Dallas Eatery

We visited La Madeleine in Dallas, my favorite French cafe and bakery. Our friend Jessica drove down from Oklahoma to visit us. It was great to catch up with her, since we hadn't seen her in 3 years.

Happy Chinese New Year!

The Year of the Boar 2007 begins at midnight on Feb 18th. We celebrated last night at Dr. He & Dr. Cheng's house. The endless and delicious homecooked food was so awesome. Dr. Cheng's eggrolls were just like my mom makes. . . the good salty thin-skinned eggrolls that have really good meat and mushroom filling, and not just blah cabbage. I can't find any eggrolls as good as homemade at any local chinese restaurants. We were also served stir fried noodles, BBQ chicken, veggies, and sweet sticky rice. Dr. He invited all the Asian students from Palmer, and his house was full! Karson and I were amazed that there were so many. Just over a year ago, he and I were the ONLY students who attended an Asian American Student Chiropractic Association moon festival celebration. Now, the asians are attending Palmer en force.

Homecoming Review

The shortened week due to the MLK, Jr. holiday and Homecoming kept throwing me off schedule. I still managed to see several patients and get some clinic file work and x-ray line analysis accomplished. Meanwhile, I got in a few workouts (rowing, swimming, and running), and attended the Homecoming seminar on campus.

Dr. Dan Murphy was fabulous, as always. He lectured on "Immune System Maturity" and emphasized various nutritional components and their effects on development in utero, early childhood, and how to prevent against post-partum depression in the mom. He also talked about chiropractic, of course, and how and why chiropractic thrived as a profession during the great flu epidemic around WWI. Chiropractic's effect has changed so much in the past 50 years because of the changes in people's immune systems. Chiropractic alone can't touch a lot of the inflammation and toxicity issues that almost all Americans struggle with . . . therefore, having an understanding of nutrition and how it affects the nervous system and immune system is the key to being the most effective health practitioner. I'm glad I'm getting such a strong education in nutrition at Palmer. I see the effects of healthy nutrition first-hand in my own life as well as in my patients who are compliant with nutritional as well as chiropractic protocols.
I also listened to Dr. Thomas Souza discuss headaches and other similar case studies as part of our clinical active learning session on Homecoming Thursday. He authored Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor which is a foundational text in our profession and our academic curriculum.

Dr. Woggon presented a complete scoliosis case study from start to finish. I learned more about things I should be doing with my scoliosis patients, and I want to incorporate those rehab and adjusting protocols this week! Steve and I also enjoyed going to lunch with him and his lovely wife, Brenda.
Last night, we skipped out on the Finale Celebration and opted instead for sushi at Amura with Burk Parsons and his family. The sushi was spectacular, and afterward, we had tea and dessert at the corner coffee shop. We always enjoy visiting with the Parsons, and this time I got to hold their beautiful newborn Elizabeth.

Chocolate Friday!

Since it's Friday, and I miss Jon's Chocolate Friday posts, I'm creating my own. However, since this blog is features my perspectives on chiropractic, I'll make it a health-related chocolate post. Sweetriot collected some decidedly good chocolate health facts, but I decided to find my own. Eight chocolate health-related research topics for the eighth day of December. Enjoy, and eat some chocolate!!

1. Chocolate as an Anti-Oxidant
Vinson JA, et al. of the University of Scranton published a study in the J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Oct 18;54(21):8071-6. stating that "chocolate is a powerful ex vivo and in vivo antioxidant, an antiatherosclerotic agent in an animal model, and a significant contributor to antioxidants in the European and American Diets." You can read the abstract here.

2. Improve Heart Health with Chocolate
Wang-Polagruto JF, et al. of the Dept. of Nutrition at Univ of California-Davis performed a study to determine whether chronic consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa improves endothelial function and decreases vascular cell adhesion molecule in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women, primarily by seeking for an increase in cardiovascular markers with chronic flavenol consumption. This study was published in J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2006;47 Suppl 2:S177-86; discussion S206-9. Read the abstract here.

CNN discusses chocolate and it's health benefits for the heart.

3. Chocolate Improves HDL Levels
Even better news is that consuming dark chocolate increases HDLs (the GOOD cholesterols). Mursu J, et al. of the Research Institute of Public Health, Univ of Kuipio in Kuipio, Finland found that "dark chocolate consumption increases HDL cholesterol concentration and chocolate fatty acids may inhibit lipid peroxidation in healthy humans". Free Radic Biol Med. 2004 Nov 1;37(9):1351-9. The full-text article is FREE on Pub-Med.

4. Chocolate and Improved Cholesterol Levels
This study by Wan Y, et al. goes a step further to find that dark chocolate increases HDLs, and it makes LDLs (bad cholesterol) and prostaglandins (an inflammatory mediator) more susceptible to oxidation (destruction) in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Nov;74(5):596-602. The complete article is free on Pub-Med.

5. Chocolate & Increased Cognition Function
Although I haven't yet found a conclusive study that indicates whether cocoa consumption makes you smarter, there is a study related to cocoa consumption and cognitive function. The results indicate that further use of cocoa may be used to improve vascular function for people who suffer from stroke, dementia, and possibly migraines. Francis ST, et al. published a study on "the effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on the fMRI response to a cognitive task in healthy young people." This study is found in J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. (2006;47 Suppl 2:S215-20) and the abstract can be read here.

6. Chocolate Prevents Disease There is a study that links cocoa consumption to pathological disease prevention. Fisher ND, et al. studied cocoa flavenols and brain perfusion. Read their abstract findings here. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2006;47 Suppl 2:S210-4.

Ding EL et al. of the Dept. of Epidemiology at Harvard Univ. in Boston, MA. performed a systematic review on the studies regarding the role of chocolate in preventing cardiovascular disease. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2006 Jan 3;3:2. The full text is available for free here.

Grassi D, et al. of the Dept. of Internal Medicine & Public Health, University of L'Aquila in L'Aquila, Italy found that "cocoa reduces blood pressure and insulin resistance and improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in hypertensives". Hypertension. 2005 Aug;46(2):398-405. Epub 2005 Jul 18. Full-text available.

Not to be outdone, Miesel P. discusses chocolate as a single remedy for diabetes and hypertension. Hypertension. 2005 Nov;46(5):e17; author reply e17. Epub 2005 Oct 17. Read the full-text.

7. Chocolate & Sex
Long-held beliefs circulate that chocolate is a strong aphrodisiac. Well, now there's proof. Salonia A et al. from the Dept. of Urology at the University Vita-Salute San Raffaelle in Milan, Italy found an "intriguing" correlation between chocolate and women's sexual health, whether it's a positive psychological or biological impact. J Sex Med. 2006 May;3(3):476-82. The full-text is free here.

8. Chocolate Vitamin
So, in order to prevent grave disease, ace a test, get in the mood for love, and improve your heart, take your chocolate vitamin! "All we'll have to do is give him a triple dosage of my wonderful Supervitamin Chocolate. Supervitamin Chocolate contains huge amounts of vitamin A and vitamin B...and, believe it or not, vitamin Z! The only two vitamins it DOESN'T have in it are vitamin S, because it makes you sick, and vitamin H, because it makes you grow horns on the top of your head, like a bull. But it does have a very small amount of the rarest and most magical vitamin of them all - vitamin Wonka... It's most useful. He'll be able to play the piano with his feet." - Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Thanksgiving Fellowship

We had a memorable Thanksgiving with friends. Steve & I prepared the turkey and a Florida avacado & pomegranate salad, and we trucked it over to Dr. Shawn's place. The turkey turns out fabulous every year. But, this year instead of the poultry rub and butter, we also added a chicken broth with onion, garlic, and poultry seasonings. This kept the turkey moist. We used an injection needle to continually infuse the broth and butter drippings into the breast meat and legs throughout the cooking process. Dr. Shawn had invited two of his hospital colleagues from Shang Hai who are currently working in the peds & NICU dept of a hospital in Boston. None of them had ever seen a complete turkey. So, they took photos with it to their hearts' content, and then we dove in.

Steve peeled the frills from the pomegranate, which is a time-consuming and arduous task. But, it is so rewarding for those ruby red pockets of sweetness!

Dr. Shawn prepared Chinese BBQ spare ribs and beef. So, it was more of a Chinese-American Thanksgiving dinner. In this photo, he's telling us a story about BBQ marinade preparation. There were a few vegetables available, spring greens and a veggie tray, but it was mostly a protein-heavy meal. That's probably why we didn't feel the big starch-protein contrast weigh down our stomachs like a big brick. We were all feeling pretty lively after the meal, unlike some other friends we ran into.

After dinner, we all traveled together to Dr. Don & Ronnie's house for desserts. They had a huge gang there of family and friends. We brought the beloved pumpkin cheesecake. But, since we have an extra one at home, we dove into the homemade apple pie, fruit torte, and apple torte with almond paste crust. Dessert was divine! Almost everyone there were still surviving their food comas from earlier in the day.Dr. Ronnie was "goofing off" with her friend Mike.

Steve got me (us) a new camera for Christmas. He let me use it early. It's a Canon SD700 camera. Thank goodness. My last one was a piece of crap. This one is almost as spectacular as a professional camera. We had fun playing with it on Thanksgiving! I hope all of you had a wonderful day with family and friends.

I really enjoyed the blessing of wonderful and delicious food, the time of fellowship with Steve and friends, and the relaxing time off from clinic. I'm thankful that I was able to spend this holiday at home, and I often thought of my friends and numerous other troops who are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. They weren't able to spend Thanksgiving with their families. Holidays are the toughest times to be away from family in the military. So, I'm thankful for their sacrifice for freedom. God bless y'all!

Greek Festival . . . OPA!

Steve, Katie, & I enjoyed the Greek Festival at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Daytona Beach. We'd all been looking forward to the food all week, and we were not disappointed. Unfortunately, they ran out of galactobouriko by the time we were ready for dessert, so Steve & I had to settle for baklava. We also enjoyed the gyros and dolmathakia (grape leaves stuffed with rice and sirloin, topped with a lemon butter sauce).

The church owns prime riverfront property. The Dunlawton bridge provided a gorgeous backdrop to the courtyard stage and tavern. The church's kids performed cultural dances. It was so cute to see the young 1st and 2nd grade boys dancing with such gusto and attitude. While they boys and girls danced, their parents would run up to them and shower them with dollar bills.

We enjoyed our Greek food on a pier overlooking the Halifax River. At the end of the evening, we toured Saint Demetrios church which was in the shape of a cross. The incense smelled beautiful, and the walls were painted with colorful relics and adorned with golden icons. Heavy wooden carvings of leaves and peacocks decorated large shelving units, and other church staples (alter, and some other things I couldn't identify). At the front of the church, there was a large, dome ceiling covered in beautiful paintings. From it, hung a very large golden chandelier. And adjacent room in the entry way had what Katie described as a confession room. It was dimly lit with red lanterns, and the walls were covered with religious paintings of saints, and Biblical scenes. The church was filled with beautiful artwork, but it all seemed so foreign to me from any church that I've ever entered.

We had fantastic food and a really fun evening! I'm glad I found out about the festival from a patient.

Fondue Party

The fondue party was Michelle's brilliant idea based on her mom's family tradition of giving her kids a fondue party at the end of final exams to celebrate their efforts and accolades. We had an small, intimate group of friends and we shared in extremely delicious food and fun conversation.In rare form, Steve actually smiled for a photo. Michelle enjoys the mini-cheesecakes of cheesecake filling dipped in the mini-graham crackers with chocolate drizzled on top.

Chris & Kristin

Steve sampled the peppercorn salami dipped in artichoke-pimento cheese fondue

Chris was a first-timer at fondue, so he began the appetizer experience. He was very inquisitive about the fondue "rules", but in the end it didn't matter. He snagged several pieces of Steve's mushrooms, potato, and steak in the fondue pot!Our hosts: Bryan & Michelle

Kristin stands next to the dessert preparation in the kitchen: platters of fruit near bowls of marshmallows and graham crackers.Bryan was so hungry that the fondue experience took a little too long for his preference. Every 10 minutes or so, he was able to eat a steak niblet. This whole set-up reminded me of an American version of the Chinese "hot-pot", minus the blazing hot chili peppers.

I was a huge fan of the grapes dipped in chocolate fondue (Godiva's liquor, Riesling, sweet condensed milk, and semi-sweet chocolate chips)

Kristin, Michelle, & I relaxed and celebrated that we had passed national boards!

At the end of the evening, the guys settled into playing a WWII-style kill your opponent game that reminded me of the set-up of DOOM or 007. I'm obviously not into video games and I haven't played any since I was in high school (Tetris doesn't count) . . . oh, but the guys had a GREAT time!

Finally . . . Thai food!

Steve took me to Thai Basil in Winter Springs. 30 minute wait was worth it for coconut and lime chicken soup in vegetable broth, calamari with sweet & sour sauce, pad thai in red curry sauce, spicy green chili and chicken with jasmine rice. It was fabulous!

On a lighter note . . .

OK, that earlier rant really helped me get it out of my system and to move on. I came home and took a 2+ hour nap today before going to the clinic to work with a couple of patients. I think that the frustration of the whole thing wears on me like vinegar poured on an open wound.

But, I'm over it, embracing the fact that I'm taking the test. . . AGAIN . . . on Friday. And, by Friday night, I'll be ready for a relaxing evening with Steve. I'm hoping we can go to our all-time favorite place in Orlando: Jade Bistro. We both need a night out together with some great food.

I always relax after being in the clinic. It's the only place where I feel like time flies by at this school. I absolutely love working with patients. I'm so humbled that graduating interns want to entrust the care of their precious patients to me. Even more humbled that some patients are willing to leave their chiropractors and drive 1 hour to see me. I feel a huge amount of responsibility to provide the best quality care possible, and to seek answers to difficult or challenging questions or cases. I pray, even now, that God equips me with the knowledge and skills to do my very best to help with the physical needs of these patients.

On another note, I got a FREE half-gallon of fresh squeezed orange juice at the Farmer's market last weekend. I'm ALL about supporting the local farmers. 1) the produce is always better quality 2) the customer service is unparalleled, and 3) they honor customer loyalty with discounts and freebies that you'll never find at name brand grocery stores.

Run beach, eat fish

Today was like a vacation--all in one glorious day. Slept in despite husband's annoying alarm squawking at 0530, and husband telling me to wake up at 0730 because I was late for class. Silly husband forgot that I don't have class on this very good Good Friday. After I ran errands all over Daytona Beach, I joined Katie for a mid-day run on the sand. We started at North Turn and ran to Ponce Inlet which was somewhat over 2 miles. We took a break and explored the sea turtle and sea bird ICU at the Science Marina. Then, we ran back and enjoyed the cool breeze on our faces. We hadn't planned on dressing alike, but we were both wearing black shorts and red tank tops. Great 40 minute run! I think I got a little burned on my shoulders. Darn! After our run, we stopped at North Turn for a late lunch. We were starving and our stomachs were ingesting themselves. We both tried the mahi-mahi--mine was garlic seared, and Katie's was blackened. Delicious lunch to refuel after a long run in the sun.

Once I got home, I felt worn out. So, I crashed into a delightful nap until Allycia called. Then, we met up at B&N for our green tea frappucino date. We're heading to the Daytona Beach farmer's market tomorrow morning to stock up on yummy fruits and veggies for the week. It'll also give us more time to catch up. My dear friend is moving to Colorado in 6 weeks, and I'm going to miss her terribly!

Writing, Beach, and Tea Company

I'm starting to wear out. Need the 4-day weekend to rejeuvenate. Dr. Mel & I caught up over yummy omelet breakfasts at the local mom & pop eatery Flapjacks. Then, I had a long day of classes, but my evening was packed with work and Bible study. I came home after class with just enough time to crash for a 30 minute nap. I zonked out and it was refreshing! At 5, I met the Triune editor and Dr. John for an interview at Stonewood Grill & Tavern. Great food, fun conversation, and a killer interview! I get to spend the weekend transcribing it for the next issue.

Other items on the agenda include studying radiology pathology (so I can actually pass the first exam), learning Pettibon x-ray line analysis so I can teach it to the club next Friday, and writing up a case study with DeJeanne of her scoliosis corrective care and results. It's going to be a packed weekend, but I'll do as much as humanly possible. Besides, I'm so happy I'll get a chance to catch up with Allycia tomorrow for a green tea frappuccino at Starbucks / Barnes & Noble. Tomorrow, Katie & I are doing a beach run. I haven't been out there since finals week, and I'm missing the view! My courseload for the quarter just upped from 30 hours to 34 for a couple of electives. May is going to be BUSY! But, I wouldn't have it any other way.

It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.
--St Francis of Assisi

Fa-La-La-La-La and Una Festa

Last Friday, went to Christmas party #1 at Steve's school and our photo made the RTS site.

Last night, we went to Christmas gathering #2 for Ligonier Ministries which was held at our church. Light hors d'ouvres were served that I didn't find too appealing, but I loved the punch (ginger ale and white grape juice). The event was serenaded by a string ensemble including a guy who could PLAY the classical guitar. Great music! Our worship director led everyone in several Christmas hymns. And then our beloved Dr. R.C. Sproul addressed us with a more sermony-type of message. We sat with our friends, but were late to acquire seats. The only 4 available together in the sancutary were directly in front of the massive oak pulpit. We literally had our heads back, looking up as if star gazing while Dr. Sproul spoke. It was like going to night church, with snacks.

Before we went to the event, Steve & I were both exasperated as far as what to wear to this thing. We're the least dressed up couple at our church where the ladies sport hats and the men wear suits with ties. So Steve showed me his jeans and untucked short-sleeve ensemble and I gave him a hearty 2-thumbs down. He kept throwing together mismatched and casual attire. So, I finally told him to wear the only dress slacks that he owns, the nice long-sleeved mossy green shirt that he wore to my sister's wedding and consider himself casual because he was without tie or suit jacket. He looked really GOOD! I forewarned him that he'd get a few comments about actually dressing up to go to church. And yes, Rev. Burk Parsons chided him a bit and complimented me on getting Steve to actually dress up for a change. He looks like a totally different man! But, he usually only does that once a year, and only for special events like weddings, funerals, or semi-formal holiday balls!

Tonight's holiday ball is party #3 hosted my Palmer Florida's student council--semi-formal affair. They've promised turkey carving stations, lots of delicious catered food, a live band, and raffles for cool prizes. At the price of $2 for 2 people, who can turn down the PCCF event of the quarter? Can't wait to show off my cool Napoleon Dynomite dance moves on the dance floor. That works out really well when sporting a tight fitting They featured gourmet noshings like smoked salmon and capers and bruschetta. There were a couple of faculty presentations: devotional and gospel of Luke reading. Then, we sang lovely Christmas hymns.qi pao (it's like wearing an immobile cast down to mid thigh. Wanna know what that type of dress looks like? Just check out my weatherpixie on the sidebar. She's usually wearing a long-sleeved or short-sleeved version.

How to Cook a Turkey

Steve insisted we do Thanksgiving dinner anyway. We'll cook a whole bunch of food and eat it over the course of the following week. Yes! Thursday morning, we're gonna volunteer at the county soup kitchen and cook a gigantic meal for tons of people.

Our larger than life meal at home won't be that much different than many of sides we prepare regularly, we're just adding a big ol' bird. I happen to be a big fan of turkey meat, especially the dark variety: yes I'm a BIG fan of protein. Oh, and Steve says he wants to make a whole slew of pies. Most of which he'll consume within a few days. Stew & Melissa may even stop by on their Thanksgiving hop around to 5 different meals at friends homes that day.

On the Thanksgiving menu:

roasted turkey with great-grandma's stuffing recipe & cranberry-orange sauce
baked butternut squash with cinnamon & butter
green bean casserole
*pierogies with potato, cheddar, & chives served with sour cream
apple pie & pumpkin pie with whipped cream
sparkling cranberry punch
sparkling apple cider

*Everything is homemade except for Mrs. T's pierogies.

Regarding the upcoming holiday, in which the last Thursday of November was declared a national day of Thanksgiving by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, it wasn't an official holiday until it was sanctioned by Congress in 1941 as the 4th Thursday of November. Anyway, due to holiday feast traditions of roasted turkey, here are a few ideas on how to cook a turkey courtesy of Mrs. Taussig's Kindergarten class at Hurst Elementary School in Holly Hill, Florida (2004):

"You put the bones in the turkey and then you took it fast for 100 and 100 minutes. Then you slide it all over the table and smash it and smash it til it's done. Then you put frosting on it and candles, then you put the rings on. Then you spell B-R-I-T-N-N-A-P-O-F. Then you eat it."
-- By Chef Brittany

"You put the turkey in the oven and you cook it for 10 minutes. The oven is 10 degrees. You open up the oven and then you take it out and start eating it and that is how you know it's done. Then you feel with the spoon to see if it's frozen, and if it's not, you feed it to the kids. The End!"
-- By Chef Kevin

"You put his face on first and then his feet. You put him in the oven and you cut him up. You cook the turkey for 5 minutes at a little bit hot. You know the turkey is done by opening up the oven, and it looks like chicken."
--By Chef Taylor

"First you get a gun and you shoot the turkey. Then, you bring it inside, and you put it in the oven. 15000 minutes at too hot you can't even lift it up. You know when it is done when your mom come in to say, 'the turkey's done, the turkey's done, the turkey's done.' Then, when it's done you have to get a big giant plate because it is so big you need a bigger plate. If it is too hot, you leave it for 15 minutes, and then you eat it with a bigger knife and bigger fork, and then you throw it away. And then, you eat the corn."
--By Chef Kerrick

Fado's Irish Pub

Saturday, we stopped for lunch at Josh's recommended place, Fado's Irish Pub. This joint had traditional Irish fare and the most astounding atmosphere. Inside the pub was like a cave featuring 5 of the various types of pubs throughout Ireland's history. On the ceiling, paintings featured Irish folklore. Our awesome waitress went across the street to pick up a copy of the weekend entertainment guide, and Fado's gave us each half-pint keepsake glasses with inscribed labels of traditional Irish ale. The corned beef reuben was phenomenal!

The World's Most Perfect Sandwich

Thursday night, Steve and I rented the movie Spanglish with Adam Sandler and Tea Leoni. We loved it: funny, dramatic, great story line . . . perfect way to wind down a tough week. The coolest part of the DVD was a cooking demo that described how to make the world's most perfect late night sandwich which played a great prop role in the film. Steve was inspired to recreate this fancy B.L.T. sandwich for dinner this weekend. So, we went out in search of ingredients on Saturday and had a fun time in the kitchen building sandwiches. It was delicious!


The world's most perfect sandwich

Valentine's Day Dinner at Le Cellier

We celebrated Valentine's Day on the 12th since it fell on a weekend. We chose to dine at the ever popular Le Cellier steakhouse in the Canadian pavillion at Epcot. Steve savored his ribeye while I dove in to a lush prime rib. The chocolate club cake was divine, and Steve gulped down his strawberry funnel cake with balsamic ice cream--that was a top notch dessert. I also highly recommend the Moosehead beer-cheddar soup appetizer. It was so scrumptious, that I looked up the recipe on-line and created it at home!

My Mom's Birthday trip to Florida

My mom visited for a week in January before classes began for 3rd Q. We took her to Animal Kingdom for a day, the exquisite Mall at Millenia (her favorite central FL attraction), and of course, the world's most famous beach. She collected shells for her future aquarium. We also checked out a few good eats while mom was in town, and all were instant hits. Now, we will make the 45 min drive to Jade Bistro for succulent Chinese-Japanese and the freshest sushi in the area! Another favorite we discovered was McCormick & Schmick's also located at the Mall at Millenia--this seafood restaurant changes its menu twice daily, and everything is incredible. We can't wait for another special occasion to visit once again.

Delayed 4 Year Anniversary

Celebrating our 4 year anniversary a month late at Texas de Brazil. They sent us home with a dessert on the house in honor of our anniversary. The carrot cake was scrumptious!