Momma's Mac&Cheese...Cooking Section

Macaroni & Cheese... enough said...

Click on the Cooking section for the recipe. Disclaimer... no measurements involved so I had to guesstimate :) I learned how to make if from my Mom.

"He died as he lived..."

...the first phrase from a statement released by the Paterno family in regards to the death of Joe Paterno, legendary Penn State football coach, who died on January 22, 2012. As recently reported, Joe Paterno died from metastatic small cell carcinoma of the lung, an aggressive and rapidly growing malignancy of the lung that affects 20-25% of the US population. Prognostically, 65-70% of those with small cell carcinoma have disseminated, extensive disease at the time of clinical presentation... which unfortunately is incurable.

Lion shrine in the Hershey Medical Center rotunda
in memory of Joseph Vincent Paterno
Dec. 21, 1926-Jan. 22, 2012

Since the dawn of the "Penn State scandal", many have questioned if the events surrounding the scandal and the abrupt firing of Paterno worsened his health status leading to his death. No one will never know. Can you die of a broken heart? Can emotional stress kill you? No one knows for sure. However, emotional stress and chronic pain can indeed decrease your body's immunity, making it harder to restore physiological balance once compromised. So, from my perspective the recent events prior to his death surely did more harm.

As a Penn State graduate, soon to be x2 when I graduate from Penn State College of Medicine in May of 2013, my heart sincerely goes out to the Paterno family and the Penn State community. Joe Paterno was and will always be a prominent memory of my college years. Everyone knew of "JoePa" and were proud to be a Penn Stater whenever anyone spoke of his name. We are... Penn State

Clipping Coupons~ once you start, you'll never stop!

Being in financial debt is enough to make a person physically ill. Seriously. Depending on the amount of money owed, the feeling of helplessness can greatly affect a person's well being. To some being in debt is like a vicious cycle. You pay one bill to only get another that you can't afford, not to mention unexpected expenses that arise which are out of your control. It can be a mess!

my coupons~SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!

I'm one of the millions of Americans who are in extreme debt, due to my loans for medical school. With 6-figures worth of debt looming over my head, and not many options available to decrease school expenses and personal bills, I was determined to figure out a way to cut cost. Seeing the show "Extreme Couponing," on TLC was my aha moment! http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/extreme-couponing

I've always known about coupons in the Sunday paper and online, but never really took advantage of the savings. Yet, when I saw people saving more than $500 on one grocery bill on Extreme Couponing, I was sold! So, every Sunday I buy the local paper for $2.00 and clip coupons. Not only do I clip coupons, but also review the circulars for the local grocery stores and convenient stores (such as Rite Aid, CVS) to see what items are on sale. By doing this, I can save double by (1) getting the item on sale AND (2) using my coupon. I've only be doing this for about a month, but saw the benefit instantly.

Perfect sunday~ coupons, hot green tea, tasty breakfast panini

You're never to good to clip coupons... try it once and you'll be hooked!

Bacon, Egg, Spinach & Cheese Panini~ check out Cooking tab!

After waking up in a rather grumpy mood, I needed something to brighten up my day. I headed to the gym to release some frustration and came home for some therapeutic cooking. Check out the Cooking tab for a easy recipe for a Turkey bacon, Egg, Spinach, and Cheese Breakfast Panini. It was just what I needed....

ingredients for panini

finished product...YUM! 

"Waking up angry..." ~ New post in "Thoughts" section

Check out my new post in the "Thoughts" section...

The power of the white coat...or not?

The white coat, worn by medical professionals, has been a topic of discussion in my recent conversations with various physicians during my clinical rotations. Controversial comments have been made, as there seems to be contrasting views about its utility and purpose in the medical field. Once a symbol of accomplishment and professional accolade, it is now seen by some as a symbol of unjust superiority. Hmmm...Check out the "Medicine" tab to read more...

my white coat

Choc Chip and Walnut Banana Bread~ see "Cooking" section

Sunday I made banana bread with some over-ripened bananas I had on the counter. Its a great snack to include in your lunch or pre/post workout. See the "Cooking" section for the recipe.... Best Banana Bread Ever!

P.S. I didn't realize how much I cook until I started posting on my blog again. More blog articles in "Medicine" and "Thoughts" section in the works... Enjoy. 

Chocolate chip and walnut banana bread