And The Journey Continues........................

Well everyone...it has been a while since I've posted and thought it was time I came back to my friends. The summer has definately been one full of events, but I have missed alot of you SO much that I just had to come by and say "hi". I see some new faces - WELCOME! and of course my dear friends - Hope everyone is well and having a GREAT summer! So....where to begin?????? Since my last post, I have been all over the place.  I travelled to Sandusky, Ohio to ride 10 (yes TEN) roller coasters at Cedar Point.  I swear I haven't been queasy on a ride since I was a kid, but these....WOW!  We spent 2 days at Cedar Point and just had a BLAST!  What a feeling to be able to ride the rides, walk the park ALL DAY (for 2 days) and not feel like I'm being left behind.  I was GREAT! From there, we went to Cleveland and visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  I just love that place.  It was my 3rd visit there, and it just keeps getting better. My family then took me to Wright-Patt Air Force Base and they came home.  I stayed for 2 weeks for training for work.  It was tough, but I did it.  I did really well with my workouts.  In fact, I went hiking at Clifton Gorge - which was AWESOME! and worked out at the gym quite a bit.  But, the best part was flying back.  It was the 1st time I had flown since my surgery and I could not believe how well I fit int he seat.  In fact, I was curled up in the seat reading a book.  How cool was that????? After I returned back home, I had to recoup from being away for 2 weeks.  That was rough.  I was SO tired.  BUT....started my plastic consults. I have met with 2 doctors so far and have 1 more to meet with this Thursday.  The one, recommended by Natalie (thanks again, Nat) is probably the one I will go with.  Dr. Kreiger.  He is SO nice and just seems to "get it".  You know what I mean??? So, now, I am trying to coordinate this next step in my journey for the end of October.  If I go with Dr. Kreiger it will mean that I will have to travel to Fairfax for the surgery.  But...he is worth it! So....now we are up to last weekend. Last weekend, my family and I went camping and hiking in Luray.  IT WAS AWESOME!!!!  On Friday, I did a 9 mile hike on the Applachian (sp) trail.  I was sore on Saturday, but it was totally worth it.  We hiked up White Canyon and stopped at severl water falls for swimming and playing.  We had a picnic lunch at an amazing spot.  The last 1 1/2 miles were a killer.  It was all uphill and boy were my legs screaming.  But...it was worth it (sorry - I already said that!). Registered for another 5K - it's this Friday.  This will be my 3rd one.  I think I'm becoming addicted to them - haha.  But, the last one (like this one) is at the base that I work at, so, I get up...drive to work....do the run....shower....go to work.  But, I am on SUCH a high when I get to work.  It's GREAT!  Also a positive for my co-workers - haha. So...that brings me to today.  I'm getting ready to go back to Wright-Patt for training again for 2 weeks.  After I get back, I off for another camping trip up in Stauton.  Plus, training for the 8K at the end of September and of course - Race for the Cure 5K October 20th. Ok - now some other things.....I know that this is long, but it's been a LONG time since I've been here, so bare with me................... Fage Yogurt - This yogurt is the BOMB!!!!  High in protein, low in calories.  I buy the 0% at Farm Fresh.  It's in the greek cheese dept, next to the Feta cheese.  I use it for lots of different things: Add SF preserves Add a bit of SF honey and chopped walnuts Add diced cucumber, and dill - serve with steak stipes as a no-pita gyro Add powdered ranch dressing and serve as a dip It's thicker then regular yogurt, but is really versitile Muscle milk Chocolate Pudding - OMG!!!!  Chill in the fridge and eat with SF cool whip.  It is thick, like Mom use to cook.  It's 160 cals and 20 grams of protein for a 5 oz container.  Purcahse at the Vitamin Shoppe Micellar Milk - Chocolate and Vanilla.  Perfect way to get some extra protein in.  A 17 oz container has 220 cals and 20 grams of protein.  Add to your coffee, use in protein shakes, and you can cook with it to make egg custard.  I prefer to use it instead of milk in my protein shakes.  Cal wise it is similiar to milk, but has more protein then milk.  Plus, if you are lactose (even slightly) this may be a better alternative.  Purchase at the Vitamin Shoppe. Oh YEAH Protein Bars - Chocolate Mint and Peanut Butter - These are a great snack.  They come as 2 stick per pack.  I eat 1 as a snack - 105 calories and 10 grams of protein.  Not bad for a snack.  they have other flavors, but these are my favs.  Also, they have a bigger bar that I will get an cut into thirds (it's a 300 calorie bar and has 30 grams of protein).  Purcahse at the Vitamin Shoppe. Big Train Pancake Mix - YEHAW!!!!  I had pancakes while camping with ms Butterworth's lite syrup and butter.  YUM!!!!  The package makes 14 pancakes (I think it's more) and they are 63 cals and 4 grams protein per pancake.  Not a bad treat serves with a slice of canadian bacon.  It got mine from netrtition.com  Oh...low in carbs, too. Ok....guess that's it for one night....................................

Hi Jill, Very nice to hear from you. I am still recovering from my month away from home. I went to the gym today and it felt great. All I was able to do while away was walk. Can you give me more info on the Race for a Cure. I am really thinking about it. Are you going to make it to Kokomos at the end of the month? Also who are the 3 PS surgeons you are looking into? I am just looking but would like to start talking to surgeons by the end of the year. I can't do anything till summer break next year. Take care and it seems that you have had a very busy summer so far.

Hi Jill,  I am a newbie since you've been away.  But I would like to say welcome back, just the same.  Sounds like you've had a wonderfully exciting summer.  What a busy lady you've been. Thanks for the recommendations on high protein foods/drinks.  I am still struggling to get in all my protein some days. Anyway, I hope to see you post more often.  :-)

Jill Girl I have been thinking about you!!!! Missed you alot.  Glad you are back.   You have been busy to say the least  Good luck on your runs you have planned.  Thanks for all the information too.. By the way...WElcome home!!! hugs

Jill - I'm new to OH and the VA forum since you've been traveling.  Nice to hear of all your activities and WOW moments.  Hope we get to meet some day.

I see that youa re one of Dr. Clark's patients.  Isn't he WONDERFUL??????  i just adore him. Good luck with your journey and glad to meet you!

Jill - good to see you back!!! We missed you!  Sounds liek you have been very busy! I have a question - does the chocolate pudding have any protein aftertaste? I tried the Stallone puddings but the after taste was dreadful and I can't eat protein where I can taste any after taste - makes me heave......that is why I use the bullets.  Jackie

I chill mine and do not have that aftertaste.  Plus, I add a big dollop of SF whipped cream.

But, it is thick, not runny like Stallone or Jello.  It's like it was cooked and put in the fridge.

Hey there Jill, Welcome back, I've missed you! There's no grass frowing under your feet!  I love Mice milk too. I'm going to Farm Fresh today to find the FAGE thanks to Cleo's and your recommendations. Hope to see you at Kokomo's.

All I can say is YAY! You've been missed.