Update Season IX - "CAD, Kenya, CAD, Kenya, CAD, Kenya, CAD"

[Joe Biden 2020]

Memphis, we had this argument before. Bushie argues with stated facts and laws so it didn't deter him. He knows best. We know nothing.

The problem I see isn't so much in your arguments, but that you (talking to the forum at large, not you exclusively) seem to use too many "one size fits all" answers.  Many things happen different ways for different people.  There are very few cookie cutter arguments in the world.  Maybe I don't use enough cookie cutter arguments, but I know just as every human is different that every situation is different.  No two situations, no matter how similar, are exactly the same.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Walter, my mother gave me $20 to go out to eat last night as her and Dad were going to a dinner and theatrical show with their Sunday School class at church.  She told me to go out and enjoy myself, as well.  Of course, she didn't expect me to be so stupid as to get the monster cake as its called on the menu, but oh well.  That chocolate cake while part of her twenty was my responsibility.  Thankfully, it didn't hurt me as bad as I thought it would.  Normally, chocolate gives me migraine headaches instantly before I finish swallowing the cake.  This time the headache was a slow build up and it got marginally severe briefly, but stayed at a moderate level all evening.  I had to take some medicine before I went to bed for it, but not my migraine pills.  I would have been totally fine, and better off, had I just had the Bacon Cheeseburger and fries that preceded the cake.  Oh well.  You only live once, right?

My brother is a religious man, but not to the extent I am.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Cheddarland was the name of the restaurant? What on earth?

Cheddars was the name.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Major changes are about to come to this house.  We just found out some startling news this morning regarding Dad.  He went to take a physical this morning, and it turns out he has diabetes.  This makes both Mom and Dad diabetic.  So, I can probably expect major changes to come to this house in the short term.  Most of the sweet stuff in the house will probably not return once it is consumed.  Sugar free syrup may become a staple at breakfast.  We'll have to sit down as a family and discuss the changes.  Since Mom and Dad are both diabetic, I had better watch myself closely as it may become inevitable no matter what I do that I become a diabetic since I am, in effect, surrounded by it.  Dad's not near as big as I am, either.  He's about 70.5" tall and weighs in the very low 200's.  He is a lot more physically active than I am as he works out in the shop doing carpentry work and stuff like that whenever the weather will allow him.  On one hand, it is sad that he is now diabetic, but on the other hand the changes about to be made are long overdue.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Well, I can't do anything about last night.  It was the first such escapade in quite a while.  I don't regret going out to eat, but I do regret eating the cake.  All that aside, it is now time to focus on the future.  I didn't weigh myself this morning, because I was "afraid of the scale" after the cake.  I'll weigh myself again tomorrow morning after I try to have a good day today nutritionally.  The best thing we can do is make these changes and move on.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Coming from a family of bad diabetics, and being spared myself, fortunately, so far, it's not just sweets.  It's a balanced diet with a balanced carb intake. 

A diabetic diet /=/ just eliminating sweets.......you either eat well, or you shoot yourself up like a junkie and die.

You ALL need proper dietary counseling.....please get it.

Yes, you are absolutely correct.  Sweets is not the only change that will be made.  There will be wholesale changes.  I'm sure he will see a nutritionist soon and get ideas on how to make the changes and I am going to bring what I learn from my dietitian to the table and start making a conscious, concerted effort to make these wholesale changes.  I wish we could go to a dietitian appointment together as a family.  That would help more than anything right now as all three of us would hear the same information and less of it would be "lost in the car" between the dietitian's office and relaying it to the rest.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Coming from a family of bad diabetics, and being spared myself, fortunately, so far, it's not just sweets.  It's a balanced diet with a balanced carb intake. 

A diabetic diet /=/ just eliminating sweets.......you either eat well, or you shoot yourself up like a junkie and die.

You ALL need proper dietary counseling.....please get it.

Yes, you are absolutely correct.  Sweets is not the only change that will be made.  There will be wholesale changes.  I'm sure he will see a nutritionist soon and get ideas on how to make the changes and I am going to bring what I learn from my dietitian to the table and start making a conscious, concerted effort to make these wholesale changes.  I wish we could go to a dietitian appointment together as a family.  That would help more than anything right now as all three of us would hear the same information and less of it would be "lost in the car" between the dietitian's office and relaying it to the rest.

Excellent idea, assuming you all want to get through this.

When we have our "family meeting" about all this, I am going to bring up that idea.

[Joe Biden 2020]

On another front, I am also considering going back to a "modified Plan A" as it relates to Kenya.  The more I think about it, 2015 may be too soon and too unfeasible at this point.  Plan A if you'll remember was get a job in Fort Worth right after I get my CAD certificate and work for about 4-5 years before moving to Kenya in 2018 or 2019.  I'm thinking about bringing that plan back to the surface now that I've had a chance to think about it.  The modified part of that plan may be that it might be Kansas City instead of Fort Worth.  It's still close (6 hours), but a lot less hectic than the DFW area.  Plus, I have family in Kansas City already and I would basically be on my own in Fort Worth.  I know I change my mind a lot, but at this point, I can.  I'm just trying to find the most feasible avenue to get me down to Kenya at some point.

[Joe Biden 2020]

I'll see what kind of response I get.  So far, I only have one like and one comment on that particular post, so its not drawing a huge crowd, yet.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Tmth, it was a real pleasure meeting you, as well.  You are a genuine person and I enjoyed my time with you.  As far as the malt, mine was a plain Jane vanilla malt.  I don't get too fancy.

The conversation was really pleasant.  I normally drive at or about 2-3 miles over the speed limit, but when I have someone following me who is new or unfamiliar with the area, I drive slower so they can keep up.

As far as my musical abilities, I'm not great and I would be laughed at on American Idol, but I like to sing the bass parts with the piano.  Sometimes, I'll sing the bass on the first verse or two, then the melody on the last verse, or some variation like that.  Would you believe, I was the assistant music minister at my other church before we closed down!  That goes to show the musical abilities of the church...  Oh well, a joyful noise is all that Jesus requires.  My cousin is probably my best friend.  Being cousins, we have known each other since we were real little.  I have been there for her and she has been there for me.  We have always been extremely close to each other and most of the time, we've been close geographically.  Only a few times have we been separated too far.  She came to my college graduation when she was in her 8th month of pregnancy with her second child a full three hours away from her home.

DC, I can't speak for Isaac, but without shoes I am 67.5", with shoes I am 68".  I always list my height at 5' 8 because there is rarely a spot to put a half inch, so I just round up.

[Joe Biden 2020]

I'm home from a great night of Bible Study with my cousins.  Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to breakfast as a family for breakfast and then grilled pizza for supper.  Grilled pizza uses homemade pizza mix like you would put in the oven, except the crust is grilled and the toppings are applied before being melted onto the crust on the grill.  It creates a very crispy and delicious pizza.  We had some startling news and wholesale changes will probably come, but we're going to continue to enjoy ourselves even in the food department.

[Joe Biden 2020]

As far as our reaction to Dad's diagnosis.  We all were laughing when he got home.  You can either get really upset and distraught or you can take it in stride and laugh.  We chose the laughing route.  Dad joked that he is now "joining the medicine club."  Up until now, he has not had to take medicine on a daily basis.  He'll be fine.  We know where we need to cut down and we'll have further meetings as a family, but it doesn't mean we're going to stop enjoying ourselves  in the food department, especially on the weekends.  As a family we have a policy that diets are not allowed to begin on weekends.  Weekends are about having fun with what you're eating and enjoy yourself.  Healthy (or healthier) eating is for Monday-Thursday night.  When Dad has Friday off, Thursday night gets lumped in with the weekend enjoyment.  We will continue to enjoy ourselves.  Clearly there needs to be changes to what we are doing, and those changes will come, but we are not going to throw everything in the cupboard in the trash and start over just because of a diagnosis.  We'll make gradual changes.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Bush from the photo, it looks like you're starting to slim down. Keep up the good work.

Thanks!

[Joe Biden 2020]

Hey Bushie, you hear the one about the guy who goes into the doctor to get his leg amputated due to diabetic neuropathy. It's a real knee slapper. 

We know the dangers.  Diabetes is not new in our family, but it doesn't mean we're going to do a complete 180 and stop enjoying our meals.

[Joe Biden 2020]

As far as our reaction to Dad's diagnosis.  We all were laughing when he got home.  You can either get really upset and distraught or you can take it in stride and laugh.  We chose the laughing route.  Dad joked that he is now "joining the medicine club."  Up until now, he has not had to take medicine on a daily basis.  He'll be fine.  We know where we need to cut down and we'll have further meetings as a family, but it doesn't mean we're going to stop enjoying ourselves  in the food department, especially on the weekends.  As a family we have a policy that diets are not allowed to begin on weekends.  Weekends are about having fun with what you're eating and enjoy yourself.  Healthy (or healthier) eating is for Monday-Thursday night.  When Dad has Friday off, Thursday night gets lumped in with the weekend enjoyment.  We will continue to enjoy ourselves.  Clearly there needs to be changes to what we are doing, and those changes will come, but we are not going to throw everything in the cupboard in the trash and start over just because of a diagnosis.  We'll make gradual changes.

I actually like this idea.  Eat very healthy from Monday to Thursday and you can relax a bit the other 3 days.  I would move that to 2 days though.  This prevents one from feeling deprived while still achieving some goals. 


A lot of people here seem to get angry at Bushie for his diet, but we must recognize the changes, even if they're small, that he does make.

Thanks, cheese!

To be honest, Sunday supper is usually very light and lunch (or Sunday dinner) is only big occasionally.  Usually, Sunday lunch and dinner are just "foraging" meals, finding your own, but once in a while especially on a nice, dry, summer Sunday we'll grill out.  The big weekend meals together are Friday and Saturday evenings and even then most weekends is just one of the two.  The other evening is usually together, but a little bit lighter.  I often have places to go on Friday nights (like Bible Study every other week), so that forces our dinner to be early and generally lighter.  I generally don't have anything to do or anywhere to go on a Saturday evening, so that tends to be the big meal.

[Joe Biden 2020]

As far as the meals Monday through Thursday, we're going to have meatloaf one night, slow cooked roast and potatoes one night, spaghetti, fish filets, and soft tacos.  Wednesday nights are generally another foraging night since Mom and I both have to leave for church at 1800.

[Joe Biden 2020]

There is absolutely no use in the world to get upset by diabetes.   Laughing is good medicine.  Stress kills.  The last paragraph was nothing reckless.   That's our general week. Nothing wrong with having fun while you eat.  Oh,  I would stop betting if you hate losing money.  Just saying.

[Joe Biden 2020]

What?!

Now I respect the not-stressing the small stuff mantra. Just because a condition can be managed/treated doesn't mean it's not serious and requires serious attention.

As someone with two parents with type 2 - you are more of a prime target than anyone and your family's thoughtless and cavalier attitude to health and what you put in your mouths is a prime cause.

Wake up mate, or you're next.

There will be changes, no doubt.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with meatloaf, slow cooked roast, fish filets, spaghetti, or soft tacos.  Nothing.

We know the seriousness of the situation, but again we're not going to throw everything in the cupboard away just because of the diagnosis.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Oh, and I know I'm next.  I know my time is coming, but I'm not going to stress over it.  I'll do what I need to and continue to live life.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Spaghetti is not a good choice for a diabetic. Pasta will spike his blood sugar very quickly. I have a friend whose mom has gone blind due to diabetes. It's the saddest thing ever!

We may switch the spaghetti for something else.  I didn't realize pasta was bad for a diabetic.  I will let them know in the morning before we get the stuff to fix spaghetti.

Polnut,  If we have everything in moderation and don't "clean the table" as I've been known to do, we'll be fine.  I'm not resigned to diabetes.  I know its avoidable, but I'm not stupid, either.  Dad is taller and weighs at least 50 lbs less than I do and he still got diabetes.  It's completely avoidable, but I also realize that even if I lose weight there's a better chance than not of me eventually getting diabetes.  My numbers are already pretty close as it is.  I have thought of myself as pre-diabetic for a long time, even though I am not officially.  We'll be alright.  His numbers are kind of scary, but its nothing we can't overcome with the right changes.  He's going to have to cut out the regular cokes and switch to mostly water.  He's not ready to switch to Diet Coke, yet, like I did, but he may have to eventually.  He was wanting to find some Twinkies that have come back on Walmart shelves, but that's out the window.  We completely understand we're going to have to make changes.  Since Mom has had Type 2 for several years, she can guide Dad along what he can have.  Grandma can help to as her husband had diabetes.  She isn't diabetic herself, but Grandpa was.  Plus, he now has a dietitian and I have a dietitian I see every month.  Mom goes to the doctor every two or three weeks to a month.  I go to the doctor regularly for blood work every six months, will be going again on September 30 to have labs taken.  The doctor will test for diabetes again at that time and I will find out the results on my regular appointment on October 4.  Dad will start going to the doctor every month or so.  He's got another appointment in August.  We'll have constant and available help.  The thing we have to realize we are not in this fight alone.  We have each other, and we have medical and professional support, and family support, as well as constant prayers from friends and family.

[Joe Biden 2020]

That sounds like a good idea.  I just looked Low GI up on WebMD and apparently they are better by taking longer to absorb and are generally higher in fiber, richer in nutrients, and less processed.

[Joe Biden 2020]

I'm sorry if I'm sounding like a newbie when it comes to nutrition, because I really am.

[Joe Biden 2020]

I think I'm going to go ahead and wrap it up.  It is Saturday Morning at Midnight in Oklahoma and I need to get some sleep so I can get up at a decent time for breakfast.

Well, forget about going to bed right now.  I forgot my bed time medicine, so since I just took that at 0005, it will be 0050 before I can go to bed.  I don't like to go to bed right after I've taken my medicine.  I like to wait 45 minutes.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Good Saturday Morning. I woke up feeling kind of crummy. My stomach started hurting last night and it hasn't let up. I was able to eat breakfast, though it was hard to get it down and somewhat of a challenge to keep it down. I can see a few naps in my future today. Grilled pizza may be in jeopardy this evening. We'll see.

[Joe Biden 2020]

Memphis, we'll be cooking a lot more as a family over the coming weeks and months.  We're still going to have the pizza this evening and the hamburgers tomorrow, but that's just because we want to enjoy our weekend.  We'll get started cooking as a family on Tuesday, probably, because we have to take JJ to the vet at 1645 Monday for another round of his puppy boosters.  If you could give me an idea how your proposal would work since we're 500 miles away, I'd appreciate it.  Thanks.