It's Beggining To Feel A Lot Like An Ordinary Day

This holiday season has come and is quickly going by. Today is Christmas Eve, and it feels like an ordinary day here with our dad no longer around. Tomorrow is Christmas, and it's going to be odd around the house (to say the least). I managed to do some shopping this year, thanks to a prize I won, and a giftcard I won. I however didn't get to send anything to friends this year, as I couldn't afford it. I was only able to afford gifts for my brothers. I won't be opening up anything this year on Christmas morning, but at least my brothers will be able to.

That's what under are tree looks like this year. My younger brother bought a movie for me & a game for my brother (all he could afford this year), and my other brother, well he didn't save for gifts this year. I was able to get them 6 gifts each this year. Hopefully next year there will be more under the tree, as I'm hoping I'll be working this time next year.

The Holiday Season

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and we're a few weeks away from Christmas. It feels weird without our dad here this holiday season. As of this writing, we haven't put up any decorations yet. Normally we would have had the decorations up the weekend of Thanksgiving, but that hasn't been the case this year. I didn't get to go out this year on Black Friday. My Aunt had told me months ago that we would still keep that tradition going and go out on that day, but as Black Friday approached, she never brought it up to me, and didn't talk to me about it. She made other plans instead.

As of right now, I haven't done any Christmas shopping, and as the day approaches, I'm not sure exactly how much I'll be able to spend this year on gifts for family & friends. Money is tight, not only for myself, but my brothers. In ways it feels like it did back in 2010, or December of 2009, I really forget. That was when my dad, when he was alive, was diagnosed as a Diabetic, and was in the hospital for a large portion of December that year, and was released three days before Christmas. The only difference between then and now is that three days before Christmas this year, he'll still be gone.

Aside from figuring out how much money I'll be able to spend this year, we still have our housing situation to deal with. I haven't had any luck in getting a job, and we may have to rent out a room still. I'm really hoping to get a job soon, so we don't have to rent out a room. Besides, I have no clue whom to rent out a room to.

Back to the holiday season. So far, the only plans we have, is to go over to our Aunt's on Christmas, and that's about it. We don't have any plans as of right now for any other days before then, or after then.

An Odd Thanksgiving

I couldn't think of a better title, as that's what it is. This is the second Thanksgiving I'll be spending without my father (first one was a few years ago, when we had a big argument), but this one unlike the last one is because he's no longer with us. This week also marked the 5 month mark since he's been gone.

When the fourth of July came and went, it felt like he was on vacation. Halloween came and went, and it seemed almost normal, as we never did much of anything with him in regards to that for several years now, and the past few weeks, and more so this week, it's set in, where I find my find myself missing him. This was the first year in about 10 years where I didn't go shopping at the store for food to make for Thanksgiving, or a few days after (as we always cooked a separate meal at home a few days later if we ate at a relatives house, or went out to eat, which would be at Knotts Berry Farm. They have an excellent Thanksgiving buffet). It's also going to mark the first time in 10 years where I won't be going out the day after Thanksgiving shopping for gifts, and just taking in the experience of going out on Black Friday. It's something I've enjoyed doing, and I don't think I'll be going out this year.

I guess I'm not really looking forward to tomorrow. However there still are things I'm thankful this year. I'm thankful for my family (both related, and church family), and friends. I'm also thankful that my younger brother is working, and my older brother is still working. I'm thankful that my contest wins have slowly started to pick up again. Lastly, and this is related to my church family, but I'm grateful for being in a home church. It was such a blessing to receive a box of supplies for preparing a Thanksgiving meal at home, and was quite the surprise. An amazing one might I add.

A Trip To The Movies And More

That would be what I did on Friday. It was the first time I've been to the theaters since I saw Man of Steel in August (or at least I think it was August). It would also be the first movies I've seen in theaters that was different than Man of Steel, as the last two times I've been to the theaters was to see Man of Steel. The three movies I saw on Friday were Thor: The Dark World, About Time, and Twelve Years A Slave.

If you liked the first Thor, you would like the second one, and there really isn't much to discuss about the movie. Overall, I thought it was a good superhero movie. About Time was one of the most clever movies I've seen that involves time travel that I have seen in quite a while. It's a romantic comedy, with British humor, and a movie that I found quite enjoyable. Twelve Years A Slave was an exceptional movie, one that will no doubt be getting Academy Award nominations. The film is set during the slave years, and the main character in the film gets kidnapped, and put into slavery in the South. It is also based on a true story.

Back From A Writing Hiatus

Or Something like that. Last time I posted an entry to my blog, the Angels were still playing, and out of it once again. To be honest though, I really haven't felt like writing all that much, but over the past few days, I've been feeling the urge to write.

There hasn't been that much new with me, since I've last posted. Things remain the same, in the sense that I'm still looking for work, along with my younger brother. We still haven't decided to rent out the master bedroom and are still trying to figure out what to do with the furniture in the room, along with the tv (it's a 46 inch hdtv that's only a few years old). Our uncle suggested he rent the room, and it was a legitimate option, and we were open to it, but those plans have fallen through. They fell through about two weeks ago.

Next week will mark the 4th month that my dad has been gone (and the day after would have been his birthday). There are easy days (well not really easy), and there are hard days. I tend to feel it more at night when things are quiet, which probably explains why I don't care for the night, as it's too quiet. It's still something that I haven't got quite used to.

There are places that I still haven't been to since my dad passed, and when I'll get around going to them, I don't know. Probably during the holiday season. Although I'm not looking forward to those either. To say it feels weird knowing the holidays are approaching is an understatement. I'm used to going out the day after Thanksgiving shopping, and this year, I'm not sure if I'll get to do that. It's fun going out the day after, and sometimes it does involve going to a movie.

Since May, I've only been to the movies twice, and both times were to see Man of Steel. To say I'm due to going out to the movies is an understatement, but with financial matters being tough at the moment (until I'm able to get a job), it's not really an option of mine to be going out, although I do have $30 in Fandango giftcards that I can use (won them), but I think I'm saving them for something. Don't know what as of yet. Perhaps I'll be saving them to see Thor when it's out next month, and the next installment of the Hunger Games.

College Football & NFL Starting Back Up

And it doesn't feel the same. These are the first two big sports to start back up since my dad has passed, and it's just not the same watching them. My dad & I would talk about the games leading up to them, and we'd spend time talking about them afterwards, and of course we would watch them together. That's all gone now since I'm watching it alone. My older brother will watch it with me at times, and he'll listen to me talk about various teams and players, but there's no back and forth.

I guess you can say that I'm in a lousy mood as I write this entry. Just with this, and with the lack of progress on my job search, and the prospect of being homeless, and losing our animals. It's been 4 months of what seems like wave after wave of either bad or disheartening news, and would just be nice if things started to change for the better.

That's where faith comes in, and that's what is keeping me going. That, and my church family. It really has been a blessing with that (to say the least).

A week of WWE Events

Well not a full week, but last week was the best week I've had in a long time, and for sure of the summer. It all started with SummerSlam last Sunday at the Staples Center, then continued the next night with Raw at the Honda Center, and finished off with the WWE Live Raw House show at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.

SummerSlam was the second pay-per-view event that I've ever been to, and the Raw live show was one of many I've been to, as well as the house show. Outside of going to the events, there really isn't much new going on with myself. I'm still looking for a job, and not just myself, but my brother as well.

It was a big relief to be able to go to those WWE events (the first two, we went with a friend, and it was great experience because of it), primarily because it gave us a brief break from other things that have been going on for the past few months.

Hoping For Some Good Luck For A Change

This past summer, let alone year has been one in which I'd like to start over (I know it's not possible). It just seems like an ongoing string of bad luck. This summer particularly, has been one that's been rather unfortunate. We (by we, I'm referring to my brothers, and myself). We've dealt with the death of our father, back on June 23rd. We're still dealing with financial stuff, and things to be honest feel bleak. Both myself and my younger brother are jobless right now, and the only one working is my older brother, and even that is just part time.

My brother & I (the jobless ones) are currently looking for a job, and have been applying at various places. Right now, it looks like we only have enough funds for 10 to 12 months, and after that, the money is dried up, and we're homeless (that's a hard thing to say). It might be even shorter than that, and with the way the bad news seems to keep on piling up that we have less than that.

The hard part is getting a job. I've been applying for awhile now (before all of this happened), and my younger brother has started this past week. We we're hoping our dad would have had at least six months to live (as was the original time frame), and I would have been paid for taking care of him (as I would have qualified to do so), but he passed before the process of getting approved was finished (didn't make it to the interviews).

I imagine the reason why I, nor my brother have not had any luck, is from the lack of job experience. Like I said, it would be nice if our luck turns around. Really don't want to wind up losing our animals, and ultimately our animals. Things sure seem that way right now, and it's a very lousy feeling (to say the least).

It's Been A Month

Since my dad passed away, and it still feels like a bad dream, or at the very least like he's on the longest vacation of his life, and will be back anytime now, but sadly that isn't the case. I've been browsing job sites more and more now (no luck), and I'm sort of half into that, and half not. I managed to already clean out my dad's room, which took me two weeks. I'm referring to myself having cleaned out the room, and that's the case. I spent the last week and a half going through the room, clearing the dressers, putting things in bins, donating the clothes, and today on the one month mark, I finished it.

It wasn't easy to say the least. There were a lot of memories I got to look back on while cleaning out the room. The room still had stuff from my mom, so I got to go down memory lane with both parents as I cleaned the room out. There's empty furniture, and a king sized bed, and a couch that was only bought this year that remains in the room. Clothes that do remain in the closet, will get used by myself. There's an HDTV that will not be getting much use (if any) for the time being in the room. As for what will happen to the stuff, all I can say is it's too early. Most likely the stuff will either be given away, or sold.

I figured I'd write this entry right now, close to 11:30 at night, particularly because I've found myself dreading the night, as the loneliness sets in. I find myself missing so much. I live with my two brothers (one is older, and the other younger), and the conversations just aren't the same.

My Dad's Service

My father passed away on June 23rd, and today was my father's Memorial Service. I wasn't sure how I felt going in to today, and I'm still not sure (my emotions are all over the place to be quite honest). The service went well. I found myself missing not only my father today, but my mother as well. It's been 10 years since she's passed away.

As I mentioned, I've been dealing with a wide range of emotions. It's ranged from sadness, to being angry, to everything else in between. The quietness that has no set in the house really gets to me right now. I absolutely hate it. It was one thing when my mom passed away, because our dad was still there, but now that he's gone, it's just something else entirely.

I find myself sitting here, and thinking about days ahead, and thinking about the holiday season that is approaching fast as July is almost halfway over, and I have no clue how that's going to be. Maybe I shouldn't be thinking that far ahead, but it is what it is, and as I mentioned, my emotions are all over the place.

The Low Sodium Way

Well not exactly the low sodium way as in how you should eat. I just thought I'd put up an entry with some various low sodium products I've been using. Prior to these past weeks, I had been on track where I rarely go over 1500mg of sodium a day, but considering the circumstances I've had, that's been hard to keep up, with days where I go over, but days where I stay within that limit.

I go this Friday for a checkup on my blood pressure, and I'm looking forward to getting that out of the way. This week has been hard on me emotionally/mentally, and that's because of the loss of my father back on June 23rd. We had discussed, and it was more of a discussion, that we were going to stay in Anaheim this week to see the Cardinals and Angels July 2nd through the 4th, and we'd be back home the night of the 4th, and the next day we would be going down to the clinic for the checkup on my blood pressure. Now those plans have changed, and so far I've sold tickets for the July 2nd game, and I'll more than likely be going to the clinic on the 5th alone, which is what it is I guess.

Anyways, as far as products go, I tend to use the following products:
Kettle Brand Potato Chips - Unsalted (5mg of sodium per serving) - I've only seen these at one Ralphs store, but I recommend them.
Padrinos Tortilla Chips - Unsalted (10mg of sodium per serving)
Francisco Rinaldi Tradition pasta sauce - says no salt added on label (40mg of sodium per serving) - I've only seen this pasta sauce at one Von's location
Annie's Naturals (Lite Raspberry Vinagrette & Balsamic Vinagrette) - both have 55mg of sodium per serving.
Marie Callender's Chipotle Dressing - 150mg of sodium per serving
Marie Callender's Bleu Cheese Dressing - 160mg of sodium per serving
Peanut Butter Company (White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate, sold at Target) - 35mg of sodium per serving
Jelly/Jam has roughly 5mg of sodium or less per serving
Ezekiel bread - Package that says low sodium - 0mg of sodium
Swiss Cheese - Ranges from 35mg of sodium to 60mg of sodium, or slightly higher. If you see swiss cheese that's in the hundred's of mg, skip it, as it's not true swiss cheese.
Noodles - There are brands that have 0mg of sodium. Ranges from the normal pasta, and wheat pasta.
Hot Sauce - Tabasco Sauce (Original Red Pepper) - 35mg of sodium
Salsa - Have to look around. There are some around 100mg of sodium or less. I've found some that are 95mg of sodium, but nothing really less than that.

If your looking for sweets, there are cookies and other desserts out there that are low in sodium. Have to look around. Off the top of my head, I don't have any recommendations, as I don't remember all the various names.

I've started making a low sodium guacamole from scratch. I don't purchase any mixes. I use lemon juice, mrs. dash extra spicy seasoning, mrs. dash onion seasoning, and mix it together. Depending on ingredients I have, I add Ortega Hot Jalapenos - Diced ones (5 mg of sodium per serving), and cilantro.

The key is to eat less processed foods and more fresh food. Chicken, Turkey Mean, Hamburger meat, the key is to use sodium free seasonings, as they don't add any sodium to the meats, and the only sodium in the meats are sodium that's naturally in the food.

Diet soda's, such as Diet 7up, and Diet Sierra Mist are low in sodium, and drinks such as Tang.

It's okay to go over your limit of sodium every once in a while, but if you want to follow a low sodium diet, than these products are helpful.

There's more products I use, but I just thought I would list these for now.

Back From Hiatus (Kind of)

Or maybe not. I haven't really felt the desire to write about anything lately. The latest with me is my father passed away, which now leaves myself and my two brothers without parents, as my mom passed away from cancer 10 years ago. Like my mom, my dad's battle with cancer was also a short one, with probably being shorter (in terms of when it was diagnosed). In retrospect, they probably both went through it the same amount of time, or one just ahead of the other.

My mother passed away the day after my 21st birthday, and a week before Mother's Day, and my father passed away the week after Father's Day. Go figure. It's almost like they had bad timing or something, although we never know when it is our time. If I've learned anything through helping out my dad and mother (because I helped out a lot with both, and I was the main caregiver with my dad, and did a lot of stuff back when my mom went through her battle), it's that each day presents you a new challenge. One day can be a good day (and with a good day, it will still leave you tired, and you will have to do a lot of helping out), and the next day could be a bad day (leaving you just as tired out, with even more to do to help out), to days where you get a mixture of both.

It's the first time my two brothers (ages 23 & 35) got to see someone on their death bed. I saw my mom on her's the day she passed, along with my dad and I believe my mom's mom. It doesn't get any easier seeing someone like that, but it is what it is with life. I've also realized that I'm quite capable of helping out if someone needs a caregiver down the line, and I may even look into it down the line, but as of right now, I'm not sure.

As of right now, all my brothers and I can do is take it one day at a time. I've had my moments where it's hard, and some days there are a lot, and I imagine it will be that way for quite some time. There is a somber feeling knowing that things that I used to do with my dad, and plans that we had, are now over with. It's the same feeling I got 10 years ago. I was close with my mom, and I was just as close, if not closer with my dad. I know for a fact I had more common hobbies with my dad, but we all did things together that now we can't go on with. I'm referring to things like going out to Angel games with my dad (we still have several games left in the season to go to, with the next games being this upcoming week - July 2nd through the 4th, going to the movies on a holiday, and eating out afterwards, or before, depending on the time of the movie(s), as my brothers and my dad would often see at least two movies on a holiday. Things such as shopping now change, and I did a lot of the shopping with him. I didn't buy a lot (hard to do without a job), but I would help him. Shopping for clothes and other things for the house is something mostly myself and my younger brother did, and again that now changes.

As much as I will miss things like those and more, I am relieved that he is no longer feeling pain. It's a comfort, a very weird comfort, but comfort indeed knowing he's in a better place. Before he passed, he did tell my older brother and myself that he was proud of us. When I helped him with his medication (both orally and other means), he did tell me I was a good man. That felt weird to hear him say that to be honest, but it was nice to hear.

The Process With My Dad

It's tough. Normally seeing my dad with energy, now he can't do anything. He was telling me this morning that I was up before anyone, but I can't do anything. Then he was telling me how there's things he wants to do, but can't do anything, and that he's scared. Scared because of his situation, and that he can't hardly eat anything. It's hard not knowing what to tell him. He apologized for his situation, and all I can tell him is it's ok.

It's really hard and gut wrenching watching someone that would normally be outside doing yardwork (it was his hobby), now barely be able to sit in a room outside of the bedroom. Now that my dad is dealing with hospice, it's like the same thing with my mom. Back then my mom was in hospice, I just didn't remember that's what it was. The only thing is, she didn't get the big bed that my dad got, but did get the oxygen, the camote, and not sure what else, and there were nurses coming in and out, but that was all I remember, and just like I helped out with my mom, I'm doing the same with my dad, along with my brothers, and church family, and neighbors.

Feels Like Deja Vu

Well there's no easy way to put it. Yesterday was probably the third worst day I've experienced. First two were when my mom was diagnosed with cancer, second was when she passed, and yesterday was when my father was diagnosed with cancer. Stage IV cancer. He's been given 6 months to live, and advised to get things in order fairly quickly. It's a hard situation (probably putting it lightly) for my brothers and myself. We live at home with our dad, so first things first, we will be setting up a living trust, and go from there. Living wise, we'll have to see how that pan's out. All three of us need jobs (my older brother, 35, is working), but I haven't been able to get a job, & I have no credit, and the same goes for my younger brother (he's 23).

I'm the only one driving, and pretty much looking a lot of major responsibilities falling on me. It's looking like it will be a while before my dad is allowed to come home from the hospital, and unfortunately, it wouldn't surprise me if he never comes home (sadly). I pretty much only got about two hours of sleep last night, waking myself crying through the night. Coming to a realization that I won't be able to go to baseball games with him this summer and beyond. We have quite a few games to go to, and we're planning on going down to Anaheim July 2-4th for the Cardinals series, which is their first time coming down to Anaheim. Father's Day is also approaching, and I wanted to get Padres tickets for us, so we could go back down for a game or two, as we did it last year, and it was a great experience. I reserved two tickets for the October 5th concert down in Chula Vista for Maroon 5 & Kelly Clarkson that we most likely won't get to go to now. I have to pick the tickets up on the day of the concert.

Been Over A Month Since I Last Posted

So I thought I'd put up a new entry. In all seriousness though, I really haven't been in a writing mood, however that's changed with the situation going on with my dad, in terms of his health. We should be finding out within the next week or two. I'll have to be taking him for a biopsy this week, but he really hasn't been the same for two months now, at least I think it's been two, maybe three.

He just had surgery for kidney stones last week, but right now, he has no energy, and taking care of him right now, it's a lot like taking care of my mom 10 years ago when she was sick with cancer, and eventually passed away a few months later after being diagnosed with cancer.

This past weekend, I went to Mexico with members of my church, and another church, and helped build a house for a family (the other church built another). It was a good experience for myself, but hard at the same time, as the day I left, I found out news about my dad's health, hence the biopsy this week.

It was the first time I've been out of California and to somewhere else that wasn't Las Vegas, so that was exciting, as well. Being down there also put a lot of things in perspective for me, and I'll more than likely do it again when our church does get to go down there again in the future, as it is an uplifting experience.

Been A Little Over Two Weeks

Since I last made an entry, and thought I'd do something about that, by putting up a new entry. I'm still sticking with my low sodium diet, and in total, I've only had about 4 days where I've gone over that total (which your going to, every now and then). The last time that happened, came this week when I ate at TGIF Restaurant. Just about everything there is over the 1500mg sodium in take amount, so next time I do go there, I will probably stick with a dessert or two. Seriously though, a dessert there has considerably less sodium then the main meals do at TGIF.

Aside from my diet, I've been to 4 baseball games already (Angel games), and my record going is 2-2. They lost the first two games I went to (which were the home opener, and the night after), and they won the last two games I went to (which were the April 13th game against the Astros, and the April 19th game against the Tigers). Both games were exciting for various reasons. The Astros because of the comeback win in the 9th inning, and last night's game because of the 8-1, plus in many ways, it could quite possibly represent a playoff series this year.

Movies wise, I've been slacking, and that will change this week. Contests wise, I was lucky enough to win an Xbox 360 Kinect Holiday bundle, and a copy of NBA 2K13.

Still Sticking With My Diet

The last time I posted, was back on March 22nd. I've only had one day where I didn't stay within my goal of 1500mg of sodium a day, and that was on Easter. I didn't overeat on that day either, and stuck drinking either water, or 7up, which has no caffeine. I haven't had any caffeine since I've started, which is approaching 35 days or so now.

I've found that while it can be boring at times sticking with the 1500mg of sodium a day, it is something that can be done. It's also easier when you've dieted before, and the same goes with caffeine. It's easier if you've given it up before. I once gave it up for a few years, so giving it up once again, is nothing new, and I find it relatively easy to be honest.

Changing The Way I Eat Week 4

I'm either on day 22 or day 23 (believe it's day 23) of eating differently, and unlike the last three weeks, I don't think I'll be updating daily. I've been under 1500mg of sodium each day except the one I posted about in one of my entries previously (where I barely went over).

I've also given up caffeine in the last 23 days, and I don't miss it. To be honest, I don't know why I ever went back to drinking caffeine when I gave it up before (probably because I thought I could handle it). Either way, I don't drink coffee, so that's also why it's been easy(ier) to give it up.

I'm anticipating my first day of blowing my sodium intake on Easter (March 31st). It's ok to eat more every now and then, but the important part is sticking to it (which I've done).

Movie Drought Is Over

It's been a while since I've last been to the movies, or at least it seems like it's been a while. In truth, it's been a couple of weeks since I went to the Best Picture Showcase at AMC (which was the last time I had been to the movies). I would have gone sooner, but I was waiting for my new glasses to come in. I didn't go to the movies yesterday (Friday), but I did go on Wednesday and I saw Oz: The Great and Powerful.

I won't go into detail what the movie was about, I'll just say that I felt disappointed after seeing the movie. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be which is why I feel that way. If your a fan of visual effects, then you'll probably want to see this movie in 3D, but I didn't find it necessary and saw it in regular 2D. I found the story at times to be a bit rushed, and at times I felt the movie dragged (was slow) in parts, particularly the beginning of the movie.

Overall, if I had to rate the movie, I'd say the movie was ok/average.

Changing The Way I Eat - Week 3 (Updated Daily)

Today marks the beginning of week three. Week three of eating better that is, or a low sodium diet, if you want to put a label on it. It's also the beginning of week #3 with no caffeine. Since I've started this diet of mine, my anxiety level seems to have dropped, and all around I feel better, which is a good sign that it's working (or at least I think it is).

Day 15 - For breakfast, I had a glass of yogurt (not sure calories, but sodium wise, was the same 150mg to 170mg), and some of my trail mix (140 calories, 0mg). For lunch, I had 2 servings of brown rice (300 calories, 0mg), and two tablespoons of Creamy Chipotle Ranch (170 calories, 150mg).

For dinner, I had a peanut butter & boysenberry jam sandwich (on a bagel. Not sure the calories for the bread, but it had 140mg of sodium). The peanut butter I had half the serving, (so again not sure calories wise, but sodium wise, 70mg). I also had a tortilla (171mg of sodium), a tablespoon of mayo (not sure calorie wise, but 70mg), and a cheese (not sure calorie wise, but 180mg). I also had a banana (102 calories, 1mg)

Day 16 - For breakfast, I had Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch. (160 calories, 120mg) and the milk (120 calories,150mg). For lunch, I actually had a snack of my peanuts and my trail mix (300 calories, 0mg).

For dinner, I had a serving of pasta (not sure on the calories, but 0mg), two tablespoons of Chipotle Creamy Ranch (170 calories, 150mg), turkey meat (660 calories, 285mg), a tortilla (not sure calories, 171mg), a piece of cheese (not sure calories, 180mg), and a tablespoon of Spicy Chipotle Pepper (25 calories, 85mg).

Day 17 - For breakfast, I had Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch. (160 calories, 120mg) and the milk (120 calories,150mg). For lunch, I actually had a snack of my peanuts and my trail mix (300 calories, 0mg). For lunch, I didn't have anything to eat.

I had an early dinner instead. I had a chicken sandwich (the tendercrisp one with Honey Mustard), and a street taco, with water (ate at Carl's Jr. before going to the store). Sodium wise, that was 1270mg, which put me slightly over the 1500 mark, which isn't bad.

Day 18 - I didn't have a chance to eat breakfast this morning, as I got up and gave myself a haircut and then went to church. For lunch, I had a rice cake (chocolate) (60 calories, 40mg), some chips (130 calories, 10mg per serving), two tablespoons of mayo (200 calories, 140mg), and a trail mix granola bar (140 calories, 65mg).

For Dinner, I had two turkey burgers (660 calories, 285mg), two tortillas instead of buns (171mg each), two tablespoons of mayo (200 calories, 140mg), and two slices of Swiss cheese  (50mg). I also had potatoes with no seasoning (0mg) and a tablespoon of spicy chipotle pepper spread (25 calories, 85mg).

Day 19 - Had a bowl of cinnamon life cereal (120 calories, 150mg) and milk (120 calories, 150mg).

I forgot to update the rest of day 19 and day 20, so I won't go ahead and put what I ate, but that for the two days, I did stay under 1500 mg.

Day 21 - I didn't eat anything in the morning. Instead I ate a late lunch/early dinner. I had a small Lobster Salad sub from Quiznos. I had it on the Artisan Wheat Bread. I don't know how much sodium it had, but it was less than the 1,090 sodium that's on the nutrition menu (the bread listed on Quiznos website is 1,090), so at the very most, that's what mine was, but wheat is lower in sodium. Either way, for the day, I'm below 1500mg of sodium for the day. I had wheat noodles (0mg) with two tablespoons of mayo (200 calories, 140mg), and banana chips.

Changing The Way I Eat - Week 2 (Updated Daily)

Today marks the beginning of day 8. I've now stuck to my lifestyle change (I don't really want to refer to it as a diet, because that would imply I'm going to come off of it at some point, and that is not my intention). My intention is to stick with this permanently. With that said, I will now go forward with each day as I did last week, and like last week, I will update daily.

Day 8 - For breakfast, I had 120 calories in the milk, 150mg of sodium, and Cinnamon Jacks 150 calories, 130mg of sodium. For lunch, I had a bowl of Success brown rice (300 calories, 0mg of sodium), 2 tbsp of Marie's Caesar dressing (170 calories, 150mg), a slice of swiss cheese (35mg), a banana (102 calories, 1mg), Yoplait Light Yogurt (Blueberry Patch, 90 calories, 80mg), and a Fiber One Chewy Bar (Chocolate, 90 calories, 80mg).

For Dinner, I had  I had two burgers (no buns), nothing added to it (just chili powder, not as much as yesterday, around 60mg worth). Calories (380 per burger, 75mg per burger). Had two slices of swiss cheese (35mg each), couple of fresh sliced Jalapenos, a bowl of Success brown rice (300 calories, 0mg of sodium), and Chipotle Creamy Chipotle Ranch (2 tbsp. 170 calories, 150mg). I also had two glasses (8 oz. of Sierra Mist, putting me below my goal of 1500mg of sodium for the day once again).

Day 9 - For breakfast, I had 90 calories or less in milk (skim), 135mg, and Cinnamon Jacks 150 calories, 130mg of sodium. For lunch, I had a light lunch. I had a banana (102 calories, 1mg), Yoplait Light Yogurt (Strawberry, 90 calories, 80mg), and I had a Nestle Strawberry Milk (360 calories, 260mg), along with around 40 pieces of unsalted pieces of peanuts (160 calories, 0mg).

For Dinner, I had three potatoes (fresh, 330 calories, low in sodium, will replace with amount later). I added a little of the chili powder (less than 100mg worth), and added some cilantro (2mg). I added two tablespoon's of Marie's Caesar's dressing (170 calories, 150mg), and added two tablespoons of the new Spicy Chipotle Pepper Sandwich Spread & Dip (50 calories, 170mg). I also had three glasses (8 oz.) of Diet Sierra Mist (0 calories, 105mg).

Day 10 - For breakfast, I had 1/2 cup Oatmeal (with water) for breakfast. Cinnamon Oatmeal to be exact. Results were 220mg Sodium, and 160 calories. For lunch, I had a Fiber One Chewy Bar (Chocolate, 90 calories, 80mg), a Yoplait Light Yogurt (Strawberry, 90 calories, 80mg), and a banana (102 calories, 1mg).

For dinner, I made a package of fresh chicken (180x4=720 calories, 70x4=280mg), a plate of pasta (400 calories, 20mg), two pieces of swiss cheese (140calories, 70mg), and two tablespoons of Chipotle Creamy Ranch (170 calories, 150mg), and two tablespoons of Spicy Chipotle Pepper Sandwich Spread & Dip (50 calories, 170mg). For drink, I had water.

Day 11 -  For breakfast, I had 90 calories or less in milk (skim), 135mg, and Cinnamon Jacks 150 calories, 130mg of sodium. For lunch, I had a Fiber One Chewy Bar (Chocolate, 90 calories, 80mg), a Yoplait Light Yogurt (Harvest Peach, 90 calories, 80mg), a banana (102 calories, 1mg), and unsalted peanuts (20 pieces, 80 calories, 0mg).

For dinner, I made a package of extra lean ground pork (150x5=750 calories, 120mg), same amount of noodles as last night (400 calories, 20mg), three pieces of cheese (210 calories, 105mg), two tablespoons of Chipotle Creamy Ranch (170 calories, 150mg), and two tablespoons of Spicy Chipotle Ranch Sandich Spread & Dip (50 calories, 170mg).

Day 12 - For breakfast, I had 90 calories or less in milk (skim), 135mg, and Cinnamon Jacks 150 calories, 130mg of sodium. For lunch, I had a banana (102 calories, 1mg), a Strawberry Yoplait Light Yogurt (90 calories, 80mg), a Hidden Valley Trail Mix Bar (not sure calories, 65mg).

For dinner, I had another serving of noodles (400 calories, 20mg), four potatoes (no salt added, 440 calories, 0mg), two tablespoons of  Caesar Dressing (170 calories, 150mg), two tablespoons of Chipotle Ranch (170 calories, 150mg), and a tablespoon of the Spicy Chipotle Pepper Spread & Dip (25 calories, 85mg). I also had three glasses of Diet Sierra Mist (0 calories, 105mg).

Day 13- For breakfast, I had 90 calories or less in milk (skim), 135mg, and Honey Nut Cheerios (Medley Crunch), 160 calories, 120mg of sodium. For lunch, I had the same Trail Mix Bar (140 calories, 65mg), a yogurt, Peach (90 calories, 80mg), and half a banana (51 calories, 1mg).

 For dinner, I had chicken (fresh chicken cooked at home). Didn't add any salt, just added chili powder (a tablespoon worth). That added 100-120mg worth of sodium, the chicken itself, 75mg of sodium for 4 oz of chicken, which I think mine was, or double that. I had a salad (20mg), with two and a half tablespoons of Caesar dressing (255 calories, 225mg), a tortilla (171mg), and half a tablespoon of Spicy Chipotle Pepper Spread & Dip (12.5 calories, 42.5mg), and I also had a glass of yogurt (Strawberry, not sure on the calories, but sodium was anywhere from 150mg to 170mg).

Day 14 - For breakfast, I had a glass of yogurt (not sure calories, but sodium wise, was the same 150mg to 170mg), and had a banana. For lunch, I was at the movies, so had a bag of banana chips (150 calories, 0mg), and Milk Chocolate Almonds (220 calories, 80mg). I had a Dasani water bottle (0mg, obviously).

For dinner, I'm having a couple of turkey burgers (not sure on the calories, but sodium wise, around 150mg each). I had a salad (20mg) with Chipotle Ranch dressing (170 calories, 150mg), a tortilla (171mg), a slice of cheese (180mg), a tablespoon of Chipotle Pepper Spread & Dip (25 calories, 85mg), and 4 glasses of diet Sierra Mist (0 calories, 140mg).

Reducing Stress

Stress. It exists in many different situations. Some are easier to get rid of than others. There are natural stresses (job, car, etc.), then there are the ones you can't really change because of not having the financial means to do so. For me, that would be living where I'm at. I live with my father, but I feel very stressed out living here. My goal this year is to move out (somehow). Not sure how I can do that as of yet, as I'm without a job and a car of my own at the moment, but that's my goal and my mindset (to move out).

Road To Wrestlemania Looks More Clear

After last night's Raw. I'm looking forward to ordering the ppv as I normally do, but I'm not sure exactly how I feel about the card so far. I think it's fairly decent, but could be stronger, especially considering it's being held in the stadium where the Jets and Giants play. Then again, I can see why the card isn't as strong, as next year is Wrestlemania 30.

Anyways, the card so far looks like this:
John Cena vs. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (WWE Championship Match)
Jack Swagger vs. Alberto Del Rio (World Heavyweight Championship Match)
CM Punk vs. The Undertaker (The Streak; Taker 20-0 going in)

Those are just the matches announced. My prediction for the rest of the card:
The Miz vs. Antonio Cesaro (U.S. Championship Match)
Ryback vs. Mark Henry
Randy Orton, Sheamus, and Big Show vs. The Shield
Daniel Bryan vs. Kane (winner gets tag team belts), or they'll face some sort of tag team and defend the belts, but a Daniel Bryan vs. Kane match makes more sense.

Changing The Way I Eat - Week 1 (Updated Daily)

As a result of my eye pressure, and the fact it can be lowered, and the fact I've been trying to lose weight (but haven't handled the foot aspect part very well prior, I have before), I've decided to keep a blog entry (updated daily for the next few weeks, and if possible, longer).

My goal is to eat at the minimum 1500mg of sodium a day, and at or less than 2,000 calories a day and see what that does both weight wise and other areas.

Yesterday morning (day 1), I didn't eat anything, and didn't eat anything until the afternoon. Had a slice of bread, two pieces of ham, and cheese, and a bag of Sunchips.

Just to put it in perspective, these are the results (sodium & calories wise)

French Onion bag Sunchips - 210 calories, 240mg sodium
2 Slices of Ham - 50 calories, 600mg sodium
1 slice of cheese - 60 calories, 200mg sodium

What I take from that, is eating processed foods, is not good, haha. So I probably can't stick to that 1500mg of sodium a day, but I can limit my in take of sodium whenever I get the chance. Would be easier if I was working, but I'm not.

For dinner last night, I ate at Corky's Kitchen & Bakery, and had a Basa Filet with rice, steamed vegetables, and a dinner roll. For my drinks, I normally would have ordered a soda with caffeine in it, but I had Sprite instead, and I'm on my third day now with no caffeine. I cut it out at one point when I had an anxiety/panic attack and have made the decision to cut it out once again.

Been A Bit On The Downside Lately

By the downside, I'm referring to a bit depressed lately. Probably explains the lack of blog entries to be honest. I guess today kind of prompted myself to write an entry about it. Actually it's more like this week. Yesterday, I found out that my grandfather had passed away on February 15th, and yesterday a screw popped out of my glasses, which led to myself getting an eye exam done today.

Results were I was at a 21 on the eye pressure, and starting next year, the person that did the eye exam (optometrist) wants me in for a yearly exam to monitor my eyes, because anything over, could lead to Glaucoma. This exam has enforced that I should apply for some sort of medical aid, as I didn't do about two years ago for high blood pressure. In a sense, it feels kind of intimidating, when you've never applied for aid before, so saying I don't know where to start is an understatement.

That's just that area. Other things that have gotten me down lately are a lack of progress in my life. By lack of progress, I'm referring to no job, haven't met anyone (still single), and more.

Sure there are good things, but I tend to keep them to myself. I feel blessed for having a church I go to, a home church I belong to, and I'm fortunate enough to still win contests, those wins, I usually only tell my brothers, or post on fb, or here (which only one or two people read), or keep to myself. Winning things is a blessing in my opinion, and I feel like I'm just rambling now, so that's where I will stop.

Haven't Gone To The Movies In A While

Couldn't think of a better title for this entry, as I've used it's been awhile already. I guess it wouldn't matter if I used the title again, but anyways, as the title suggests, I haven't gone in a while. Part of it has been I'm saving up right now, and another part (probably more so) has to do with a lack of good movies out there.

That will change tomorrow however, as I'll be seeing four movies during AMC's Best Picture Showcase (Day 1). The four movies I'm seeing tomorrow are Amour (haven't seen it), Les Miserables, Argo, and Django Unchained (I've seen all three, but am looking forward to seeing them again).

Contests wise, since I've last posted, I won a stay in Vegas (transportation wasn't included) at the MGM Grand, and tickets to see Lady Gaga. I was sick the first day and didn't get to see her in concert, however the second day, I was feeling better and did get to see her in concert, so the trip turned out rather good (at least I think it did, considering how I was feeling going in). I was also lucky enough to win a Windows Phone.

Road To Wrestlemania Made A Stop In Ontario, California 1/19/2013

Normally on a Saturday, I don't do much of anything, and last night was an exception. The WWE made a stop in Ontario, California at the Citizens Business Bank Arena (which is a nice mid-size arena) last night, and like the other house shows that have been held at the arena, this one was just as fun, if not more fun. The reason being is that John Cena was there as well (even though he is not my favorite wrestler), you still can't beat the chant of "Lets Go Cena, Cena Sucks."

As for the matches themselves, they were entertaining, and about what you would expect for a house show. The opening match featured Brodus Clay taking on Jack Swagger. The last time I saw Jack Swagger in competition, was the night he won the US Championship on Raw down in Anaheim, or at least I think it was Anaheim. The winner of the match was Brodus Clay.

The second match had myself, my brothers and a friend of one of my brothers going who? We saw Tensai (formerly known as Albert) take on a guy from NXT (hence the who) Bo Dallas. The match featured a few bright spots (mostly delivered from Bo Dallas), and he went on to beat Tensai.

The third match featured Alex Riley against Damien Sandow. I'm going to go out on a limb (probably not that big of a limb actually) and predict Sandow will have a big 2013. The reason being he is good on the microphone, and gets heat from the crowd rather easily, which are big. Sandow came out and delivered his normal three questions, which a crowd member must answer, but he saw the crowd as being rather unfit, and answered the questions himself. The end result was no surprise either, as Sandow defeated Riley.

Past Few Weeks (Contests Wise)

It's been a while since I've last posted about contests (one's I've been lucky to win). I thought I would go ahead and make this entry about that.

Perhaps one of the most unique contest wins I've won, came from Wholly Guacamole. I was sent 9 different Guacamole/Avocado (mostly single serving packs), and three salsas. It was quite fun to unpack (to say the least). The package came in a disposable ice chest, with four ice packs. So far, I've gone through two packs (Avocado, and Spicy Guacamole), and most of the mild salsa. All three have been good, and I'm looking forward to trying the rest.  As for what it looks like:

Another of my wins was a $50 itunes giftcard. I won it through twitter. A third prize is a Phorus Speaker I won through twitter (DTS, the sound company). I haven't had a chance to use it, because I don't have an android phone or tablet, nor do I own any type of Kindle. As for what that looks like:

2013 Academy Award Nominations and Best Picture Showcase

Well, it's now official. The Academy Award nominations were read off this morning by Emma Stone and this year's Oscars host Seth Macfarlane. If this morning was any indication, then this year's show will be entertaining, as Seth as usual was hilarious. The category I was most interested in was the Best Picture category for obvious reasons (AMC's Best Picture Showcase).

This year's field had one surprise. Here's the list:
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Silver Linings Playbook
Amour (the surprise)
Lincoln
Les Miserables
Life of Pi
Django Unchained
Argo
Zero Dark Thirty

As for AMC's Best Picture Showcase, no details are announced yet, but based on the previous year's I've gone, I'm guessing the dates for this year's are February 16th and the 23rd (day before the Academy Awards).

Road To Wrestlemania (2013) Unofficially Kicks Off Tonight...And More

Usually this time of the year, I get pretty excited, and this week in particular is a good one. Why's that you ask? Well the Royal Rumble is in a few weeks (no I'm not going, unfortunately), but I will probably order it on ppv. Tonight, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson makes his return to Raw, in which will no doubt be the unofficial kickoff to the road to Wrestlemania. As for when the real road kicks off, it's at the conclusion of the Royal Rumble ppv (hence why I'll be ordering). This year's Rumble should be better than last, as The Rock will be in a title match against CM Punk (unless he can't go, as he's been injured for the past month).

As for what else has my attention this week, we've got the BCS National Title Game tonight (Notre Dame takes on Alabama), CES is underway in Vegas (Consumer Electronic Show). That's the the big show/convention where every major and minor consumer manufacturer (or just about) unveils their new products for 2013. Lastly, this Thursday the Academy Award nominations will be revealed, which means AMC's Best Picture Showcase details (pricing and dates) will be revealed shortly after, of which I've attended the last four.

4 Movies To Start Off 2013, Six In The Past Week

Seems impressive (I think), but then again it's I normally rack up that many movies. The first two movies I saw came on the 29th of December, and those were Les Miserables and Django Unchained. This past Wednesday, I saw This Is 40 and The Hobbit (High Frame Rate 3D, second time seeing the movie, first in the way it's meant to be seen), and today I saw The Impossible and Promised Land.

Out of all those movies, I would rank This Is 40 last, and the other ones, are tough. Les Miserables was excellent, and everything I expected. Django Unchained was in it's right good and was a lot like Inglorious Bastards. The Hobbit in High Frame Rate 3D, was rather impressive. My only complaint with it, is it looked like some of the motions of the characters were sped up, and it brought back the days when your VHS would play and they would move a bit too fast, and you'd have to eject the tape to get it working right again. There were only a few instances where I noticed it, but it was noticeable.