Disneybear

Happy 4th of July! July 4, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : This 'n That ,

Another 4th! They seem to come closer and closer together now. We went to the Walpole Fireworks Spectacular last night. We almost didn’t go due to a strong thunderstorm a few hours before, but it cleared up. Walpole puts on an amazing show and we always have a good time when we link up with our friends, Karen and Ron, who always save us a place with the best viewing. Mike’s Mom and Dad also joined us, so it was even more special. I am coming along after my surgery. I am so sick of protein drinks, but only have to drink them for a few more days. I can’t wait till I am on full solid food, even if it won’t be the amounts I used to eat! I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday

Mom Has The Shingles June 19, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : This 'n That ,

Unfortunately my mother has come down with a bad touch of the shingles! It started with shooting pains on the left side of her neck, and now she has red blotches on the side of her face and neck. Her doctor should have recommended the vaccine and she wouldn’t be in this predicament. I urge all of you who have had chicken pox as a child to get the vaccine now, before you have an outbreak.

Charlie Bit Me June 16, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : Fun Stuff, This 'n That ,

I just love this!

Charlie bit my finger - again !

Carrie and Mr. Big May 31, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : TV, Film, and Media, This 'n That , 4 comments

SPOILER** Am I the only one on the planet who didn’t want Carrie and Mr. Big to marry finally in the Sex and the City movie? He is always so off and on again and I just think he will be off on her in the future. I am all about forgiveness but leaving her at the alter was just too much for me to take and I don’t think I could ever forgive him. I really think she could do much better, but I guess we always need a predictable happy ending. Oh well, write me hate mail.

Final Preop Meeting May 30, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : Dieting, This 'n That ,

Today I had my final preop meeting with Dr. Lautz. I had to wait an hour and a half before being seen, but it went well. Basically they went over my records and I signed a consent form. As I was leaving the receptionist told me that she was moving my surgery to the 23rd instead of the 16th. This gives me only two weeks to recover before I go to take my summer microbiology class. It bums me out a bit, but at least I won’t have to be on the preop diet while I am in Walt Disney World next week. After the meeting with the Doctor I had preop blood work and met with a nurse and the anesthesiologist. My appointment was at 12, but I didn’t get in till about 2 PM. Now there is nothing more to do but wait.

American Idol Is Clearly Not A Vocal Competition! May 21, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : This 'n That , 5 comments

David Cook wins? The man does not really sing at all. It is clearly a popularity contest and not a vocal competition. David Archuletta completely out sung Cook on Tuesday nites performance. Cook is probably the weakest rocker AI has ever had, although it is tough to beat Constantine Maroulis who has had that title for many years. I look forward to Archuletta’s collection of balads that I am sure will be produced within the year. I predict Cook will fade into obscurity like so many.

Why Do So Many Chefs Smoke? May 6, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : TV, Film, and Media, This 'n That ,

I can’t believe that I watch Hell’s Kitchen. I really think that Gordon Ramsay is an obnoxious jerk… with the people skills of a grapenut. I really love to watch it because of that fact I guess. He really is a person I love to hate, and I don’t care how much money would be involved, but I would never work for the man. What I find really interesting is how all of the chefs that are competing… all smoke like chimneys! Season after season, all the contestants light up after work. I wonder why this is. With less than 30% of the population smoking I am wondering if all 30% work in kitchens!

Another Class… Done! May 3, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : This 'n That ,

Well, another class is finally completed. I just finished up with Anatomy and Physiology II and I am glad to say that it is over. I know more about the vagina than I ever cared to know! I have run out of classes that I can take online, so my next class will be at the college. I am taking microbiology 3 nights a week in July. It will be weird to actually be back in the classroom… and probably be the oldest person in the room! I am really trying to do some housecleaning before my surgery, so I have reopened my eBay store. Everything must go! Operators are standing by!

American Idol April 30, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : TV, Film, and Media, This 'n That , 1 comment so far

Is it me or is American Idol now kinda boring? There is no one this year that I am that excited about lately. Perhaps I just don’t care anymore. I got that way with Survivor. Maybe it is time for the next big show.

Mikey Wins NEBA Tournament! March 31, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : Family, This 'n That , 4 comments

Congratulations to Mike Cordeiro for winning the New England Bowling Association Singles Tournament! I am so proud of you!

Gym Rat March 28, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : Dieting, This 'n That , 1 comment so far

Well I am back at the gym 3 times a week trying to get back in shape. I do the elliptical for 45 minutes and then head to the weight room for about a half hour and pump, pump, pump! I have my records from when I was lifting before and it is amazing how quickly my muscles return and allow me to lift more and more each week. I really would like to be in great shape for the surgery in June. I am watching what I eat, but the pounds just don’t want to leave, I hope the reason is that I have been building some muscle.

The Decision March 10, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : Dieting, This 'n That , 2 comments

I am scheduled for gastric bypass surgery for Jun 16th. I have done much research and have talked to some of the best doctors at Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston. All of them think I would be a great candidate and said they would do it themselves if they had the health problems that I am now facing. I don’t think I would even consider this if I did not have the diabetes, but the chance to eliminate it through surgery has sealed the deal. I would like to lose 20 lbs before the surgery and I have begun exercising every day. The better shape I am in before the quicker recovery I should have. If you would like more information on the procedure itself I strongly recommend reading Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity at the National Institutes of Health.

Why Can’t I Keep The Weight Off? March 2, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : Dieting, This 'n That , 2 comments

This has been a very soul searching week for me. Since diagnosis with diabetes last October, I have maintained a weight loss of only about 5 pounds. It is really time for me to evaluate why I can’t seem to take my health seriously and get this weight off. I feel that one of my main problems is my ability to inhale food. I just don’t give my body enough time to let me know that I have had enough. I eat a varied diet and don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but my portion sizes are huge. I am discouraged by diets and weight-loss plans and have been on many all my life. I am even considering surgical solutions. I have always thought that they are a bad choice. However, recent studies suggest that surgical solutions can send diabetes into remission in over 80 percent of cases. It has also been noted that bariatric surgery is the most effective tool for losing and keeping weight off. It is becoming obvious to me and apparently backed by most statistics that telling an obese person to just eat less and exercise more is not effective. From what I can research 90% of those who lose weight with traditional attempts regain their weight. I know from my diet classes that most of us in there are still fat! I look at all the people in my life that are fat and although some lose weight, all of them have gained it back. I know from psychology that “past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior”, and that is why we stay fat. Yes we can change, and some people do, but most of us will not and that is the reality. Almost all the gurus, and friends that mean well seem to have never been 100 lbs over their ideal weight. I have tried weight watchers, nutra-system, atkins, and have been going to HMR for over ten years and I think I have yet to meet an educator that is keeping 100lbs off permanently. It seems my doctor’s can’t seem to lose weight or have never been seriously overweight either. Obese people like myself started our problems early in life. We really should have been more worried then. If we never got this heavy the first time, I think we probably would have had a better chance. My understanding is that once we gain additional fat cells they remain with us even if we lose weight. This gives us a tendency to gain weight more easily than someone who never has been overweight to begin with. Doctors and people who have never been really overweight seem to forget this. Our bodies are different than yours. It really is different for you than us. Yes, we can lose weight just as you might have, but it is harder for us to keep it off. Our extra fat cells are hungry! I am really beginning to believe this. I know I can lose weight…and have done so many times. I just find it impossible to keep it off without making it a total obsession. I know when I lost 100 lbs 9 years ago that I was working far harder than someone who was my weight at the time who had never been seriously overweight. I don’t think telling people that diet and exercise is the only key to weight maintenance in someone who was obese is the end of the equation. It is an important part, but I think more research must be done. I really think something is missing here. It could be the fat cells I spoke of, a metabolic deficiency, or something we haven’t found yet. There is too much focus today on losing weight when the real problem is keeping it off permanently. At this point, I am going to use the best available evidence to find a permanent weight maintenance solution.

Butter Keepers February 22, 2008

Posted by disneybear in : This 'n That , 1 comment so far

I found this great article about the history of the French butter keeper. We use them all the time at our house. It really is a great way to store your butter. I used to hate spreading butter on toast when when we used to keep it in the refrigerator. It was impossible to spread! Get a butter bell today! They are wonderful!

Kudos: Interesting Thing of the Day