Thursday, May 27, 2010

High Protein, Low Carbohydrate Diets


This information came from the WebMD site - a trustworthy site, and I wanted to make sure it was credible. I've been reading for years about the success stories of those who lose weight on high protein diets - and I have no doubt that they're true. But I have also heard that there are many problems with high protein diets (so I'll warn you that I already had a slanted point of view) . I still think the most important thing about dieting is to eat the things you can continue eating for a life time.

"High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets have been widely promoted in recent years as an effective approach to losing weight. These diets generally recommend dieters receive 30% to 50% of their total calories from protein. By comparison, the American Heart Association, the National Cholesterol Education Program, and the American Cancer Society all recommend a diet in which a smaller percentage of calories are derived from protein (nutrients essential to the building, maintenance, and repair of tissues in the body).

..... Most experts are concerned that high-protein, low carb diets can cause a host of problems, particularly for the large segment of the population that is at risk for heart disease. What's more, the plan doesn't permit a high intake of fruits and vegetables, recommended by most nutrition experts because of the numerous documented health benefits from these foods.

The experts say to achieve permanent weight loss you must change your lifestyle. This means following a lower calorie diet that includes grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables combined with participating in regular physical activity."

High protein diets can cause a number of health problems, including:

* Kidney failure. Consuming too much protein puts a strain on the kidneys, which can make a person susceptible to kidney disease.
* High cholesterol. It is well known that high protein diets (consisting of red meat, whole dairy products, and other high fat foods) are linked to high cholesterol. Studies have linked high cholesterol levels to an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke and cancer.
* Osteoporosis and kidney stones. High protein diets have also been shown to cause people to excrete more calcium than normal through their urine. Over a prolonged period of time, this can increase a person's risk of osteoporosis and kidney stones.
* Cancer. One of the reasons high protein diets increase the risks of certain health problems is because of the avoidance of carbohydrate-containing foods and the vitamins, minerals, fiber and anti-oxidants they contain. It is therefore important to obtain your protein from a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Not only are your needs for protein being met, but you are also helping to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
* Unhealthy metabolic state (ketosis). Low carb diets can cause your body to go into a dangerous metabolic state called ketosis since your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. During ketosis, the body forms substances known as ketones, which can cause organs to fail and result in gout, kidney stones, or kidney failure. Ketones can also dull a person's appetite, cause nausea and bad breath. Ketosis can be prevented by eating at least 100 grams of carbohydrates a day. http://women.webmd.com/guide/high-protein-low-carbohydrate-diets

156 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey, Sorry if I'm being a blog hog - please anyone who has a post to put up, go ahead.

I just thought that this is such an important subject, that I wanted to lead off the diet post with it.

I know you're impressed with the amount of success with weight loss your acquaintance (is it the Warden?) had with the high protein diet Carol, and I think the extra weight is probably more of a hindrance to one's health than the high protein diet is.

Still... I just don't think that it's good to eat lots of meat (or to use too much protein powder either).

I'm trying to learn to eat all my foods in their most natural form, whenever possible. And I sure feel better when I do.

Anonymous said...

BP shoots mud at oil as Obama halts drilling plans

"President Barack Obama planned to announce Thursday that a moratorium on new deepwater oil drilling permits will be continued for six months while a presidential commission investigates, a White House aide said.

Controversial lease sales off the coast of Alaska will be delayed pending the results of the commission's investigation, and lease sales planned in the Western Gulf and off the coast of Virginia will be canceled, the aide said, speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of a midday Obama news conference.

Those steps, along with new oversight and safety standards also to be announced, are the results of a 30-day safety review of offshore drilling conducted by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar at Obama's direction. Salazar briefed Obama on its conclusions Wednesday night in the Oval Office, the aide said.

With the moves, Obama is escalating his administration's response to the BP spill amid growing criticism about leadership from the White House." http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100527/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gulf_oil_spill

Solar said...

Chloe,

You have always had this right...everything in moderation...even fruit....One banana has all of the sugar that one can use for the whole day....I think that-that the watermelons and other type fruits are the best way for us all

Solar said...

Just had a blt...first one in over a year, and one pancake. will make sure to work this off today...cutting grass, both mine and my neighbors..this is when I like to cheat a little...when I know that im going to be busy...not work busy,

thats diff....will walk about 3 miles cutting grass today....will have 5 large carrots, one large apple, and a slice of beat for lunch...it will be juiced...and for dinner, fish-Tilapia..like it cos it doesn't smell fishie...and will have a few 3 cookies, or half of a muffing with coffee.....nothing at all after 6 pm....maybe a toastda with a little bit of beans on it.....don't know how many calories that is, or how many I burned off during the day....but will pay attention to my body...when it says I had enough...I listen....

I don't like the High protien, low carbs diet at all....once again any diet to me is not healthy....a change of habits is more likley to have an over all positive effect in the long run.....

Solar said...

I read what I write sometimes, and sure glad that all u pinks let me get away with my terriblebleble spelling and bad grammar.....thanks.!...later

Anonymous said...

Thanks Solar - that just happens to be what works for me.

I think those meals you're having today sound perfect.

Anonymous said...

... and we all make mistakes typing here- you have nothing to apologize for. I can't imagine the 'Swamp' without you.

Anonymous said...

Carol, You got me going on these peanut butter and jam sandwiches. I've been having one for lunch the last several days, and I really love them. I got some more of my favorite peanut butter (ha, you know.. Nut'n Better) - it 'was' at HEB. I searched 'til I re--located it.

Hubby brought me home a GIANT watermelon last night, so I won't be running out of that anytime soon. I don't trust the melons from anywhere but Kroger's, since they're consistently good there. There have been some bad tasting melons this year. I saw an ad from one of the stores for personal size watermelons. Where in the world do these things come from.

One thing that's truly delicious this year is the corn on the cob - the best I've had in a while.

Carol said...

Thanks Chloe for this post. Did you get my hint, hint? I wish I could hint at work and it work that well. I can beg, roll over and play dead and still don't get this kind of action.

Carol said...

Chloe, I think they need to put you in charge of this oil spill crisis. Things would well be on their way of being taken care of!

Carol said...

Tomorrow is finally Friday, thank God!. I've been thinking tomorrow is going to be Friday ever since Tuesday. This week has crawled by for some reason. Maybe it is because I'm looking forward to my sister coming and having some extra time off. Can't wait. I do have a long weekend. Yippee! I loaded up on cheap, but good, meat from Kroger's yesterday. They had some good sales. I did get a good cantaloupe there. I saw that those smaller seedless watermellons were only $3.88.

Split chicken breasts were $0.99/lb, baby back ribs $2.97/lb., and my cubed steak was cheap. I rolled a wheel barrel of meat out and saved 22 bucks. Now, don't think I'm planning on eating that myself. I just like to be prepared for a BBQ party at the drop of a hat and like to get it when it's cheap. That's how you save money.

Carol said...

You know they have been saying, and keep saying, they could never have predicted this oil spill disaster. Rachael reported that a very similar blow out occurred in 1979 but in only 200 ft of water. It was the same rig company and very similar mistakes were made. Anyone hear that?

Carol said...

Rep Charlie Melancon demonstrates how we feel down here in Louisiana

Carol said...

There are several AI fans who I work with. They were all unhappy with the Idol results and they all threatened to skip the program next year. We'll see.

Carol said...

I saw that article you linked Coreen about why Crystal wouldn't win. I think another factor is that those who are better at judging real talent are not as good at texting and voting or didn't even want to try.

Anonymous said...

Carol, I'm going to have to go check out those sales at Kroger's tomorrow. Need to get some meat to barbecue on Monday.

When's your sis getting to Louisiana?

OK.. I'm beat - will see you tomorrow. (I assume you have 3 days off (?)

Solar said...

Carol, I don't have link tv right now...can u check to see if they have a special...apology of a finance hit man...will be great.!!

Solar said...

link=9410

Carol said...

"Apology of an Economic Hitman" at 10 p central tomorrow May 28, Solar.

Carol said...

Yes Chloe, I have Monday off also.

Carol said...

This is the description of the program Solar:

"In this Link TV special presentation of the documentary Apology of an Economic Hitman, we learn about a kind of government persuasion that doesn't involve the CIA. Author John Perkins is an economic hitman, whose job it is to get new foreign leaders to yield to U.S. interests -- using debt as a weapon.

In front of an angry audience somewhere in Latin America, Perkins describes his personal journey: he is an American who decided to tell the truth, regardless of the risks for his family and his life. He worked for a secret network that used loans from the World Bank, payoffs, extortion, sex, military coups and political assassinations to create the American empire"

Carol said...

It comes on after 5p on Friday Solar. I don't think Coreen will let me watch it. I'll have to try to tape it.

Carol said...

Remember the rule Solar? Nothing stressful after 5p on Friday.

Carol said...

And Chloe, Market Basket has sweet corn, 4 for a buck. I don't know if ya'll have one of those.

Carol said...

I have both Krogers and Market Basket online sale ads on Iphony. I just have to hit the link and those ads pop up. Very cool. I even used it to get the price match at Walmart one day.

Coreen said...

Ok, I'm here...Carol, lucky you, both Friday & Monday off...

And you are right, no politics or heavy stuff
allowed after 5 pm on Fridays....especially on a holiday weekend!!!...& no talks about 5' long
s....s either...I hope you did not see it again, nor that it would be looking for the ducks....

And Solar, maybe you too could take some time off, you certainly deserve it, not only working hard really, but you have been going full force at TM lately....

Remember guys...the world's problems will still be there regardless...and we each need
to live a little, enjoy a little....

Just look at Lard from TM, about to have more
brain surgery....life is too short to let things get to us...

Carol,when is your sister arriving....

Coreen said...

Oh, almost forgot, saw Chloe's comment about
sweet corn earlier, & here to our corn on the cob has been really sweet lately....

Later in the summer we get the white corn, which is usually the sweetest....

Carol said...

No guys, no Friday off but still three days off. Lots to do at work tomorrow. My sister is due on June 9.

You can also grill that corn. I've been given a few different recipes. Might try one.

Carol said...

Haven't seen hide nor hair of the s____ but I have been keeping a lookout. I think I scared it pretty bad. Good. Don't think it was a duck eating s----. If my owls see it, it's history.

Carol said...

Nite all.

Solar said...

thanks Carol, Thanks Coreen,

If U see a talking snake please let me know...will come right over and capture it for U.....have a nice weekend.!

jan said...

Carol, thank you for the link of Rep. Charlie Melancon. What a testament to how this is affecting all of you in Louisiana. Wasn't Constance's last name Melancon? Could this have been her brother? I know she had several siblings.

jan said...

I have moved everything out of my office. I am going to clean the shelves and desk tomorrow. I will also download some files I want off the computer. They had a little retirement party for me this afternoon. It was lovely. I hate to say goodbye to some of the nicest people I have worked with.

jan said...

I am full of cake. I got home and dearest John had bought me a cake - burp.

Solar said...

I got a dearest John once, and it wasn't a cake. HA.! glad that U had a nice send off.!

Carol said...

That's very nice Jan. All that cake and you had to eat it too. And I bet John wanted some cake also.

You're getting close Jan or is today the last day? I remember you answering this question the other day and now I forgot the answer. Now, how many years have you taught, all together? Almost since we graduated, huh?

Very funny Solar.

Carol said...

The President is getting his ass kicked in the press. Amusing to see all his cheerleaders turning on him. Hey, look in the mirror all you turkeys, we told ya he was a little short on experience.

Looking at bits and pieces of his press conference yesterday, I detect some major depression. His affect is a little flat, did ya notice?

I think it is setting in that he has no power. It's big business that runs this country and the Pres is just their puppet.

Carol said...

Now what is this about Joe Sestak? I'm behind in my scandals right now. He was offered some job in the Admin to not run for office? Coreen, I bet you have the scoop on that one.

Carol said...

I watched a little Anderson Cooper last night. I like Anderson. Unlike many of the other new's anchors, he gets down and dirty and into the middle of the news.

jan said...

Carol, Are you here now. It is 4:44 here. I could not sleep any longer. I fixed myself a cup of tea and am enjoying the darkness and peace and quiet. When I have too much sugar - it works like caffeine - I don't sleep very well. I only had one piece of cake last night but I have not had anything really sweet for about a week and my stomach feels yuk! The lovely cake that John bought we gave to the family next door last night. They have lots of young people there to eat it.

I have taught, all together, for 31 years. I did not begin work as a nurse until I was 31 years old.

jan said...

I like Anderson too.

Carol said...

And Jan, my weakest moment for wanting some sweet junk is right before bedtime. I have been jonesing for something good and sweet but I didn't have anything cuz I'm strong on Sat morning when I do my shopping. Last night I dug out some pecans, toasted them and then melted some of my candy chocolate and made some chocolate covered pecans. Didn't take that long before I had my fix.

jan said...

choc covered peanuts sounds like a good fix.

Carol said...

Morning Jan.

jan said...

Are you working today?

jan said...

Morning Carol.

jan said...

It is dark here. I bet it is light there now.

Carol said...

I'm not that crazy about cake unless it is that cake with the whipped type frosting. I can't stand those really sweet frostings.

jan said...

Carol, we had dinner with Bill (Billy) and his wife last night. You would like him. He is a really nice person. He and his wife have a very strong marriage and have 2 nice boys who are 21 & 24.

jan said...

I agree. My stomach is a little upset from the really sweet frosting.

Carol said...

Yes, the dawn is just starting to crack here. If I stay out there and watch, the sky always goes thru this pink and purple phase. I've posted pics of it before. It doesn't last more than a few moments but is worth waiting and watching for.

Carol said...

Jan, I do know Billy and did like him very much. Of course, he is a little older now.

jan said...

Gotta go. I am beginning to feel like I might throw up! Sorry.

Anonymous said...

Jan, R day is almost here, huh? Your party sounds nice, and how sweet of John to have a cake waiting for you. You're just about ready to start a whole new segment of your life Jan. I just love beginnings. I know you're going to enjoy your retirement 'so' much.

... Am sorry to here you're not feeling well this morning though. You're going through a lot right now, but things (including your stomach) will settle down soon.

Anonymous said...

Carol, We had Market Basket in Ca., but I don't remember ever seeing one here. I got my last corn 6@$2 at Kroger's and it is so good. I almost always go to WM, Kroger's or HEB (but occasionally to the local Brookshire - don't like it much).

Anonymous said...

"Later in the summer we get the white corn, which is usually the sweetest"

Coreen, This corn I was eating yesterday, that I got at Kroger's, was half white and half yellow (white dispersed throughout the ear) - deeee-licious, and very sweet, like you said.

I'm so sorry to hear about Lard. I'll have to go check out his blog.

Coreen said...

Chlo, later in the summer we get the yellow/white corn too...& most of the time it
is soo sweet, hoping that both the current crop we are getting & the next will continue as
tasty as its been...

And Chlo, I know you are pretty busy, but had
been hoping you would be sharing some pics
of Em 'growing up' & even your surroundings...I drive by a 'horse farm' every day & when I see them I think of your gang....there's only a couple of
them boarded there & I often see riders crossing the road with/on them....here if I
recall correctly horses still have the 'right of way'...

And yes Craig posted the Lard link yesterday...
that reality puts all the rest of the things
swirling around in true perspective...that's why it is essential that at times we all just
try to shut out the 'stuff', much of which is
completely out of our control/inflence & simply enjoy what we have around our personal space....

If we aren't all around later....enjoy the Memorial Day weekend everyone....

Coreen said...

Carol, don't know much about the Sestak flap...
repubs. do think they have a good shot at beating him in Penn. with Toomey, a very conservative candidate...will be interesting....

NYT this a.m. is saying that Rahm Emanuel asked Bill Clinton last summer to 'explore the possibility' that if Sestak got out of the primary he could get a 'prominent' but unpaid
advisory position in the Obama administration....
White House used Bill Clinton to ask Sestak to drop out

Carol said...

Coreen, I heard this morning something about a rumor of his being offered a Secretary of the Navy in exchange for not running against Specter. I think it may have just been a rumor.

Carol said...

Happy Memorial Day weekend. And let us not forget the reason for the holiday. I can't wait to go put my flag out.

I'm going out to eat with a nurse friend and one of the Docs I used to work with years ago. He was the first cardiovascular surgeon in our town. Haven't seen him in years. He was quite a playboy when I was a whippersnapper nurse. He had quite a few notches on his belt but I wasn't one of them. I think he is now well past his notching days.

jan said...

Hi folks, just drug myself to the computer. I have been in bed all day and only visited the bathroom. It was bad. When I was writing Carol this morning - all of a sudden I had this awful wave of nausea hit me and then for the next 5 hours I stayed close to the bathroom. It was the whole GI upset. I am feeling a little better now. John went to the pharmacy and got me a bunch of pedilyte and I am sipping that over ice. Food does not interest me. I will check in with you as soon as this is over. Have a great weekend everyone.

Solar said...

Jan,

Irish Viagra,


An Irish woman of advanced age visited her physician to ask his advice in reviving her husband's libido.
"What about trying Viagra?" asked the doctor?
"Not a chance", she said. "He won't even take an aspirin."
"Not a problem," replied the doctor. "Give him an 'Irish Viagra'. It's when you drop the Viagra tablet into his coffee, he won't even taste it. Give it a try and call me in a week to let me know how things went."
A week later she called the doctor, who directly inquired as to her progress.
The poor dear exclaimed, "Oh, faith, bejaysus and begorrah! T'was horrid!... Just terrible, doctor!"
"Really? ... What happened?" asked the doctor.
"Well, I did as you advised and slipped it in his coffee and the effect was almost immediate. He jumped straight up, with a twinkle in his eye and with his pants a-bulging fiercely!
"With one swoop of his arm, he sent me cups and tablecloth flying, ripped me clothes to tatters and took me then and there passionately on the tabletop! It was a nightmare, I tell you, an absolute nightmare!"
"Why so terrible?" asked the doctor. "Do you mean the sex your husband provided wasn't good?"
"Feckin jaysus, 'twas the best sex I've had in 25 years!
"But sure as I'm sittin here, I'll never be able to show me face in 'McDonalds' again!"

Carol said...

Very good one Solar. That coffee was really too hot!

Jan, I hope you get to feeling better. A little too much cake and tranistion. Hope it wasn't any food poisoning. I do think that maybe the thought of retiring might have stressed you just a little, made you more vulnerable. It's a big change. Hope you get over it soon so you can enjoy the weekend.

I enjoyed my dinner and company but I did overeat a tad.

jan said...

Hi folks, enjoyed readng your comments.

Solar, funny joke. I needed a laugh.

Carol, so glad you had a good dinner. It is those times that it is perfectly ok to overeat.

I didn't have food poisening as my son ate the same things I did and he is fine. I suspect it was stress and I did hug lots of people in the past 2-3 days - so some little bug probably got me in a moment of weakness. I feel much better now. Sleep, rest and pedilyte have done their job.

Carol said...

Thank God for James Carville and Anderson Cooper. They will keep the pressure on to help us save our Louisiana wetlands.

Plaquamine Parish president Billy Nungesser told Anderson that Obama told him to call him if things weren't going right before he called 360. I thought Anderson was going to pee his pants.

Seems that BP had people bused in to look like they were helping out. It was a photo op. What a bunch of dogs.

Carol said...

Glad you are feeling better Jan. No more cake! At least for a day or so.

Carol said...

Obama should have brought Michelle and the kids down and spent a couple of days here. I know Michelle and the kids would have enjoyed their time and related well to our people. We are a friendly bunch and our food is the best.

Carol said...

Little Milia might have gotten some action cracking. Can't BS a kid.

jan said...

Carol, the last thing I age before I got sick was cake - so cake right now sounds yuk.

I have no idea what is going on in the news. So Obama has been there. I agree Obama should have brought his family for a couple of days there. I feel priviliged to have lived in Louisiana for 9 years. The people are the kindest and most generous in the world. It is such a diverse and interesting state. I will not forget Melancon's statement about LA having the country's wetlands.

jan said...

"last thing I ate"

jan said...

Chloe, I loved your post - just now had the time to read through it. You are never hogging the posts. You always come through with some excellent information for all of us.

One of the problems with the lo carb diet is that many people go on it without being followed closely by a nutritionist or a a health care provider. I have read of deaths on the diet. I don't know of any nutritionist who would recommend the diet.

jan said...

Now that I have slept most of the day - I am not sleepy. I am sleeping in a different room than John so I don't disturb him and also infect him if it is a bug I have. I guess I will read some magazines.

Carol said...

He probably won't get this bug Jan. You were more vulnerable.

I agree with what you said to Chloe Jan and second your comment. We can always depend on Chloe to come thru for us all. Big sis also said she enjoys your posts Chloe.

Carol said...

Oh, I got two of my new Yoga Journals. I'll save them for when sis gets here and we can enjoy them together.

Carol said...

Ran into two more big Idol fans today. Both thought Crystal was better but neither voted.

Carol said...

Last night I saw the Idol singers on Larry King. They were a pretty neat group of people. Didn't see any really big egos there. I could tell Crystal was cool with how she came in. She will do well. Sure would have been neat to see what Ivy thought of it all. I really miss her insight. Heck, I would have liked to have heard what Hubs thought. He's an expert.

I have problems investing a lot of time and energy in a show and then being disappointed in the end. Glad I didn't do that with Idol. With DWTS, I did agree that Nicole was the best, it's only that she was the best from the get go. She went from a 9.5 to 10. Big whoop! Not really fair but life ain't fair. That's a lesson I been repeating all my life and will continue to until I get it thru my fat head.

jan said...

Good morning Carol, I can't believe I slept all night after sleeping all day yesteday. Wow! I had some strange dreams last night. I look forward to hearing what is going on in the world.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better Jan, and that you've been sleeping well (dreams and all - I've been having some pretty bizarre dreams too).

Are you officially retired now? If so, then congratulations!

... and hope you make it through the weekend with no relapses.

Anonymous said...

Carol, Also glad to hear that you enjoyed your dinner. Like Jan said, those are the times we're supposed to overeat a little - did you have seafood? I was thinking either that or Mexican (since I 'think' those are you're favorites).

Anonymous said...

Coreen, Thanks for that nice comment yesterday. I'm going to work on getting my camera out this weekend and taking some pics.

Ivy - If you're around, want to let you know that I really miss you too.

... Good joke Solar! We need to see more of you around here.

Anonymous said...

LOL - hubby just read that a commenter left a comment on a yahoo site, that said: 'I comment, therefore I am.'

Oh boy, does that hit home.

jan said...

Chloe, good to hear from you. Yes, I am officially retired. I am going to take it easy today. One of the dreams I had was about driving to a town to see my sister. I could not find her telephone number and was feeling pretty frustrated about that. She and I own a piece of property together that my dad left us and she wants to sell it and I don't so I am planning on buying her out. When we go to OK next week, that is something we will be talking about - so I think the dream is about that. The other part of the dream is that I went into a big church to attend a service. I sat in a back pew. In the middle of the church were all these caskets covered with flowers. Shortly after I sat down, a fire started in the middle of the pew I was sitting in and smoke started coming my way. I had to climb over the backs of the pews to get out - but I did make a quick exit. I consulted my dream expert, John, and he said the caskets of course signify death and in dreams, death means an ending of something. My work as a nurse/teacher was a big thing in my life - and the caskets filled the room - so that makes sense. I am not sure what the fire means - but in the last days I was at work, 3 different people came into visit me and talked about their unhappiness with things at the nursing program - so I am guessing that may have something to do with the fire. The new Dean has made a lot of changes that many people are unhappy with.

jan said...

Carol, I liked this Idol group. They all seemed like a really nice group of people. I guess they become like a family. I was happy for both Crystal and Lee. Both seemed like they needed a break in their lives and they got it.

jan said...

Today is our anniversary - 18 years of marriage. Our trip to Pagosa several weeks ago was our anniversary gift to each other. I am glad we did it then.

jan said...

"I'm going to work on getting my camera out this weekend and taking some pics."

Chloe, I look forward to seeing some of your pics. What or who do you plan to take pictures of?

Solar said...

Jan,

Glad that U R ok.!

Carol,

Thanks, but its ok, I welcomed that long converstaion over at tm...specially when Craig said that there were over 2o k or m ore lurkers....yes they did jump all over me...but I calmed the waters yesterday, and they could not rebut too much of what we were talking about..

We need to have more talks that will lead to understanding imo.....even at the cost of a little heated talks....

But now I will take it easy for a while....not that I made my points and feel that I have won an arrangement...with me it's not about winning.....I feel that-that is enough for now...and like Coreen, Coreen the dancing machine says...take it easy colorado.......lots going on today....later

Solar said...

arrangement= argument

Anonymous said...

Jan, Happy anniversary!

When I had someone interpret a dream for me years ago, they said that it depends on what the particular thing in the dream means to you 'personally' when you're awake too. In other words, what do you think of when you see fire and smoke? Maybe some people see danger -others may visualize something different. But you did say you were running from it, headed for safety. So I bet you're right about it being about those problems at work. Either that, or it symbolized what you saw as your old life going up in smoke - away with the old, and on with the new.

Again - Congrats! It's the beginning a beautiful time in your life. You have to make room for new things, before you find them (or even know what they are).

Anonymous said...

.. btw, I think John was right on with the caskets signifying the end of something - I would have never thought of that.

Ivy Green said...

Miss College is officially Miss College Graduate.

I was so grateful my Mom was well enough to attend. It had been her own idea to come. I was surprised she was willing to travel here by herself, and I have to say it did scare the heck out of me. She further scared me two days ahead of the ceremony. She had an infected cut on her arm that she got the day before her flight. You know how thin elderly skin can be, and it doesn't take much to cause a serious wound. We decided to go the urgent care center for an antibiotic. When we got there, they took her blood pressure. It was 255/114!! They freaked out and tried to send her to the hospital. Of course, she wouldn't hear of it. I think they got worried they could stress her even more if they pushed it. Astonishingly, they let her go home to my house with a promise she would monitor it closely, take her medications, and go to the hospital if it did not start coming down...but not too fast because that too could cause a stroke. Also, I would have called the ambulance myself if she had gotten so much as a headache. The blood pressure did start coming down as soon as she took both her meds. She had not taken one of them on her travel day (the day prior) because it makes her pee. I stayed on pins and needles for most of the visit. We still had a nice time, although we did not do anything more strenuous than go to a knitting store. I had a wheel chair on hand and we did use it for the capping ceremony and the next day for graduation...which was outdoors. That evening, we invited some peope over for a little party in her honor. Even a "little party" is a lot of work, and I was exhausted by the time it was done. Mom is back home now, under the care of her own doctor. I was stressed out on the travel day until I knew she was actually back at her own house. I told my brothers to keep a close eye on her.

Thank you all for missing me.

Ivy Green said...

Jan,

Are you having a cake for your anniversary? lol

Ivy Green said...

I have been struggling with my own cake issues. It all started with that darned graduation cake for Miss College Graduate. Her only request for her celebration was "a cake with a hat." The only part of the cake that was inedible was the hat! I am one of those unfortunates in life who loves the ICING more than the cake!

Ivy Green said...

Jan,
What a way to jump-start a diet, let alone a retirement! Your story gives new meaning to have your cake and eat it too. lol
Carl Jung was big on dreams and their meanings. Wise of you to record your dream when it's fresh. There are times past when I wish I had done that. Even when a dream is powerful and "real," the memory of it can fade fast. I believe strongly our dreams are peeks into that fourth Johari Window...the one hidden from others and hidden from myself.

I didn't remember you mentioning there was a new dean. I suspect some of your colleagues are envious of your opportunity to make a break. Whenever there is a new administration in a long-standing organization, everyone feels uncertain and, to some extent, unsafe. A new leader must have his or her own loyalists. I saw it happen in our college when the president of 25 years retired. At the time, I felt like I was one of the casualties, but in reality, all was part of the grand plan of the universe.

After you have a nice respite, is there any chance of you going back on a part-time or temporary contract? Maybe your colleagues would want you to come back and feed a piece of your delicious pernicious cake to the dean. Let her eat her cake and the icing too! lol

Ivy Green said...

Pome time...

And the world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles,
no matter how long,
but only by a spiritual journey,
a journey of one inch,
very arduous and humbling and joyful,
by which we arrive at the ground at our feet,
and learn to be at home.

Wendell Berry

Ivy Green said...

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair grows in me
and I wake in the middle of the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting for their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Wendell Berry

Coreen said...

Getting a late start....and a most welcome surprise...glad to see you Ivy...

Ivy Green said...

I was unfamiliar with the poet Wendell Berry until recently when the Scottie Blog Man posted excerpts on his blog. Since then, I have been searching for and reading Berry's poetry on line. There's always something "new" in the world. You just have to show up for it.

Ivy Green said...

Hi Coreen!

Coreen said...

It seems that you had a quite hectic time with
your daughter's graduation & mom's potential
health problem (thankfully it resolved itself)...& until its time for Miss C to 'go west' you will hopefully have a litte time to relax....just a little...

Need to get some work done...I'm sure that
there will be lots of joy & happiness when Carol & the others return...just to know you are back & all is well...

jan said...

Ivy, I am so happy to see you back. You have been busy. That must have been so frightening when your mom's Bp was so high. Isn't it interesting how things turn out? Had your mom not had that skin problem you would not have taken her to the doctor. I can hear your sense of relief in your words - knowing she arrived safely at home and your brothers now keeping an eye on her. Sounds like a great celebration in your home with Miss College graduating and your mother able to be there too. A lot of stress on you too. Like Chloe, I too hope you get some good relaxing time before your daughter will be off to work on her graduate degree in the west. Will you be taking her there? You might have talked about this before - I just don't remember.

jan said...

Ivy, I have to laugh at your question - will we be having a cake for our anniversary? I don't want to see a cake for some time. Cake was the last thing I ate before I became ill. There was a piece of that cake wrapped in some plastic wrap sitting on the counter. I threw it in the garbage this morning. I didn't have the energy yesterday to throw it away.

For our anniversary dinner tonight I will probably have soup.

jan said...

Chloe, I keep a journal beside my bed and write my dreams the first thing I do when I wake up. The casket dream (last night) was most vivid. I usually read over every detail and try to think what it could mean based on what is going on in my life. John and I talk about our dreams- he is a big help. We have both been involved in Jungian dream groups since we met. He was involved in them long before that. I had a therapist in Ark. who used dreams in the therapy. She opened up a whole new part of life for me.

Ivy Green said...

Since Miss College Graduate has been back at home, we have been enjoying some of our old activities together. Such as watching our old shows. One we used to watch without fail was "Medium" with Patricia Arquette playing a real life psychic crime solver, Allison Dubois. Every episode involves a dream sequence in which she solves a crime by clues revealed to her subconscious. She has to figure out what they mean to solve the crime. There's almost always a sub-theme involving Allison's (the character) husband or children. MCG and I are especially tickled by the middle daughter, Bridget. She always provides a comic relief, and is a lot like MCG was when she was small.

Real Life Medium

I can't say I ever "liked" the show. My favorite part of the show is actually its theme music...especially that last note of a single beat on a drum. Sends a chill up my spine every time. But I do like the fact that it's something MCG and I enjoy together. These times are all the more precious to me in their waning days before she moves to the west coast.

jan said...

Ivy,
I love the pome "The Peace of Wild Things" I will have to keep that somewhere for myself on those sleepless nights when I have worry for loved ones.

jan said...

Chloe, I am hungering for some of that sweet white corn - maybe in a few days.

jan said...

"I believe strongly our dreams are peeks into that fourth Johari Window...the one hidden from others and hidden from myself. "

Ivy, Yes, I think so too. The therapist I mentioned before once said that our dreams are peeks into our unconcious at the things we cannot or do not bring into our conscious world - for one reason or another.

jan said...

Ivy, My experience has been that with a new Dean, there are many changes in the program and in personnel. I feel she will be very good for the program. The budget cuts have made part time work pretty unlikely now, but maybe sometime in the future. I am looking forward to having time to figure out what I want to do with the years ahead.

jan said...

Ivy, it was you who said something about Jung and dreams. We have several books by Jung. He is not easy to understand. We also have some books by John Sanford who interprets what Jung said about dreams.

jan said...

Ivy, we like Medium too. Bridget is our favorite child in the series. She is so real. They have not focused as much on Bridget this season as in the past, much to our disappointment.

Ivy Green said...

Hubs is dragging me out to the mall! The MALL? I can't remember when I was last at the mall. I didn't even shop there for Christmas this year.

We were supposed to go to West Blocton Alabama for the annual Cahaba Lily Festival. But it is storming today, so we will have to make a trip later on our own. Maybe Monday. Hubs says it's not much a a festival anyway...two or three card tables with junk on them. Actually, last year I found original artwork...Hubs has no eye for natural or artistic beauty...unless its a guitar. lol

Ivy Green said...

Jan,
I wonder if the Medium producers are transitioning us to a spin-off show starring Ariel? She has inherited her mother's "powers."

Ivy Green said...

Poor "Joe" is the one I feel sorry for. He never gets a full night's sleep. lol

Carol said...

Oh joy, joy, joy. Our little lamb and it's Ivy is back home. And I have lots to read when I have time to settle down. Life is good!

Carol said...

Really liked the poetry Ivy. Nice to have our culture queen back.

Ivy, you had quite a vacation from here. Pretty stressful and also lots to celebrate. You sure could have used some of our, "poor baby". Well I'll say it now, poor baby and congrats on everything also. That mother health problem would have scared me silly.

Please remind mama to never stop her Bp meds. That, alone, can cause some serious Bp spikes. I'm curious as to what she is taking. One must be something similar to hydrochlorothiazide, often abreviated as HCTZ. It's an old fluid pill, tried and true. I prescribe a boat load of that, usually with other meds.

And super congrats to Ms. College. Whew!

Carol said...

Ivy, I remember when I used to be on holiday from school or work and go spend time with my mom. We had some really fun and special times together. We did fun things.

I'd drag mom out to fish the rice canals when my SF would be flooding the rice fields. The bass would come from somewhere and be hovering in those canals. It was like fishing in a goldfish bowl. She's go with me to shoot snakes. She didn't shoot any but was there in case I needed to be carried to the hospital. Sorry snakes. Still working off that bad karma.

In the Fall, we'd go pick wildflowers and dry them for arraignment. At night we'd watch old movies, "Three Coins in the Fountain" and others like that. I sure do miss those days. Tell Ms. College she just doesn't know how lucky she is.

Ivy Green said...

Jan, There's more to life than being a working stiff...enjoy your retirement!

1. My first job was working in an Orange Juice factory, but I got canned. Couldn't concentrate.

2. Then I worked in the woods as a Lumberjack, but just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the axe.

3. After that, I tried being a Tailor, but wasn't suited for it -- mainly because it was a sew-sew job.

4. Next, I tried working in a Muffler Factory, but that was too exhausting.

5. Then, tried being a Chef - figured it would add a little spice to my life, but just didn't have the thyme.

6. Next, I attempted being a Deli Worker, but any way I sliced it... couldn't cut the mustard.

7. My best job was a Musician, but eventually found I wasn't noteworthy.

8. I studied a long time to become a Doctor, but didn't have any patience.

9. Next, was a job in a Shoe Factory. Tried hard but just didn't fit in.

10. I became a Professional Fisherman, but discovered I couldn't live on my net income.

11. Managed to get a good job working for a Pool Maintenance Company, but the work was just too draining.

12. So then I got a job in a Workout Center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.

13. After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a Historian - until I realized there was no future in it.

14. My last job was working in Starbucks, but had to quit because it was the same old grind.

15. SO, I TRIED Retirement AND FOUND I'M

PERFECT FOR THE JOB!---and LOVING it!!!

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
We took the back road out to the highway on our way to shopping. I saw what I thought was a barred owl sitting on a power wire hanging over the road. I made Hubs turn the car around which amazingly enough he did. When we passed the second time there were two owls and sure enough they were barred. One was at least 10% larger than the other, so I figured they were a mated pair. I used to hear barred owls calling to one another all the time, but rarely got to see them. This was the first time I could appreciate the size difference between the genders. Our gawking caused a traffic tie up on what used to be a rarely-travelled back road. The new development sprouting on this road and its associated increased traffic is what has probably decreased my sightings of bird life and other wildlife in our locale.

Carol said...

Great Ivy. I'm pretty sure that the female is the larger of the two. Isn't that correct?

Carol said...

I am having a BBQ for my new roomies and a few others tomorrow. I have enough food for a herd but not the energy to deal with one.

My roomies were over at the house today, weedwacking, sweeping the roof and pressure washing the house. They deserve a BBQ.

jan said...

Ivy, thanks for the pome about retirement. I have been looking forward to NOT working. Thank you!

What an amazing discovery - the Barred owls - and to think you might have missed them had you gone to the Lily festival.

jan said...

Carol, thanks for sharing those special moments you had with your mother with us.

You are kind to fix BBQ for your new roomies.

jan said...

Chloe, we had some of that sweet white corn for our supper tonight, yum! We bought some fried chicken at the deli (they do it better than I can). I can just hear you guys - yes, they had baked, but the fried chicken is so good. I cut up an avocado and tomato to top it off. A great anniversary meal.

Carol said...

I think I can top you Jan. I brought home three leftover containers last night, one with guacamole, one with salsa and the last with white jalapeno cheese dip. Along with tostitos, that's what I had for supper. Actually, beside some cantaloupe, that's all I had today. So far. Not exactly health food.

jan said...

Bon apetite - as Julia would say.

jan said...

I want to share a lovely pome that a good friend at work shared with me. She too is retiring. It is titled

"The Layers" by Stanley Kunitz

"I have walked through many lives, some of them my own, and I am not who I was, though some principle of being abides, from which I struggle not to stray. When I look behind, as I am compelled to look before I can gather strength to proceed on my journey, I see the milestones dwindling toward the horizon and the slow fires trailing from the abandoned camp-sites, over which scavenger angels wheel on heavy wings. Oh, I have made myself a tribe out of my true affections, and my tribe is scattered! How shall the heart be reconciled to its feast of losses? In a rising wind the manic dust of my friends, those who fell along the way, bitterly stings my face. Yet I turn, I turn, exulting somewhat , with my will intact to go wherever I need to go, and every stone on the road precious to me. In my darkest night, when the moon is covered and I roamed through wreckage, a nimbus-clouded voice directed me: 'Live in the layers, not on the litter.' Though I lack the art to decipher it, no doubt the next chapter of my book of transformations is already written. I am not done with my changes."

Carol said...

And Happy Anniversary Jan and John. You were brave to go for fried chicken after that gastroenteritis.

I bought some corn, squash and jalapeno peppers to grill with the bb ribs, chicken and sausage. I heard about some recipe for grilling the corn that involves mayonaise. It sounds kinda gross but since several people mentioned it, I will look for the recipe. I found one recipe with butter, garlic, and parsley. Can't go wrong with that combination. Tie the husks back and grill right over the fire, basting with the butter stuff. That will be my default.

The jalapenos will be cleaned, lightly parboiled and then cut in half, deseeded and stuffed with cream cheese, garlic and onions and wrapped with lightly precooked bacon. Grill over the fire.

The squash, I think I will marinate in a Italian like dressing and grill.

I have my BBQ sauce done and my baked beans and spinach artichoke dip oven ready.

Do you think I might be overdoing it for just 4-5 people?

jan said...

For some reason this pome truly speaks to me.

jan said...

You can never overdo good food Carol. It sounds delicious.

I ate very sparingly today and then about 4:30 I was ravenous. No problema with the fried chicken. The corn was so sweet it did not need butter.

jan said...

You have some very lucky roomies.

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
I think you'll need a cake.

jan said...

I have not been a person who has read much poetry so I looked up Stanley Kunitz. He was quite a guy. He had a lovely face. If you are interested here is a link to him and his work
http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/2

Carol said...

After Jan's experience, I even feel a bit queasy about the cake.

Carol said...

Haven't you posted some pomes from that Stanley Kunitz Ivy?

Ivy Green said...

Jan, that is a thoughtful pome. A pome doesn't have to rhyme or be in meter to be a pome...nor be spelled "poem."

jan said...

Ivy, you have turned me onto poetry.

Ivy Green said...

Carol,
I have never posted one of his pomes. He is new to me.

Carol said...

Seen his name somewhere.

jan said...

Hi bio online says he was US Poet Laureate in 2000. He died at age 100 in 2006. He wrote lots and lots of pomes - so I bet you have heard of him.

jan said...

Well, off to bed to read an interesting book a friend gave me titled, "The Sociopath Next Door." She teaches psychiatric nursing.

jan said...

Carol, do you cook in your dreams?

Carol said...

No Jan, I do enough of it when I'm awake.

Carol said...

That book sounds a little scary Jan. May be too close for comfort around here. I do dream about that occasionally. Think I had a bad dream about that recently. I do watch lots of those true murder programs.

Carol said...

Coreen, I saw that video replay of that poor Cleveland pitcher getting hit in the head by A-Rod's line drive. Ouchy.

Anonymous said...

"My roomies were over at the house today, weedwacking, sweeping the roof and pressure washing the house."

Oh Carol, that must have been the best feeling, seeing your house getting all that TLC. What nice people - you don't see as many hard workers like that any more (as you did in the good ol' days).

You made this happen Carol - good job!

(... your BBQ is Monday, isn't it? You got the flag out?)

Anonymous said...

I love fried chicken Jan - it's my favorite, although I don't make it much anymore. I do what you do occasionally, and buy it at the deli. We're going to bar-b-q some chicken on Monday (after we marinade it in a teriyaki marinade) and I'm really looking forward to it.

The avocado and tomatoes you served with yours sounds so good. I've been eating a tomato almost everyday here lately, and avocado once or twice a week. Ha, I'm getting hungry writing this.

I'm glad you're feeling better. If there's one thing we don't need at this point in our life, it's stress.

Anonymous said...

"... off to bed to read an interesting book a friend gave me titled, "The Sociopath Next Door.""

Uh oh, more bad dreams? :)
... Jan, is that fiction or non?

Anonymous said...

I am soooo glad to see you back Ivy! I'm glad to hear your mom is doing fine now too.

Did you enjoy your trip to the mall? I bet it was crowded, huh?

Anonymous said...

... it's funny Ivy. I was looking out my window, and thought about Charlotte yesterday. Do you think you'll see her (or a junior) this year?

Let us know if you do.

Anonymous said...

.... I was remembering that conversation you and hubs had about her last year. It was so funny, and just doesn't seem that long ago (although I know it was late summer). Insects aren't full-bore yet this season.

Carol said...

No Chloe, I'm doing the BBQ today. I want to sit on my butt tomorrow. Yesterday and today I will work it off and tomorrow I will rest it. I hate to do anything real strenuous the day before going back to work. An extra day off also means and extra busy day back to work.

Also, Monday I can reflect on the sacrifice our girls and guys made to keep us safe..... or the sacrifice they made as they were being exploited by those trying to make a fast buck. Which ever it was, they made the ultimate sacrifice. And I bet some of them died because they couldn't kill. I know that that would be a hard thing to do. I'm not sure if I could do it, even to save my life. Have you ever pondered that? And to have to live knowing you had to take another human being's life would be so difficult. No wonder there is so much PTSD after war.

Jan, I have this recurring nightmare where I'm faced with a threat and I try to shoot someone coming after me and the gun either falls apart in my hand or the bullet just falls out, with no veloscity. I have never been able to shoot anyone in my dreams.

Carol said...

Ivy, you never did say what you, hubs and/or Ms. C thought of the AI results. Is it because I've been such a brat about the results of those talent programs? I promise I won't bitch. I bet you knew exactly who was going to win, whether or not you agreed with the choice. Who did hubs think had the best talent?

Carol said...

You know what's weird? Racheal Maddow talked about there being a very similar oil blow out back in 1979, somewhere out there. I have no memory of it but I wasn't big into the news back then. I think it was closer to Mexico. Much of the same remedies were tried and all failed until a new hole was drilled to stop it. Did anyone hear that program? Did anyone hear about that anywhere else? Why?

It seems that if those stratigies failed back then, in 200 feet of water, it was most likely to fail again. And how could they get away with saying this accident was unprecidented??

Another ponder is, would Hillary have done anything different? Was she taken down because she might have gone up against the power elite? I certainly hope she would have but I just don't know.

Solar said...

Ivy,

Great to see U back....big macho men are not supposed to say that we missed anyone...guess that im not one of those....and what a great entrance...encore please.!

Solar said...

Randall what are u testing? Now that I know that u can pee, say something...:-) another busy day..later

Solar said...

standing up that is........

Coreen said...

There is a New Post for Memorial Day.....