Loren’s Life

My addiction to Diet Coke and/or Diet Pepsi is threatening to overtake my life. Do they have a rehab program for soda addicts?

I know my reliance on soda must be in part due to the caffeine. I’ve never really been into coffee though. If I’m having a really sluggish morning or need an extra kick, I’ll start my day with my normal 44oz Diet Coke and a coffee on the side. That’ll usually do the trick. Until the caffeine wears off and I’m slumped in my chair at work…

When I wake up in the morning, I go straight to the fridge. On my way to work I pick up the 44oz fountain drink. I’ve thought of getting the huge 64 oz Thirstbuster but the ice melts before I can chug it all down and dilutes it. At lunchtime, I’m ready for another 44ozer. After work, another. In the evening, a 12 oz can or two. Sometimes taking a can to bed with me.

My addiction can sometimes control my life. I feel anxiety when I take the last can from the 12 pack. I feel possessive of my soda since my kids have also picked up on drinking soda. They’re drinking it alllll! Should I wake up in the morning and not drink anything, by the time 10:30 rolls around, my head is pounding and I’m ready to bite someone’s head off or possibly break into a Pepsi vending machine.

Oh no, what feeling could be as anxiety producing as going to the soda fountain and they’re out of Diet…

I must be thankful that it’s not regular, sugary soda that I love. I’d weigh 600lbs, have diabetes and completely rotten teeth.

I must be thankful that my addiction is not anything worse, like beer, imagine me kicking back a 12pack of Heineken a day. Woah, watch out!

I’ve tried to stop cold turkey. I didn’t even last 10 hours.

Sip, sip, as I write. Sip, sip, as I work. Sip, sip, as I drive.

No wonder I’m always in the bathroom.

Loren

I love Honolulu for the variety of restaurants available. Since moving here I’ve had the opportunity to try many new cuisines and dishes. I dine out frequently but have a miniscule budget. Because I love food, I’m making a list of some of my favorite restaurants. It is unlikely that any upscale restaurants will appear on the list!

Phuket Thai - McCully
The restaurant is small and nicely decorated. The service has always been friendly and efficient and I continually crave their Yellow Curry Tofu.

Auntie Pasto’s - Beretania
I’ve always loved Italian food. Though it can be a little loud here, I love the Veggie Lasagna Roll.

Ba-Le - Nimitz
I’ve tried a few other Ba-le restaurants but this one is my favorite. Their summer rolls are great.

Da Big Kahunas - Mapunapuna
Their pizza is soo good and their Garlic Cheese Balls are to die for. I think they are in the process of moving to a new location or maybe they’ve already moved? Too bad, cuz their little beach shack location was so cute.

Tiki’s Bar and Grill - Waikiki
I normally avoid Waikiki but ventured here to see Kapena perform and had a huge plate of Nachos. mmm, Nachos!

Annam House - Ward Ave.
First place I tried Lemongrass Tofu, spicy and perfect.

Bread and Breakfast - Chinatown
The best lemon bars I’ve ever had.

Liliha Bakery - Liliha
Mmm, Cocoa Puffs and Chocolate Cherry Cake

Bob’s BBQ - Kalihi
Fried Rice Omelette, my favorite breakfast

Cold Stone Creamery
Expensive and Over the Top Fattening but so tasty.

Would like recommendations on a Mexican restaurant. I miss Mexican food and so far the places that I’ve tried here were disappointing. Any suggestions?

loren

Today was a nice, productive day overall. I went to Long’s early this morning to buy nail clippers and ended up buying a new nail polish for my toes and some new makeup. Then I cleaned the house a bit, my kids cleaned their room all by themselves. Then we headed off to San Nicolas Chicharon Restaurant on King Street for a Halo-Halo. I have been craving their Halo-Halo all week.

Halo-halo (from “halo” = mix) is a favorite Filipino dessert or snack. It is basically a mixture of sweet preserved beans(red beans, chick peas), coconut meat (macapuno), jackfruit (langka), pounded dried rice (pinipig), sweet yam (ube), cream flan (leche flan), shreds of sweetened plantain (saba), filled with crushed ice, milk (or coconut milk) and topped with ice cream. The halo-halo basically is sweet, creamy, and a filling dessert.

I forgot to specify Ube (sweet yam) ice cream and ended up with Vanilla. Somehow it just wasn’t the same. The kids and I shared one drink since they aren’t as wild about this icy concoction as I am. My daughter declared that there wasn’t a single ingredient that tasted good to her and pouted for the next two hours. My son was a good sport, he usually is - always up to trying new foods!

Well, I can’t wait till my next Halo-Halo fix, I’ll remember the Ube and I’ll be sure to share it with someone who really appreciates it!

Loren