Spa Day

This summer just disappeared, leaving me behind, in shock, staring in amazement at how much stuff I planned to accomplish and was not able to...  I will have two weeks to catch up and, fingers and toes crossed, will get the important stuff done, of course.  Like finishing at least the first two chapters of my prospectus!  I had such a nice start -- finished a detailed outline, added some ideas that made the writing exciting once again...  Only to be mowed down by a string of events that left me exhausted... NOT discouraged, though...

After a horrible toothache last week, that interfered with my ability to get a good night's rest, I was exhausted this morning...  So I picked up the phone and called one of the local spas, hoping they can work me in.  And they DID!  After enjoying half a day of pampering (salt scrub/soak, massage, facial, mani/pedi, haircut), I am ready to face a very busy weekend!

Toothache is gone -- thank goodness!!!

Apparently, the new dentist did not file new fillings properly and so the nerve in my lower tooth was not happy and decided to scream for relief, making me miserable and despertate for a week.  My old dentist was able to fix the problem in a few minutes and what a blessed relief it is!  My teeth are still sensitive and I am still furious about silver fillings but being pain free is awesome!!!

Toothache...

I have been using the same dentist for over ten years, always with great results.  Recently, he decided to semi-retire and share his practice with a younger dentist.  Last time I visited the office for routine cleaning, the new guy talked me into replacing old composite fillings which did not cause any problems whatsoever but, according to him, were a bit darker than they should be.  I agreed.  Thinking back, it was one of those lapses of judgment we all regret later...  There was nothing on the x-ray and so staining must have come from tea/coffee.

So I had an appointment on Tuesday afternoon.  Without telling me, the guy replaced composite (tooth color) filling with old-fashioned amalgam (silver) fillings!  Also, instead of replacing a couple of fillings discussed previously, he replaced six.  Yes, six.  I did not even know I had six old fillings...  Actually, I don't know even know if I really did.  Given his other assumptions, I wonder if he just got happy with a drill???  I know it's just a speculation but still...  The fillings are in the back so not visible when I smile/talk; still, I know they are there.  They are (1) ugly and (2) required more drilling than composite fillings, thus weakening my teeth.

His explanations?  Amalgam fillings last longer.  I had composite fillings for ten years and they were just fine.  I take care of my teeth to minimize the wear and tear!  Explanation for six fillings?  I was there already.  Really?!  Oh, instead of suctioning off pieces of filling material, they told me to rinse my mouth.  Have you tried doing that with half of your mouth totally numb???  Yeah, not much success.  When I finally was able to rinse off my mouth a few hours later, I found at least ten small pieces I could swallowed.  I wonder if I swallowed more???  It's unacceptable and unprofessional!

Now here is the worst part...  My teeth are not just sensitive -- they hurt!  Since Tuesday!  One of the bottom teeth really hurts -- a constant throbbing pain.  I think he damaged the nerve and I may need a root canal now.  The filling is not tight enough to protect my tooth from liquids so there is a sharp pain anytime I try to drink anything.  Every sip hurts!  I am avoiding hot/cold liquids but even room temperature plain water hurts.  However, the filling IS covering the tooth so local analgesic does not penetrate.  I tried both liquid and cream -- no effect.  My gums get a bit numb but the pain is inside.  The only way to stay sane is to take Tylenol.  The numbing effect only lasts a few hours so I wonder how much damage I am doing to my liver...

I have an appointment with my old dentist tomorrow afternoon so, I hope and pray, he does something to relieve my toothache.  It's about to drive me up the wall!!!

Should I file a complaint with ADA???  I did a Google search and found quite a few similar situations so I wonder if people are just accepting pain and suffering as routine or complaints are not going anywhere...  They better NOT charge me for additional treatments!

Dude, that's rude!

I should recommend this book to one of the conference participants I encountered today...

Everybody was crowding around the refreshment area after the session, getting tea or coffee.  One small cluster of women already got their drinks but were standing right next to the table, blocking everybody else, and chatting, totally clueless...  I smiled and said, "Excuse me, please."  The response?!  A glare and "SOOOORRRY!"  Then she went back to the conversation!  The other two women did not even bother!!!  I was furious and so just squeezed behind them to get my coffee.  After three hours of advance stats, I was not about to be timid! :)  I needed my coffee, STAT!!! :)

On dealing with home invasion, popcorn defense, and perfect bread!

Our house was invaded yesterday.  Not by thieves you can swiftly kick out of your house.  No, I wish it was that easy...  Two families with seven kids between them, claiming some distance relationship to S., stopped by yesterday, with a 15-minute notice.  S. could not say no mainly because the guys were playmates over thirty years ago and haven't seen each other for like twenty years.

The lack of warning should have been our warning...  When one of the guys called, we assumed there were only two couples.  I had dinner almost ready (slow-cooked BBQ pulled pork, amazing bread buns, crispy potatoes, tomato salad, and fresh watermelon -- yummy, recipes below).  We had plenty for two more couples but not if they came with a package of seven kids!  Worse, all four parents sat down and never moved an inch, as kids tore through the house.  S. and I exchanged a look and decided NOT to experiment with BBQ sauce.

Instead, we offered an assortment of drinks and freshly sliced watermelon.  It was a large watermelon but it was gone in minutes.  Then I had an idea!  I bought this retro popcorn maker a few weeks ago.  So I took out oil, corn, an assortment of popcorn flavorings, and plastic bowls.  That immediately got the attention of every kid, even the toddler.  Their eyes grew wide as popcorn started flying out of the bowl.  They all grabbed a bowl and stood (finally stood, instead of running around), waiting for popcorn.  Wow!  I ended up making quite a few batches -- ten, I think.  I don't know where they were packing all that popcorn, especially after devouring an entire watermelon.

Popcorn was everywhere, as you can imagine.  After they finally left, S. and I walked into the house and shook our heads at the mess.  Fortunately, it only took vacuuming/sweeping and mopping the floor and wiping all surfaces with Lysol.  Oh, Beauty the dog helped, too -- she happily munched on popcorn like a canine vacuum she is, lol.  Bubbles the cat did not care about popcorn and just watched from her "throne," probably laughing at us.  She actually hid in the bathroom when she saw those kids storm in.  Bubbles, the fearless cat who usually climbs on a guest's lap to say hello!

Then we enjoyed our delayed dinner...  I kept the slowcooker on warm so pulled pork did not need to be reheated.  I used this recipe and added extra BBQ sauce. 

The bread would have been better fresh out of the oven but it's an awesome recipe and so we just warmed it in a microwave for a few secs.  The recipe is here.  Try it -- you will never buy hamburger buns again, I promise. :)  I made 12 smaller buns.  The recipe calls for nine but they are HUGE.

Tomato salad was very simple:  thinly sliced onions, chopped tomatoes, garlic salt, olive oil.  It was a bit soggy.

Crispy potatoes were ruined, though... :(  They are easy to make but must be eaten fresh out of the oven.  It's a very simple recipe:  peel and slice potatoes into wedges, soak in cold water for one hour, drain the water, and dry potatoes with paper towels.  Toss with olive oil, garlic salt, and a bit of red pepper.  Bake in a preheated oven at 400 for 15-20 mins on each side.  Broil for a few mins for extra crispness.

Venting

I don't like it when somebody schedules things involving me without giving me a fair warning.  Somebody did this yesterday and trying to do it today.  I am not a happy person.

Yesterday, I had to reschedule the online course orientation meeting with my students.  Yeah, I am crazy to schedule work-related stuff on Sunday, but taking care of students prior to the beginning of semester (it started today) helps me to avoid quite a few problems later.  Many students take online courses because they are working long hours during the week and can only meet over the weekend.  I don't mind, really -- does not matter to me when I work, as long as I am spending a reasonable amount of time.  If I work over the weekend, I have time to write during the week.

Anyway, yesterday I had to reschedule from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.  Well, the person kept me late and so I was a few minutes late for the session.  Of course, technology was not cooperating, as it always does when you're running late; have you noticed that?  Not a good start for students, especially those who have never taken online courses before.  If I had a chance to login early, I probably would have been able to resolve most, if not all, problems ahead of time.  See why I am upset???

Today, this same person is trying to do the same thing.  I already have a meeting scheduled for this afternoon and now this person wants to reschedule.  NO!  I have a long list of things to do today and need to focus on my own committments.  In fact, I could have shortened the list if I did not waste three hours yesterday, helping this person with something that actually does not benefit me at all.  So, here, feeling better! :)

Progress!

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I did not have time to write this week because registering students for both Summer and Fall semesters and getting ready for next week (classes start on Monday) consumed every waking moment.  However, I am almost done with pre-planning and might even get a chance to write a bit this weekend.  I am busy but not overwhelmed -- such a good feeling!  The last couple of years have been absolutely crazy so I am so excited about gradually retaining control of my life.

Chicken, Onion, Garlic Quiche with Parmesan in a Couscous Crust

I made couscous for dinner a couple of days ago and we still had some left.  After a quick search, I found this recipe.  I added grilled chicken and, voila, delicious breakfast!  I took the pic before baking.  This dish turns yummy golden brown and smells heavenly while baking.  A generous slice (this recipe serves 6) is only approximately 300 calories, depending on modifications.

Progress

I did write quite a bit so far but still struggling with the flow of information.  Everybody knows that laundry list of studies is a big no-no for the lit review but I have always struggled with that.  Alas, prospectus lit review is so much more difficult than just a paper.  I just feel like I have said everything I wanted to say.  Trying to move past this obstacle...

It's expensive but I have decided to work with a dissertation coach, just to get me through the first few chapters.  It's been two long years and occassional few pages are not getting me anywhere.  I am hoping to create a stressful situation since per hour consulting is expensive so definitely an incentive to meet deadlines.  I am always working better when deadlines are looming.

Based on prior experience, once I get through prospectus, things will start rolling because I have always enjoyed writing up results and discussion and never had any problems with not having enough to say.  Most of the time, I actually have to restraint myself from being too verbose.

I did lose a few pounds.  Not as much as I wanted but at least I have been eating healthier, mainly because I had more time to cook healthy meals.  I do cook a lot but, when tired, I tend to select "comfort" foods, not necessarily "healthy" foods.  One of my friends shared this website:  http://www.myfitnesspal.com/.  I love it!  I can also use it on my phone so eating out is much easier.

Back to work next week but my schedule is fairly light this summer.  I think I will stay at the other house, away from S.  As much as I love him, he can be a HUGE distraction.  Like this morning...  It's not even noon and he already called twice!  I appreciate attention but sometimes it's too much.  I was accomplishing so much more before I met him.  I don't like admitting this but it's a fact...

Yummy and Healthy Eggplant Roll Ups

Eggplant Roll Ups

Here is a delicious appetizer I am making for lunch today.  We have some leftover roasted chicken so this is complete lunch.  I will serve with fresh cucumber and garlic yogurt.

Ingredients:
3 small eggplants (or 1 large -- easier to slice/grill/fill but does not taste as good)
1 small onion
1/2 pkg of shredded carrots (2-3 medium carrots)
5-6 celery ribs
Feta cheese (crumbled), 1 small container
Optional:  roasted chicken, sliced into strips
olive oil
garlic salt (go easy on salt -- feta cheese is salty; you may want to use other cheese)
parsley, finely chopped

Directions:

1. Slice eggplant into long thin strips, lightly sprinkle with garlic salt and some olive oil, and marinate in a fridge for a couple of hours.  
2. Meanwhile, make the filling.  Chop celery and onions.  Lightly sprinkle onions, celery, and carrots with garlic salt and saute in olive oil until soft.  Drain.  Add feta cheese to taste.
3. Preheat grill to a medium and grill eggplant until both sides have golden grill marks.
4. Cool eggplant a bit, then add filling and roll up.  I am adding a thin strip of chicken today.  Secure with toothpicks.
5. Note:  My Dad loves garlic  so Mom always spreads a bit of garlic on eggplant before adding filling and rolling up.
6. Arrange on a platter and sprinkle with parsley.
7. Serve with yogurt.  I often make fresh yogurt because it's so easy (just add ingredients and leave alone overnight), then add finely chopped cucumbers and a bit of garlic salt just before serving, so it does not become watery.
8. You can serve this appetizer warm or cold.  I actually like to chill the platter in a fridge for a couple of hours, to let flavors meld.

A sure sign of a spoiled man... sigh...

Our elderly neighbor had back surgery so I made some homemade chicken noodle soup and breadsticks yesterday, to take to her and her husband.  S. came home just as I took breadsticks out of the oven.  As I turned around to get some butter out of the fridge, he decided to "help" -- by generously, veeeeeeery generously, sprinkling breadsticks with garlic salt!!!!!

As I was shaking off all that extra salt and arranging soup and bread into a basket, he managed to snag two breadsticks!

Finally, soup and breadsticks were safely delivered to the neighbors and we came back to the house.  I took out leftover breadsticks from the fridge (baked the night before and needing only a few secs in a microwave to taste fresh again), for our dinner, and S. was genuinely surprised that I did not make another fresh batch for him.  His statement?!  "I don't like old bread!"  Really?!  What old bread?!  Just you wait until I am back to work -- you will be begging for that "old bread," lol!!!

Progress

I am writing and exercising -- yeah!

Retail Therapy

OK, I did not plan to buy any shoes...  We were invited to a dinner party last night and I wanted to make a small fruit basket to take with us.  Well, it's not my fault that I had to pass the shoe aisle on my way to find that basket!!! :)

Bandolino Kalliopa Wedge Sandal, Cognac Leather (a pefect match for one of my sundresses)

My Goals for May 2011

1. Finish giving on-campus final exams by May 4, 2011 (3 courses).
2. Finish committee assignments by May 6, 2011.
3. Finish grading by May 9, 2011 (6 courses).
4. Finish a consulting project by May 9, 2011.
5. Finish learning objectives assignment by May 12, 2011.
6. Take care of graduation and other campus activities by May 13, 2011.  I signed up for a 3:00 am Relay for Life spot...  Must have been one of my insane moments...
7. Finish the first draft of prospectus by May 31, 2001.  I actually have quite a few pages already but keep getting distracted and so just turning off phone/email and organizing things should get things rolling.
8. Lose as much weight as I can by May 31, 2011.

Beginning Thursday, May 5, my schedule will be fairly flexible, so I plan to start the day early, eat a healthy breakfast and exercise, then write, write, write...  Once I get through the first few chapters, the rest will come quickly because I will be writing up my results and conclusions, stuff I like, instead of boring intro chapters.  Yeah, I am crazy, but lit reviews bore me to death and that's why it's so easy for me to find other urgent tasks.  I should have graduated at least a year ago so no excuses -- just hard work ahead!

Week 1: May 2-8, 2011

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Confession

It's almost 1:00 pm and, other than checking email, I haven't done anything.  In fact, I am still wearing PJs.  S. is working today so there nobody to give me a verbal kick in the behind to start working on the to do list.

So tired and this week was not that busy... I am burned out, no doubt.  Have been, for the last several years.  Wrote about 40 pages of my prospectus this semester so it would just take a few edits to submit at least the first two chapters.  Just need energy...

Writing all weekend -- WOW!

I was able to write all weekend -- finally!

Productivity and Nutrition

Had a very productive day today -- feels good to be able to write again! 

Also, made borsh -- see my previous post here.  Very healthy and yummy!

So tired...

Worked all weekend... Still did not finish the paper... 

Business Dinner Menu -- Success!

In order to get some work-related things done, S. invited several important people to dinner last night.  Yes, he could have just taken them to eat somewhere.  However, everybody liked the personal touch and things went very smoothly -- S. is very happy with outcomes.  I can't say much here but organization/industry he is working for encourages snobby behavior so I am happy that both S. and I are well on the way to be accepted as equals.  Not an easy feat, for sure!  This simple dinner was another brick in that road to success.

I was extremely busy this week, having to finish my own work-related stuff, but this dinner did not take long; yet, it was delicious.  Try it! :) 

I am not providing full recipes here unless I made changes.  However, links are included.  Sorry there are no pics -- barely had enough time to put everything together, no time for pics.

Appetizers
Smoked Salmon in Cucumber Cups

Tomato Jewels

Asparagus Bundles

Assorted veggies (cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli florets, baby carrots) and several salad dressings (French, Blue Cheese, and Ranch -- what we had in the fridge, lol)

Salad
Very simple -- chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, olives on shredded romaine lettuce, seasoned with salt/pepper and olive oil.  Sprinkle with chopped parsley.  I used shallow soup bowls (fit in the fridge better than salad plates) to make individual salads, covered with plastic wrap, and refrigerated until time.

Bread
I made breadsticks using this recipe.  I added 2 tbsp crushed rosemary, made dough in the breadmaker, shaped into breadsticks, let rise for 1 hour, and baked 20 mins at 400.  Brushed with butter.

Main Course
Portobello and Chicken Roll Ups

I actually just posted this recipe.  This time, I made my own Alfredo sauce.  Also, last time chicken was a bit dry so I added 1 tsp of butter to the bundles, to keep chicken moist and sprayed with butter-flavored spray for a nice golden color.

Cheese Ravioli (I did not have time to make my own but Mona's Cheese Ravioli from Publix are awesome).  I added 1/2 stick garlic herb butter (Publix) to the bowl of pasta, for extra touch.

Alfredo Sauce
1-2 cloves of garlic, pressed (you can mince but then sauce won't be as smooth)
1.5 cup heavy cream
1.5 cup milk
½ cup parmesan
½ cup romano
6 egg yolks
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté garlic. Heat milk and cream until simmering. Turn off heat and mix in cheese. Mix a little of milk mixture into yolks, then slowly add EGG mixture into milk mixture. Heat on low heat, mixing well until thickens.
Dessert
Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake
What an awesome cheesecake!  I added a topping of chocolate liquer whipped cream:  whip 1 pint of heavy cream with powdered sugar -- add to taste (~ 1 cup), then add some Godiva Chocolate liquer -- again, to taste (~ 1/4 cup).  Also, I garnished with grated chocolate for a finished look.  Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or, even better, overnight.

We had a variety of sodas and juice.  Also, we  have Tassimo machine and made lattes, cappuccinos, Earl Grey tea, and regular coffee.

Everybody was happy -- well, plates were clean and people were taking seconds and thirds, a good indication, right?  One divorced guy even asked us for some leftovers.  I found that both hilarious and sad -- this guy can afford any restaurant and you could see he was embarrassed to ask but said he absolutely loved everything and wanted more of the homemade stuff.  Well, thank you, sir! :)