I am going to go nutty!

I love my Crockpot. I love cooking in my Crockpot. Mine and Sven's favorie Crockpot recipe is of course Salsa Chicken.

The one thing that I have not done is make a desert or candy. Okay, I take that back. I tried to make a Fudge Cake in the Crockpot. Oh My God it was horrible, we couldn't even eat it, it was so bad. I am going to try again.

One of my favorite blogs is A Year of Crockpotting. She has been using her Crockpot for a year, making all kinds of yummy recipes, when the year is over, I don't know what I'll do. I hope she keeps up with the recipes (my Salsa Chicken was even one of her recipes). Check out her blog!

Today's recipe was Peanut Clusters. I am excited about it, here's the recipe:

3 (16-ounce) jars lightly salted roasted peanuts (lightly salted is important!)
2 (8-ounce) boxes German Baker's Chocolate
1 (8-ounce) box Unsweetened Baker's Chocolate (there are 2 in the picture. that was wrong.)
1 (24-ounce) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla (not pictured because I didn't know I wanted/needed it until after the photo)


The Directions.

Use a large crockpot. This makes about 150 peanut clusters. Spray the inside of your crock with cooking spray, and place the unwrapped baking chocolate, and bars of German chocolate in the bottom. Add all the peanuts. Pour in the chocolate chips, and add vanilla. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or high for about 1.5. While the chocolate is melting, lay out a bunch of parchment paper on your counter top or kitchen table. When time has elapsed, stir well, and remove from heat. Use a small ice-cream scoop to plop out bite-sized piles onto the parchment paper.

Let cool before eating---this takes a long time---hours. It'd be best to leave them overnight so you don't pick at them.

I plan on making this for Christmas Eve, so I will let you all know how it goes and tastes.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Mexican Chicken Casserole

Mexican Chicken Casserole
Serves 4-6

2 c. shredded cooked chicken
1 c. shredded cheese (or more if you are a cheese hound)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can Ro-tel tomatoes (canned tomatoes with jalepenos-mild)
1/2 packet taco seasoning (or more- to taste)
Bag of doritos

1. Pre-heat oven to 350-f degrees.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except doritos.


3. In a greased 2 qt baking dish, put a layer of crushed doritos (about 2 cups), then a layer of the chicken mixture. Repeat once more, ending with a layer of chicken mixture. Top with more shredded cheese, cover, and bake for 30-35 minutes, till bubbling hot.

You can add other items to this, depending on your preferences, like olives, green chiles, onions, etc.
The chicken mixture would also make a great enchilada or burrito filling.

Sven made this tonight and it was soooooo good! A definate make again! I had alot of fun crushing the Doritos, I could see how kids would love doing that!

I found the recipe on Divine Domesticity.

I need some quick and easy recipes

Sven and I are starting to cook at home more but it seems we are cooking the same thing over and over again.

Does anyone have have an easy and quick recipe they want to share or even a good site or blog?

I'm Here.

I am sorry that I have been MIA, I have been healing and recovering. Today is supposedly my last day of pelvic rest, it will be nice to be able to do things again, but the pain is coming back, not as intense as before but it is coming back. I really don't want to go through the pain again during the holidays, but if I have to I have to. Also since starting the new BC, I am all out of whack and feel down right cruddy and have been so crabby and Sven has gotten the grunt of it, so sorry sweetie!

We are driving to Chicago on Thursday for Thanksgiving. I am really excited. What I am really excited about is seeing my good friend Julie, her husband Ramsay and her little girl Cassidy! I have not met Cassidy yet, but I know I love her. Auntie Beckie is coming!



How can you not fall in love with her?

Free Dunkin Donuts Coffee!

Free Samples of Dunkin Donuts Coffee

This is good for a 1.1 oz sample pouch of Dunkin Donuts coffee. Other than Mcdonalds coffee this is personally one of my favorites.

Free Dunkin Donuts Coffee

I am not much of a coffee drinker but LOVE Dunkin Donuts Coffee!

Update.

I went and saw my doctor for my post operation appointment.

She looked at my incisions (both of them) and they look great. They are healing well.

She went over the results of the surgery with me. She told Sven all this and he told me what she said and I remember some things, but some things I don't.

She said everything looked great, she even said I have fantastic looking falopian tubes, what does that mean!?

What she did find was purely accidental and she took care of it on the spot, she does not believe that it was related to the pain I was experiencing, which again disappoints me. She thinks it might be related to my condition, just what I need, my condition causing me more problems and pain. She does have another patient that has neurological issues like me and was having pelvic pain like me (not sure it was exactly pelvic pain, but let's go with it) and what has helped her is changing her birth control and making it stronger, so that is what she is doing with me.

So, I am going to start the new birth control tonight and see her again in two months, so maybe this will help.

Ann Taylor Friends and Family

$5 off $20 at Walgreens Friday and Saturday

http://www.walgreens.com/hotbuys/default.jsp?ec=hn624_getcoupon

It's over!

My surgery went well and I am home recovering. Thank you everyone for your calls, texts and emails, they were really appreciated!

My doctor did not find anything major, which is disappointing, but she did find some minor things and Sven and I are meeting with her on Monday to see what the next step is.

I am hurting right now, but that comes with the territory, but I am in great spirits!

Trisha and Ric

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DEAR TRISHA AND RIC!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU!

Today is Trisha and Ric's third anniversary, I wish them all the best, hope you two have a great day!

And Trisha, Thank You for the pictures, I love them!

The RJ's turn TWO!

Today is mine and Sven's Second Anniversary. Our wedding was beautiful and everything we wanted, we were surrounded by friends and family.

Sven was handsome and I of course was beautiful :) Sven's groomsmen were dashing and my girls were gorgeous. They are seriously the most amazing girls I know, I couldn't have gotten throughout the day without them. I wish I lived closer to the me because they are so incredible and I love them all so much!

Funny story. As the doors opened for me to walk down the aisle, I looked for Sven and didn't see him, I saw the Best Man, I thought I was marrying the Best Man. I even turned to my dad and asked him where Sven was. Since I couldn't see Sven, I wanted to get down the aisle and find him, so I think I drug my dad down the aisle. My dad kept telling me to slow down. I finally found Sven at the end of the aisle, I was so nervous, Sven says I was vibrating the whole ceremony!

Here are some pictures to enjoy: Just to warn you, there are alot:


The bottom tier of our cake


The back of my dress, showing off my sisters handywork


Pretty Bride


My bouquet


Our programs made by my cousin


Sven waiting for me


Just Married!


The Happy RJ's


Me and my girls


Angels Pose


Yay! Love this picture!


Sven and the guys


Our Cake


My mom's side of the Family


Cutting the Cake. I didn't know what to do, so I asked our photographer :)


Waiting to go out for our First Dance


Starting our First Dance





My wedding gym shoes








My dress Patch that was my Something Blue

Six Years!

Today is Sven's and mine's sixth anniversary. We met six years ago in 2002 when he tagged along with some friends from St. Louis to my Halloween party in Chicago. We got along so good the whole weekend, the rest is history.

Here is our first picture together:



Aren't we cute? The Future Mr. and Mrs. Sven.

Pumpkin Pie - Good for Your Diet

I got alot of comments about the Pumpkin Pie Milkshake. The one thing that everyone was saying was how great it looked but how bad it would be bad for the diet considering you have to use a whole slice of pie. Well, I found a solution. Hungry Girl to the rescue!

Here is a great Pumpkin Pie recipe:

	HG's Too-Good-To-Deny Pumpkin Pie
	Pump it Up!
	No one loves pumpkin as much as Hungry Girl does -- the fat orange fruit (yes, it's technically a fruit 'cuz it has seeds!) and HG have been BFFs forever. So it was inevitable that a fantastic pumpkin pie swap would come from the HG kitchen. Well, here it is. Grab a can of pumpkin and your trusty box of Fiber One, and get busy! We present to you HG's Too-Good-To-Deny Pumpkin Pie... Ingredients: For Crust 2 cups Fiber One bran cereal (original) 1/4 cup light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown); melted & mixed with 1 oz. water 3 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, granulated 1 tsp. cinnamon For Filling One 15-oz. can pure pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling) One 12-oz. can evaporated fat-free milk 3/4 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, granulated 1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters) 1/4 cup sugar-free maple syrup 1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. salt Optional Topping: Fat Free Reddi-wip Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a blender or food processor, grind Fiber One to a breadcrumb-like consistency. Combine crumbs with all other crust ingredients. Stir until mixed well. In an oven-safe 9-inch pie dish sprayed lightly with nonstick spray, evenly distribute mixture, using your hands or a flat utensil to firmly press and form the crust. Press it into the edges and up along the sides of the dish. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients for the filling. Mix well. Pour mixture into pie crust. (Filling may be taller than the crust -- trust us, this is okay!) Bake pie in the oven for 45 minutes, and then remove it and allow to cool. Chill in the fridge for several hours (for best results, chill overnight). Cut into 8 slices, and if you like, top with Reddi-wip before serving! MAKES 8 SERVINGS
	Serving Size: 1 slice Calories: 133 Fat: 3g Sodium: 236mg Carbs: 28g Fiber: 9g Sugars: 8g Protein: 6g POINTS® value 2* Now, I hope that helps, I know I will be making this!

Yesterday and Today.

I LOST, I LOST. I LOST! Finally, I Lost! I Lost A Pound, Yay for Me!

I Scheduled my laparoscopy yesterday. It is conveinently scheduled for our Anniversary, Nov. 11th., fun for me! But we are going to Chicago for Thanksgiving so we wanted to do it sooner rather than later so that I am not recovering in Chicago or in the car up to Chicago!

My doctor tells me that I won't be able to do some things for up to two weeks. One of those things being vacuuming. Probably anything that will use the adominal muscles. So, Sven will have to take care of the house while I recover, that should be fun :)

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

pumpkin pie milkshakes

2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 cup milk
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 large slice pumpkin pie, chopped and frozen (freezing is optional for bigger chunks. also yum just mixed room temp.)

whipped cream and nutmeg, for serving

combine ice cream, milk and sugar in blender. mix. add in pumpkin pie, pulse to blend. put blender in the freezer for a half hour. when ready to serve, stir and scoop with a big spoon into mugs. serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Found this recipe on Fashionably Foodie. I am definately going to try this with leftover pie this Thanksgiving!

I want this!

I am currently lusting after this. I saw it in a magazine and it caught my eye, it has everything you need when putting on your makeup. It is from Sephora and this is what it is:

Ultimate Blockbuster - Collector's Edition
What it is:
The ultimate makeup palette for eyes, face, and lips, all you need for complete classic beauty.

What it does:
Create any look in the book, or your imagination, with the Sephora Brand Collector's Edition Palette. This sleek all-in-one compact opens to reveal eyeshadow, blush, lip gloss, and powder on stackable, sliding trays. A selection of applicators and a mirror embedded under the lid of the compact give you all the tools to create a polished, expert look anytime, anywhere. Now you can make your look a personal masterpiece, from trendy to timeless, the sky's the limit.

What else you need to know:
The Sephora Brand Collector's Edition Palette sets the gold standard and gets you set. This palette has it all: 71 eyeshadow shades (0.04 oz each), 13 cream eyeshadow shades (0.03 oz each), 5 blushes (0.19 oz each), 1 compact powder (0.19 oz), 60 lip glosses (0.03 oz each), one lip liner, one eyeliner, 4 brushes, 3 sponge-tipped applicators, and a smart black case that's as classy as you are.

For $48, I think I have to have it, and Sven is starting to agree :)

Frustration.

I am to the point of frustration.

Let me back up by saying that I was not able to go to my Weight Watchers meeting yesterday cause I had a horrible migraine and I was having terrible adominal pains, so I went today. I was feeling somewhat good, my pants are fitting somewhat better so that was encouraging, but I have been in pain, pain, pain, so I admit my eating was just not great, but I kept it in line.

Well, I went to Weight Watchers and I gained. No surprise, I guess but not the point of me going.

And exercising, forget it! With my conditon it is just so hard, I mean my balance just seems to be deteriorating every day, my walking is horrible and I am falling. I just don't know what to do.

And her sister.

This is our other furbaby, Tess. We adopted her in 2005 when she was just six weeks old. I didn't know that having a kitten would be so much work and frustration. I was not prepared for her, Rean was three years old when we got her, so having a kitten drove me nuts! I will never do it again! Tess is our 'Devil Kitty'.

My (furry) Baby <3

My baby Rean LOVES forts and getting under the covers. I woke up the other morning and here is Rean under the covers sleeping with me.

Another shot, this is Rean realizing that I am not in bed anymore. She misses her mommy :)

Sven and I both adopted Rean in 2002 while I was still living in Chicago. Sven wanted to get me a cat so I would have companionship when he wasn't with me. She has become my baby in every sense of the word. She knows when I am happy and when I am sad, she is always by my side and I couldn't imagine that any other way!

Black Ice is here!

AC/D's first album, Black Ice, in eight years is out today!

I couldn't be more excited! I love me some AC/DC!

You need to make this!

I found this on My Wooden Spoon. I decided to make it last night. OMFG! It is so good, Sven loved it and ate two burritos, my friend loved it and also ate two!

Chicken Fajita Burrito Casserole

INGREDIENTS:

* 1pkg flour tortillas
* 1 8oz. Velveeta Mexican Mild Cheese
* 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken breasts
* 1 red bell pepper
* 1 green bell pepper
* 1 onion, well half really
* 1 can of cream of chicken
* 1/4 milk
* 1 can of black beans

You will also need the ingredients to make the Easy Spanish Rice! This consists of brown rice, salsa, and butter.

DIRECTIONS:

Start boiling your chicken. While chicken is boiling, chop up your onion and bell peppers; adding them to the chicken and boil until chicken is done. In a saucepan, melt your Velveeta cheese with the cream of chicken and about 1/4 of milk over low heat. (saving and shredding some to add to the fajita burritos.) This will be the cheese sauce. While that is melting, take your chicken and peppers out of the boiling stock and let cool. Add the brown rice & it’s ingredients to the stock that you boiled the chicken in. Once your rice is done, spread it in a 9×13 casserole dish. Pour the can of black beans on top. Or you can just mix the beans up with the rice!

Shred your chicken up and starting making your fajita burritos adding a little of the shredded velveeta or some of the cheese sauce inside. Fold up and lay on top of the rice and beans. Now pour the Velveeta Cheese sauce all on top of the burritos making sure to get it all covered. Bake in oven for about 15-20 minutes at 350′.

This should serve 8 depending on your crew’s appetite!

Easy Spanish Rice

INGREDIENTS:

* Water
* 1 TBSP butter
* Mild Salsa (Kate calls for 1 20oz jar, but we didn’t do that ’cause my FIL doesn’t like spicy)
* Instant Brown Rice

DIRECTIONS:

Bring 1 c. water to boil (boiling is that 2 extra minutes!). Add butter and about 1 cup of salsa and return to boil. Stir in 1 cup of instant brown rice. Cook for 5 minutes, remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes. It’s important to let is stand for that 10 minutes…that’s what makes the difference between fluffy and mushy rice!

The more you make, the more salsa you need to add.

Go make it!

Pictures that make me smile.

I LOVE cows and this just makes me laugh!


My grandparents house in Chicago, so many memories.


Yes, that is Sven sticking a bottle in his mouth, he constantly surprises me!


My friend Julie's daughter, Cassidy, isn't she cute?


Sven and I on our Wedding Day.


Sven waiting for me on our wedding day.

To Have Surgery, Or Not To Have Surgery.

I have been having unexplained adominal pain for 7 months now. Sometimes it is bearable, sometimes it is rip Sven arm off painful! I have spent many nights in the fetal position crying in pain.

I had a colonoscopy to see if they may find something, it didn't, it was normal. Then, I had an Upper Endoscopy cause my doctor thought that might also find something, but alas it didn't, it came back normal. I have had so many blood tests, that I am surprised I actually have blood left. Actually, when I was having my blood drawn, the blood started clotted and just stopped coming so they had to take it from the other arm.

I saw my doctor today and we talked about the results of my procedures. Since both of them came back normal she is stumped. But, she has a next move, but I am torn if I want to go ahead with it. She was to perform a laparoscopy. This is what it is:

Laparoscopy - Visualization of the ovaries and the exterior of the Fallopian tubes and uterus by means of the inserting a surgical instrument through a small incision below the naval; one or two other punctures may be made through which additional instruments can be inserted and manipulated.

So, like I said I am torn. On the one hand, I want to have the surgery for peace of mind, maybe they will find somthing, but on the other hand, what if they don't find anything, then it brings up more questions and I wonder why the hell I am having this pain, but what if they do find something like Endometriosis? What my doctor is looking for. But if I don't have the surgery will I regret it and always wonder what if? Sorry I am rambling, I am just so confused. What do you think?

Traffic

With the cooler weather, Sven and I like to open the windows, at night ecspecially. But let me preface this by saying the back of our Duplex butts up against Highway 40. So, it is noisy, but being from Chicago you would think I would be used to it. I would think so too! I mean in my old apartment you could hear the 'L', the Metra train and the Expressway, plus all the goings on in the courtyard where my bedroom window was.

So, we had the window open, cats love it but cars zooming past, making all kinds of noise. After about an hour of having the window open Sven closed it, but the damage was done, I could not get to sleep. I was tossing and turning all night, I don't think I feel asleep til 6 this morning, but then I had to be up at 7:45, so I am exhausted.

I keep trying to sleep with the window open, but it never works! Maybe I just need to be druged out of my mind so I sleep and nothing disturbs me.

Weigh-In

I went to my weigh-in this morning. I actually have two numbers because I did not go to the meeting last week. And it is really kinda confusing, I am actually trying to figure out how to do this without revealing my weight. But after thinking about it, it is really one number and all that really counts is what I get from the meetings, I am not totally trusting my scale at home.

So, I weighed in and I am up .2 pds. Not bad for Aunt Flo visiting last week and me dealing with migraines. I think that I can totally lose that weight and then some this week. I am going to do what my friend Becca does and let today be my "splurge" day and watch the rest of the days. I do have a wedding on Saturday so that will be hard to stay good, but I will try.

Oddest Jobs

On Savvy Sugar, they listed the 26 most oddest jobs.

And here they are:

• A: Autopsy assistant
• B: Bartender at the Liberace mansion
• C: Cat nanny
• D: Donkey trainer
• E: Elf at Santa’s workshop
• F: FBI Fingerprint examiner
• G: Grave digger
• H: Hurricane hunter
• I: Ice sculpture carver
• J: Junk mail machine operator
• K: Kitty litter box decorator
• L: Laser tag referee
• M: Magician’s assistant
• N: Nuclear electrician on a submarine
• O: Opera singer
• P: Parachute tester
• Q: Quality control/taster for chocolate factory
• R: Romance specialist
• S: Scratcher (scratched backs for patients)
• T: Turkey wrangler
• U: Undercover vice decoy
• V: Video game tester
• W: Wallpaper peeler
• X: X-ray technician for zoo animals
• Y: Yawn counter at a sleep clinic
• Z: Zamboni driver

Probably my oddest and first job was that of a ride operator for an indoor amusement park. What was your oddest job?

Dinner

Tonight, Sven and I went to dinner with his parents. We went to Balducci's in Maryland Heights. I love this place! We have gone there many times and every time the food is great!

The restaurant is downstairs in the basement and has a European flair, but with wood paneling, Christmas lights and the booths are Church pews.

I get the same thing every time, the Chicken con Broccoli. Yum! Sven gets the Cannaloni with the two sauces on it. And you can't not have desert, I have the Cheesecake and Sven has the Carrot Cake! Mmmmmmmmmmm!

Tomorrow is my weigh-in and Ithink I was good. I came home with two doggy bags and drank alot of water, so I am patting myself on the back! Wish me luck though!

I

I stole this from my friend Katie's blog.

i am: missing friends and family back home.
i think: get my game on for trivia tonight.
i know: how to be silly.
i want: the Cubs to win tomorrow.
i have: a great husband.
i wish: they would just cure me and be done with it.
i hate: being in pain.
i miss: my friends and family back home.
i fear: falling.
i feel: my cats tongue.
i hear: Private Eyes.
i smell: stinky.
i crave: hmmmmmm maybe something.
i search: for old belongings.
i wonder: about my health.
i regret: some things.
i ache: at my bruised knee and abdomen.
i care: about money.
i always: shower.
i am not: in kindergarton.
i believe: everything happens for a reason.
i dance: awkwardly.
i sing: anywhere.
i cry: at movies and tc shows.
i don't always: eat right.
i fight: my condition.
i write: nothing.
i never: wake up as early as I'd like to.
i stole: nothing.
i listen: alot of things.
i need: food and water and love.
i am happy about: pretty much everything.

Cheesecake Nuggets

I gave Sven the Hungry Girl Cookbook and told him pick anything and I will make it for you. He picked the chilly chocolate cheesecake nuggets. I just made them, and so you know, I am not the best baker there is, but this was so easy to make! And if licking the spoon is any indication of how good they are going to be, HOLY BAJEEZUS, THESE ARE AWESOME! Here is the recipe:

chilly chocolate cheesecake nuggets

Ingredients

3/4 cup Cool Whip Free
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon fat-free cream cheese, softened
One 25 calori packet diet hot cocoa mix
1 tablespoon sugar free chocolat syrup
1 tablespoon Splena No Calorie Sweetner (granulated) (I used packets, cause that is what I have.)

Directions

Using a fork or an electric mixer, vigorously mix Cool Whip, cream cheese, cocoa mix, syrup and Splenda until smooth and well blended.

Evenly distribute mixture into 10 section of an ice cube tray. Place tray in the freezer until nuggets are solid (at least 2 hours)

Once frozen, nuggets should pop out easily. (If not, run the bottom of the tray under the faucet for a few seconds to loosen them.)

Makes 5 servings.

Per serving (2 nuggets) 42 calories, 0.5g fat, 130mg sodium, 7g carbs, 0g fiber, 2g sugars, 3g protein = 1 point per serving

The two hours are up and I just tried them.

Result: SOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!

Weekly Weigh In

I did not go to my meeting today, I know bad me. But I have been so sick this week and I woke up with the worst migraine and was so incredibly nauseous, so I thought driving would not be a good idea. But, I did weigh myself at home and I lost:

.6 pounds

I am so happy to have lost, with me being sick and not eating great and not drinking my water.

Tonight is the VP Presidential debate, that will be interesting, we are going to Sven's sister house to watch it, but I would rather just stay home and switch between the debate and the Cubs game, the Sox also play today!

CHICAGO ROCKS!

Well, I may be a little biased, but let me tell you why Chicago Rocks!

The Chicago White Sox played the Minnesota Twins in a tiebreaker game. Winner goes to the playoffs and are the AL Central Division Champions!

Well, just minutes ago, the Sox beat the Twins, 1 - 0 and are the 2008 American League Central Division Champions!

So, that means that the Chicago Cubs are the NL Central Division Champs and the White Sox are the AL Central Division Champs!

The City of Chicago has to be celebrating BIG time, man I wish I was there. I think the whole neighborhood heard me cheering when they won! It has been 102 years since BOTH teams were in the playoffs. The playoffs are going to be that more interesting this year!

I am a die hard Cubs fan and will be rooting for them, but my family has a secret. My grandfather was a closet Sox fan and part of my family are Sox fans. This will make things interesting!

GO CHICAGO GO!

Today is a Good Day!

Look at what came today.

Sven and I are so happy, now we can get rid of the awful Charter HD box!

Weigh In

Today was my first week back on Weight Watchers. I really did not think that I did that great, I could not get back on track, so this week:

I LOST 1.8 POUNDS!

Man, it feels so good! I hope next week is just as good. Unfortunately, I have to rely almost all on my diet since I can't exercise. It may be a slow process, but I am doing it on my own terms!

I have my second procedure tomorrow, I am having an Upper Endoscopy, here is what is entails:

Upper Endoscopy

The digestive system

Upper endoscopy enables the physician to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The procedure might be used to discover the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain, or chest pain. Upper endoscopy is also called EGD, which stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (eh-SAH-fuh-goh-GAS-troh-doo-AH-duh-NAH-skuh-pee).

For the procedure you will swallow a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope (EN-doh-skope). Right before the procedure the physician will spray your throat with a numbing agent that may help prevent gagging. You may also receive pain medicine and a sedative to help you relax during the exam. The endoscope transmits an image of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into the stomach; this expands the folds of tissue and makes it easier for the physician to examine the stomach.

The physician can see abnormalities, like inflammation or bleeding, through the endoscope that don't show up well on x rays. The physician can also insert instruments into the scope to treat bleeding abnormalities or remove samples of tissue (biopsy) for further tests.

Possible complications of upper endoscopy include bleeding and puncture of the stomach lining. However, such complications are rare. Most people will probably have nothing more than a mild sore throat after the procedure.

The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes. Because you will be sedated, you will need to rest at the endoscopy facility for 1 to 2 hours until the medication wears off.

At least I don't have to do the prep like I did last week. But last night, I had a nightmare that I was having this procedure done and I started gagging and I suffocated. I think that means I am a little nervous. Wish me luck!

Metropolis

So, this summer Sven and I drove to South Carolina and we made a pitstop in Metropolis. Here are some pictures:

GO CUBS GO!

THEY DID IT! THEY DID IT! THEY DID IT!

CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!

WE ARE NL CENTRAL CHAMPIONS!

WOOHOO!

20 Questions

I stole this from Jen over at Eggs over Medium

20 Questions

Using only one word answers:

Your hair? frizzy
Your mother? wise
Your father? great
Your favorite thing? cows
Your dream last night? none
Your dream/goal? cure
Your favorite drink? diet coke
The room you’re in? messy
Your ex? forgotten
Your hobby? jewelry
Your fear? falling
Where do you want to be in 6 years? home
Where were you last night? bed
What you’re not? athletic
Muffins? chocolate
One of your wish list items? jewelry
Time? slow
Where you grew up? chicago
The last thing you did? shoopping
Favorite weather? crisp
What are you wearing? jeans
Your favorite book? none
Your TV? new
Your pet? cats
Your computer? mac
Your mood? pain
Missing someone? yes
Your car? 2005
Something you’re not wearing? socks
Favorite store? none
Love someone? absoulutely
Your favorite color/shade? red
Last thing you ate? turkey
Your life? mystery
Your friends? some
What are you thinking right now? not
What are you doing at this moment? sitting
Your summer? good
Your relationship status? great
What do you do when you can’t sleep? tv
When is the last time you laughed? before
Last time you cried? last night

Clinch?

I am excited today!

The Milwaukee Brewers lost last night, so with a win today, the Cubs can clinch the NL Central division. Toooo excited!

Unfortunately, they are playing the St. Louis Cardinals, their biggest rivals. Yes, I live in St. Louis, but born and raised on the North Side of Chicago, so I am a Cubs fan. I will admit the Cardinals are a great team, but we deserve this!

When I first moved here, everyone and I mean everyone, tried to get me to be a Cardinals fan. They would say "you are in St. Louis now, so just be a Cardinals fan" or something along the lines of the Cubs stink, they haven't won a championship in 100 years, just start rooting for the Cardinals. Sven even throws the fact that the Cardinals have won X many championships and the Cubs haven't won one in a long time. All I say to that is, I lived in Chicago and rooted for the Cubs for 27 years, you just expect me to forget all that. I think not! If you moved to a new city would you instantly start rooting for that team?

I admit that the Cubs haven't won the big prize, but I am loyal. And this year they really have a shot!

So, at 2:55, I am going to be glued to the TV with my Cubs hat on, rooting on the Cubbies!

Go Cubs Go!

It's done!

Thank you everyone for the good thoughts.

I had my procedure today, everything went well.

Yesterday was hell! The prep for my procedure was absolutely the worst. I never want Gatorade again, I am so sick of it! By 2:00 pm on Thursday I wanted food. Not that I was hungry for it, I admit I was craving it, but that chewing sensation is what I really missed, so I ate ice cubes. It helped!

Sven and I had to be at the center at 7:30 am. Now, I am not a morning person at all and this was hard. I could not bring valuables with me, so that meant no rings, and NO makeup. Oh man, that was hard, I hate leaving the house without makeup on. It was scary Beckie this morning!

I was wheeled in for my procedure and given oxegyn (the kind that goes up your nose, it actually tickles) and drugs! I don't remember anything that happened, just being wheeled back into recovery and asking for Sven. I came out ALOT better this time. I think it is because they steadily decrease the medicine so you wake up better. The nurses at the center were so nice, I am actually looking forward to seeing them again next week, for my other procedure!

Then I was awake enough and cleared to go home. But, we didn't go straight home. Oh no no. I stopped eating at 9:00 pm Thursday night and I was hungry, so we went to McDonalds, I was craving a Big Mac and Fries, oh it tasted so good, then I slept most of the afternoon away, Doctors, Svens and my Moms order.

So, now I am feeling okay, I still can't drive til tomorrow (so I can't drive my forklift yet, dang it :)) and I can't make any life determining decisions or sign anything yet.

Since Sven declared me a good patient, we had Chinese for dinner and he is getting me ice cream later! I know, I know not Weight Watchers good, but come on I have to makeup for lost time :)

So, everyone have a good weekend and I am off to enjoy my ice cream.

Thursday.

Today is going to be a rough day.

Well, first I went to a Weight Watchers meeting. I don't what it is, I knew that I had to get back on track but going to the meeting was hard. I knew I gained some weight, but it wasn't as bad as I thought.

Now, on to the rough part of the day. I am having a outpatient procedure tomorrow and I have to follow a clear liquid diet. Which means I am eating Jell-O, eating/drinking chicken broth and drinking Gatorade all day. Fun huh?

As soon as I came home from Weight Watchers I tore into one of the four dishes of Jell-O. Yes, Sven and I made four dishes of Jell-O. Well, I just finished it and OMG!, I am still so hungry, I want food and it is only 12:40. Oh, how am I going to last the whole day. Sven says he coming home with Ribs and Fried Chicken and eat in front of me. Sooooooo not nice! It is almost 1:00 and the second part of my detoxifying is about to begin, I won't go into details, but it isn't fun!

I am really nervous about the procedure. They are going to sedate me and the last time I was sedated, I didn't come out of it very well. And also, I don't think Sven is going to be with me when I wake up, so I am not liking that.

I just hope that things go smoothly! Think good thoughts for me!

Barbecued Pork

I have been really bad and have not written much, I admit I don't always think I have things to talk about.

While I think of things to talk about enjoy this Crockpot recipe. This another one of me and Sven's favorite!

Barbecued Pork:

2 lbs. boneless pork top loin
1 c. chopped onion (this is optional also)
3/4 c. diet soda (this is optional, we have stopped using it)
3/4 c. barbecue sauce (use your favorite kind. we use a new flavor every time we make it)

Combine all ingredients in a crockpot. Cook covered on high for 5-6 hours or until meat is very tender. Drain and slice or shred pork. You can serve it on a bun for a sandwich, over rice or over a potato.

And if you are on Weight Watchers, it is 4 points for one cup.

New Sites

In my blog reading and things, I have come upon some great sites. Some new, some not so new, I will share them with you.

1. Kirtsy - Kirtsy is a place where anyone can share any cool link they find online. It is a great place to find articles about entertainment, design and travel among a whole sleu of other things. You might also find some great items to make your life easier, greener or just prettier :)

2. Hungry-Girl - with me being on Weight Watchers, this site has been invaluable to me! They have recipes, food swaps, food finds and Hungry-Girl also tells me what to avoid at restaurants and the drive thru window. Hungry-Girl also just came out with a cookbook called Hungry Girl: Recipes and Survival Strategies for Guilt-Free Eating in the Real World.

3. Hostess with the Mostess - One of the best sites for Contemporary Entertaining

4. Gorgeously Green - If you are looking to go green, then this is the place to go!

So, those are my top four websites I like to visit, you should to!

What are some of your favorite sites?

CUBS WIN!!!!

The Cubs won tonight by beating Milwaukee 19 - 5 and are now back in first place where they belong.

I know, I know, Cardinals Fans will correct me. The Cards did win today and as of right now the Cubs and the Cardinals are sharing first place.

Then, starting on Friday and continuing on Saturday and Sunday, the Cubbies are coming to the Lou to battle the Cards. The games will be great I am sure and if any has extra tickets and they would like to take me with, let me know!

But I will just leave you with this sentiment: GO CUBS!

It's Burger Time!

I am on Weight Watchers, as many of my friends. I love being on Weight Watchers and finding new recipes to use. With the weather warming up Sven has put our charcoal grill on our porch and it is there to stay for the season, but I find myself craving hamburgers, more cheeseburgers.

I guess that cheeseburgers are not that bad, the way that I make them with the right cheese and bun, but after awhile it gets boring, but then I found this.



Weight Watchers Double Salsa Burgers

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 large tomato, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onions
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup finely chopped green sweet peppers
2 finely chopped seeded jalapeno peppers (I don't eat jalapeno's so I will leave that out)
2 cups shredded lettuce (I personally hate shredded lettuce, I prefer the leaf)
1 tablespoon snipped cilantro
1/3 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sour cream and/or guacamole (to serve)

Preparation
1. For the salsa: In a bowl, combine the tomato, garlic, onion, green peppers, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, and salt. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the salsa. Cover and chill the remaining salsa until serving time.
2. In another bowl, combine the ground beef and the 2 tablespoons of reserved salsa; mix well.
3. Shape the mixture into six 1/2-inch-thick oval patties.
4. Grill the patties on an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for about 13-15 minutes (or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in side of patty registers 160 degrees F), turning the patties once halfway through grilling time.
5. Arrange the shredded lettuce on individual plates. Top with the burgers, the remaining salsa, and the cheddar cheese.
6. Serve with sour cream and/or guacamole.

WW POINTS per serving: 6
Nutritional information per serving: 260 calories, 15.6g fat, 1g fiber

Now, doesn't that look good?

Totes are Everywhere

It seems that every store has its own reusable tote. As I was looking in the Sunday paper today, I saw that Home Depot offering a FREE reusable tote to anyone. No purchase necessary. Also in the paper I saw that Macys has their own tote also.

Being how everyone is going to the reusable totes I ordered some off Etsy, from seller niccocjm

Also, all the grocery stores have their own reuseable totes too. And I heard on the news last night that on the ballot they are putting up for a vote a 20 cent tax per plastic bag that consumers use. So, start getting your Totes!