Friday, June 19, 2009

Friday, June 12, 2009

Endoscopy


















































Today I had an endoscopy for my probable acid-reflux-associated incessant choking sensation in my lower throat.  Well, in January/February/March it was incessant and downright overwhelmingly frustrating.  Now it is more or less annoying when it catches me off-guard from time to time.  

After a very bloody mishap with the iv and a very throat-traumatic procedure, the results show that I have inflammation in the stomach in the form of pan gastritis and an, "apparent mucosal junction."  I don't yet know what this means, but I meet with my doctor next week for the biopsy results.  I suppose any procedure where you can leave your shoes on for the duration can't really be that serious.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Softball on the other side.



















































Today I played in an all-day softball tournament with a division 1 team, The Mighty Muppets out in Slough.  (The location of The Office tv show, British version.)  This morning I woke at 6:30AM to the sound and sight of some serious thunder and lightening and a rain pouring down like I've not seen yet in London.  As I waded through the flooded path outside my front door I couldn't help but think, 'these crazy brits- if they think we are actually going to play today with this rain..'  Sure enough, after a 1 hour delayed start, the clouds parted and I wished I'd brought sunscreen and shorts.

We played all day totaling 5 vicious games and won the whole tourney.  The competition at this level was much stiffer and it also had, in general, a much more serious vibe than my regular weekly team, The division 5 Finsbury Dazzlers.  While I love my regular team, it is nice to occasionally step up and sub in a league that puts the pressure on.


Saturday, June 6, 2009

McDonald's after 6 years.
























After a very hungry afternoon in SoHo with my friend Faby, she suggested going to McDonald's. Seeing as there weren't really any other quick options, I decided to see if there was anything vegetarian.  
I was impressed to learn that not only can their Spicy Veggie be made vegan, but the oils are all trans-fat free for both the burger and the fries.  It was a little bland, but dunking it in barbeque sauce made it quite tasty.  And while the fries aren't quite as amazing as I remembered, the apple pies are vegan and downright delicious! 
It has been about 6 years since I had a meal at McDonald's.  While I'm not a fan of the fast-food giant, I think it is not a bad idea to show them support when they are making an effort to become health conscience and vegetarian-friendly.