I know I have not had any time to blog about the sad ending of my role in the CALERIE study. Things have been crazy with being at the study, getting ready for a conference, and getting ready for a vacation.
So the short version of the story is that I am/was very sad to be finished with the study. The last morning was a grueling one --I think that I have to claim the biopsies are the least fun part of the study-- but as I told the doctor performing them, I entered the study because I saw the impressive pictures of the calorie restricted mouse muscle- so I should have to participate in this part of the study for that reason alone! But as I was done, and eating breakfast, I started sobbing. I did not know why I was so upset. I would think most people would have been thrilled to be finished with the study- but no- there I was blubbering over my English muffin and peanut butter.
I was getting some very good/supportive text messages though at this time. AMH helped me justify that the study was a major part of my life for 2 years and I am allowed to mourn it's end. And so I did. All day. Every time I thought I was okay, something would trigger the tears. At one point it was hearing Bob Dylan's- It's all over now baby blue on the radio.
But I could not mourn for long. I needed all pistons firing for the effort of making my poster... if any of you remember the last poster I made (October) I pulled an all nighter (nothing like the last minute- procrastination Liz). I promised my counselor I would try not to ever do that again. I failed this week in keeping that promise. So without going into any of the awful details, I made a poster, it got printed (after many hours of IT intervention), I cleaned my apartment, did laundry, packed, baked muffins, and actually slept last night :)
So we made it. We have arrived safely and pretty much without any trouble, settled into the hotel with TE, and just returned from food shopping.
Which is really the topic I want to discuss the most right now. We had to go to a gas station grocery for our food. We are trying to save money by not buying more than one meal out each day-- we wanted to take a bus to a supermarket somewhat nearby, but we are tired and did not feel like having to deal with public transport in a confusing non-city. So off we went to the gas station nearby.
We spent $56 (!?!? I know, right?! When you see the list below you will ask if we are really saving any money!)-- here is what we got for breakfasts and lunches for TE and lunch/snacks for me.
6 Bananas
6 Bagels
Raisin Bran cereal
JIF peanut butter
Strawberry Jelly
Plain corn Doritos (TE has been talking about their existence for years, no one believes him. We had to get them...)
Salsa
Beef Jerky
Bag of mixed mini candy bars
Milk
4 6oz- yogurt (not the ones I would want but at least they are low-fat)
Red Fat Cream cheese
25% reduced fat cheddar (impressive for a gas station!)
Ziploc "bowls"
Plastic utensils
Yep- so I will keep you all posted on my CR eating at a conference. I did well tonight, steered clear of any and all cheese (I can not have one piece) and just drank tea/decaf coffee and ate fruit. They only give us breakfast here so I am going to make the most of it.
