Back in Cola

I ended up back in Cola for my youngest's Ortho appointment on Thursday.  I just could not have her go to that appointment by herself with potential bad news looming, regarding her ankle injury.  Since I didn't have time to drive, I was not able to "drive Miss Daisy" as an extra treat for cheering her up.  However, after about 5 flight delays, I was wondering if A) I'd ever arrive in Columbia and B) it would have been faster to drive.  In any case, I literally arrived just in time for her to pick me up and get to the appointment.

The great news is that it looks like it's nothing more serious than a bad lateral sprain.  They were able to put her in a boot so she was thrilled to say goodbye to her crutches.  Her campus is not at all "crutch friendly".  

We were so hungry after my long day of traveling, we decided to go to one of our favorite restaurants in Columbia - Pearlz Oyster Bar.  It's a wonderful place but I haven't been there since I started eating super clean.  Ahhh....call it temporary insanity or relief over the Dr. appt that went well - but I caved! The new-Englander in me decided that I needed a lobster roll - as in, "with bread".  Thankfully, I had the good sense to substitute chips for grilled asparagus but I should have nixed the roll.  I soon realized that gluten is just not ever going to be allowed in my diet if I want to feel good.

(I would have a picture of the amazing lobster roll here.....but I was so hungry, there was no time for pictures)

Some of my lyme symptoms/auto immune were strange hives on my arms and my head would itch like crazy.  I'd get various parts of my hands that would swell up to the point where my hand looked disfigured (angioedema).  Thankfully, there was no angioedema but the itchiness started within an hour of eating.  It was good to have that reminder that I'm doing what I need to be doing for my health.  I am certain that most of the things I've eliminated, need to stay out of my diet but gluten is for sure one of those things.  Interestingly, I've been tested for celiac and it's always shown up as negative but I believe you can be sensitive to certain foods and it can make a huge difference in your overall health to remove them from your diet.  I'm anxious to get back on track when I return to Northern Virginia on Sunday.

In the meantime, I'm back to working on her laundry, errands and shopping - hoping to make her life a little easier so she can spend a little more time with her foot elevated and resting.  Okay, I realize that's probably not reality for my college student, but it will help me to imagine that she's slowing down a bit so she can start healing.  

Hope you are having a good weekend in your corner of the world!

The Clouds...

I flew to South Carolina last week, to see my daughter's dance performances.  On the way there, I started a blog entry that I was actually pretty happy with.  Since I had no wifi, I figured I'd post it when I got to the hotel.  Imagine my surprise when it wasn't there!  Ahh still new to this blogging world.  

The pictures, however, stayed "in the cloud"...

Beautiful day to fly

My new "snack on the go" and reading Danielle Walker's
"Meals Made Simple"
 

As excited as I was to head to S.C., I was also slightly nervous - being away from my protein shakes and this new way of living.  Being in hotels and grabbing food on the go is not exactly part of my new plan.  I was so worried that I'd have a set back.

The first challenge was that the hotel, which previously had a restaurant had now turned it into a Starbuck's Bistro Cafe.  I told the waitress that I needed something really clean and she recommended the Healthy Start Sandwich, which was egg whites, roast turkey, spinach, havarti cheese on and english muffin.  She assured me that it was cooked in olive oil and no butter.  I did not hear her mention havarti, so I was a little concerned when I saw cheese on the eggs but I was fine and it didn't taste too bad.  One thing that might interest you should you ever find yourself in a Starbucks Bistro...if you make any changes to the normal menu, your food will be made to order - rather than what has been made earlier in the day.  Personally, I'd find something to change on the order for that reason alone.  Fresh is best!

Healthy Start Breakfast (no english muffin) with Tazo Zen Tea (no sweetener)

It's funny, the entire time I was in SC when I would order something with no bread - I was immediately met with, "I hate to charge you the full price if you aren't getting the bread".  So sweet but I'd be paying in other ways if I had the bread so I was perfectly fine paying full price and letting them keep their bread.  I'm happy to say that I didn't experience much of a set-back while I was away - just a few ounces gained and they were immediately lost!

Much of my days were spent driving my daughter to & fro, like old times.  She had classes, rehearsals, performances and sorority initiation and parking is not plentiful in Columbia, SC so I did my best to give her more time by driving her around.  I picked up some things for her apartment, including a slow cooker - and made a healthy turkey chili for she & her roomies.  

Thursday night was the first performance - it was amazing!  You can't imagine what this girl has gone through in the past few years with her health challenges.  To see her happy, dancing and being pleased with her performance was so emotional for me.  I loved the entire show...she was in a ballet piece by Balanchine called Walpurgisnacht which I was unfamiliar with but loved.  My favorite piece was Paul Taylor's "Company B".  She was in several of the dances and was the "Rum & Coca Cola Girl".  The dances were mostly flirty and fun and featured music from the Andrew's Sisters.  I could have watched it again and again.

Rum & Coca Cola

You're not supposed to take pictures during the show.  It's a cardinal rule of theatre/dance performances, however I had a very brave grandfather of one of the dancer's snapping away throughout the show, right next to me.  I ended up giving in to peer pressure and took a few fuzzy pics from my iPhone.  Still can't believe I did that!  I'm normally such a rule follower.

After the show, we had a late dinner at "Cola's" in Columbia.  I broke another one of my new rules for living by eating after 7pm, but it was worth it!  We had poached pear salads and fresh sesame ahi tuna.  I substituted risotto for spinach and stayed away from the dessert.  Sigh....

the comeback kid

Friday, we did it all over again but she squeezed in her sorority initiation between rehearsals and performances.   My husband flew into town and was able to see the performance as well.  It was so nice to have him there to see his little girl.  Such proud parents!

On Monday, I got a call that she lost her footing in her apartment and rolled her ankle and heard a loud "snap"!  She had an X-ray and it looks like she'll be on crutches for a least a week.  We're hoping  to get her in with an Ortho soon for an MRI.  Ahhh never a dull moment!  I may need to go back down there.  

This time, I think I will drive so I can surprise her with the best pick-me-up, ever...

Daisy

Who's up for a road trip!?