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Posts Tagged ‘Valerie’

Something Fishy Indeed

1 Comment » Written on March 3rd, 2017 by
Categories: News
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My wife has been struggling with a number of health issues, and we’ve been through a wide variety of tests. I had my money on Lyme disease, but no the tests ruled that out. Nor was it Fibromyalgia (and it wasn’t Lupus). Earlier this week we were able to get in to see an Integrative Medicine specialist. He seemed confident that he had an explanation for all of Valerie’s ailments and he was quite convincing. Among the treatments he’s prescribing is a move away from land-based animal protein and a move toward raw vegetables.

Nothing is more important to me than Valerie’s health and happiness, and I know firsthand how difficult such a dramatic change in lifestyle can be, particularly when attempting it by yourself. Which is why I am taking the plunge with her.

I will be easing into the dietary habits of a pescetarian. This is apt to be particularly challenging as I do not like most fruits and vegetables.

Those of you who have followed my exploits and know of my writing “process” are likely aware that most afternoons (after I’ve finished my hours at the DayJob) I plant myself in a corner booth at a local KFC and write. This means that I generally eat fried chicken (in one manifestation or another) at least five days a week. Also, while pounding away on my keyboard at KFC, I will get up and refill my 16oz cup of diet cola numerous times, to the tune of at least half a gallon of the stuff each day (plus whatever I may have consumed in the morning at the DayJob and what I might drink later when I get home). This won’t be happening any more (and my sister Adrienne will likely find the timing of this amusing). No more trips to KFC. Yesterday was my last fried chicken. The poor employees at KFC who know me by name will likely assume I’ve died.

I’ll still drink the occasional Diet Coke, at least for now, but I’ll be transitioning to water or fruit juice and the like for most of my beverages.

We have a lot of other animal protein stocked up (e.g., a case of vacuum-packed, smoked duck breasts!) that I will work my way through in the weeks ahead, but I’ll be transitioning to fish and that’s no hardship for me. Also I’ll be eliminating most sugar and flour from my diet and replacing it with a lot more salad and other vegetables. Terrifying stuff.

I’ll also be saying goodbye to eggs and dairy. Cheese will be particularly missed. Yesterday, I was at a meeting hosted by Temple Hospital and they had a small spread for the attendees. To my own amazement, I bypassed the cheese platter and filled a small plate with some grapes, fresh broccoli, and a carrot slice. I had never previously eaten raw broccoli and I was surprised to find I liked it.

I baked up some swai fillets this morning for tonight’s dinner. And right now instead of sitting and working at a KFC, I’m sitting at Bryn + Dane’s and drinking a “Mo’ Green” smoothie. I’ve never had one before, but allegedly all it contains is kale, wheatgrass, pineapple and mango.

If all these changes don’t kill me, I suspect I’ll be considerably healthier the next time you see me.

Another Early Sign of Worldcon

No Comments » Written on July 13th, 2013 by
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The incomparable Valerie has informed me that she has begun her search for restaurants in San Antonio (as well as in not-too-distant Austin, destination site for a side trip while we’re in Texas). As you may already know, Bob, my wife trained as a professional chef and while for me the Worldcon is all about the business and joy of being an author, for her it’s an excuse to drag me out for fine dining.

Similarly, while I’m waiting to get my participant schedule to figure out where I need to be and when, Valerie is waiting to learn what time to make the dinner reservations.

I last visited San Antonio nearly thirty years ago for a psychological research convention (I was co-author of a paper my major professor was presenting). As a struggling grad student I wasn’t in a position to explore any of the city’s restaurants. I’m expecting to make that up, with a vengeance!

Into Darkness

No Comments » Written on June 5th, 2013 by
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I had to go into work at the DayJob early today, which meant that I left early too. So, when I returned home I asked Valerie if she wanted to go out to dinner tonight. One thing led to another, and we turned it into a proper and impromptu “date night” and went off for dinner and a movie.

All of which is prelude to explaining that I have no finally seen Star Trek Into Darkness.

I quite enjoyed the film. Especially that bonus scene after the credits when the bridge crew were all eating shwarma.

Winding down another Sunday

No Comments » Written on January 13th, 2013 by
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Valerie and I are home after another Sunday “date night.” She usually works on Sundays, and so we’ve gotten into the habit of my driving out to KoP and picking her up as her shift ends and then heading over to Seasons 52 for dinner. A bit pricey, but the food is always excellent and healthy for us, and incredibly it’s one of the few places where we’re both really happy to dine.

Today’s dinner ran a bit early as Valerie’s shift was cut a couple hours short. Also, I had to drop off my computer at the Apple store (conveniently downstairs from V’s shop) to get a new battery installed. The work was done while we were off at dinner and now the device is as good as new. Well, as new as a three-year old MacBook can be — I have my eye on a lovely 11″ MacAir, but that’s another story (which I need to tell to my accountant).

Anyway, we’re back home and the evening is winding down. This week is done and next week promises to be a whirlwind of daily appointments, doctor visits, project juggling, air travel, and conventioning. Woo!

Fortunately, tomorrow’s installment of EATING AUTHORS is already done. But that may be the only sign of me on this blog next week.

“Have you tried that new mexican restaurant?…”

1 Comment » Written on October 25th, 2012 by
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In the back of my mind is a joke from WKRP In Cincinnati that has someone asking that question, setting up Les Nessman to respond with something like “The last time I ate at a New Mexican restaurant I was in Albuquerque.”

Anyway…

Valerie and I are toying with the notion of moving to New Mexico. Some folks have recommended Truth or Consequences and others have suggested Albuquerque.

I thought I’d open it up for discussion, since the internet if chock full of varied views just waiting to be expressed (and also because I seem to be awake at 4:00am).

Thoughts?

Happy Anniversary to me!

No Comments » Written on August 21st, 2012 by
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Today marks the seventh year in a row where I’ve woken up, turned to my wife, and thanked her for not killing me in my sleep. Yes, that’s right, it’s my wedding anniversary today. According to some sources, it’s all about copper and wool and desk sets. I really don’t know what any of that means, but I do know that I’m truly blessed for having Valerie in my life, and if any of you ever find me forgetting that, do feel free to kick me in the ass.

Saturday in the Library

No Comments » Written on April 8th, 2012 by
Categories: Gallery
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Yesterday, as I tend to do on every Saturday, I headed off to enjoy a Chinese Buffet brunch and a good book. I stopped on my way out of the house to snap this photograph of Valerie enjoying a sunny read in our library, bracketed by dogs. That’s Gej of course on her right, and her own dog, Sugar, nestled on her left.

And yes, my wife does have purple hair!

Valerie and Dogs

Hooray for Wednesday!

No Comments » Written on January 11th, 2012 by
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It’s going to be a busy day, but a good one.

For one thing, I have a Compliance Hot Line call waiting for my attention (and I’ll deal with it as soon as I start work at the DayJob in a few miutes).

After work I need to stop by the Home Depot and pick up a new toilet seat, go home, and install it (actually, really easy to do).

I have a nice piece of basa that I’ll bake for dinner tonight.

Then there’s the first part of a two part webinar on hyposis that I’ll be attending.

But the real reason I’m cheering about today is because my wife returns home this evening. She’s been gone since Monday morning of last week, and I miss her very very much.

No doubt the dogs do too.