Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Work: Bad. Diet: Good.

Day 3 of "Carb Lite"

IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ ABOUT LABOR STRIFE, SKIP THIS SECTION.
Work: We were certified today for fact-finding. This means that there will be no more mediation sessions, and we will be given a date to present our case to a panel. The panel will consist of a person we choose, a person the district chooses, and a neutral selected by PERB (Public Employees Relations Board). The district also gets to make its case as to why they don't think we deserve a raise.

The panel then makes a recommendation - it takes several months to do this - and we have to decide whether or not to accept the recommendation or strike.

In the meantime, I learned today the number is up to 10 at Yucaipa High of teachers who are probably leaving. Two of them are close friends. They all are dynamic, caring, talented teachers, and to lose them is a tragedy. Who knows how many teachers at other sites are leaving.

Colton, a district near us, has been in the same situation as us, already had fact-finding, and will be voting tomorrow whether to strike or not. Needless to say, we're watching events in Colton anxiously, as they definitely affect what goes on here and elsewhere in southern California. All indications are they'll strike. I'll be sure to let you know.

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Foodwise, the day started out with a dilemma. I didn't have time to make breakfast at home, and knew that breakfast at the county Presidents' meeting would be fruit and muffins. All carbs. Wanting to get some protein, I tried to think of what I could gt on the way to San Bernardino that would be okay. I settled on an Egg McMuffin from McDonald's. Lunch was half of a ham sandwich, since I chose not to eat the potato salad, potato chips, and cookie that were served along with it. So, I splurged on dinner. I created this dish that ended up similar to the Spicy Apricot Pork I made in November. This one used some Hot Mango Chutney, dried apricots, and raisins. The sauce was wonderful, and I had it with some brown rice and leftover broccoli from last night.

Chicken Thighs with Mango Chutney Sauce
2 tsp olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
salt and pepper
2 T chopped onion
2 T hot mango chutney
1 c chicken broth
2 T raisins
6 dried apricots, diced
1 T cornstarch
2 T water
Hot cooked rice

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet. Sprinkle thighs with salt and pepper, and brown with the onions in the skillet. Stir chutney into broth and add with raisins and apricots to skillet. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove thighs. Stir cornstarch and water together, and add to liquid in skillet. Raise the heat, and cook, stirring, 1-2 minutes or until sauce thickens. Serve sauce over chicken and rice.

Carb Lite Update
Calories: 1810 (I just had to have a kiwi fruit and a banana after dinner)
Carbs: 188
Fat: 77.9 grams
Fiber: 16.9 grams
Protein: 99.6 grams

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Reminder: Tomorrow night is the first "Soup or Stew Night." I won't be cooking, since I'll be at Colton's Strike Vote, but I'll be home in plenty of time to gather yur submissions for a roundup! Just try to get them to me by 7:00 pm PACIFIC time, either by commenting here on my blog or emailing to cholmaneee@uia dot net


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

1800 is alright if you get a small workout in, it's about my daily average and i do intentional gym time 3-4 days per week. for a carb lite do you just have to watch your sugars since your doc said you are close to having diabetes?