Today I took my lunch, but my mom came and ate with me. Here's the review of the lunch she packed for me.
The chips she packed were Fritos. They were kinda spicy. They were thin chips and were a little too salty. I almost had a heart attach (literally)when I read how many grams of sodium there were in that one serving. But, they did have a nice taste. It's a good thing she packed me some water because all of the sodium made me thirsty.
The bread for my sandwich was soft and peanut buttery. The jelly was grape and gooey. There was just a hint of raspberry, but mainly it tasted like grape.
My brownie was chocolatey with a hint of peanut butter. There were nuts on the inside (good thing I'm not allergic!). It was crunchy at the edges but chewy in the middle. The pudding however, was smooth and smushy. It was very chocolatey and creamy.
The fruit salad had strawberries, grapes, apples and blueberries. It had a nice sauce that added just the right sweetness. I only ate the apples because the strawberries were smushy. The blueberries were not yet ripe because they were too tart. The berry flavor was a little overpowering.
Overall I'd say my mom packs a mean lunch. I'll give her an A-.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Food Critique by HuffJackie (Huffdaddy's son)
Tonight we had dinner at On the Border.
The tacos were really meaty. The lettuce really made it crunchy, and the cheese had a lot of cheesiness in it. The meat was really juicy and it had a kick to it. It was really spicy. The tomatoes got in there, too; they exploded with flavor.
M'Sara's salad had a peach flavor with a really good taste. You could taste the lettuce; it was really, really crunchy. I could taste the tomatoes and the meat, too. The meat was the same as in my tacos, very juicy and spicy.
As for Mom's quesadillas, they really had a cheesy flavor. The cheese was creamy. The chicken was chunky and it exploded with flavor.
The chips with the queso, I could taste most of the queso because it was cheesy and meaty at the same time, but I could also taste a little bit of corn with the chips.
The waitress got my order right, and I had my Coke, so that was good. She offered to get me another Coke before I asked. She was really nice.
And that is my review. Satisfied.
The tacos were really meaty. The lettuce really made it crunchy, and the cheese had a lot of cheesiness in it. The meat was really juicy and it had a kick to it. It was really spicy. The tomatoes got in there, too; they exploded with flavor.
M'Sara's salad had a peach flavor with a really good taste. You could taste the lettuce; it was really, really crunchy. I could taste the tomatoes and the meat, too. The meat was the same as in my tacos, very juicy and spicy.
As for Mom's quesadillas, they really had a cheesy flavor. The cheese was creamy. The chicken was chunky and it exploded with flavor.
The chips with the queso, I could taste most of the queso because it was cheesy and meaty at the same time, but I could also taste a little bit of corn with the chips.
The waitress got my order right, and I had my Coke, so that was good. She offered to get me another Coke before I asked. She was really nice.
And that is my review. Satisfied.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
PA PA
My sister lost Pa Pa today. She stuck by him when everyone else thought he was a goner. He always bounced back and was never in any pain. Today..this morning at 6:15 his heart finally stopped in his sleep. This is the email that my sister sent out today. We all love you PA PA
About 5 years ago I was at the city animal shelter registering my pets. The shelter staff walked an old dog by. I asked about him and they said he was a stray. However, he had a collar with a tag. The tag had a non-working phone number and the name "Sampson." I told them I would take the old dog. They discouraged me saying "Take another one. Something is wrong with this one. He walks in circles." I sat with him a while and then took him home anyway.
I kept Sampson's name because it fit him. Even though his face was already gray, with his barrel chest and big black nose, I knew he was something. He was a fighter - a street dog - the "John Wayne" of dogs. Sampson and I have worked though is physical disabilities, seizures, Cushings Disease, geriatric vestibular disease a heart murmur and a herniated disc. We have been to the dog ER too many times to count. His partially home cooked meals had more supplements than an Olympic athlete - and he was okay with that.
People thought Sampson was old and feeble. While he was on some accounts (15 years old best guess), he loved short walks, he was deceptively fast, and could run when he wanted. Just 12 months ago, he got out with all the other dogs, ran fast/far, and came home in the dog catcher truck.
A stroke this week was more than my tough Sampson could handle. I lost my big strong boy today. I trust he knows I did my best for him. True to his sweet personality, he made it easy on me in the end.
People say Sampson was lucky to have me....I say I was lucky to have Sampson. He made me laugh and smile. I love him and I will miss him.
TO SAMPSON: Run fast big man on four good legs and in a straight line! I love you and miss you.
About 5 years ago I was at the city animal shelter registering my pets. The shelter staff walked an old dog by. I asked about him and they said he was a stray. However, he had a collar with a tag. The tag had a non-working phone number and the name "Sampson." I told them I would take the old dog. They discouraged me saying "Take another one. Something is wrong with this one. He walks in circles." I sat with him a while and then took him home anyway.
I kept Sampson's name because it fit him. Even though his face was already gray, with his barrel chest and big black nose, I knew he was something. He was a fighter - a street dog - the "John Wayne" of dogs. Sampson and I have worked though is physical disabilities, seizures, Cushings Disease, geriatric vestibular disease a heart murmur and a herniated disc. We have been to the dog ER too many times to count. His partially home cooked meals had more supplements than an Olympic athlete - and he was okay with that.
People thought Sampson was old and feeble. While he was on some accounts (15 years old best guess), he loved short walks, he was deceptively fast, and could run when he wanted. Just 12 months ago, he got out with all the other dogs, ran fast/far, and came home in the dog catcher truck.
A stroke this week was more than my tough Sampson could handle. I lost my big strong boy today. I trust he knows I did my best for him. True to his sweet personality, he made it easy on me in the end.
People say Sampson was lucky to have me....I say I was lucky to have Sampson. He made me laugh and smile. I love him and I will miss him.
TO SAMPSON: Run fast big man on four good legs and in a straight line! I love you and miss you.
Monday, February 15, 2010
It's Been A While
I have been lacking in my bloggoshpere here lately. There are many reasons I guess. Lack of time being one of them and the other...just tired.
This past week was a little rough on me. I did not feel really that great. For whatever reason it seemed like everything hurt. My feet, hands, back and hips all hurt. Hurt like if I dropped something it was a major ordeal to bend over and pick it up.
The kids were edgy and got on each others nerves and the dogs were going in the house constantly because they would not go outside to do their business.
This (AND I DON"T BLAME HER A BIT)made Tracey edgy. Why? because 95% of needed to be done she had to do it.
I don't blame her at all for being tired or short with me and the kids. All she wants to do is get some rest. I know it appears that I am sitting on my duff doing nothing but in this case appearances do not tell the whole story.
I mentioned earlier that everything "hurts". The main issue I am dealing with now is the skin on my back, hips, and upper legs. It's the darn GvH. What is or has in a lot of places happened is the skin hardens and loses its ability to move. When you move sometimes it is so dry it cracks and starts to bleed.
It is really hard to describe but you would be amazed at how debilitating that is and how extremely painful that is to deal with.
To make it through the day I usually take some light pain killers given to me by the doctors.
I try to be careful and not cry wolf. Meaning I try to keep my mouth shut about needing help unless I really need it or I make sure I am not overselling the pain issue. I know Tracey get's tired of hearing about it...again who wouldn't.
But then the other day the doctors took a look at my back, hips, and legs and they wanted to know if I was still working? I asked them what do you mean? And my doctor said, How are you able to keep working 8-4 while dealing with this stuff? I told him well to be honest if it were not for my wife I would be in pretty bad shape. Each morning she puts lotion on my back to give it some elasticity. She then pretty much has to dress me and then on some mornings she has to open my pill bottles so I can take my meds because my hands don't do buttons at all and pill bottles are tough for a normal person.
So then I think....well maybe I am not overselling this pain issue. If they are surprised I am able to work.
The doctors want to do a new "experimental" treatment for my GVH but I am REALLY not excited about it. I would have to get another port put in my chest AND there is only a 40% chance of it working. And you don't even want to know the treatment schedule....it's over 3 FREAKING months. Not to mention lost revenue from work and the medical bill I am going to get. Just got one for over $1,000 for the last experimental treatment and it did not work..if anything it got worse. whatever happened to "maximum out of pocket?" I am ready for that to take effect.
Just venting there. The people at UTsouthwestern are awesome and with out them I would be below ground instead of above it.
It's just frustrating. I have what I would consider pretty good days all considering and then I will have one or two days where I am in PAIN. I tried to trace it down as to WHY but I don't have an answer yet. On the outside looking in I know that has to be frustrating to my family. Hey look daddy is moving and shaking everything is going good and then BAM!!!! Two days where it hurts to BLINK!!
So to my family I apologize when I am short with you. Please keep sticking with me. I love you Tracey. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I want you know that without you I am a nothing.
This past week was a little rough on me. I did not feel really that great. For whatever reason it seemed like everything hurt. My feet, hands, back and hips all hurt. Hurt like if I dropped something it was a major ordeal to bend over and pick it up.
The kids were edgy and got on each others nerves and the dogs were going in the house constantly because they would not go outside to do their business.
This (AND I DON"T BLAME HER A BIT)made Tracey edgy. Why? because 95% of needed to be done she had to do it.
I don't blame her at all for being tired or short with me and the kids. All she wants to do is get some rest. I know it appears that I am sitting on my duff doing nothing but in this case appearances do not tell the whole story.
I mentioned earlier that everything "hurts". The main issue I am dealing with now is the skin on my back, hips, and upper legs. It's the darn GvH. What is or has in a lot of places happened is the skin hardens and loses its ability to move. When you move sometimes it is so dry it cracks and starts to bleed.
It is really hard to describe but you would be amazed at how debilitating that is and how extremely painful that is to deal with.
To make it through the day I usually take some light pain killers given to me by the doctors.
I try to be careful and not cry wolf. Meaning I try to keep my mouth shut about needing help unless I really need it or I make sure I am not overselling the pain issue. I know Tracey get's tired of hearing about it...again who wouldn't.
But then the other day the doctors took a look at my back, hips, and legs and they wanted to know if I was still working? I asked them what do you mean? And my doctor said, How are you able to keep working 8-4 while dealing with this stuff? I told him well to be honest if it were not for my wife I would be in pretty bad shape. Each morning she puts lotion on my back to give it some elasticity. She then pretty much has to dress me and then on some mornings she has to open my pill bottles so I can take my meds because my hands don't do buttons at all and pill bottles are tough for a normal person.
So then I think....well maybe I am not overselling this pain issue. If they are surprised I am able to work.
The doctors want to do a new "experimental" treatment for my GVH but I am REALLY not excited about it. I would have to get another port put in my chest AND there is only a 40% chance of it working. And you don't even want to know the treatment schedule....it's over 3 FREAKING months. Not to mention lost revenue from work and the medical bill I am going to get. Just got one for over $1,000 for the last experimental treatment and it did not work..if anything it got worse. whatever happened to "maximum out of pocket?" I am ready for that to take effect.
Just venting there. The people at UTsouthwestern are awesome and with out them I would be below ground instead of above it.
It's just frustrating. I have what I would consider pretty good days all considering and then I will have one or two days where I am in PAIN. I tried to trace it down as to WHY but I don't have an answer yet. On the outside looking in I know that has to be frustrating to my family. Hey look daddy is moving and shaking everything is going good and then BAM!!!! Two days where it hurts to BLINK!!
So to my family I apologize when I am short with you. Please keep sticking with me. I love you Tracey. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I want you know that without you I am a nothing.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Hit the BENCH!!
Where is time going? Did we not just say HAPPY NEW YEAR!?!?!? Now we are staring down the barrel of Valentine’s Day.
Work has been going okay I guess. I have started working on the realignment of the Science TEKS that go into effect next year with our Scope and Sequence…..easy everyone…….I know that is exciting stuff.
Just to cover my bases for next year I did get my resume together and got my application in to two larger school districts that are around my home. If I do get a job at either place CHA CHING!!!
I realize I am going to sound REAL bad here BUT….I am tired of hearing about Haiti. There….I said it. It’s out there. I feel horrible for feeling that way but come on! Does it have to lead off every news cast? Yesterday afternoon I flipped through 4 networks in about an hour’s time of watching TV. One network did not say something about Haiti….guesses? That would be the FOOD NETWORK.
Jack has been testing it a bit lately….The boy just turned 9….with luck he will live to see 10. Seriously though it is starting to bleed into other areas. Last night at BB practice he just decided to ignore what I was telling him to do and do what he wanted to do. PROBLEM!! I am the coach. So I called time called his name and pointed to the bench. Well we were scrimmaging and Tracey was in there with the boys and I was on the outside perimeter barking orders. Well Jack sat there for a couple of minutes and then he got up to stand by me. I asked him what he was doing and his response was…”I am ready to go back in now.” I told him I thought that was nice but that it was not about HIM it was about the team. As long as he was going to ignore me and do what he wanted to do I could not put HIM in the game. I told him I would rather have a less talented team that LISTENED than a talented individual who blew me off. So you see Jack…It does not matter what YOU are ready for…..have seat on the bench.
OH THAT WAS PAINFUL FOR HIM…..
Work has been going okay I guess. I have started working on the realignment of the Science TEKS that go into effect next year with our Scope and Sequence…..easy everyone…….I know that is exciting stuff.
Just to cover my bases for next year I did get my resume together and got my application in to two larger school districts that are around my home. If I do get a job at either place CHA CHING!!!
I realize I am going to sound REAL bad here BUT….I am tired of hearing about Haiti. There….I said it. It’s out there. I feel horrible for feeling that way but come on! Does it have to lead off every news cast? Yesterday afternoon I flipped through 4 networks in about an hour’s time of watching TV. One network did not say something about Haiti….guesses? That would be the FOOD NETWORK.
Jack has been testing it a bit lately….The boy just turned 9….with luck he will live to see 10. Seriously though it is starting to bleed into other areas. Last night at BB practice he just decided to ignore what I was telling him to do and do what he wanted to do. PROBLEM!! I am the coach. So I called time called his name and pointed to the bench. Well we were scrimmaging and Tracey was in there with the boys and I was on the outside perimeter barking orders. Well Jack sat there for a couple of minutes and then he got up to stand by me. I asked him what he was doing and his response was…”I am ready to go back in now.” I told him I thought that was nice but that it was not about HIM it was about the team. As long as he was going to ignore me and do what he wanted to do I could not put HIM in the game. I told him I would rather have a less talented team that LISTENED than a talented individual who blew me off. So you see Jack…It does not matter what YOU are ready for…..have seat on the bench.
OH THAT WAS PAINFUL FOR HIM…..
Friday, January 22, 2010
FASCINATING!
There has been a ton of things going on and I have been slipping in my obligation to blog so that you are in the know about what is going on in my life! Because let’s face it people. My life is that interesting…..as a matter of fact it’s darn right fascinating!
Well what all has been going on?
Well we started off the week with Tracey’s car being put in the shop. Why? Because it had a cracked (Now Broke) sub frame. That’s right…the frame of the car is broke. How? Not real sure….for something of that nature to happen usually the car has to have been in some type of accident. At this time we don’t remember being in an accident. The history report does not show any accidents on the car. But frames to cars do not just BREAK as you are backing out of the garage.
ALL STATE INSURANCE! Thank goodness for them. They have been taking care of us so far. Nice car replacement! I did not know that we pay for premium service but since we do my deductable was only $200. Beats the $2500.00 tab I would have to pay.
In the HAPPY NEW YEAR department- Opened up an envelope from UT Southwestern this week (always exciting) to find a bill for $1,000 that we owe for an experimental treatment (that did not work) to control my graph vs. host issues. As much as this stinks at least I don’t have to pay the entire $250,000. They want to try another one sometime soon. My “excitement meter” is pegged in the red zone.
This weekend is all about Jack! He turns 9 on Monday!
Friday Night- Pine Wood Derby with the boy scouts- The whole family goes to this. In addition to us my parents and my sister always show up for this event. Some people take this WAY TOO seriously so that is always fun to watch. Jack and my dad (PA) built his car. It should be a lot of fun. Jack designed it and my dad cut the wood for him. The car looks great!
Saturday- Basketball Game and Birthday Party at Main Event- Jack can hardly wait. Bowling and Laser Tag! Two of his most favorite things to do in this world.
Sunday- Family party- Everyone coming over to the house to adore Jack! Always fun.
Caroline NEWS! I had my first parent conference with Caroline’s teacher yesterday. She did awesome. She got perfect scores across the board. She is the model little student. She basically is the teacher’s aide. She takes papers to the copy lady in the front office. She escorts children to the front office for clinic visits. She gets supplies for the teacher when needed. Her teacher told me that she just LOVES Caroline and she is such a huge help. She is truly wise beyond her years….teachers words..not mine.
Jack is doing MUCH BETTER in school. Grades and behavior marks are much improved. Math continues to be our area of focus. He LOVES math but Jack speeds through his work and often makes errors because of his haste. The other night we spent about an hour redoing work that he declared “finished”. Every question where he did not show his work he missed it. He started to get frustrated with me but I put back on him. He understood and took it quite well. He told me as we were finishing that he would start to show his work.
Monday of this week marked the two year anniversary of my transplant. To celebrate Tracey and I took the family (us, my sister, Tracey’s sister, my parents, and Tracey’s mom and stepdad) to dinner. We went to Dunston’s Steakhouse on Inwood….right across from the Inwood Theater. It was a wonderful evening with wonderful (and very affordable) food.
Tracey’s birthday is in a couple of weeks. I want to take her and the kids somewhere special for dinner…perhaps a return trip to Dunstons? This place is awesome!
Finally got my scanner set up. Think I will upload some pictures for Facebook. I was looking at some pictures the other night that I want to upload. What a wonderful time in life (high school and college) you have the freedom to do and for the most part no major responsibility.
Good Times!
See what I mean….FASCINATING PEOPLE!!
Well what all has been going on?
Well we started off the week with Tracey’s car being put in the shop. Why? Because it had a cracked (Now Broke) sub frame. That’s right…the frame of the car is broke. How? Not real sure….for something of that nature to happen usually the car has to have been in some type of accident. At this time we don’t remember being in an accident. The history report does not show any accidents on the car. But frames to cars do not just BREAK as you are backing out of the garage.
ALL STATE INSURANCE! Thank goodness for them. They have been taking care of us so far. Nice car replacement! I did not know that we pay for premium service but since we do my deductable was only $200. Beats the $2500.00 tab I would have to pay.
In the HAPPY NEW YEAR department- Opened up an envelope from UT Southwestern this week (always exciting) to find a bill for $1,000 that we owe for an experimental treatment (that did not work) to control my graph vs. host issues. As much as this stinks at least I don’t have to pay the entire $250,000. They want to try another one sometime soon. My “excitement meter” is pegged in the red zone.
This weekend is all about Jack! He turns 9 on Monday!
Friday Night- Pine Wood Derby with the boy scouts- The whole family goes to this. In addition to us my parents and my sister always show up for this event. Some people take this WAY TOO seriously so that is always fun to watch. Jack and my dad (PA) built his car. It should be a lot of fun. Jack designed it and my dad cut the wood for him. The car looks great!
Saturday- Basketball Game and Birthday Party at Main Event- Jack can hardly wait. Bowling and Laser Tag! Two of his most favorite things to do in this world.
Sunday- Family party- Everyone coming over to the house to adore Jack! Always fun.
Caroline NEWS! I had my first parent conference with Caroline’s teacher yesterday. She did awesome. She got perfect scores across the board. She is the model little student. She basically is the teacher’s aide. She takes papers to the copy lady in the front office. She escorts children to the front office for clinic visits. She gets supplies for the teacher when needed. Her teacher told me that she just LOVES Caroline and she is such a huge help. She is truly wise beyond her years….teachers words..not mine.
Jack is doing MUCH BETTER in school. Grades and behavior marks are much improved. Math continues to be our area of focus. He LOVES math but Jack speeds through his work and often makes errors because of his haste. The other night we spent about an hour redoing work that he declared “finished”. Every question where he did not show his work he missed it. He started to get frustrated with me but I put back on him. He understood and took it quite well. He told me as we were finishing that he would start to show his work.
Monday of this week marked the two year anniversary of my transplant. To celebrate Tracey and I took the family (us, my sister, Tracey’s sister, my parents, and Tracey’s mom and stepdad) to dinner. We went to Dunston’s Steakhouse on Inwood….right across from the Inwood Theater. It was a wonderful evening with wonderful (and very affordable) food.
Tracey’s birthday is in a couple of weeks. I want to take her and the kids somewhere special for dinner…perhaps a return trip to Dunstons? This place is awesome!
Finally got my scanner set up. Think I will upload some pictures for Facebook. I was looking at some pictures the other night that I want to upload. What a wonderful time in life (high school and college) you have the freedom to do and for the most part no major responsibility.
Good Times!
See what I mean….FASCINATING PEOPLE!!
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