Death by Caffeine

Three cups of coffee yesterday and I was awake from midnight until two in the morning. I blame that icy vanilla coffee from McDonald’s that I enjoyed at 2:30 in the afternoon. It was like a low-calorie dessert to perk up the afternoon or so I thought. That dessert contained 190 calories, 70 from fat, 30 grams of carbs, and about 130 milligrams of caffeine. I suffered the consequences by tossing and turning in bed last night. I asked myself “When will I learn?” Even my son has become aware of how his favorite Dr. Pepper (41 milligrams) keeps him awake at night if he consumes too much. Today, I’m only drinking two percent of what it would take to kill me according to the Death by Caffeine web site. And I'm skipping dessert.

Post Christmas

Anticipation. How many times did I hear my son say, “I can’t wait until Christmas”? The child in me felt a similar anticipation because I couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when he opened his gifts. I spent the day after Thanksgiving finding the perfect gifts. Then, I came home to wrap them, decorate our tree, and hang the wreaths. These are some of the things we do in anticipation of Christmas. One weekend, we baked, frosted and decorated cookies. I’ve listened to my favorite carols over and over, especially Celine Dion’s “Oh Holy Night”. Our family has watched “The Christmas Story” again this year. We’ve had the traditional paella dinner on Christmas eve with our family. Then, Christ’s birthday came. We ripped open our presents and gobbled lots of goodies. By Christmas Day, we’ve had our fill (literally and figuratively). The spirit of the holiday seemed to come to a screeching halt. That anticipation feeling has been replaced with the dread. Putting away all those decorations. Going back to work. Getting those credit card bills. Seeing the weight gain on the scale. Now, let’s make some resolutions and anticipate making it a wonderful new year.

Another Angel In Heaven

I didn’t even know her, but another one of God’s angels passed away on Wednesday, December 19. I think she touched the hearts of everyone in our community at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and School. Haley Smith was in the third grade at my son’s school. In March, she was diagnosed with Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, an incurable cancer that grows from within the brain stem. Our church families have experienced many tragedies. We hoped for a miracle because God has blessed us before. We prayed for her in our private prayers and at every mass service. I said a small prayer whenever I saw people wearing their pink “Pray for Haley” bracelets. Our faith has brought us closer to each other because of her. Our prayers were answered because Haley is no longer suffering. I guess that would be the miracle.

I Went to a Dessert Party

I was invited to a dessert party where a bunch of women each bring a dessert. Sounded yummy especially for 3 o'clock in the afternoon on a Sunday. I thought I was bringing a unique dessert. It's called "Judy's Delight" or when my mother makes it, "Mary's Delight". It's delicious. Well, another lady brought it and she called hers "Better than Sex Dessert". I didn't try it, but it looked like her pan had more pieces taken than mine. Must have the placement of hers. Mine was on a round table and hers was on the countertop. Or maybe it was the name of it. After all, that's marketing!
The recipe for "whatever you wish to call it" is:
Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of crushed pecans, and one stick of melted butter. Press into 9" x 13" pan and bake for about 15 minutes at 375 degrees.
Mix 1 8-ounce tub of Cool Whip, 1 cup of confectioner's sugar, and 1 8-ounce block of creamed cheese. Layer on top of crust.
Make 2 packages of instant pudding, chocolate or pistachio, according to directions. Add to layer.
Spread on top of pudding an 8-ounce tub of Cool Whip. Keep refrigerated before serving.

Addicted to Acupuncture

I like Mondays. That’s when my weekly acupuncture appointment is scheduled. I actually look forward to being stuck with needles! It’s the only time that I can really lie down, relax and feel like I’m floating without any drugs or alcohol. And I feel much better in 15 to 20 minutes. I first tried acupuncture when I was diagnosed with tendonitis in my left shoulder. I had tried physical therapy and taking NSAIDs, but was still in pain and had limited mobility. During that time, Oprah was featuring a woman on her show who had shoulder pain and tried acupuncture. I decided to try it. My general physician said, “It can’t hurt.” The first appointment entails giving your entire health history and getting a treatment. The acupuncturist also looks at your tongue and takes your pulse to determine what else is going on in your body. She can tell if you’re tired, nervous, or even if your bronchial passages are filled up. Then, you lie down on a table and the acupuncturist flicks hair-like needles into you. My acupuncturist uses a lot of needles, about 20. No, it doesn’t hurt. I wouldn’t look at them at first, but then curiosity got the better of me. I thought I looked like a human cactus with pins running from shoulders to points between my toes. The 3,000-year-old Chinese treatment is based upon qi (chee) or flow of meridians throughout your body. The needles help to improve the flow. My left shoulder is better, but she’s also improved my asthma, appetite, sleeping, and other ailments. So, I’m still going. I’m hooked.

EVOO

Last night’s confirmation catechism liturgy covered many subjects including Glossolalia aka speaking in tongues. Then, Father Bob talked about anointing with oil. The Catholic Church uses extra virgin olive oil with a scent added. He then asked if we knew what Extra Virgin Olive Oil is. “Don’t you people watch the Food Network?! EVOO.” Yes, I know Rachael Ray’s favorite ingredient, but I didn’t know what the difference was between extra virgin and virgin and pure olive oil. I guess I always thought it had to do with the ripeness of the olives. He spent some time explaining the first press of the olives is considered the extra virgin olive oil. The next press is just virgin olive oil and when oil is added to the skins and leftovers, that is pure olive oil. Okay, now I’m ready to sauté something!