Eugene's Blog: Pay it Forward

Just learned something new about blogging - I could have just re-blogged the original post! Easy peasy!

Eugene's Blog: Pay it Forward: "You are safe, you are loved, and it all gets better from here" On my first night out of the loud, scary, smelly place Foster Momma kisse...

Christmas is upon us

As another year comes to a close, I think it's a good time to look back and reflect on what you've done to help make the world a better place.

Today's post is really a cross-post, to share with you my little buddy Eugene's blog. Eugene is a foster dog that Ador-A-Bull Dog Rescue has taken in recently. You see, Eugene was born in Ontario with a big fat head, broad shoulders, and a short coat... he's a "pitbull". Eugene was taken and should have been put down, as he is a violation of Ontario's DOLA law, AKA "the pitbull ban".

So ADR found him, and took him in, and has him in foster care, where he'll wait until a happy family can adopt him... outside of Ontario. You see, thanks to Dalton McGuinty's bill 132, Eugene can't stay here in Ontario. It's sad, isn't it?? We're going to lose an AWESOME dog, just because he's too young to be here, and his head is too big. *sigh*

Every time we have these cases, it breaks my heart. I cannot speak highly enough of Emily and Lisa, the co-founders of Ador-A-Bull, and the tireless, relentless, undying dedication they have to saving dogs who have done nothing wrong. These girls are Christmas angels.

So... there's my rant for today. And oh yah... go check out Eugene's blog - learn all about what it's like to be a foster pup! And while you're at it, think about paying it forward... Ursula still needs somewhere to snuggle up for the holidays.

Eugene's Blog - Blue-Gene-Bull

Merry Christmas, everyone!!

if we have to be foolish...

a beautiful quote from a wonderful book - "the maiden's grave", by jeffery deaver.

if we have to be foolish, then it ought to be in love. not in our careers, where lives hang in the balance; not in our gods, or our lust for beauty and learning. not with our children, so desirous and unsure. but in love. for love is nothing but the purest folly and we go there for the purpose of being impassioned and half-crazy. in matters of the heart, the world will always be generous with us, and forgiving.

dear toronto drivers....

LEARN HOW TO DRIVE!!

Ok seriously though, learn how to drive. Please. Just learn the basic rules of the road, and add a dash of common courtesy. Some things to keep in mind, as you drive through the city:

1. If there's a big line to make a left hand turn, and you want to make that turn, get in line. Your time is not more valuable than mine, and I'm waiting, because I'm a polite, law-abiding citizen. You know it's the left turn lane, you know you need to make the turn, don't go racing up in the right-hand lane, and at the last minute be like "oh oops, I forgot I have to turn here, I need over now". I'm not going to let you in, and I certainly hope no one else does either.
   The same applies if you can see there's construction ahead and there are 14 signs indicating your lane is about to end, by the way. You can see the signs, get ready to move over, don't try to be smart and get ahead of everyone else.
   PS: To those of you who don't let that guy in: you're getting virtual high-fives from me!! Keep it up!!
2. If you're playing a game to guess what that tiny scratch on my bumper is from, I understand why you're riding so close up my ass. I'll help you - it's from when I was moving a shelf. Now you have no excuse - BACK UP.
3. For those special people who "accidentally" bump a car while parking, check to see if you did any damage before you drive off. If you did, leave a note... do the right thing. Don't be such a dick about it. And to the genius who got all cozy with my car, and slid all up along the back corner... I hope I find you one day.
4. And last but not least (sorry, dinner delivery just arrived - time to wrap things up), if the traffic is going 60 km/hr, go 60 km/hr. Even a little faster. DO NOT go 40 km/hr. I'm not sure how many people out there know about "ramming speed", but 40 in a 60 qualifies.

Ok... time to go eat... </rant>

Have a good night all! And remember...

You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.  ~ Author Unknown

what do you do with those egg whites, anyways??

I recently had a friend looking at my food diary on myfitnesspal.com and ask me, "so what do you do with all those egg whites, anyways?"

In looking at my food journal, I do regularly record a half cup of egg whites... they're a staple in my diet. So what do I do with them?? Omelettes, of course! Although, I'm often too lazy to spend the time making a proper omelette, so it usually ends up as a scramble.

I'm one of the people who used to cringe at the idea of an egg white omelette. The yolk's the best part, why cut it out?? Think of it this way...

• A single, whole large egg runs 70 calories, give or take. Now think about making an omelette - you rarely use just one egg, you're looking at at least two, and probably three for most people. So right there, 140 - 210 calories, and you haven't added any ingredients yet. 
• To replace a whole egg, you need about 50mL of egg white product (I use Burnbrae Farms NaturEgg Simply Egg Whites).
• A half-cup of egg whites (125mL, equivalent of 2.5 full eggs) is 60 calories. SIXTY. Remember, 2.5 whole eggs would be 175 calories.

So with just the base eggs and no ingredients, you're already saving yourself over 100 calories on the day. Nevermind the cholesterol and fat that comes along with a whole egg (whites are fat and cholesterol FREE).

Armed with the information on the nutritional differences, making the swap to egg whites was a no-brainer for me. I heat up a spinach puck, chop up some veggies, and dump the whites on top - five minutes later I have a really healthy, delicious breakfast!! Try it, I promise it's not gross and it's worth it if you're concerned about a healthy diet!!

All ready to go!!

My favorite egg white veggie omelette

In a frying pan, warm or saute:

• 3 tablespoons chopped red pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped onion
• 3 medium mushrooms, chopped
• 1 frozen spinach puck
• 1 teaspoon chopped cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil

Pour 1/2 cup NaturEgg Simply Egg Whites over veggies and scramble until cooked. Top with a little salsa or grated cheese if you want (watch portions! 2 tablespoons salsa or 1oz of cheese), then eat and ENJOY!!

The finished product... mmmmmm!!