The Lactose Challenge

I've been struggling with digestive issues for as long as I can remember.  Indigestion and a whole laundry list of symptoms finally did me in and I went to see a doctor about it.  He told me to cut back (a.k.a STOP eating) tomato-based foods, chocolate, citrus, and oh did I mention CHOCOLATE (?!).

 

He gave me a prescription and referred me to a stomach specialist; however, before I have my rendezvous with Dr. Tummy, I have to do the Lactose Challenge:

7 days, NO dairy.  

Then after that long, arduous week is over, I have to sit and drink two full glasses of milk at once "and see what happens."  See what happens??? Uh, Doctor, should I be anticipating a 16-ounce lactose puke?  I really have no idea what to expect, but that day seems horizons away.  I can't conceive of a day without milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, butter, or any other food product with milk in it. 

I'm going to turn the time now to Miss Gratitude, who will list all the things she is grateful for in this new situation.
1. I will soon find out if, for the last 20 years of my life, I've been Lactose intolerant.  Self awareness is always a good thing.
2. At my appointment in two weeks, I'll at least find out something, and soon all the symptoms I've been swallowing down for years will vanish.
3. Thank GOODNESS I like soy milk.  I think I'd rather [insert painful task here] than go a week without cereal. 

I think I might need a support group.  Is there an AA version of PLIA? (You know, Potentially Lactose Intolerants Anonymous)

To those of you who have done this for your whole life and not just a week, I salute you.  I'm still trying to figure out what is considered dairy.  Here goes Day #1!

Back to School

I was terrified to start classes again this fall.  After going to school year-round for 3 years, I got really burned out last April and couldn't imagine sitting and being lectured again.  Being in Europe really helped, and this summer I enjoyed just working and answering to no one but myself (oh, and my bosses).

I moved into my new place last month, and can I just say that I LOVE it?!  Here's why:

1.  I have my own bedroom for the first time at BYU.  There is so much space that it's overwhelming; I have no idea what to do with it all.  I love being able to go to bed early, listen to music without headphones, and dance like a crazy person when no one is watching (which is always!).

2.  I share the condo with only two (2) other girls, which means shelf and fridge space.  I went home to Mom's Labor Day weekend (by the way, she's doing GREAT!  She has more energy than I do!)  and did some serious grocery shopping.  I stocked up on seasonings, baking ingredients, pasta, soup, and of course cereal.  It's safe to say I'm set for the next few months.  I can't wait to put my new, $6 Crockpot to work!

3.  Washer and Dryer less than 10 feet away from my bedroom.  Although I learned that I have enough clothes to get me through a month before bringing them home to wash, it's nice to be able to clean my bedding and towels every week.

4.  Most of the time, I will have a guaranteed, covered parking spot.  Escaping an entire winter of scraping snow and ice off my car??  What a dream.

5. I'm SO much closer to campus now.  No more long walks and traffic!

I have amazing roommates, and coming home after a 10-hour day on campus is finally a peaceful, unwinding time to look forward to.  Conclusion? This place is going to make me high maintenance. Yay for housing upgrades!

I am still working at the bowling alley and finishing up Joseph Smith Papyri research, in addition to being a T.A. for Early Childhood Developmental Psychology.  I'm also taking Doctrine and Covenants, Motivation Psychology, Personal Finance (where I'm learning a lot of things about money), and Basic Conducting.  However, the highlight of my entire school year is making Concert Choir!!!

My freshman year at BYU I went to a combined choir concert, and saw this lovely group come out

 ...and I decided then and there, this is the choir for me!  Now I've reached my goal and I'm quite happy.  The bad news?  I've spent my first week in concert choir sitting on stage listening.  I came down with an awful throat infection Sunday and it's really discouraging.  I'm just grateful that it didn't happen during callbacks last week.  Our first performance (and I plan to be there) is Tuesday at 11am, where we sing at devotional. Don't miss it!!

Anyway, I could do with another three months of 80-90 degree weather.  Here comes cold.

I will leave you with my current favorite Youtube video. Sweet dreams, everyone!