!

Thankful . . .

2008-11-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

Happiest of Thanksgivings to all of you from my kitchen counter to yours! May your day be filled with wonderful food and conversation around the kitchen counter and the dining room table.

This year it will be Todd, the boys and I around the table. No guests or visitors this year. No plane tickets, long drives, or transported Corningware. Just me and my men. I have to say I am looking forward to it.

Kyle came home the other day and asked "Do you know there is a big parade on TV this year?" He has also asked us how we plan to prepare the Thanksgiving stuffing. Good question, Ky, good question. He is clearly at the age when stuffing, cornucopias, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade are super important. Also on the agenda? We hope to go see the newly released animated movie, "Bolt", and fulfill Kyle's request that Christmas lights be hung outside (something we have never done before). I have excellent intentions of getting the Christmas tree up and stringing lights up the banister. I don't need to ask Todd to know that his plans include lots and lots of football. Tis the season.

Of course my Thanksgiving Day blog would not be complete without a Thankful list so here goes . . .

It goes without saying that I am so appreciative and thankful for my husband who makes every aspect of my life more rich.

I am thankful that my family seems to be holding up ok after my father's death in February.

I am thankful that my beloved Uncle Bert appears to be recovering after yet another open heart surgery.

I am thankful that my sister also seems to be recovering after a recent hospitalization.

I am thankful that my family and friends are all healthy and financially stable at a time when much of the world is not.

I am thankful for my closest friends - Peggy, who continues to provide emotional support in spite of the fact that she is in Paris. My sister Cathy and my nieces, Lindsay and Ali who are family and best friends all tied up in the most beautiful package. Danielle and Jason, who I don't see nearly often enough, but who I know would drop everything the moment we call. Susan, whose daily conversation I miss now that we are no longer office mates. And for our new friends, Allison and Adam, who already feel like they have been friends forever.

I am thankful for the opportunity to pursue my professional dreams. And so thankful for all of the people that have cheered me on as if my own dreams were their own - Leslie, Maria, Jody and Stacy.

Ah,and what would I do without my mommy friends who understand the ups and downs better than anyone else. . . Jenn, Christina, Laura, Kris and Mary.

Last, but most certainly not least, I am thankful for my faithful blog readers who keep me honest and on track when I start to slack off!

In Health,
Yo

Survey finds more people focus on diet, exercise

2008-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Survey finds more people focus on diet, exercise
Digestive Health SmartBrief | 11/19/2008

An American Dietetic Association survey of 783 U.S. adults found people are becoming more health savvy, with 43% saying they eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, up from 38% in 2002. Researchers also found more people -- 38%, compared to 30% in 2002 -- said they understand a healthy lifestyle is important, even if they haven't taken steps to achieve it yet. Los Angeles Times (free registration) (11/10)

Need to be told it is OK to indulge this Thanksgiving?

2008-11-24T21:11:00.000-08:00

Well,then go here:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/169815

Poor, obese kids aren't eating enough

2008-11-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

The following article was printed in the Fort Worth Star Telegram this past week. So often we believe that people who are obese are sitting around eating thousands upon thousands of calories everyday. While this certainly can be true, more often than not, I have found that my overweight, obese, and morbidly obese clients are not eating too many calories - instead they are caught in a cycle of starving and then overeating.

Poor, obese kids aren’t eating enough

Children living in poverty are obese in part because they don’t eat enough to meet the daily nutritional requirements needed for cell function and metabolism, a study shows.

A 9-year-old should consume 1,400 to 2,200 calories daily, said Roberto Trevino, director of the nonprofit Social and Health Research Center. But in the study of 1,400 children from poorer neighborhoods, 44 percent were consuming less than 1,400 calories, and 33 percent were obese.

“This study shows these kids were not eating enough,” Trevino said. “And when they did eat, it was all the wrong things.”

Missing from the children’s diets were four key nutrients: calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. When magnesium — found in cooked spinach and other foods — is missing from the diet, it can predispose an individual to diabetes, Trevino said.

The research is published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

| Forth Worth Star Telegram

You don't just marry your spouse . . .

2008-11-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

you marry their entire family. Isn't that how the saying goes? True, true, true.

My amazing niece, Ali got engaged a couple of months ago. When we found out Ali and Patrick were officially engaged, I screamed. Todd breathed a sigh of relief. I don't think Todd could have survived a break-up. Patrick fit into our family the moment he stepped in the front door. He and Todd are like long-lost-brothers who have at last been reunited. A profound passion for golf and beer keeps them closely connected.

I love the way Patrick looks at Ali - like he just realized why he is alive. When she catches him staring at her he still blushes. He is sweet and sincere and he and I have even survived some brother-sister arguments with our relationship still intact - a true sign of family.Patrick can have a conversation with anyone. He jumps right in and helps with the kids and the dishes. How could I complain? I will be so very happy to have him as my nephew(!).

A few weeks ago I stayed at my in-laws cabin for a week so I could study with no interruptions. Walt and Laurie picked me up, took me out for breakfast and sent me on my way in their Subaru as they would for their biological kids. A family that I wasn't born into, but that has accepted me and loved me, flaws, idiosyncrasies and all. Last week they visited us and hung paintings and shelves - cleaned out the garage and potted plants . . . all things I asked them to do because we just never quite find the time to do it ourselves.

Todd and I have been together for 14 years so I can't say I am new to the Gammill family. While there are times when we haven't all seen eye-to-eye, I have never questioned that their intentions are anything but kind and pure. My bro-in-law, Timmy, seems to appreciate my sarcasm and Kirk has been a little brother I never had. Since Kirk and I are the youngest in our respective families, I think I cheer for him with a touch more energy. Todd's cousin, Sue, has become a friend and a confidant. I would choose Sue and Steve as friends, if we met out in the real world. Soon Kirk will marry Kate and I look forward to the relationship that I am able to have with her. The Gammill family has something my own family doesn't - lots of kids around the same age! Time at the Gammill cabin is filled with karaoke, ping pong and poker tournaments - something I love. There are little guys running around with my own, building relationships and memories that will exist forever.

I don't think I fully understood the idea of marrying into a family until I was already there. How important it is to realize what a big part of your life your in-laws will be. I was able to meet Patrick's parents and sisters a couple of weeks ago. They were so kind and welcoming and seemed to appreciate my wild boys. Megan and Maureen were the kinda girls I could sit and shoot-the-$h!t with and Todd has already enjoyed many rounds of golf with Pat and Eileen.

And so another aspect to my charmed life . . . amazing extended family. Jim, Arturo, Kate, Christal . . . all of them wonderful.

I Am Alive, Just Movin' Slowly

2008-11-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

Ah, when I start getting phone messages, text messages, and emails asking me why I haven't blogged, I feel loved . . . and guilty.

I went into hiding studying for and taking my big exam in mid October. Shortly after returning from Boise and the dreaded exam, we left on a family vacation. I returned to Reno where I nursed a migraine for two days and then hurt my back. I ended up in bed with back pain for a couple of days. And so that is where I am at - not in too much pain, but struggling to catch up. Apparently hours of studying, 10 hour car trips and roller coasters don't always add up to optimal physical health!

I have much to share in the next few posts - stories about our annual trek to the Happiest Place on Earth . . . thoughts I have been having about in-laws and marriage . . . and some exciting news about my business venture. HINT: you will soon be catching up with me in a whole new way!

So my loyal friends and readers, I have one more day of recovery (ie. my in-laws are here to help for 24 more hours) and then let the games begin . . .

In the meantime, and as always, I sign off wishing you the best of health.

Yo

Alright, Alright Already

2008-10-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Even though all of you faithful readers out there REFUSE to comment on my blog, I do get the off-blog rants of "Why haven't you posted???" Well here is my latest excuse:

I haven't written for a bit because I have had my head buried deep in diabetes educator books, index cards and cups and cups of coffee. I will be so relieved when this test is over. 11 days and counting. Today I will use my study break to update you on the O.G. goings-on. Perhaps one or two of you will thank me by posting a sweet note.

Todd went golfing in Las Vegas this weekend. Those of you who know me at all know that my husband is Superdad and his absence sends me into a panic. I am pretty much terrified to take care of my kids without his help. As soon as he told me he was taking this last minute trip I started scheduling activities. Friday evening included making Halloween cookies and paper-mache pumpkins with Mary and Aspen. This would be a good time to mention that is snowed pretty much all day long on Friday. Fortunately coach Alicia is kind enough to cancel soccer practice when there is a blizzard out. The people who run Ky's soccer league were not as kind. In spite of the 31 degree freeze we showed up to our previously scheduled soccer game at 9am. As soon as we left soccer,I had us scheduled to meet Gina, Evan and Skylar at Michael's to decorate pumpkins. When that was over it was lunch and a play date for all of us at our house. That night the boys and I climbed in my bed and watched Finding Nemo in the dark. We woke up bright and early so that Val, Madison and McKenna could come over in their pjs for a Sunday morning breakfast playdate. As they were leaving Todd drove up. Fifteen minutes later I was out the door to study for the rest of the day.

I don't mess around people. It is like a bootcamp of fun around here! I have also included some pictures from a trip to the pumpkin patch and a hike we took recently. Enjoy our craziness!

In Health,
Yo

Balance, Balance, Balance

2008-09-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

I am having a rough time right now. I had a fever last Thursday and have been nursing a cold since then. It is crazy how one little cold can throw EVERYTHING off balance. We have a very finely tuned schedule that includes jobs, school, swimming lessons and soccer games. Somewhere in there Todd and I try our best to also get in some exercise. Right now I am also studying for a big exam to become a Certified Diabetes Educator. I am in the final month before the exam and most of my thoughts are on studying.

I am guessing that most of you do your best to double up on tasks when you can. Yesterday that meant an hour and a half on the elliptical machine and stationary bike while I studied. This morning I managed 45 minutes of studying/exercising immediately after dropping the boys off at school. As usual, I ate a half cup of bran buds mixed with a half cup of Kashi Winter Wheat cereal and skim milk with the boys before heading out. After my workout I was STARVING so I came home, took a shower (and make the bed, emptied the dishwasher and threw a load of laundry in) and sat down to a quick breakfast/mid-morning snack.

I picked up some gigantic pears from Costco this weekend. I only ended up using half of it in my breakfast and will pack the rest along with a string cheese for a snack this afternoon. I like my fruit in the not-quite-ripe stage. I like my nectarines, peaches and pears to pack some crunch! I fried an egg (using a non-stick pan and PAM) for some protein and threw a frozen waffle in the toaster for some carb. I usually pick a different (whole grain) waffle, but I grabbed what was at Costco instead of making an additional trip to Trader Joes. Sometimes perfection gets over-ridden by desperation. I used Smart Balance as the 'margarine'and a smidge of lite syrup.

I always talk to clients about asking themselves "how could I make this meal better?". I want them to focus on what they can do right now to be more healthful instead of hoping for a number on the scale next month. So in the name of answering my own question . . . I need to find a spray oil that is not in an aerosol can (environmental) and a whole grain waffle would have been better.

May you not get this silly cold and may your day and meals balance nicely.

In Health,
Yo

Balloon Races - 2008

2008-09-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

Getting two kids (and ourselves) up and dressed at 4:30 am can be a feat. We rallied the troops and met our good friends Laura and Sean for our second annual bus ride to the Reno Balloon Races. The boys definately think the bus ride is the best part.

Super-Healthy Kids

2008-09-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.gelsons.com/services/NN/September-2008.asp

Online newsletter that I believe you will enjoy as much as I did.

One of my favorite breakfasts

2008-09-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

This is a great quick and easy breakfast.

I take some chopped fruit (about a cup) and lightly coat it with some vanilla yogurt and top with some almonds.

I really like to use red delicious apples because I am a total texture person and I love the crunch of the apples and almonds mixed with the smooth yogurt. You can put anything in there that you want - mandarin oranges might be nice. We had some awesome green grapes from Costco the other day that would have also worked nicely. I prefer using vanilla yogurt because I am not too crazy about the fruit flavored ones but feel free to experiment. I always have almonds around so that is also my nut of choice, but by all means try some variations.

For the kids? You can get mini skewers and have them spear the fruit onto the skewer and then drizzle the yogurt on top. Chop up the almonds and have them sprinkle them on top. Obviously you have to take into account your child's ability to "spear", but kids are much more likely to eat foods that they took a part in preparing. What a fun activity!

My goal for breakfast is to have a source of carb, protein and fruit (and veggies if there is a way to get them in there). This easy breakfast (and it makes an awesome snack, as well) has fruit, yogurt for carb and the nuts add a nice protein source.

Enjoy.

In Health,
Yo

3 Kid Lunches under 3 Bucks

2008-09-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.momlogic.com/2008/08/healthy_school_lunches_for_und.php

Above is a link to an article on mom logic, which is a site I had never been to before today. I review a zillion nutrition articles most days and then try to pass the best on to you. I LOVE the photos in this particular piece. The lunches are quite similar to what my boys take to school - minus the peanut butter . . . they just don't like peanut butter.

Things I would change? These are pretty nit-picky changes so don't fret if you would prefer to ignore my suggestions.

I am not crazy about applesauce. I would prefer the kids eating a whole apple since smooshing it up takes the fiber out of it and you lose the benefit of the peel. I do think it would be great to have some applesauce in the pantry for those times when you don't have fresh fruit available.

I prefer to give the kids chocolate milk (or plain milk) in their lunches, and I know they prefer it to water as well. They should be drinking plenty of water at school throughout the day. If it is between water and juice, I say water (and yes, that includes the juices that are 100% juice). Some calcium, some carb and protein - Chocolate milk is one of my favorites for the kids. A side note: A couple years back there were a ton of articles about how great chocolate milk is after a sporting event. The simple glucose in the chocolate can help replenish glycogen stores and the protein can start to repair the inevitable muscle damage. So consider chocolate milk boxes when it is your turn to bring the soccer snacks! I am so pleased that costco has several different types (including soy) that come in convenient "boxes".

I am sure you saw this coming, but I don't think ranch dressing is necessary, but if it gets the kids to eat some veggies, have at it. Just try not to give them too much.

Hope all of you are having an awesome day.

In Health,
Yo

Take A Child Outside Week!

2008-09-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Take a Child Outside Week is September 24—September 30, 2008

Take A Child Outside Week is a program designed to help break down obstacles that keep children from discovering the natural world. By arming parents, teachers and other caregivers with resources on outdoor activities, our goal is to help children across the country develop a better understanding and appreciation of the environment in which they live, and a burgeoning enthusiasm for its exploration.

Check-out

takeachildoutside.org

for more information and ideas.

In Health,
Yo

Friendship, Take 2

2008-09-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

While I realize that this is going to date me, and you will all now know that I am far, far older than I look, I have decided to tell you that my 20 year high school reunion was last weekend. Where on earth does time go?

I purposely vanished from the face of the earth after high school graduation. I left my hometown and kept in contact with pretty much no one. As my reunion was approaching I started thinking about all my "old" friends. All of my curiosity seemed to focus on all the kids I went to elementary school with. There were many of us that spent 7 years together at Wood Gormeley Elementary School. Slowly I started getting in touch with classmates via Facebook and Classmates.com.

At first it was a bit intimidating. I worried that people wouldn't even remember me. That or they would think it was freakishly strange that I still think about 5th grade. That was not the case AT ALL. Over the past couple weeks it has been a flurry of re-connecting with old friends. I spoke to one high school friend on the phone for a couple hours and was so sad to hear that both of her parents had passed away. I spent countless hours at their home and ached to hear they were gone. I really wanted to let them know that "wild Yo" or "squirrel", as her dad called me, turned out OK.

I chatted online with my best friend from 3rd and 4th grade. I hadn't spoken to her since we were about 11 years old and yet there was this comfortable knowing in our conversation. She told me her mom had a brain tumor. A couple of days ago she sent me an email that her mom had passed away the day before. A flood of memories came back - the Woody Allen poster in their home and my first experience playing dreidel. I spent many a night sleeping in tents with them one summer as they built their dream home in the mountains. They gave me strict instructions to only poop in the outhouse - no peeing in there. I peed in there and they politely rehashed the rules for me. "Bill(her stepfather) just mentioned you the other day", Sarah said when I first contacted her. Wow.

Another grade-school friend has spent 17 years in the military and he competes in ballroom dancing competitions! He sent me videos of him dancing and I sent him pictures of me and my boys. "You still have that same cute smile you had as a little girl!" he wrote me. One high school friend left his job at Microsoft to be a full-time freelance artist. I hope to include some of his amazing paintings of fruits and veggies on my website and in my office. Another friend is an architect and another a dentist with a daughter Kyle's age. She and I have emailed back and forth sharing our thoughts on balancing our lives as mommies and as professionals. My first boyfriend (he was in first grade and I was in second)wrote me and told me he has been living in the Middle East. He has lived in Costa Rica and Japan and traveled to who knows where. He picked right up making funny references to things that would only mean something to me.

I especially like talking to the elementary school boys. Both "Tommy A" and "Tommy T" have beautiful kids. Thanks to computer technology I was able to see pictures of their families. There they were, these 'kids' I still feel that I know so well, smiling with that exact same 7 year old smile and now it was reflected in their offspring. I loved seeing pictures of Tommy T's parents with their grandchild. I can close my eyes and see them in the audience during countless school performances.

Childhood, you hope, is a time of joy and comfort. I feel like a young child - safe and confident and comfortable and loved - when I talk to these old friends. There is this sweet, innoncence in our dialogue and I love it.

A couple weeks back Todd, Eric and I were watching Kyle's first soccer game. Up walked a childhood friend of Todd's. Ryan has ended up living in Reno as well and he was there watching his 4(!!!!) kids play soccer. Todd remembers playing soccer with Ryan as a kid. As I downloaded the above picture of Kyle and his teamates I thought, "what a full-circle moment".

6 Food Mistakes Parents Make

2008-09-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/15/health/healthspecial2/15eat.html?_r=1&em&oref=slogin

Another awesome article from the New York Times. There is one 'mistake' that I don't completely agree with, though. The article talks about parents giving kids plain, steamed veggies and calls that 'boring'. The author suggests adding butter or brown sugar to add some kid appeal. I would caution against taking away from the natural flavor of the veggies. I believe kids can appreciate broccoli without it being dipped in ranch or buried under a mountain of cheese sauce. I have noticed that sprinkling some roasted almond slivers over the green beans have made them more popular in my house.

Another tip about veggies - don't over cook them! They should still have some crunch and maintain their natural vibrant color. Cook them for less time then you think they should be cooked - after all you can always cook them more if needed.

Last note - No Short Orders Cooks Allowed! Your job as a parent is to provide a wide variety of healthful foods - not to prepare foods that your kids will eat. Your childs' job? To decided what to eat. Don't micro-manage.

In Health,
Yo

We are officially a Soccer family

2008-09-08T13:22:00.001-07:00

We have been inducted into the world of soccer moms and Saturday game days.

Kyle had his first soccer game on Saturday and it was awesome. This is the youngest league - 4 and 5 year olds. We have 6 boys, 2 girls, and 1 coach Alicia on the team. Ky didn't know any of the other kids on the first day but they have all become "dog pile" buddies. They love to just yell "DOG PILE!" and all fall on eachother. Even little Cora says "dog pile me guys!". Yikes.

There are no goalies and no score keeping. The coaches act as referees. It was a huge deal when Kyle scored 3 goals for his own team, and everyone clapped politely when he scored a goal for the other team. When you look at the pictures I attach, check out the smile on Kyle's face (when he is smiling) - he looks absolutely thrilled. I love when I am able to capture that look on film. Really, how often do we find outselves smiling with that much joy?

So far the most tense moment came when Coach Alicia asked the team what they should name themselves . . . CHEETOS! . . . DORRITOS! . . . SPICY CHEETO-DORRITOS! . . . ugh. I was so relieved when they agreed upon Vipers. Please, no junk food references, it will give me hives.

Three is the new two.

2008-09-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Just before Ky turned two I took him to the doctor. He had been such a 'toot' that I was certain he had an ear infection. You gotta remember this is a kid who had his tonsils out before he was 2 1/2 years old. Sick kid. Dr. Pat checked his ears and throat . . . looked up his nose.

Putting down his little doctor light, "Ears look fine. I am afraid he has something far worse than an ear infection."

Me: "WHAT THE ?????"
Dr. Pat: "He has 'the two'".

Me: (getting light-headed): "HE HAS WHAT ????"
Dr. Pat: "He has 'two' - the only cure for it is 'three'.
It was a long standing joke in the house between Todd and I. Whenever the boys were . . . less than perfect . . . we would say 'he's got the two'.
Our new saying, thanks to our once compliant, sweet, kind, agreeable youngest? Three-is-the-new-two.

Eric is defiant in a way Ky has never been. He will look you in the eye and do whatever is is you just finished telling him he better not do. He stomps and screams and grunts and throws himself on the floor. Mind you he doesn't do this for anyone else but me. At swimming and school he puts on this high-pitched little voice and plays coy.
To illustrate what I am describing (and because no one ever believes me that my squishy little googley bear would be anything but perfect) I put together a little slide show for you.

Now I don't want you all to think that we were forcing Eric to go on long miserable hikes or that we are cruel to him and that is why he is acting out. So to illustrate the other side, let me show you some pictures that were take moments before and after the above photos . . .

Earth Shattering News Regarding Children's Intake of Fruits and Veggies

2008-08-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

I am jus' jokin' about the earth shattering news . . . I tell parents this all of the time - if you want your kids to eat fruits and veggies (drum roll please . . . )

1) Serve them fruits and veggies
2) Eat fruits and veggies yourself

The next thing I hear is "I buy fruit but it goes bad because they always eat the chips instead . . . "

Drum roll please . . .

Don't want your kids to eat cheetos???? Don't buy cheetos.

I know, I know, easier said than done. Nothing is really wrong with some cheetos here and there (we ate a snack size bag on the way home from Discovery Kingdom and it worked magic on our frazzled nerves) - just don't make cheetos a part of the weekly grocery list.

As long as we are addressing this, let me tell you a story.

My husband, amazing soul that he is, has a serious, scary addiction to tortilla chips. He wants tortilla chips in the house at all times. Drives me crazy but I am willing to accept this since he overlooks the one or two things that drive him crazy about me. Todd walks in the door after work and immediately goes to the pantry and looks for his beloved (and I don't hide in the pantry . . . well, not on a regular basis). The boys have now started to come home and immediately want tortilla chips. UGH.

Yesterday I called Todd on my way to Costco to see if he had any special requests. He always says "chips" and I always say "OK" and then ignore the request. Must have been feelin' good yesterday because I bought a giant bag of Tostitos for him. The entire time I am grumbling under my breath. "stupid chips. watch me run into a client." All of a sudden I realize I can't find my shopping cart. Now I have to wander around aimlessly looking for my cart while cradling the most giant bad of chips known to mankind. And did I run into a client? Nope. Ran into a fellow dietitian. UGH again.

Parents Shape Whether Their Children Learn To Eat Fruits And Vegetables

ScienceDaily (2008-08-13) -- To combat the increasing problem of childhood obesity, researchers are studying how to get preschoolers to eat more fruits and vegetables. One way is early home interventions -- teaching parents how to create an environment where children reach for a banana instead of potato chips. ... > read full article

I am grateful for . . .

2008-08-05T22:02:00.001-07:00

I went to Trader Joe's to pick up some food this evening. While I was driving I was thinking of all the things I am grateful for. I thought it would be fun to make a list.

Todd Gammill - the guy cleans the entire kitchen and living room every night. He does loads of laundry because it needs to be done and not because I asked. AND he is hot.

My kid's doctors - Dr. Pat, Dr. Krista, Dr. Tammy, Dr. Dooley. Incredible professionals who listen to me and ask for my opinion and input.

Kris - she took amazing care of Eric for close to a year. How important is it to have friends that care about your child?

Little Ones Swim - I so appreciate Ms Stacey and Ms Margie and Ms Angela. Those ladies have incredible talent. I really admire how skillful they are when it comes to teaching the kids to swim.

My co-workers - for being excited for me as I start up my own business.

Maria and Jody - babysitters and soooo much more. They have both helped me take care of the boys from the beginning. I can hand them my car keys and they know exactly what to do. I never have to worry when I leave the boys with them.

Scrapbooks Atelier - Sylvia, Esteban, Amy, Paige and Mandee. Scrapbooking has become a real outlet for me. I love hanging out at the store sharing stories and ideas.

Sunflower - preschool extrodinaire.

Eric - who climbed in bed with me this morning and said "mommy? can i have an eskimo piss, peas?" translation - eskimo kiss, please.

Ky - for being sensitive and kind and having a most amazing memory.

Give me a few, friends. What are you grateful for?

Yo

Now take a deep breath, and LEAP

2008-07-30T22:59:00.000-07:00

I totally took a leap of faith today. A gigantic leap of faith . . . and it feels amazing. Before I tell you about it, I want to call your attention to the addition of a play list to this blog. As you read, realize that I picked these three songs specifically to accompany this entry. Yes, I am proud of myself.

Maybe the best place to start is back in Dec of 2007. I have suffered from migraines and paralyzing fatigue for as long as I can remember. I sorta thought it was normal . . . well, maybe not normal, but not life altering (boy is ignorance bliss). Long story short, I went through years of tests and was finally diagnosed with narcolepsy. Crazy, right? That diagnosis and the subsequent treatment has changed my life. I had NO IDEA that it was possible to feel this good. I lived in this hazy fog that I thought was normal. Now I sleep 6-8 hours/night and feel fine the next day. I used to sleep 10-12 hours at night, and if at all possible take a 4 hour nap everyday. Worst of all, I slept my life away and never felt rested. Ask Todd about it sometime. In retrospect I have suffered HUGE for waaaay too long. For the first time in my life I stepped out of a perpetual winter storm.

Fast forward a bit. My dad dies in February and his death throws me for a loop in a way that I never could have anticipated. The combination of my dad's death and my new-found energy/clarity forced me to look at my life from a new vantage point (and without the fog). I realized that I wanted to create a professional life that reflects my passions and my interests. I already have a career that I absolutely love - I get to spend time with very cool people teaching them ways to improve their emotional and physical health through nutrition counseling. Perfect. The question was how can I make perfect even better? How could I take my passion for food, health and physiology and integrate my other passions - my family and my friends?

And so Yo's Kitchen Counter, as a concept, was born. I would offer nutrition education and counseling focusing on helping busy families eat healthfully, and connect in a meaningful way. My business would not just be about nourishing our bodies physically, but emotionally as well. YKC would also be about nourishing relationships with family and friends. Over the past 5 months Yo's Kitchen Counter has evolved into a full-fledged business. Officially I am now the Managing Owner of (drum roll please) . . .

Yo's Kitchen Counter, LLC
Where Family, Friends, and Food Meet.

I found business counselors, I talked to other dietitians in private practice, I spoke to some incredible women who have started businesses of their own. I ran ideas by friends I knew I could trust with my dream. "I have an idea for a business." Peggy said, "Sister, I have been telling you to do this for years!". Gina actually came up with the name "kitchen counter". "Everyone always hangs out in the kitchen. It is where all the meaningful conversations happen.", she said. Todd got this smirk on his face when I ran the idea by him. Believe me I have run many of 'Yo's big ideas' by Todd in our 14 years together - this is the first one that evoked a wonderful little smile. I knew he was on board.

Somewhere in between my 3 days/week job at the hospital and 8 hours/week at Head Start, and tennis lessons (some for Ky, some for me) and swimming lessons (boys only, thank goodness), and late nights scrap booking at Atelier, I managed to form an LLC, get my business license (and jump through the 5,230 hoops necessary to obtain said business license). I found someone wonderful to design my logo and build the company website. Quite amazing what you can do when you only need 8 hours of sleep/night.

So what exactly was the big leap of faith? I verbally turned in my 'resignation' at the hospital today. I decided to leave what has been an unbelievably great job so I could focus far more attention on getting Yo's Kitchen Counter up and running. I had no intention of leaving my job at Renown anytime soon. Throughout all of my planning and creating of "the business", I always factored in my position at Renown. Over the past 10 days or so I started to really focus on what I want my life to look like and there just wasn't room for Renown anymore. Even with all of my new-found energy, I can only do so much if I want to do any of it WELL.

This was a HUGE, GIGANTIC, OVERWHELMING decision and I have felt a huge, gigantic, overwhelming weight lifted off of me since I made it. It feels quite empowering to leave behind something great because you truly believe in your entire being that there is something out there better than "great".

Wow, this journey has already been amazing. Thanks so much for reading and for sending me positive messages and vibes. I feel like I have this fabulous group of people cheering me on . . . Today's LEAP was only the beginning.

Seriously, can a kid get any cuter?

2008-07-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO MY ERIC!!!

Discovery Kingdom

2008-07-27T19:04:00.001-07:00

My bright idea was to spend Saturday at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. I figured this would be a great way to celebrate Eric's third birthday.

Let me preface all of this by telling you that I LOVE DISNEYLAND and I LOVE CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE. We have taken the boys twice in the past two years and I think 4 days in those two parks couldn't be better spent anywhere else. I have suffered all the criticism . . . they are too young . . . they wont remember anything . . . it is so crowded . . . the lines are horrible . . . it costs a jillion dollars . . . blah, blah, blah. Something about Disneyland calms me down. We have gone on 4th of July weekend and Memorial Day weekend and had an absolutely fabulous time. Eric wasn't even a year old and he still talks about his first trip there. They rode a million rides, I never felt it was crowded, I was impressed by how inexpensive (and HEALTHFULLY) you could eat, and we never waited more than 10 minutes to get on any ride. Love Disneyland.

All of those negative things that people warned me about with Disneyland? The crowds, the long lines, the expensive food? Discovery Kingdom lived up to every last one of those negative critiques, and then some. It was so hot and the lines to ride both water rides? Over an hour and a half each. Yep. It took over 30 minutes to get a pretzel. A PRETZEL, people, not a gourmet, cooked-to-order specialty meal. It was insane. I felt exhausted, over-heated, overwhelmed, and way over-charged.
There were some bright moments. Watching the kids watch the killer whale and dolphin shows. Worth the drive and money just watching their faces right there. My niece, Lindsay and her husband, Arturo, drove from San Francisco to spend the day with us and I would do just about anything to spend some time catching up to those two. Eric laughed until he got the hiccups on the frog ride and on the boat ride. Oh, and watching Kyle and Todd drive the "race cars" . . . after an hour long wait and an extra $10.

The moment to record for prosperity happened while Ky and I were looking at a French Lop Rabbit. A dad walks up with his little girl (she looked about 3 years old to me). This sweet, dedicated daddy does his very best baby-voice. "Wook honey a wittle bunny wabbit". Ky turns to him and says, "Well actually, that is a French Lop". I love my kid.

Probably the best moment of the day came when a woman offered to take a family picture of Todd, the boys and me. You have probably noticed there are virtually no photos of the four of us on this blog. That is because there ARE no pictures of the four of us in existence. Todd couldn't say no to a nice stranger so we sat and posed. The best moment of the day actually followed the taking of the picture. It happened when I scrolled back to check out the picture and thought, "huh, we look awfully cute."

Gawd, I can't wait to go to Disneyland.

Take a deep breath and PURGE

2008-07-24T20:17:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, when a dietitian says the word "purge", it has a negative connotation. Today I purged in a most beautiful, cleansing, freeing way . . . I cleaned.

My mom is visiting. Let me remind you that my father passed away exactly 5 months ago today. My parents were married for 53 years. That is a long, long time. My mom was 19 when she met my dad and they were married 3 months later. Nine months later she was a newly married 19 year old with a baby. My mom will tell you that she was so in love with my dad on their wedding day that she could hardly contain herself. My dad liked to tell some story about how he gave her 48 hours to reply to his proposal. This would always make us laugh. I am not sure why . . . something about the story was absurd. My mom would get this silly look on her face when he told the story and he would chuckle. I can totally picture the moment - this sort of knowing glance that they would exchange.

I can't say that my parents had a perfect relationship. I can't even say they had something remotely close to a perfect relationship. What I can say is that they always had a partnership. You could always tell that my dad respected my mom's intelligence. He cared about her opinion - particularly when it came to business matters. When there was a big decision to be made you always knew they were going to make the decision together. I am so glad my mom was such an active participant in their financial lives because my father had a stroke 25 years into their marriage. Mom was 45 years old. Dad was 50 years old. I was 8 years old. My father didn't know who we were. He never drove a car or worked another day in his life after his stroke. He certainly wasn't cognizant enough to make the choices necessary to keep a family going. My mom stepped in with the power of an army and ran the show on her own. Once he had recovered it was back to being a team.

And so my mom's visit is a touchy one. This is the first time she has visited since my dad passed. We have both already shed tears and only 24 hours has gone by. It is obvious she misses my dad terribly. Mourning a parent's death and mourning a spouse's death are two different things and that should be a blog of it's own.

What I really wanted to talk about is just how much I got done today. I know, total diversion. BUT . . . Having my mom around to play with the kids meant I could clean, clean, clean. Not really clean, but get rid of stuff. I packed up about 10 bags of clothes - lots of it maternity clothes and gave it to the MS Society. I threw out stray toys and grouped together toys like no other. We have bins with airplanes, bins with race cars and bins with cars that don't race. The marble run is all in one spot and the hundreds of trains and tracks we own are gathered together neatly. It felt FANTASTIC. I am now looking forward to how much more I can get rid of in the week that mom is here.

Dear Lord, talking about cleaning is a lousy follow up to the first part of the post. Let's just put us all out of our misery and sign off.

Health and Happiness to you all.

Great Basin Adventure Park

2008-07-24T15:38:00.001-07:00

Are you all having as great a summer as we are? It feels like every time I turn around there is another great family activity going on in town. We went swimming at Bowers Mansion this past weekend. This was a first for us, but I certainly think we will try to fit another trip in before the summer is out. I was so busy swimming with the boys that I didn't have time to take photos. Bummer. After swimming we relaxed for a bit and then headed back to Rancho San Rafael for the second time in two days.

Great Basin Adventure Park is situated inside the Rancho San Rafael grounds. We have had a couple picnics at the park this year but had yet to go into the Great Basin portion of the park. Ky has been chomping at the bit to go on the log ride. Mind you there are pony rides, a petting zoo and a spot to pan for gold. All of this comes in a distant, distant second to a trip on the log ride. Sunday was our big chance.

On select Sunday evenings in the summer GBAP offers a family concert series. Families are welcome in the park beginning at 5pm. Admission and one log ride/person is free. At 6pm a band plays music and you are welcome to enjoy a picnic in the park. This past Sunday there was lightning and thunder and scattered rain showers. All of that weather activity meant the band was not able to go on. Instead? Unlimited free log rides for all! This was Ky's dream come true. We managed to get about 5 rides in. I sat out a couple loops and tried to capture the moment. We played on the jungle gym and had a snack. Awesome way to wrap up the weekend. I loved all of it - rain and all.

This Sunday is the last of the free concert series at GBAP. We hope to go and hope to see you there!

Picnic in the Park

2008-07-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday morning I packed the boys and some food and we headed out to The Arboretum (http://www.maycenter.com/)at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Our plan was to meet up with our dear friend, Kris, and her dainty daughters, Katie and Chloe. When you have boys, little girls look . . . dainty. Lucky for Kris and I, Precious Auntie Lisa offered up another set of adult arms.

I met Kris in college and our friendship has developed over the past (gulp) 10 years. Kris became a stay-at-home-mom when she had Katie. Kris' decision to be a stay-at-home-mom has really benefited my entire family. Kris has taken care of Eric for the better part of a year while I worked. There are so few people I would leave my kids with - Kris is at the top of my list. She is organized and disciplined when it comes to keeping the kids on a schedule, but best of all, she is FUN. Kris' house is Eric's home-away-from-home. Kris hadn't seen Eric since he started Pre-school in June so it was a nice little reunion.

There are a million spots to explore at Rancho San Rafael. There are rolling, grassy hills and gazebos galore. Kyle loves the bridges. There is a playground with bonafide jungle gyms, but we tend to stick to the arboretum and walking paths, particularily when it is hot outside because the gardens offer a ton of shade. There is a dog park and a museum. Tons of stuff to explore when you have little ones.The boys took off at a fast clip with dainty Katie following behind and refusing to pick up the pace.
We searched for flowers and pinecones and paused to watch some critters.Kyle found a nice picnic spot and we set up camp.

The kids and adults were happy to sit down in the shade and have a mid-morning snack. I brought some Trader Joe's Hummus and cut some whole wheat pitas into wedges just right for dipping. We also had carrots, blueberries and strawberries. Everything was devoured. I suppose it could be because of my chose profession, but I absolutely love to watch kids eat. There's something about their innocent little bodies eating fresh fruits and veggies that makes me smile. The other great thing about kids eating fruits and veggies is that the colors seem to offer great photo oportunities. I am totally into taking pictures these days - side effect of scrapbooking. I focused a ton on Katie and Chloe. I never get to scrapbook girl pages so I was clicking away and plotting a way to use bling and flowers in a Katie/Chloe layout.

After the picnic and a quick game of duck-duck-goose, we found a little stage where Katie and Chloe were eager and willing to stand and perform. Kris, Lisa and I made up a happy audience exposed to some very sweet melodies.

We made a pit-stop at a cool little waterfall (complete with lilypads) on our way back to the cars. Great spot for pictures but by this time my little subjects were ready to head out.

With gas prices being what they are, I highly encourage you to schedule an old fasioned picnic at a local park. This outing was much more fun and less expensive than our family night at the movies!

In health,
Yo

You Can Teach an Old Dog . . .

2008-07-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I told you how much fun I have been having watching Kyle take tennis lessons, right? Well last week I bought a racket of my own and headed to the Plumas Courts for an adult beginner course. I have to admit it was incredibly intimidating. There I was sitting in my cool, air-conditioned car wearing a t-shirt and cotton capri sweats with a brand new racket that I pulled off the shelf an hour before. I considered turning around and leaving but I didn't. I summoned the courage to join the already forming group. My coach is Phil and he has been a USTA certified instructor for 8 years. There are two other women in my group. Both are total beginners like me. They are nice and friendly and supportive and they make me glad I didn't turn away that first night.

I gotta tell you, I am absolutely loving tennis. I took one class and immediately booked a private lesson for the next day. It was an hour in the middle of a ridiculously hot day but I did not care. Phil gently told me I should consider buying some tennis clothes and tennis shoes. Point taken. So it was 97 degrees outside and I was running back and forth hitting forehands and backhands while totally inappropriately dressed and having the time of my life. I missed a couple of group lessons during our vacation and so tonight was my first night back. This time I came more prepared. I took a quick trip to Sports Authority this morning and bought some appropriate tennis clothes so I could at least look the part when I miss my overheads. I have to admit that I was much more comfortable and this whole "dry-fit" thing is amazing.

Trying new things can be intimidating, but so worth it in the end. I feel like I don't have an athletic bone in my body so trying anything physical can take an exceptional amount of courage for me. A couple of years back I summoned the courage to try a Pilate's class. This it "true Pilates" on the reformer. The type of Pilates that feels oh so easy while you are doing it and will leave you paralyzed with soreness for a week. I tried it, muddled through the first couple of classes and was hooked. I took Pilates classes 4 times/week for about a year. Then as much as I loved it I just couldn't justify the $250/month fee. The last few months I have gone back to Pilates but with less intensity than the first time around. The moment I walked "back" in I was greeted by all my old friends. The teachers even refer to me when they describe the correct way to do certain movements. Imagine that, clumsy me being an example of great form.

About 15 years ago I stepped into a gym for the first time in my life. I had just moved to Las Vegas and was at a critical point in my life. I was horribly lost and depressed. I started going to the gym as a way to have some quiet time and think my way out of my funk. I couldn't even turn on the treadmill when I started. Soon I was running 6 miles/day 6 days/week. I felt so powerful. I was doing something I never thought I could do - and I was enjoying it. My new found appreciation for my body led me to take a nutrition class at the local community college. I realized that Nutrition was the career I had spent my life looking for. I quit my job and went back to college full-time. By putting myself out there and trying something I was certain I could never do, I not only found confidence and a sense of peace, I found a passion for physiology and science. That is a whole other subject because I always considered myself absolutely clueless when it comes to science. Once again I sucked it up and gave it a try and here I am 10 years later totally immersed in a science-based career and loving it all.

A few months back I finally succumbed to my friends peer pressure and gave scrapbooking a try. Yep, totally hooked. I love the creative outlet. I love the process and the mediums. I love learning new techniques. I love talking to interesting women who I wouldn't normally talk to while we scrapbook into the wee hours of the night. When people ask to look at my layouts I always start out by saying "I am really new to scrapbooking - just been doing it a couple of months" as a sort of way of apologizing. A couple weeks back the ladies at my table told me I have to stop saying I am "new" because my layouts are way too good for someone who is "new". Wow. Nice compliment.

When I was sharing some of my scrapbook layouts with co-workers, one person said, "so what are you going to do with all of this stuff when you quit?". Someone else in the room said "ouch". Person #1 went on to say that "Yolanda always starts things and then she quits. That is just how she is." Huh. I called my sister and told her the story and then I told Todd the story. My sister said she doesn't see me as a quitter, she views it more as a curiosity on my part to try new things. I can accept that - it even sounds like a cool personality trait to have. A few days later Todd came back to me and said "you know, Yo, you do try lots of new things. And when you try new things you go full-speed ahead. There is never any middle ground. You totally immerse yourself in whatever it is you are doing and when you are done you take what you learned and you move on to something else". That is why I love my husband.

So, I suggest you go try something you have never done before and then tell me about it. I would love to hear what you learned and I could care less if you ever did it again. Let me suggest Swing Dance lessons. That was something else I tried a couple years back (and then quit).

Quick Trip to TJ's

2008-07-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

My three boys and I just got back from 6 days and 6 nights at the Gammill Family Cabin. I have a million and one stories for all of you. We had a ton of quality Kitchen Counter Time with Friends, Family and Food. Details and photos to come. For now I want to focus on my trip to Trader Joe's tonight.

Todd, the boys and I spent 10 long (long) hours on the road today (we were actually on the road at 3:45am). We rolled in exhausted and sweaty at 2pm. There was just enough time for me to unpack a couple of bags, take a shower and head out to teach a 5pm class on Diabetes self-management. After a fun and successful lecture, I headed to Trader Joe's to pick up a few things to get us through the next few days. You know how it is when you come back from vacation . . . there is nothing in the house to eat and you don't have the energy or time to make a list and do a real trip to the grocery store.

People love to ask me what I eat and what I buy and what I cook. I am used to it and know that it is part of being a dietitian. Todd's cousin Sue visited a while back and, after looking for something eat said, "you can tell a dietitian lives here". I promise I don't buy anything odd or secretive or crazy. My friends and family can attest to how much I love to eat and how far from perfect I am. Like any other busy, working mom, I have been known to grab a granola bar sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup simply because I was in a hurry and it had 7 grams of fiber (and because most days I will choose to get my fiber in above anything else). I am not perfect when it comes to eating or exercising or being a mom and I don't expect anyone else to be perfect. I would like to think we are all in this together. Each one of use trying to make better choices today that we did yesterday.

And so tonight I took photos of everything I bought on my quick trip to Trader Joe's for all to see. It all amounted to $81.63 and four full-to-the-brim shopping bags. Enjoy.

Mommy and the Customer are always right

2008-06-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Everyday after tennis the kids are given "a snack". Capri Sun and Fruit Snacks. If you are me all you see is Liquid Sugar and Chewy Sugar. No nutrition value whatsoever. Absolutely drives me up the wall. I have very specific philosophies on raising kids to be healthy eaters. One of my guiding rules is to never make a big deal out of food. We never say we don't like something or that something is 'good' or 'bad'. We simply don't offer . . . crappy foods. There I said it. So when it is out of my control, like it is at tennis, I just let it go . . . and then complain to the next ten adults I see. I poke the stupid straw through the glorified sugar water pack and I open the purple, gummy cavity invitations. I bite my tongue because I know that if I make a food forbidden I am in fact placing it on the most desired list. The only time I cracked is when Ky said he needed to go pick up his "snack" after tennis. A cold chill comes over me. "For the record, Ky, Capri Sun and FruitChews are NOT a snack. They are a treat. A 'snack' is a healthy combination of a carb and a protein. Now go get your TREAT."

Fast forward a couple weeks. "I am not going to get juice today after tennis." A proud mommy moment comes over me, but I am not going to let on. "Why not, buddy?". "It just takes too long. I don't want juice. Will you just pack me some water to drink after tennis?". I refrain from throwing myself on my knees and thanking jesus - and I am not religious, so that is a big deal. "Sure, Ky. I think that is a great idea. I always feel like water is the most refreshing drink after exercising." We go to tennis and I wonder what will happen when it is time for the TREAT. "No juice today" Ky says after he grabs satan's candy in the form of a fruit chew. The candy passer-outer stops and says "really?" and looks at me. I just smile smugly and shrug.

We get in the car and I hand Ky his ice-cold water. He drinks it and a couple minutes later say, "You were right mommy, water is more refreshing!". Uh huh. Do a little dance for mommy. I smile and says, "that is because mommies are always right."

"You know who else is always right?" Ky asks.
"Who?"
"The Customer."

Article from the NY Times

2008-06-25T14:08:00.001-07:00

My last post was all about how much it bothers me that the kids get Capri Sun and Fruit Chews after tennis lessons . . . lo and behold a colleague brought this article to my attention. It was in last weeks' New York Times.

June 24, 2008
Well School Is Out, and Nutrition Takes a Hike
By TARA PARKER-POPE
As my 9-year-old daughter began summer day camp last week, we talked about swimming rules, sunscreen and ... cheese fries.

It was at summer camp a few years ago that she first experienced the culinary joy of cheese fries, which can pack 800 or more calories in a serving. Her camp is typical of those around the country: days packed with archery, swimming and adventure climbing; menus packed with soft drinks, burgers, chicken nuggets and, once a week, cheese fries.

Camp food is just one of the summertime nutrition challenges for parents these days. While childhood health advocates often blame schools for poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity, the problem often gets worse in the summer. Last year, The American Journal of Public Health published a provocative study showing that schools may be taking too much of the blame for the childhood obesity epidemic.

Data from kindergarteners and first graders found that body mass index increased two to three times as fast in summer as during the regular school year. Minority children were especially vulnerable, as were children who were already overweight.

Notably, even children who were too thin and needed to gain weight appeared to have better eating habits during the school year. They actually gained more weight while in school and less in the summer.

The data are far from conclusive; they are from 1998-99, the only time federal education officials gathered seasonal data on schoolchildren, said a co-author of the study, Douglas B. Downey, professor of sociology at Ohio State. Similar statistics were not collected for older children.

Even so, the findings suggest that while school nutrition may not always be ideal, children — whether overweight or underweight — may benefit from the structured nature of the school year, which includes scheduled meals, snacks and recess.

“Schools likely provide a more structured day for most children,” Dr. Downey said. “Kids’ access to food is limited to lunch and snack, and they usually receive at least some consistent exercise. When children are at home in the summer they have freer access to food, and while there’s warmer weather, there may be less consistent exercise.”

For parents, the data suggest a need to be extra vigilant about what their children eat during the summer. But that is easier said than done. While many school districts have nutritionists involved in lunch planning, relatively few summer camp programs do. Camps tend to focus on food safety — making sure the food doesn’t spoil in the hot sun. And parents who want to pack lunches struggle with the same problem, often resorting to packaged products that will hold up in the hot weather.

“Camp food is terrible,” said Susan B. Roberts, director of the energy metabolism laboratory at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. “The problem is that they are doing what is easiest — the lowest common denominator for what kids like, and on top of that usually it has to be not something that goes bad and is no work to prepare.”

Despite the food, children who go to camp at least have the advantage of daily organized physical activity. Those who do not, particularly those in low-income families, often spend summers at home with little supervision or structure to their day. They end up watching television or playing video games and grazing on food all day.

“During the year, television viewing habits are more limited because of school and homework, but in summer, all bets are off,” said Dr. David Ludwig, director of the obesity program at Children’s Hospital Boston. “They are lying around all day long with little supervision, watching TV and playing video games. The mythical childhood of summer at the beach is becoming increasingly rare, certainly for children in the inner city.”

Weight gain aside, even brief exposure to certain foods can shape tastes and preferences for the rest of the year. Not only do children eat more when watching television, for instance, but they are also exposed to numerous commercials for sugar- and fat-laden foods and snacks.

“They’re being exposed to a huge number of food commercials for highest-calorie lowest-quality products,” Dr. Ludwig said. “Those effects have been demonstrated to alter food choice.”

Parents concerned about those choices can take a lesson from the schools. Ask baby sitters to create more structure in the summer day, schedule lunches and snacks at regular times when possible and encourage children to take a “recess” outdoors a few times a day. And parents of children in day camp still have control over breakfast and dinner and all meals on weekends.

“There’s not a lot of data on children’s summertime activities,” said Paul von Hippel, a former Ohio State researcher who was the lead author of last year’s study. “But I think what our data show is that it’s good to keep kids busy during the summer — just busy enough so they’re not eating all the time.”

Soccer, Tennis & Swimming, Oh My

2008-06-22T01:33:00.000-07:00

The basis of my philosophy as a Registered Dietitian (RD) and as a Health Educator is this:

Every single one of us, regardless of size and physical health, deserves to be happy today. Every single one of us can make a choice/choices today that will positively impact our health.

I don't like to teach people what perfect looks like, I like to teach people how to make choices that will help them be a little bit more healthful today. When I see people approach wellness from this perspective, I see them succeed. What do I mean by "succeed"? Success, in this venue, means finding peace - both physically and emotionally. I don't want the number on the scale to determine their happiness for the day. I want clients to respect their bodies and make decisions that reflect that respect.

Obviously two of my most important "clients" are my sons. While my expertise lies in the world of nutrition, I am keenly aware of the necessity of regular physical activity.

I have two extremely energetic boys. They can't have too much downtime or they become whiny and destructive. My solution? Organized activities. One activity/day that burns some energy, makes them laugh, and gets us out of the house is the goal. In addition to focusing their energy, I want the boys to learn to make physical fitness and activity a part of their daily lives. I played in the band, the orchestra, took piano lessons . . . I never played an organized sport and didn't get into exercising until my twenties. While the lessons I learned through music are important, I really wish I had also learned to love physical activity. It seems so much easier to start your kids on a healthy active path, than to try to learn that later in life, the way I have had to. With all of this in mind, it is extremely important to me that the kids have a positive experience when they are engaging in physical activities. I want their teachers and coaches to be enthusiastic and supportive and to share a philosophy of health that is similar to mine.

Tennis is amazing. When I leave the courts my face hurts from smiling so much. There are 8 kids between 4 and 6 years old in Ky's class. They volley and giggle, giggle and volley. Ky's tennis coach is a student and on the UNR tennis team. He can't be more than 20 years old. He has what I think of as a soft temperament. He is able to express sincere enthusiasm, without being silly or losing the kids' attention. It cannot be easy keeping the focus and attention of that many preschoolers. Somehow this kid does it. It has been a very cool experience for Kyle and for me. One day as we walked off the courts Kyle asked me, "so were you really impressed with me today?". Of course I was. I always am.

Both Kyle and Eric are taking swimming lessons at Little Ones Swim. They have spent no time in the pool up to this point in their lives because of chronic ear infections. The woman who owns the swim school has taught infants and toddlers to swim for 20-some odd years. She has a degree in child development and her experience exudes from her. She is super low key and would never think of making the kids do anything they don't want to do. Eric isn't much of a risk taker right now so it is imperative that swimming be fun and not at all stressful. Ms. Margie knows when to push and when to step back and it is fun to watch her skillful teaching. Ky and Eric are both making progress and thoroughly enjoying their lessons. I think they swallow a ton of water just because they are always grinning in the pool.

Soccer is OK. There are what seems like a zillion kids on the field and they are all too far away for me to really assess what is going on. Getting to soccer is a bit of a struggle just because it is at the end of the day when my narcolepsy is at its worst. We all seem to do better with morning activities. I have to take my cues from Kyle when it comes to soccer and so far he is happy before, during and after practice. While tennis and swimming will continue thru the entire summer, soccer ends in June. Thank gawd for small favors.

You would think that with all of this activity that we run the risk of an overuse injury, right? Last week we did have an injury. Kyle tripped on a toy in the living room and sprained his ankle. After a trip to the doctor, some x-rays and a couple days of rest and ice he is no longer limping. Whew.

Welcome Gwynnie Girl.

2008-06-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Todd spent Father's Day Weekend at Torrey Pines watching Tiger make history one more time. The boys and I spent Father's Day Weekend rescuing a kitten from the Humane Society. The trip to kitty-cat adoption happened about one month after putting my 18 year-old cat to the proverbial "sleep".

It all started with a quick stop at the pet store to buy dog food. The Pet Store had a beautiful, one year old calico named Cookie. The boys and I tried to play with her but she was a little sketched out. When she hissed and swiped at us I realized this wasn't the cat for us. I explained why Cookie wasn't for us. "Ya' know, Ky, getting a pet is a HUGE, Gigantic commitment. We have to make sure we find just the right cat for us. Cookie is freaked out by crazy, hyper boys (go figure) and that is what our house has." The pet store lady told us we should go visit the Humane Society - surely we could find a cat there . . . uh oh.

As soon as we entered the door of the Humane Society Kyle went to the desk and interrupted all that was going on. "Do you know where we can find just-the-right-cat- for-us?" He must have asked about 7 people he same question. It didn't matter if you worked there or not, Ky wanted to know if you knew where just-the-right-cat-for-us could be found. Gwynnie was the first cat we saw. She is a cute little gray and black tabby around 4 months old with a freakishly long tail. We played with a ton of cats but only one kitten. All of that playing made it obvious to me that we really need a kitty - a kitty that is ready to enter a home to two exuberant boys, a not-so-crazy-about-cats Dad, a sucker for a kitty mom and one fish that has already been tormented by a cat. We needed a Kitty that was resilient and up for anything. I tried to leave Gwynnie behind. I am sure you can guess what I heard . . .

"But mommy, I think Gwynnie is just-the-right-cat-for-us".

"Here is the thing, Kyle. We had Almond for 18 years. 18 years, Buddy, that is a long, long time. Getting a pet is huge commitment. Basically, if we take Gwynnie home you better be ready to take her to college with you."

The rest doesn't matter. We filled out the paperwork and answered the questions. People stopped by to ask Ky if he had found just-the-right-kitty. "YEP! Gwynnie is just-the-right-kitty-for-us!"

After 2.5 hours we are ready to leave. The woman behind the counter hands Kyle the cat in a carrier. "Thank you! Now Gwynnie and I are ready to go to College!"

"She is my sweet Gwynnie Girl" adds Eric.

Welcome Home Gwynnie Girl.

An Article I would like to share

2008-06-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

Losing 205 pounds, her own way
By Joanne Weintraub
Thursday, Jun 12 2008, 05:44 PM

My new hero is a Milwaukee woman named "Spaff."

"Spaff" - her jsonline.com sign-on, not her real name, of course - is 48. Two years ago she weighed 380; today she weighs 175. I know two people who've lost just about this much weight and kept most of it off for years, and I admire them enormously. But they're both men, so I can't tell you how excited I was to hear from Spaff.

Because her comment is the very last one under my very first post, many people undoubtedly missed it. You can read the whole thing here (scroll all the way down), but I've excerpted Spaff's main points below.

It's quite a story.

"I woke up on my birthday 2 years ago and said enough is enough. I had been going to a dietician but was going up and down, just not really concentrating. But I just woke up one morning and decided to listen to the dietician.

"Over the next 18 months I lost 205 pounds. I hate to say this, but it was easy. I ate regular food, meaning fruits, veggies, dairy and bread, the basic food pyramid. I started to walk, albeit only a little each day, and have worked my way up to 5 miles a day.

"Don't let anyone tell you how to do it, find your own way and do what feels good to you. Dawdling while walking? OK, so you aren't getting a burn or your heart rate up, but you are walking and moving. That's the most important thing. You can work up to the fast walking.

"I also learned that nothing is off-limits. My dietician said she didn't care if I had ice cream or candy once in awhile, so I would go get a 1-scoop and eat it there, or buy a candy bar from a vending machine, versus my old habit of buying 1/2 gallon at the store and coming home and eating it.

"Fruit can be a yummy, healthy snack, I think how good the bing cherries I ate last week were - OMG, beats any fatty, sugary anything.

"I am not an expert, but if I can do it anyone can. Find foods that are good for you and that you like. Find an activity to burn calories that you enjoy. Start out SLOW. If you go Mach 5 with your hair on fire then it's too hard to keep up - and you will have to do it every day for the rest of your life. I mean, who wants to do freaking 5,000 situps a day for the rest of their life?

"Know that there are days where you can have your favorite food - don't deprive yourself. Of course, you know you have to work at it, but it should not be a life sentence. It is something you should enjoy working for. And in the end when you reach your goal - and YOU will reach your goal - it makes getting there all the more sweet. You will not believe what kind of personal power comes with self-confidence."

Wow. Also OMG, amazing and hot damn.

I've exchanged several e-mails with Spaff, who included enough details to convince me that she's the real deal. (If she's not, I'd be happy to read her first novel.) "My doctor," she writes in one of her e-mails, "says 'I wish I could carry you around in my back pocket.'"

I don't blame her doc. I wish I had a pocket Spaff, too, for inspiration.

Father's Day . . .

2008-06-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

My dad passed away 4 months ago. Since then I have learned a couple of giant lessons. Lesson #1 is that you never truly understand the pain of losing a parent until you do. You may be able to imagine the hurt, or sympathize, but it can never compare to the real thing.

Lesson #2? That no matter how expected a death - even if you know it is better that someone die than go on living the way they are - it doesn't hurt any less. I don't know why this came as a surprise, but it did. My dad had been dying for years but only after he was REALLY gone did it seem like yesterday that I was sitting next to him on a Sunday morning reading the comics as he read the front page. When there is still the possibility of making new memories, you don't think much about the old ones. When that opportunity is truly gone, you cling to the past with desperation. Visions of my dad surround me and they are visions from 25 and 34 years ago.

A perfect example. . . My dad was in the Army and later in the National Guard. He used to polish his intimidating, black combat boots daily. I remember being 4 years old and having my entire arm swallowed by his boots while I brushed back and forth with my other arm. My father would coach me from the sofa. Neither my dad nor I had polished a shoe in 30 years when he died but a couple weeks after his death a smell would take me out. I walked downstairs in a perfectly good mood to be greeted by a haunting, unmistakable smell. As I entered the living room I saw Todd polishing his shoes. Ky and Eric were watching him intently, absorbing the task. The vision, the odor, the sound of the brush was enough to make me run back upstairs where I sat in a chair doubled over in tears and in pain. Nothing can prepare you for that kind of memory and that kind of ache. When you lose a parent, you don't only remember the last conversation you had with them, you remember every conversation you've ever had with them. You remember 15 year old exchanges with pride and with gratitude and with intense sorrow.

I honestly expected to feel some sense of relief when my dad was "gone". Over and over I would say, "I could deal with his death better than the roller coaster of his illness". Everyone (that has never lost a parent) kept telling me I must feel better knowing he was out of pain or in a better place, or blah, blah, blah. Truly, since his death, there are times I feel nothing but a hole in my stomach that is connected to a hole in my heart. When I told my sister how surprised I was at the sheer physical pain I was feeling, she told me she felt the same way. This meant a lot to me because I cry for everything while she tends to be a rock. My sister is also the only person able to tell me something that actually made me feel a little bit better. She told me that she felt better knowing that no one was poking at him and touching him and moving him anymore. That thought has helped. No one is going to understand the loss of a parent the way your siblings do.

I learned Lesson #3 this week. Holidays without a parent suck. I never understood how people seemed to get so sad around the birthday of someone who has passed. Birthdays have never been a huge deal in my family. A phone call and an occasional card is about all we do. Yet last Tuesday all I could think about was not having a dad to call on June 10th.

I would love for this Father's Day to be about the incredible dad that Todd is. Lord knows he deserves far more that I could ever deliver for being the father that he is, but right now all I can do is think about a Father's Day without my own dad. I wish I could write a heartwarming tribute and tell you all of the incredible things my dad taught me . . . maybe tomorrow I will be able to. But tonight, with an hour left until Father's Day, the first without my own, all I can do is feel the loss.

When "Thank You" just isn't enough

2008-06-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

Last week I received an awesome message on my work voicemail. The sender was choking back tears.

"Hi. This is 'Jane Doe' and this message is for Yolanda. I want to let you know that I am off all of my insulin, I am feeling great, and I owe it all to you. Thank you so much for all of your help."

I had to pull the chart and look at her driver's license photo to remember who she was. Early 60's, dressed in a perfectly pressed Talbots ensemble. She plays tennis everyday, is not an ounce overweight, and has an impressively sound diet. In spite of her healthful lifestyle, her blood sugars had been through the roof for 3 months. She was nice but a little reserved. Fortunately I had some great ideas of ways for her to improve her blood sugars. A month later I spoke to her briefly while she waited to see one of our nurses. "How are things going?", I asked. "Fantastic", she said. "The doctor lowered my insulin dose. You have no idea how much you helped me." There wasn't anything particularly special about our meetings, yet through her tears, I could hear her desperation to tell me exactly how much she appreciated my help. While it certainly feels nice to hear that I helped, it really isn't that big of a deal to me - just doin' my job.

This week I am on the other end of a Thank You. Kyle goes to what I think is the absolute best pre-school that has ever existed. The teachers have advanced degrees in things like Human Development and Counseling and Art. Sunflower has teachers that have been there for 20 years and teachers that are fresh out of school w/ a ready-to-take-on-the-world spring in their step. This cool balance of wisdom and vibrancy, experience and optimism permeates the Sunflower air.

Sometimes it actually creeps me out how Stepford it can be in there. Everyone is always happy. If there is chaos, it is completely controlled chaos. Sunflower loves to tell you that they are not at all about the academics . . . "children learn through play and play is their work." To hear them tell it, all they care about it that the kids are kind and tolerant and have manners. Whatever. Sunflower kids are polite, compliant, sweet AND they come home brilliant. "I sure hope they took Pluto off that puzzle" Kyle tells me when I brought home a solar system puzzle. "It isn't a planet anymore, ya' know".

Monday all of the parents got a letter from the Preschool's owner/director telling us that Ms.Elyse has decided to leave Sunflower. First my stomach turned, then I got chills. If I had more presence of mind I would have run to the bathroom to prepare for a bout of food poisoning. It wasn't food poisoning, it wasn't the flu, it was sheer desperation and panic. How on earth am I going to tell Ms. Elyse how much I appreciate her and all that she has done? Should I beg her to stay? Make her feel guilty? No, I don't want to make her feel anything but excited to enter a new phase of her life.

Ms. Elyse, I would guess, is in her mid-20s and has been at Sunflower for 7 years. She is a Sunflower alum and the assistant director. From the moment I met her I felt like she was positioning herself to take over Sunflower at any moment. And when she did take over, I knew it would be with a brilliant outfit on, perfectly styled hair and the cutest paint smock ever. I took one look at Elyse and knew I wanted to be her friend. Once I walked in moments after a child had puked on her. She handed the sick kid a rubber trashcan and proceeded to talk to me as she cleaned herself up. "That is the first time I have gotten puked on. Usually I can move out of the way. I have to call my mom and tell her I didn't freak out!".

Perhaps the quality I admire most in Ms Elyse is her ability to make everyone feel welcome. She never made me feel crazy or neurotic or out-of-place. I never saw a judgemental or unprofessional moment from Elyse. She is able to make you feel like you just came home when you walk through the door.

And so here I am, totally unable to extend an appropriate thank you to Ms Elyse. Even if I knew what to say, I couldn't get it out without collapsing into a heap of pathetic tears. And what would I say anyway? Would it mean enough if I told her that Kyle was on a short path to prison until he met her and she set him straight? Perhaps this is how my patient felt when she left me a message. Perhaps it is all karma - I helped with some stupid blood sugars and Ms. Elyse helped raise my son for a year. All I know is that when it comes to Ms. Elyse, thank you just isn't enough.

Big Deal Saturday

2008-05-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

Todd was invited to play golf today at Montreaux. For those of you living elsewhere, this is a BIG deal for Todd. Montreaux is a very exclusive course. Professionals play on this course. I think you have to know someone who runs the world to be invited to play this course. BIG, GIANT deal for my beloved. He has actually played there once before. I think that means that he knows 2 people who run the world. Wow, as I write this I am reminded that my husband is a real catch . . . handsome important man going to golf with someone who rules the world. Hmmmmmmm. If he breaks 90, I just may not be able to contain myself! OK, 85.

At any rate, this all translates to me and the boys by ourselves today. Eric and I went to Costco this morning before Todd left. It was a pleasant trip. Something about only taking one boy turns them into sweet, sweet children. Picture this: my adorable little googly bear and I are walking through the Costco parking lot. Eric's entire, sweaty paw is enveloping my index finger. I love this moment and tell him so.

"I really love you, goo. I am so glad we get to spend some time alone today."

"Mommy, you are my special friend."

From that point on it was a love fest between Eric and I. No less than 64 I-love-yous were exchanged.

I hate to brag, but will anyway . . . you can't keep enough fruit and veggies in the house for my boys. They will choose fruit and veggies over anything. I would like to think that I, along with my expertise, are entirely responsible for their amazing food choices, but I have chosen to only take 85% of the credit. The remaining 15% is a direct result of their advanced intellect. Today we picked up a large flat of beautiful strawberries (half of which are gone as I type), and fresh pineapple, grapes, watermelon and cantaloupe. We also grab the usual huge bag of broccoli and enormous bag of carrots, and two gallons of milk (which typically last 4-5 days). Let me remind you the boys are 2 and 4. I have no idea how I am going to keep them fed at 14 and 16. Their college fund will never outlive their appetite.

We are huge fans of the frozen fish choices at Costco. They come in (approx.) 4 ounce portions and are individually wrapped. A couple of times/week we grab a couple fillets and that comprises our protein choice for the evening. They come in extremely handy when you are caught unprepared. Some other time we will talk about farm raised vs. wild and all the extra plastic used to individually wrap the fish ... for now, lets just focus on convenience. I love that it is simply fish. No breading, no toppings, no fake cheese sauce, just fish. Depending on what else is going on we (Todd) may marinate and bake the fish. If it is just me and kids, I will heat up the George Foreman and cooked it naked. Either way the boys love it.

When Eric and I got home it was time for Mr Important to leave and time for the boys and I to have some lunch. It is a pretty warm, sunny day so I didn't want to turn on the stove or oven. I wanted something cool and fresh. I made some chicken salad using a light mayo and some mustard, lemon pepper and the all important dill. I added some chopped walnuts and spread it on whole wheat toast. I like to throw some fruit into my chicken salad but today I thought the boys would think it was cool if I just topped it with thin slices of granny smith apples. I cut up some of the strawberries that they boys were eyeing and cut up some carrot sticks. It is important to include lots of different colors on your plate - not just for aesthetics, but for phyto nutrients. Today we had orange, red and green. As usual the boys chose chocolate(skim)milk as our beverage. Not bad for 15 minutes of work.

May your Sunday be as exciting as Todd's Saturday!

Accomplishment! HECTIC DAY DOES NOT RESULT IN PIZZA!

2008-05-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Maybe they like each other after all.

2008-05-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

The boys have been driving me crazy with their fighting. Constant bickering. The kind of bickering that gives you a reason to use the word "bicker". It starts at 6:00 am and continues until the sound of sweet toddler snoring fills the evening air. The days begin with loud, aggressive arguments as to who gets to brush their teeth first. The days end with "accidental" pushing and shoving and disagreements about who gets to brush their teeth first. They aren't even creative quibbles at this point . . . because I could find positive in a really inspired roll in the mud. Now don't get me wrong, I love the passion for dental hygiene, I just want dental hygiene that is peaceful, and calm and QUIET! Gentle brushing, I would say. A girl can dream and a girl's dreams can come true.

It was just about lunch time on a typically untypical Tuesday. As any mom can tell you, lunch time can bring about the most relentless of scuffles . . . the Hypoglycemic Quarrel. You know, the fighting that accompanies a growling belly and fuzzy head. Ah, but not this Tuesday. This Tuesday would bring peace. This Tuesday would bring a moment of unity and love. A moment that would make me tear up and immediately call Todd. And it all happened right there in the lobby of Dr. Pat's office.

If you have toddlers or school aged children you know that the vaccination thing is completely out-of-hand. Jenny McCarthy is on Oprah and Larry King telling us that her otherwise perfect child turned into an unresponsive kid immediately following his two-year-old shots. We have doctors telling us they will not accept us as patients if we refuse to get all the vaccinations. We have schools that send us notices ON THE CHILD'S BIRTHDAY asking for proof of the next round of shots. I don't have an opinion on the whole vaccination controversy. As a matter of fact, I find it easy to empathize with the docs, the schools and Jenny McCarthy. Empathy does not help when it is you that has to hold your kid's soft, chubby arms while the previously kind nurse turns into a needle wielding vampire. When it is all over you feel defeated and drained and are left to wonder, "is this the round of shots that is going to take my kid away?" I mean the fighting drives me crazy but I don't want them going anywhere.

And so now the powers-at-be added something close to a bazillion new shots that the kids must get before starting pre-school. On this otherwise sunny, pleasant Tuesday (aside from the constant shouting) little Eric is the victim of this nasty new rule. Kyle made up a scenario out loud on the way to the doctors office.

"I bet we walk in there and say, 'so, Dr Pat, does Eric need shots today?' "

"And Dr Pat will say (cue deep voice now), 'No Kyle, Eric does not need shots today' "

"And then we will say 'thanks Dr Pat', get our stickers and go home."

Let me interuppt here to tell you that the last trip to Dr. Pat was to remove a foreign object that was imbedded in Kyle's sole. Ky told Dr. Pat he was fairly sure he had stepped on a venus flytrap. Now that I can appreciate. Fighting over flouride drops, I can not.

Back to the story. Now isn't Ky's version pleasant? It included polite conversation and a nice, tidy little conlusion. Less pleasant was the reality and the three shots that Eric took like a 2.5 year old man.

Ah, but we still have the moment of peace that is about to arrive. Our wonderful friend Maria took care of Ky

in the lobby while Eric and I endured the angry syringes. Eric and I limped out exhausted and teary. Kyle, also teary from recognizing his adversary's screams, immediately came running to Eric. He threw his arms around Eric and . . . get ready for this . . . cradled his brother's head in his palms, planted a kiss on Eric's cheek and exclaimed, "I am so proud of you Eric for being so, so Brave!".

WHAT?????

Certainly you aren't showing any kind of compassion to the brother you just about took out racing through the doctor's office door. Are you kidding me? You have empathy for the kid whose toothbrush you ripped out of his hot little hands less than an hour ago? Could these two actually . . . gulp . . . sigh . . . care about each other? A mom can dream, and a mom's dreams can come true.

And then Kyle's anxious stuttering begins. "MaMaMaMa we we better take we we better take Eric for ice cream for for for being such a brave boy!." Huh. So maybe something is in it for him after all. Or maybe, just maybe they like eachother after all.

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