That’s how we roll

So…hi again! 

I took some time off.  And it was lovely.  Maybe too lovely?  It made me wonder if quitting HHH was an imminent reality…

My free time is so precious now.  But I do love having this space to share my latest food and life stuffs…

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But I have a job.  And a kid.  And a husband.  And yadda yadda. 

I’m triaging my life like a freakin’ ER nurse.  Priority #1 is family.  And as you have now noticed, the blog is definitely on the backburner.  That’s how I roll.  C’est la vie. 🙂

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This was good by the way.  Not too much pineapple (I like pineapple but try to minimize most dried fruit because of the FODMAPs).  The balance of chocolate, dried fruit and nuts was all really even.  And it had crunchy stuff in it (brown rice crisps?) that made it not too heavy, even though it was a pretty dense bar.  Yummy flavor too.

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I made another baked spaghetti.

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Just as good as the first!  Maybe even better since I used the tomatoes from Kyle’s cousin’s garden.  I’ve never ever ever tasted such juicy tomatoes – they were so ripe they were oozing with flavor.  Incredible!  I halved the marinara sauce in the recipe and used plain tomatoes instead because their flavor was so phenomenal and they were basically soft enough to make into tomato sauce. 

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My own garden is thriving too.  I have kale and chard growing like whoa.  No complaints here. 

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I made this random little meal with more of the produce from Kyle’s family and our own greens.

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Chard, kale, cold baked potatoes, tomatoes, & smoked goat cheddar.

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Topped with TJ’s balsamic glaze.

That was my work lunch, while the below was (part 2) my breakfast (part 1 was a PB&J).

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I was going to get strawberries last weekend at the farmer’s market but the blueberries looked way too awesome.  Done and done.

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My PB&J (okay, it was actually a sunbutter & jam) sammie was on this bread.  It’s my new favorite Udi’s bread because it’s got some superfoods in it.  I have been keeping it in the freezer and only thawing pieces as I use them, which I think is better at preserving it’s texture/consistency.  Sometimes GF bread gets dry and crumbly when it’s not fresh.  

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Post-work snack plate with hard boiled eggs, goat cheese, Mary’s Gone crackers, and chocolate covered strawberries (from a patient’s family).

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Brown rice, peas, pesto.

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Brown rice, pinto beans, Sabra’s mango salsa.

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Thai peanut zucchini noodles.

And so on and so forth…heyo for the non-cafeteria work eats.  My hospital’s caf isn’t really too impressive, but it redeems itself with free coffee if you bring your own mug.  Decaf me up please! 

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[Doesn’t P look like he’s into the java too!?  That’s how he rolls.]

I know I’ve whined about pumping and missing my boys and all that jazz, but I really like my new job.  I am finding my groove, slowly but surely, and it does feel nice to have another purpose outside of what I do for my family. 

It makes the days off extra special (hence my desire to stay far away from the computer). 

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We have been up to so much!  We have swim lessons, mom and baby group dates, and mastering new things…like rolling!

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See you when I see you!

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Comments (78)

  1. Abby

    Glad you’re back and all is well. Even though it’s selfish, I worried and hoped things were okay and that you would check in. With that said, we ALL have things that make our lives busy and full–online and off. There are real obligations and priorities and documenting food or feelings online is usually last on the list, or in most cases, it should/could be. You don’t owe your readers anything, but know that you have friends and a place you can vent frustrations or share all the good things that you want to share.

    Things change. People change. And nothing is just black and white. Enjoy this new phase in your life and share what you want when you can. But you don’t need me to say that, of course. Good luck with things going forward!

  2. Lori

    Glad you & crew are ok – miss you but want u to be happy more 🙂

    Luv to P and to you xx

    Cheers
    Lori x

  3. Lee

    Don’t quit the blog!!

  4. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl

    Aww, P looks so cute in the water!! And I am sure that you are WAY busy and breaks are a total necessity. We would definitely miss you around here if you disappeared forever, though ;).

  5. Angie

    I totally understand wanting to devote all free time to your family andcglad you’re finding you groove with getting back to work. It’s so hard to juggle it all and not feel the mommy guilt. I missed your blog though! Hope you don’t stop.

  6. Dianna

    Hope you keep blogging b/c you inspire people to make healthy choices and show that it’s possible to do so even when you have multiple priorities! And, your recipes are awesome:)

  7. BroccoliHut

    Love the pics of P! I think that’s a great idea to introduce your child to the water at an early age (making a mental note to do the same when the time comes).
    I’m a little jealous of your being able to harvest your garden’s bounty. We’re moving next week, so I’m sad that I have to leave my garden behind. There’s always next summer!

  8. sarah w

    Glad you are back! The mom part of my brain tells you to always keep family first–babies grow way too fast, and you have to savor every minute! The blog reader part of my brain is screaming ‘NO, please don’t stop posting entirely!’
    In the end you have to do what feels comfortable for you. But I would really miss reading your posts if you quit entirely…
    Just always put family first and you’ll never have any regrets! We will wait… 🙂

  9. Katie @ Peace Love & Oats

    Totally understand the need for putting the blog on the back burner, although if you ever stop altogether, feel free to just email me photos of your food and P. It would improve the quality of my daily life.

  10. Vanessa

    I almost bought that millet chia bread, but was wondering about FODMAPS content. You tolerate it fine?

  11. Marisa

    Relieved you are back. Was kind of worried? Don’t blame you for pulling back, but must admit that reading your blog has become part of my daily routine and I love it especially since I’m also back at work. I can count on you to have posted something new by the time I have lunch at my desk 🙂 Selfish I know. Side note, P is just so adorable. Curious to know what you get up to with baby that young in a pool? I would be scared out of my mind, but that is just me I guess 🙂

  12. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries

    We would miss if you quit the blog, but at the same time, I totally understand. I don’t even work full time, and it’s hard to put time into it!

    Glad you’re loving your new job! And I love that you’re doing swim lessons with P. I can’t wait to do that with Hunter!

  13. Hannah

    Glad you’re back! Even if it is just to stop in periodically. I totally understand putting things on the back burner for awhile (I took a blog break for 3years- ha ha). Hope all stays wonderful and thanks for sharing 🙂

  14. Sophie

    I’m pretty new to your blog and absolutely love it! I seriously don’t blame you spending those precious hours with your family! I commend you for any blogging you manage to squeeze in and am always excited to see a new blog post pop up. Loyal readers are always here whenever you fancy a blog!!

    Also have to make your spaghetti dish – it looks so good and the bonus is how easy it is!

  15. josée

    the spaghetti looked great, i think i will give it a try.
    for the rest, it’s your time, your life… this blog is completely voluntary. do it as you like. me very patient….

  16. Adrian

    I not only follow your blog but also your tweets (good Lord does this make me a stalker?). Anyway it seemed like the comments from the person who called you “insufferable” really bothered you. “Insufferable”!? Where did she even come up with that!

    Unfortunately the internet has allowed the haters to show their colors and instead of not reading your blog she instead chooses to share her bitterness and ugliness. Don’t let her win!!

    I also read Run Eat Repeat and poor Monica is also be slammed with unwarranted comments on some her blogs. The rude stupid comments from her April fool’s Day post were ridiculous. But I guess when you have a blog you have to take the bad with the good.

    HHH stand up and fight blog!!!

  17. Adrian

    Darn, the word “fight” had a strikethrough but it didn’t transfer over. Lucky thing I’m not a blogger.

  18. Beth

    me too…the millet chia bread contains inulin which is a fodmap and is known to cause bloat.

  19. Beth

    Elise, so happy to hear from you!!!!!!!!! Don’t let the ignorant people get you down. You are awesome.

    What brand pesto doesn’t contain parmesan cheese? Can’t find one. And the pinto beans and salsa didn’t bother you with the fodmaps? Was the kale and chard in your salad raw? Finally, was that breakfast part two in the bowl? How do you make the zucchini noodle dish? Hope you can help me. I am in great need of digestive friendly meals!!!! Love to you and the family.

  20. Brigid

    Missed ya!

  21. Karen

    I only stumbled across your blog several weeks ago, but already have cut carbs in a major way and now have a steady flow of flaxseed and quinoa going through my kitchen. Being a working mom myself, I wondered when the work-blog-family crunch would happen to you, but swing into a new groove and start going again. You have a gift for food+blogging. I am so inspired by your posts.

    Also – I was wondering, do you drink decaf cuz you’re nursing? Or for something related to your diet?

  22. Karen

    oh and by the way, I am really looking forward to hearing about HHH-toddler edition when you little one begins eating solid food. So you can’t stop. Ever. 🙂

  23. Beth

    she eats carbs!!!! Potatoes and noodles and stuff.

  24. Beth

    Elise eats carbs. She doesn’t cut carbs…potatoes, gluten free noodles, brown rice, quinoa, gluten free breads.

  25. Karen

    Yes! I know, but not the way I was eating carbs. I guess I should have said “cut back on” carbs. I was merely trying to communicate that I’ve been inspired to eat healthier, didn’t realize I was fodder for word-smithing as well.

  26. Missy

    Oh no! Don’t quit us!
    .. you know you can’t anyways. “Why can’t I quit you, blogging?”
    Heehee.

    But seriously, when blogging becomes an obligation? Pshaw. Not worth it. Just post when you want, when you are excited to share something, when you feel like it, whenever you want! Whether one week you post twice and another month you only post once the entire time!

    We’ll be here!

  27. Elise (Post author)

    i made my own pesto. ive posted various recipes already so check them out.
    the kale and chard were raw. theyre from my garden. very small portions – no issues. beans + mango were a no go. i made the big batch for kyle and only had a bit myself but felt it after. 🙁
    the zucchini recipe is coming soon!

  28. Elise (Post author)

    hi karen! yup, the decaf is due to nursing. i know you can have a small serving of caffeine while nursing but im not a “small serving” kind of girl 😉
    thanks so much for your comment. im so honored to have had a positive influence on you!

  29. Elise (Post author)

    thats the plan missy. i doubt ill quit…just pop in from time to time when i can or have something to share. 🙂

  30. Elise (Post author)

    hahaha. no worries. but yeah, thats my thought exactly. it was more than just that one person’s comments but dont worry, i wont let the few rude internet trolls ruin it for me and all the other nice supportive readers/friends 🙂

  31. Elise (Post author)

    it is a lot of work! and not exactly where i want to be putting my efforts when i then get sh!t on by rude commenters…(yes there are mostly nice ones, but i have been getting a higher volume of nasty ones lately and its just not worth it to me).
    swim lesson are so fun!!
    btw, our couch is disgusting too (spit up, etc) so if you figure out a solution for microsuede cleaning let me know!

  32. Elise (Post author)

    no worries marisa. all is good. just finding that balance. 🙂
    all we really do in the pool is play around and sing songs. its a group class so i just did it to meet other parents and introduce him to the water. he seems to enjoy it and i think its really fun so we will continue for the rest of the free classes (offered until he’s 6 mo).

  33. Elise (Post author)

    i tolerated it! ive only ever had one serving (2 slices – theyre small), but yeah, no issues. so weird. sometimes inulin hates me (like in non dairy ice creams and stuff) and other times its no prob. but this bread was easy peasy for my gut.

  34. Elise (Post author)

    just think of the lucky people that will inherit your herbs!

  35. Karen

    I can’t remember what I did with my first, but with my second I didn’t have time to “enjoy” a cup of coffee at first. When I started back at work (office job, so I’m at a desk where I can “nurse” my coffee all morning), I resumed drinking my REI-travel mug size – a bit more volume than a Starbucks Tall. It’s not the best solution, but I’ve found that even with eating a non-carb breakfast, drinking coffee keeps me from snacking all morning at my desk (see above, reducing carbs). The lesser of two evils I guess and it didn’t seem to affect my son. If I have a second batch of coffee I hit up the decaf. I could drink it like water, so yummy.

  36. Elise (Post author)

    haha. agreed. thanks sarah 🙂

  37. Sami

    As far as I’m concerned, while I loveeeee hearing from you, you’ve got your priorities straight. That’s what I’ve always loved about you! 🙂 The blog is where it should be… on the back burner… behind your recent family addition & husband <3 You still always inspire me to pack new lunches! Thai zucchini noodles?! I've gotta make 'em.
    xo.

  38. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries

    That’s too bad about the rude commenters! Haha we have microsuede too… So far, no solution except that I’m just glad the color of our couch is a light brown that disguises almost everything. Ha!

  39. carol

    I missed reading your blog but certainly understand there are priorities. Will still check in on a daily basis. Happy your job is working out and that you, hub and P are doing well.

  40. Marisa

    That’s sounds great Elise! I might have to get over my own fear once our summer rolls around & do something similar with my baby boy. Could be good for all of us. Something to think about. 🙂

  41. Courtney

    Elise

    I am so glad you are back–I missed your posts! I was worried the mean/rude comments from your past few posts had upset you and made you not post for a while. I totally get how hard it must be to blog while working full time and having a little one! Who is insanely cute, by the way 🙂 I will miss your blog if you stop blogging, but I will understand. I’ll hate it, but I’ll understand 😉

    Do you have a recipe for the thai zucchini noodles? Please??

    Courtney

  42. Mary

    I would miss your posts so much if you quit blogging! I love your packed food posts. I’m a grad student and I sometimes have a long day in lab where multiple meals are required so I love your ideas.

    ALSO, you guys get all of the cool veggie products in California first, so I read about them on your blog and then wait until they appear in Colorado! I was so excited when Beyond Meat appeared in our WFs here 🙂

  43. Beth

    I love Elise’s meal ideas too….so very much! Please keep posting them, Elise. You are wonderful.

    Mary, what are you studying in grad school? And where in Colorado do you live? I am maybe thinking of moving to either Colorado or California. Would love to hear from you. My email is deerbeth@yahoo.com

    Elise, how do you like living in Davis? Is it horrible expensive and/or hot? Thanks for your previous replies….so helpful. Love you girl!

  44. Melissa C

    I’m so glad to see a post from you!!! I love reading your blog, but am also understanding that you have other priorities other than the blog. I love seeing your packed lunches as I need some new inspiration! Your photos of P are adorable, he is sooo cute!!! 🙂

  45. Roberta

    I know you have other priorities but I would go into withdrawals if I couldn’t read your blog. Nonetheless, you have to do what is best for you. Maybe you could just post once a week?

  46. Mimi

    I’m telling you, that spaghetti recipe is SOLID GOLD. I’m making it again myself this weekend. And those pool pics are too presh!!

  47. Yalanda

    Hi Elise!

    You should never feel guilty for putting family first! That said, it would be a sad day if HHH no longer existed…but no one could blame you for wanting to focus on other things!! Now, about that Thai peanut sauce…is there a recipe to be looking forward to?

  48. Jan

    I was just telling your grandma this morning I missed hearing from you. But I figured you were busy figuring out the working mommy thing! I missed ya, but glad you gave this up over anything else! Definitely the least important, but you were missed. And the eats look yummy as usual! And P? Well, he’s just too darn cute!! Enjoy your family and your work and don’t worry about us!!

  49. jen

    I’m new to your blog, but count me amongst those that would miss your posts. I get trying to find a balance and hope that blogging can still fit in there somewhere. Best in whatever you decide.

  50. Kathleen

    http://digestivehealthinstitute.org/2012/08/sibo-diet-and-digestive-health/

    Check this link out. I ate 2 larabars at lunch to test dates along with almonds and walnuts which I previously thought were giving me significant issues. I felt great, no issues whatsoever. Raisins seem to affect me but not dates. Maybe it has to do with the fp potential he talks about? I tested cherries this am and was soooo sick. So glad larabars are back in my life!

    I am going to get testing for SIBO and consider oral antibiotics followed by a low fodmap diet because I have just been suffering for too long.

    Glad to hear and you and the family are well albeit busy.

  51. Kathleen

    I am also going to stick to short grain brown rice and try celeriac and parsnips. Need to find Pontiac potatoes since regular ones affect me.

  52. Lou

    Yip, that’s why I ditched blogging (for now) ! Enjoy! x

  53. Elise (Post author)

    i miss your blog 🙁

  54. Elise (Post author)

    thanks kathleen. i suspect the same thing – dates are easiest, raisins are hit and miss. ive found soaking them increases how i can tolerate them – try making them in overnight oats and see how it goes. dried cherries are definitely no bueno on my gut. but ive always known that about cherries, fresh and/or dried.

  55. Nadine

    The photo in the pool! Aww he’s so cute!

  56. Lani

    I’m glad to see all is well with you and your family. I miss reading HHH but am happy to know you are just focused on your life and work. We will read whenever you feel like posting. I’m so glad Davis is awesome, but LA misses you. 🙂

  57. Elise (Post author)

    YUP! ill post the recipe eventually…

  58. Elise (Post author)

    i love davis!!! im not one to comment on price bc i lived in nyc and santa monica before so everything seems cheap to me now…but it is still california so im not sure how it compares to elsewhere in the country. not sure where you are beth, but i highly recommend the bay area.

    summers are hot. 100s but dry heat, not humid yuck. winters are cold. no snow but almost.

  59. Elise (Post author)

    yup!

  60. Dad/Jeff

    Hey, all you followers/fans of Elise: there’s no way in (heck) she’ll stop blogging. You mean too much to her and she loves the project. I have no secret insight to her brain, but I’m guessing she’ll figure out a way to balance Mr. P, her husband, her job and her food passion/blogging. And maybe her folks (jk). But it may go through a few bumps as she re-balances her life.
    Hey Elise – the little guy looks really cute in the pool! I hope you don’t stress about these conflicts – you are a super-lucky lady.
    Love,
    Dad

  61. Elise (Post author)

    love you dad 🙂

  62. Lou

    I miss the interaction with my blogging-buddies too….. life has just become a tad hectic (I know you can relate!) with throwing yoga teacher training into the mix…. maybe I will be back one day 🙂 Loving seeing all these photos of your beautiful family though – you really seem to be hitting your stride!

  63. Beth

    Awe, what a great dad! Made me cry.

  64. Emily

    Hi Elise-
    Lurker and devoted reader here, just wanted to say that I pop into your blog every.single.day because i LOVE it, you, and your gorgeous family, and you and the blog have helped me so much, you helped me figure out my own issues w/ IBS, and helped me educate myself about my own lifestyle (hippie in training over here) and how I can be cleaner/greener/more sustainable in my practices. You are a total source of inspiration, you have such a balanced, compassionate attitude and are a huge role model in every area, not just food-wise but you are an amazing example of being a great mom, person, nurse, and wife. I would miss you dearly if you stopped blogging, but, I want the best for you– I think everyone commenting here does. You are a wonderful mom, I can see that even through the inter-webs, and little Mr. P is SO lucky to have you. I wish you all the best, and just wanted you to know just how much of an impact you have, and have had on me, and many others. 🙂

  65. Shannon

    Thanks for all of the healthy eating inspiration! I would still subscribe even if you only posted every once in awhile. Your little guy is just the cutest.

  66. Elise (Post author)

    hi emily -thank you so much for such a sweet message. it really warms my heart to hear things like this. i truly love blogging – so the fact that you enjoy reading and ive helped you is just icing on the cake!

  67. Elise (Post author)

    for sure. im glad its all good stuff thats in the way of blogging. that means life is good 🙂

  68. Britt

    Darn it I KNEW those awful commenters were going to ruin blogging for you. I completely understand why you’ve decided to pull back because who wouldn’t after everything you had to deal with in the last little bit? It just makes me sad that people like that come to this happy place and try to bring it down. I read your blog because it makes me happy and I really enjoy all your posts/LOVE them. I’ll never understand those people that come here looking for an opportunity to “be offended” and to judge. Why do they think anyone cares??? It’s so outrageous. Ahhhhh clearly I could go on and on lol

    I don’t usually comment, but I just HAD to let you know that you’re fabulous and there are WAY more people that appreciate you opening up and sharing than you even know!! Unfortunately, it’s the haters that like to be heard. The rest of us silently enjoy your blog daily.

    Wish you all the best and I’ll continue to check back daily with my fingers crossed!!

  69. Nicole @ FruitnFitness

    I’m glad you are enjoying the time with your family! Your eats away from home look so great and healthy, I love the ideas for new meals. Enjoy your weekend!

  70. Elise (Post author)

    You’re so sweet to leave me this comment Britt. I really really appreciate your support and I definitely feel the love. It’s good to be reminded of the nice (normal) people who read and enjoy what I share 🙂

  71. Nicole

    Elise! Your blog truly inspires me. I also have IBS and a son…and your view on living life to the fullest while having IBS has really helped me so much! Thank you for that!

  72. Heather

    I hope you don’t quit, although I understand, being a working mom with a 6.5 month old. As someone else mentioned, I’ve been looking forward to what you post when P starts eating solids. We’re doing baby led weaning (no purees, just straight to finger food), and it’s been fun, but I struggle sometimes with healthy options that she can eat and figured that when you get to finger food I’d be able to grab ideas from you. 🙂

    Anyways, I think when you’re first back to work is the worst part. I’ve been back for 3.5 months now, and I feel like I’m getting into the swing of things enough that I am resurfacing and wanting to start picking up my hobbies again (bit by bit of course). So hopefully you’ll stop by and blog when you have a chance.

    Oh, and I’m taking my girl to swim classes starting tomorrow! We have a pool at home, so I feel that it’s really important to get her used to the water and hopefully we can learn some survival type things. And I’m hoping to meet other moms too…I do a Stroller Strides class 2x a week after work, which has really helped with that as well.

  73. Kathleen

    Elise, have you ever considered SIBO as a possible cause? I just got my breath test in the mail but need to eat high fodmaps a week before and stop probiotics so I have to wait until next week.

    I too would freak of you stopped blogging, even if it is once a week, don’t stop!

  74. Laura

    Yay!! You’re back! Made my day after a hard one. Love the photos of P. love you xo

  75. Elise (Post author)

    yup. i think sibo is implicit as one of the causes of symptoms in most people intolerant of fodmaps. i dont know that a breath test is necessary for diagnosis, i tend to think of the elimination and response as the gold standard.

  76. Elise (Post author)

    hi heather! we are doing baby led weaning too – ill see when the time comes how much i want to share. i love reading other mom blogs about it, so i know it could be helpful, but im not totally sure how much time im going to want to devote to it. we will see…

  77. Kathleen

    My dr. says that sometimes the SIBO needs to be treated but that usually the strict elimination diet will work for most people. Do you think you have healed from where you were before you started the fodmaps diet. Have you considered herbal or oral antibiotics? I think my case is pretty severe given that I can hardly tolerate anything. My gastro doctor is not so knowledgeable about it and diagnosed me with bloating without doing any tests. I think I also have ibs which I assume you diagnose through a colonoscopy I assume but he thinks it is pointless for me to have a diagnosis. I think it is very important because there might be treatments I can undergo and it gives validity to my complaints because my family and friends think it is all in my head and make fun of how I bring my own food or have trouble eating in restaurants. Admittedly part of it is my ethical beliefs as I will eat farm raised eggs or wild salmon but do not eat any dairy and would not eat regular eggs or salmon out.

    I have to eat high fodmaps for a few days and stop probiotics before I take the test and then eat only salmon or eggs (I do not eat any other animal protein) and brown or white rice for 24 hours before and fast for 12 hours before.

    I wish I had a dr. who would diagnose by symptoms.

  78. thenerve007

    I have also been a lurker for years, and you have given me alot of insight/ideas concerning bring lunch to work. I say do what you can, as far as the blog is concerned.

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