My last weight loss journey: nerves 

Since last we chatted about my journey, I’ve been experimenting. Nothing dangerous mind you. The doctor increased the protonix to twice per day. I did that for about a month. Then I was like no, I want less meds, not more. As needed, I’ve been drinking 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 8 ounces of water. I finally got over my nerves and tried it. 💪🏻

I’ve almost stopped drinking my beloved Mt. Dew. And eating or drinking anything with citric acid in it. 😢 Been adding more low or no caffeine options. Trying to eat smaller meals. 

As far as exercising goes, I just can’t seem to get back in the groove. If I was ever in it? 

As I shared, what little weight I had lost, I gained back. 😮 

Recently, I went to the doctor and had my annual blood work done. As much as I’ve been trying to add more protein to my life, my protein level was 6.1. Which is barely at the healthy mark. 😮 I have been reading that as we age, we need more protein because our bodies can’t break it down as easily. No kidding. 

Here is my recipe for this post. Enjoy. 

High Protein Overnight

Oats

Serves: 1

Prep Time 5 minutes Soak Time 4 hours

Oats, chia seeds, greek yogurt and cacao nibs come together in this creamy, absolutely protein-packed meal prep breakfast.

Ingredients

1/3 cup rolled oats

2 tablespoons chia seeds

2 tablespoons cacao nibs

2 scoops Autumn’s Vanilla Protein Powder

2 tablespoons unflavored collagen powder

1/2 cup whole milk

1/4 cup greek yogurt

Instructions

In a glass meal prep container, add the oats, chia seeds, cacao nibs, protein powder and collagen powder. Stir with a fork.

2 Add the milk and greek yogurt and stir with a fork until well combined.

3 Cap the lid and pop in the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to 5 days.

I don’t use the unflavored collagen. It is great fun playing with these. Autumn also did a peanut butter one. Instead of using peanut butter, I tried peanut butter powder and chocolate protein powder. She has an orange chocolate recipe. Instead of the orange, I tried peach. Blueberry kefir. I swapped out the regular kefir for blueberry. 🫐 Playing, I did an apple cinnamon and pumpkin spice. Next up is a carrot cake one. 😉

I have discovered that if you use real fruit, it best to let those set an extra day. The flavors are much better. 

As a good southern girl, I like grits. Hmm 🤔

Church,  A School of Love

Part 2

Sixteen

Aaron’s grandma died and he was boxed off to his aunts. He remembered standing over his grandmas casket. All he saw was that clown face from when he was six. It took every ounce of strength he had not to ask his aunt to make sure she was really dead? Maybe when he became a man; he stood up a little straighter, he would go piss on her grave. Did that make him a bad person? Wanting to piss on her grave. Suddenly that clown face was back, this time it was gagging and choking on his piss. 

His aunt went to church as well. But she went to a different church. The women in this church were dress simply. All the young ladies smiled at him. A couple even winked. The first time, he felt embarrassed. The second time, he felt good about himself. The third time, he was ten feet tall and bullet proof. ‘Aaron the ladies man’, he smirked to himself. 

One Friday after school, he and his aunt had a meeting with the preacher. She was his closest kin and he would be living with her until, at least, he was eighteen. During this meeting, he had to swear on the Bible and sign a commitment to the church, there could never be any recordings inside the church. The fat preacher with his greasy face huffed, “you belong to the church now son.” Aaron’s blood ran cold at this. 

The next Sunday, as the preacher spewed forth fire and brimstone from God’s wrath, the men of the church released hundreds of snakes. If Aaron could have climbed on his aunts back, he would have. His heart was racing out of his chest. 

“Devil!” The preacher shouted at the top of his lungs, pointing at him. 

Grown men grabbed him. “Auntie help me! Make them stop!”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her hit the floor on her knees, praying. All the other women did the same. The young boys filed to the front and began to sing. The louder he screamed; the louder they sang. “I’m afraid of snakes!”

Those grown men, tore off his clothes and held him down. They were too strong for him. He couldn’t fight them off. The snakes were allowed to crawl all over him. He stopped screaming so that a snake wouldn’t crawl in his mouth. These grown ass men held him down and allowed this while the boys sang. The women prayed and the preacher preached hell fire and brimstone. 

Lost Past; A Star Trek Story

Paramount Global owns the Star Trek franchise. This is a piece of fan fiction based on Star Trek the Next Generation.

Met YOUR family 

They followed Lal to a little house tucked in the shadow of a mountain. Three children came running up to her. “Mom, mom, did you see the ships that landed?”

“Yes, I did. And I found some people I would like you to meet. This is Data, my father, your grandfather.”

“You have children?” He was stunned.

“Yes, three of them.”

“Naturally? You had natural childbirths?”

“Yes, isn’t it fabulous?” Data fell to his knees.

“I have grandchildren?” He looked up at Sher she was smiling from ear to ear.

She joined him on the ground. The children pounced on him. Laughing and carrying on, 

“Come, give him some room.” Lal laughed. 

They let go of Data and all hugged Sher. “How are we doing today?’

“We are fine?” They said in unison.

“When your father gets back, have him bring you to the palace and we will have an ice cream party.”

“Ice cream, ice cream,” they chanted, “we love ice cream.”

“You do spoil them Lady Sher.” Lal teased. 

“It is my job.” She smiled.

Data was still in shock. “What are your names?”

“I am Lenny.” Stated the little boy boldly. “Named after my father.”

“I am Cher.” The smallest girl said. “You can’t guess who I am named after.”

She grinned shyly.

“And I am Deanna.” The oldest girl smiled. “Can I meet Counselor Troi?”

“I do not see why you could not.” Data smiled.

Lal laughed. “I am expecting Metadata.” She smiled.

“Metadata?” Sher giggled. “That is wonderful. Four children?”

“Yes, four is what we want.”

“Metadata.” Data whispered

“Oh, here is my husband, Lenox. This is my father Data.”

“I wanted to say something to you earlier, sir. I was afraid to.” They shook hands,

“it is a honor to meet you Prince.” He bowed.

“My daughter is healthy and happy. I have wonderful grandchildren, the honor is all mine.”

“Can we visit the ships?” Lenny asked.

“Can we? Can we?” They all chanted.

“I shall have to ask permission.”

“Ask, ask,” they chanted.

“Which on did you come in on?” Little Deanna asked.

Data leaned in close to her, “the big one.”

“I told you.” She pushed Lenny  and they all ran off playing.

Data and Sher spent all evening with them. Data was overjoyed at the fact he now had a real family. The next morning he kissed Sher on the cheek waking her up.

“Hello gorgeous.”

She moaned as she rolled over. “Hi.”

“I have a family. A real family.”

“I know.” She smiled.

“This is so amazing. I feel so alive.” They kissed. He wasn’t sure how to proceed. Though he knew what he wanted to do. He kissed down her neck.

“Someone is frisky this morning.” She laughed.

“I told you we would finish later.”

“Yes, yes you did.”

“If you need to stop, stop me. I have no desire to hurt you.”

“I will.” She smiled.

They spent the day entangled. He remembered every little thing that pleased her. No part of her body was safe from his exploring tongue. He knew he had done a marvelous job when she fell asleep in his arms. He could be happy living like this the rest of his life?