Thursday, January 29, 2026 – Day 524

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Good morning, everyone.

The Super Bowl Squares Pool is officially halfway full—50% of the squares are sold. Each square is $25, with $10 going directly to ALS United to support ALS patients. Details are at the bottom.

Over the past couple of months, my food choices have grown increasingly narrow. Eating has become less about appetite and more about mechanics. Most foods—and even many drinks (too thin)—are now off the table because I can’t chew them well enough to safely swallow. Many of you have borne witness to me choking. Not a welcome experience.

The last time I ate anything that felt like a real meal was December 19, on the way home from my feeding tube swap. Barb coaxed me to stop at McDonald’s and get a cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate shake. Surprisingly…I ate most of everything.That meal absolutely hit the spot that day—and I remember thinking how good it felt to eat something solid. Since then…I’ve eaten much of nothing.

Yesterday morning, though, I woke up with a craving. I was game for anything. Bread is completely out, which unfortunately wipes out about 90% of my food universe. I suggested oatmeal to which Cindy replied “you don’t even like oatmeal”. I didn’t care, as long as I could swallow it I would give it a try. We talked about other food and I came to eggs…those could still work. Scrambled eggs?

Cindy went to work, and to my surprise, they were shockingly easy to eat. I finished the plate…easily. No hot sauce this time—my tolerance for anything spicy is exactly zero—but it didn’t matter. I was ecstatic. Mostly because I really didn’t want my “last real meal” to be McDonald’s. Although that meal is stuck in my mind…for other reasons.

Later in the day, Mike H stopped by and dropped off a chocolate shake 🥤—the one drink that had still been working for me. Unfortunately, my swallow reflex had other plans. I couldn’t get it down without choking. And just as quickly, another door quietly closed.

Thanks, Mike, for the thoughtful treat. But it looks like shakes don’t work anymore.

That’s the tricky part of all this. What works one day may not work the next. The rules keep changing, and I’m constantly adjusting—mostly with disappointment, and sometimes with unexpected wins…sometimes you gotta break a couple eggs. 🥚 🥚

It’s a new day…maybe bacon 🥓 still works, especially if it’s crispy.

Have a good Thursday. Love you guys. ❤️

Photo of Mike H. getting prepped for knee surgery this morning and wearing his AA shirt. Good luck Mike!

Super Bowl Squares Pool Cost: $25 per square
Donation: $10 from each square will be donated to ALS United (through our marathon funding page).

How it works (zero football knowledge required):

Payout details: Total pot per board: $2,500

Quarterly payouts:

Payment methods: Please submit payment when you sign up using one of the following options. Include “Super Bowl Squares - YOUR NAME” in the note.

Squares are first come, first served (text me at 847-687-3312). Once all squares are filled, the completed board(s) and team numbers will be shared. We’d love to run more than one board, but that depends on participation — so feel free to grab multiple squares and help us fill them up in support of ALS United