I have been wanting to write this for some time now, but just never seemed to have gotten around to doing it somehow. With that said, I would like to tell everyone that my brother-in-law passed away this past summer (July 2011), quite unexpectedly. Well, maybe not all that unexpectedly.
My brother-in-law was morbidly obese and was on a few different medications. He did not take care of himself and, in the years of my knowing him, never even tried to get himself healthy. The notion now-a-days, is that my doctor know best (which is a lie) and the medication he will give me will make me better (which is another lie). Step back from the big picture for a moment and think about this one. If you get healthy who wins and who loses? Well, we all know that answer...don't we? doctors don't make money off healthy or dead people. They need us to be just sick enough to keep coming back to them for regular check ups. I teach food classes at my local health food store and I tell my audience this all the time. You have to be your own food police and take care of yourself. Do the research, wake up and see what our government is allowing to happen to our food supply.
With that said, there is a reason for this post. When my brother-in-law passed away, I know see what ridiculous things people say. Someone actually asked my sister if she was going to commit suicide. I mean really...come on. She has two girls to raise. But the one that stuck a cord with my sister was this one: 'Leo is in a much better place.' Well my sister quite quickly turned to them and said: 'No he is not, his place is with us, not being dead.' Shut that person up real fast.
And think about it. He did not have a long drawn out illness where his death would have been a relief, he was not suffering in any way what-so-ever. So for someone (And usually it is someone who believes in God/Christ) to say he is in a better place, well to me, that is the biggest load of crap someone could ever say. And yet it is said all-the-time without even thinking about it. I truly never said that to anyone, even if they were better off. The family who is mourning does not want to hear that, and yet, even they themselves do not stand up and say anything to contradict what said person has just said. Well, my sister did and I for one, applaud her for it.
I hope anyone that reads this will get a better understanding of just how thoughtless that comment is. And my sister was a believer that there was a God before her husbands passing. She believes no longer. But I will save that for another post.
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Friday, January 27, 2012
Monday, May 2, 2011
It's The Humane Thing To Do
Well another one has gone down. Yes dear friends, one of my friends has had to take her dog to the vets and put her dog down. Why you may ask? Who knows, and who cares? that last reference was not meant to be a callous one. Oh contrare. It was meant as a measuring stick for how we treat our pets and why we don't give ourselves the same thought process.
A few years back our little mutt got extremely ill from some flame retardant she got hold of, unbeknownst to us. With that said, her entire digestive tract was being destroyed. And shortly after her ingesting this chemical we had to put her to sleep. It tore us apart for weeks to come, but we knew in our hearts that she was better off. Why you may ask, well there are a couple of reasons. 1) She no longer had to suffer(for she already had a week of discomfort. 2) She could have had surgery, but the vet could not guarantee her being better after a very expensive surgery.
Why can't we have that same option for our human loved ones? Why do we feel the need to keep them alive if they are living vegetables. Or better yet, why can't our final wishes be observed and take it a step further past a DNR(Do Not Resuscitate) and let us say when our end should come.
This may come off as a backing for suicide, which it isn't, and which I am not 100% against either. Why shouldn't we be allowed to choose when we leave this place called home. We definitely do not have a say in when we arrive, it is the least we can do to give us the choice as to when we depart.
There was a very touching Star Trek episode(The Captain Picard series) called, 'Half a Life'. To this day, it is still one of my most favorite episodes. It is about a race that takes their own lives at the age of 60, leaving life to the young.
Take a look here: Half a Life Clip
I can see both sides to the argument they were having. But in the end, should we all not have the right to end our lives when we still have some dignity left and not be kept around while some attendant is wiping our backside. How cruel is that? I know that when I am no longer a productive member of society, then I no longer want to take up space. I am but just a tiny blip in the big scheme of things. That is not to say I feel my life is not worth anything. Just thee opposite. I know in my heart of hearts I am making a huge difference in the lives of the people I come in contact with. You may also think that is an arrogant, pompous way of thinking of ones self, but I disagree.
I see thee effect I have on people when I tell them about a better way of eating. I love it when my AVON customers get their bags and they get their products. The list goes on. But when I can no longer have an effect on peoples lives, then I am done here and the baton should be passed on. I know how I will be talked about when I am dead and gone, and I am AOK with that. That is not arrogance, that is self-confidence, that is being confident in the fact that you love what you do and are good at that very same thing you love.
You cannot hide true passion about life. The rest is just gravy. But when that ability is no longer available to me, then it is time to turn off the light. I just hope beyond all hope that when my time comes, that there will be a Dr. Kavorkian on my side, helping me to transition to a more peaceful place, or that new laws will be in place for me to take the necessary step to pass on, and maybe even with a few friends with me holding my hands while I pass on.
Death should not be something feared, but embraced. It is just a natural step in the cycle of life. But to tell me I do not have the right to say when that should end, well that is just wrong. It should be my fundamental right for me have that choice. Who are you/they to tell me how run or end my life? It is my life, not yours...or theirs.
A few years back our little mutt got extremely ill from some flame retardant she got hold of, unbeknownst to us. With that said, her entire digestive tract was being destroyed. And shortly after her ingesting this chemical we had to put her to sleep. It tore us apart for weeks to come, but we knew in our hearts that she was better off. Why you may ask, well there are a couple of reasons. 1) She no longer had to suffer(for she already had a week of discomfort. 2) She could have had surgery, but the vet could not guarantee her being better after a very expensive surgery.
Why can't we have that same option for our human loved ones? Why do we feel the need to keep them alive if they are living vegetables. Or better yet, why can't our final wishes be observed and take it a step further past a DNR(Do Not Resuscitate) and let us say when our end should come.
This may come off as a backing for suicide, which it isn't, and which I am not 100% against either. Why shouldn't we be allowed to choose when we leave this place called home. We definitely do not have a say in when we arrive, it is the least we can do to give us the choice as to when we depart.
There was a very touching Star Trek episode(The Captain Picard series) called, 'Half a Life'. To this day, it is still one of my most favorite episodes. It is about a race that takes their own lives at the age of 60, leaving life to the young.
Take a look here: Half a Life Clip
I can see both sides to the argument they were having. But in the end, should we all not have the right to end our lives when we still have some dignity left and not be kept around while some attendant is wiping our backside. How cruel is that? I know that when I am no longer a productive member of society, then I no longer want to take up space. I am but just a tiny blip in the big scheme of things. That is not to say I feel my life is not worth anything. Just thee opposite. I know in my heart of hearts I am making a huge difference in the lives of the people I come in contact with. You may also think that is an arrogant, pompous way of thinking of ones self, but I disagree.
I see thee effect I have on people when I tell them about a better way of eating. I love it when my AVON customers get their bags and they get their products. The list goes on. But when I can no longer have an effect on peoples lives, then I am done here and the baton should be passed on. I know how I will be talked about when I am dead and gone, and I am AOK with that. That is not arrogance, that is self-confidence, that is being confident in the fact that you love what you do and are good at that very same thing you love.
You cannot hide true passion about life. The rest is just gravy. But when that ability is no longer available to me, then it is time to turn off the light. I just hope beyond all hope that when my time comes, that there will be a Dr. Kavorkian on my side, helping me to transition to a more peaceful place, or that new laws will be in place for me to take the necessary step to pass on, and maybe even with a few friends with me holding my hands while I pass on.
Death should not be something feared, but embraced. It is just a natural step in the cycle of life. But to tell me I do not have the right to say when that should end, well that is just wrong. It should be my fundamental right for me have that choice. Who are you/they to tell me how run or end my life? It is my life, not yours...or theirs.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
10 Ways To Take A Day Off
I found this in a Natural Awakenings Magazine and fell in love with ti. What gets me, is that the little things that make so much sense, we never seem to implement..why is that? Well maybe we should. Try one or some of these out and see what goes.
1) Avoid technology
2) Contact loved one
3) Nurture your health
4) Get outside
5) Avoid commerce
6) Light candles
7) Drink wine
8) Eat bread
9) Find silence
10) Give back
I am a firm believer in #10 and I will tell you why. So many people have thee attitude of,'Well I never get anything.', and there is a reason why. That is because those people never give. And I am talking about giving because you want to, not because you are made to. For when it comes from the heart, then the getting starts flowing in your direction. Try it, you will see.
1) Avoid technology
2) Contact loved one
3) Nurture your health
4) Get outside
5) Avoid commerce
6) Light candles
7) Drink wine
8) Eat bread
9) Find silence
10) Give back
I am a firm believer in #10 and I will tell you why. So many people have thee attitude of,'Well I never get anything.', and there is a reason why. That is because those people never give. And I am talking about giving because you want to, not because you are made to. For when it comes from the heart, then the getting starts flowing in your direction. Try it, you will see.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Where's My Magic Pill?
Maybe it's the generation gap, or the not wanting to believe what is happening, or taking responsibility for your actions, or you have been brainwashed for so many years into believing that the more medication you take the better off you will be. Not true!
Case in point, my father-in-law.
He has eaten his entire life, the Standard Cuban Diet. Which for the most part contains not one iota of vegetables. Unless you consider pale green iceberg lettuce, and super pink tomatoes a salad, as they are slathered in olive oil and doused with salt. My idea of even a salad differs greatly from their idea of a salad. I take it back. They to put some chunks of squash in their beans along side the park fat, so in my opinion that kind of cancels one another out.
They eat tons of fried food, and meat is at every-single-meal. That is not an option. I did purchase a turkey this last Thanksgiving, but I will not this year. We just don't eat it quick enough to make it worth our while.
And a lot of their meat is fried as well. And she uses lard to fry in, unless my son is over then she uses vegetable oil. But here is the kicker. My father-in-law had a few small heart attacks about 20 years ago, but recovered fine. Then just a few years ago, he had a few mini-strokes. But now his cholesterol is off the chart. And I mean dangerously high. So he was put on medication to lower his cholesterol...to no avail. It just keeps on climbing.
So the doctor has either added a new medication or upped what he is on now. But they do not think this will fix the problem. And of course the first course of action the doctor tells him to do is change his diet. "No Way!" My father-in-laws thinking is that he has made it to 7o something, he is not going to change the way he eats now. Well, then you have no right to complain. If you are not willing to go through the changes necessary for anything in your life, whether it be food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, then stop complaining.
Oh, I just went up a pant size (after downing 2 plates of ribs)
My head is pounding (After a night of heavy drinking)
Can you bail me out of jail (After stealing checks from you mother to pay for your dope)
I can't scrounge up the money to pay my light bill (After blowing your paycheck at the race track)
This goes on for each set of circumstances. Now most of those examples are addictions, but those things we can definitely live without. Food is something we need to live, or, as we all know, we will die if we do not eat.
My husband has yo-yo dieted all his life. Trying to find 'that' fix. the one true 'diet' that will make him see the light. Well he finally has seen the light, and you know what it was? He isn't dieting. Yep, not one little bit. He just eats, and eats whatever the heck he wants. He makes absolutely no restrictions on himself in any way, shape of form. What did he discover? Is that you don't have to diet if you eat REAL food. We don't eat drive thru...ever! We rarely if ever eat out, for I don't know what goes into their food. I know what goes into mine. He does not exercise. Heavy amounts of cardio. But it wasn't until recently that it hit him, that he makes no restrictions on himself. And all I did was shake my head and told him I had been telling him that for years. I myself have never dieted. Do I fit the medical charts? Doubt it. In fact, if I go by the charts, I am 20 pounds overweight. I think not. I eat extremely well, get plenty of exercise, good sleep, and drink lots of water. And I can say that I am medication free and hope to be for the rest of my life.
Granted, I know medications are there for a purpose, but they should not be a crutch, an easy out. 'If I take this pill, my problems will all go away.' Nope. Because then pill 'A' gives you a side effect. So you go to your doctor and they give you pill 'B'. But wait a minute, pill 'B' gives you a new side effect. And the treadmill begins. When all you had to do was right yourself. Lose the crap that got you where you are now...dependant on the drug companies. I refuse to get sucked into the garbage they are trying to sell you.
Most doctors should be trying to heal/fix you. But all they are doing is making you more dependant on them with more medication. Why heal you, that would dwindle their business. I want to be more proactive with my health and not end up like my parents and father-in-law who carry around miniature suitcases (that is no lie) of their medications. And both my parents and father-in-law have computer papers filled with all the medications they take for any new doctor. How crazy is that? It's wrong I tell you.
All I am saying is that you can do whatever you want, for the most part, if you want it bad enough. Don't sit by on the sidelines and let life pass you by because of your health. That is the one thing you can control, save accidents and major illnesses (Don't get me started on that either). You can do it. It's not as difficult as you might think. Just ask my husband.
Case in point, my father-in-law.
He has eaten his entire life, the Standard Cuban Diet. Which for the most part contains not one iota of vegetables. Unless you consider pale green iceberg lettuce, and super pink tomatoes a salad, as they are slathered in olive oil and doused with salt. My idea of even a salad differs greatly from their idea of a salad. I take it back. They to put some chunks of squash in their beans along side the park fat, so in my opinion that kind of cancels one another out.
They eat tons of fried food, and meat is at every-single-meal. That is not an option. I did purchase a turkey this last Thanksgiving, but I will not this year. We just don't eat it quick enough to make it worth our while.
And a lot of their meat is fried as well. And she uses lard to fry in, unless my son is over then she uses vegetable oil. But here is the kicker. My father-in-law had a few small heart attacks about 20 years ago, but recovered fine. Then just a few years ago, he had a few mini-strokes. But now his cholesterol is off the chart. And I mean dangerously high. So he was put on medication to lower his cholesterol...to no avail. It just keeps on climbing.
So the doctor has either added a new medication or upped what he is on now. But they do not think this will fix the problem. And of course the first course of action the doctor tells him to do is change his diet. "No Way!" My father-in-laws thinking is that he has made it to 7o something, he is not going to change the way he eats now. Well, then you have no right to complain. If you are not willing to go through the changes necessary for anything in your life, whether it be food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, then stop complaining.
Oh, I just went up a pant size (after downing 2 plates of ribs)
My head is pounding (After a night of heavy drinking)
Can you bail me out of jail (After stealing checks from you mother to pay for your dope)
I can't scrounge up the money to pay my light bill (After blowing your paycheck at the race track)
This goes on for each set of circumstances. Now most of those examples are addictions, but those things we can definitely live without. Food is something we need to live, or, as we all know, we will die if we do not eat.
My husband has yo-yo dieted all his life. Trying to find 'that' fix. the one true 'diet' that will make him see the light. Well he finally has seen the light, and you know what it was? He isn't dieting. Yep, not one little bit. He just eats, and eats whatever the heck he wants. He makes absolutely no restrictions on himself in any way, shape of form. What did he discover? Is that you don't have to diet if you eat REAL food. We don't eat drive thru...ever! We rarely if ever eat out, for I don't know what goes into their food. I know what goes into mine. He does not exercise. Heavy amounts of cardio. But it wasn't until recently that it hit him, that he makes no restrictions on himself. And all I did was shake my head and told him I had been telling him that for years. I myself have never dieted. Do I fit the medical charts? Doubt it. In fact, if I go by the charts, I am 20 pounds overweight. I think not. I eat extremely well, get plenty of exercise, good sleep, and drink lots of water. And I can say that I am medication free and hope to be for the rest of my life.
Granted, I know medications are there for a purpose, but they should not be a crutch, an easy out. 'If I take this pill, my problems will all go away.' Nope. Because then pill 'A' gives you a side effect. So you go to your doctor and they give you pill 'B'. But wait a minute, pill 'B' gives you a new side effect. And the treadmill begins. When all you had to do was right yourself. Lose the crap that got you where you are now...dependant on the drug companies. I refuse to get sucked into the garbage they are trying to sell you.
Most doctors should be trying to heal/fix you. But all they are doing is making you more dependant on them with more medication. Why heal you, that would dwindle their business. I want to be more proactive with my health and not end up like my parents and father-in-law who carry around miniature suitcases (that is no lie) of their medications. And both my parents and father-in-law have computer papers filled with all the medications they take for any new doctor. How crazy is that? It's wrong I tell you.
All I am saying is that you can do whatever you want, for the most part, if you want it bad enough. Don't sit by on the sidelines and let life pass you by because of your health. That is the one thing you can control, save accidents and major illnesses (Don't get me started on that either). You can do it. It's not as difficult as you might think. Just ask my husband.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
A Side Of Truth
Do you know where your meat comes from? And do you even care?
I am not trying to convert anyone to vegetarianism. But no one can deny that letting go of at least some meat would do the body good. My daughters best friend tried to go meatless a while back just for one day and she couldn't do it...what does that say about us.
First off, we are led to believe that we 'need' animal protein in order to get stronger. 'NOT'
Secondly, we are told that if we do not consume dairy products that we will develop osteoporosis.'NOT'
It is nothing short of brainwashing to get you to buy their products. You notice I did not call it food. Trust me when I tell you anything that comes in a Styrofoam box and you can get delivered through your car window is not food. It is edible food like substance. And if you don't have thee ingredients on the container in your cupboard, then why are you eating them?
It's big business to sell you 'stuff' that resembles food, or things that you have called food your entire life. But this is not food. Or at least the the food your great grand mother knew as food. What would she say and do if she came back and saw us eating this way. She would kick our backsides all the way to the fresh market and not leave until we purchased fresh fruit and vegetables and if you chose to eat meat, you went to the butcher and got it from him, not the local drive-thru.
Think long and hard if this is the stuff you want floating around and 'staying' in your gut. I know I don't. I care what goes into my body, so should you.
I am not trying to convert anyone to vegetarianism. But no one can deny that letting go of at least some meat would do the body good. My daughters best friend tried to go meatless a while back just for one day and she couldn't do it...what does that say about us.
First off, we are led to believe that we 'need' animal protein in order to get stronger. 'NOT'
Secondly, we are told that if we do not consume dairy products that we will develop osteoporosis.'NOT'
It is nothing short of brainwashing to get you to buy their products. You notice I did not call it food. Trust me when I tell you anything that comes in a Styrofoam box and you can get delivered through your car window is not food. It is edible food like substance. And if you don't have thee ingredients on the container in your cupboard, then why are you eating them?
It's big business to sell you 'stuff' that resembles food, or things that you have called food your entire life. But this is not food. Or at least the the food your great grand mother knew as food. What would she say and do if she came back and saw us eating this way. She would kick our backsides all the way to the fresh market and not leave until we purchased fresh fruit and vegetables and if you chose to eat meat, you went to the butcher and got it from him, not the local drive-thru.
Think long and hard if this is the stuff you want floating around and 'staying' in your gut. I know I don't. I care what goes into my body, so should you.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
It's My Life
I am the one in control.
I am the one who says what I can and cannot do. (To a degree)
I am the one says how I feel. (Emotionally and physically)
I am the one who says what medications I take (Refer back to previous statement)
All these things, for the most part are within my power. Now I get the fact that some things are not in my control, like who voices Mickey Mouse. Nah, just kidding. Like when I dislocated my knee and needed morphine to dull the pain. Duh, hello, a necessity. But once I healed the pain meds were gone. A few days at best. I know people who thrive and actually look forward to the dulling sensation brought on by muscle relaxers and the such. To what end. In that moment when you are carried away by the effects of the medication you...my friend are no longer in control. And for those who do not like the feeling of not being in control, why would you look forward to that sensation. Do not get me wrong, I know some things are a necessity, but for how long? Days, weeks, months. Please. Get yourself righted and watch how fast you no longer need those mood enhancers to make you feel better.
I also have the ability to control what goes into my moth and eventually throughout my body. There is a show played on BBC, 'You Are What You Eat.' Truer words were never spoken. And what amazes me, is that when people are confronted in a very in your face kind of mentality, they still do not think that is what they consume. What planet are you on folks. And if you think you are eating food, the think again. There are certain things we should all be doing in respect to our food choices. And here are 12 Food Commandments to live by. Try them all or one at a time. But common sense will tell you this is the way to eat...duh!?
How I feel. There is a adage that Elanor Roosevelt made popular. 'No one makes you feel inferior without your consent.' I am a very confident person, but I would hope I would not allow anyone to break me down. To what end? If what they are saying is untrue then they need to be told. If what they are saying is true and is something that offends me, but is something I want to change in my life, can they be faulted for pointing out thee obvious? I think not.
We all have thee ability to shape, mold, forge my life, and moreso the way I want it, not the way anyone else thinks my life should be. you pay my bills then I have to listen to you, but until that day, sit back, relax and watch me get myself together.
I am the one who says what I can and cannot do. (To a degree)
I am the one says how I feel. (Emotionally and physically)
I am the one who says what medications I take (Refer back to previous statement)
All these things, for the most part are within my power. Now I get the fact that some things are not in my control, like who voices Mickey Mouse. Nah, just kidding. Like when I dislocated my knee and needed morphine to dull the pain. Duh, hello, a necessity. But once I healed the pain meds were gone. A few days at best. I know people who thrive and actually look forward to the dulling sensation brought on by muscle relaxers and the such. To what end. In that moment when you are carried away by the effects of the medication you...my friend are no longer in control. And for those who do not like the feeling of not being in control, why would you look forward to that sensation. Do not get me wrong, I know some things are a necessity, but for how long? Days, weeks, months. Please. Get yourself righted and watch how fast you no longer need those mood enhancers to make you feel better.
I also have the ability to control what goes into my moth and eventually throughout my body. There is a show played on BBC, 'You Are What You Eat.' Truer words were never spoken. And what amazes me, is that when people are confronted in a very in your face kind of mentality, they still do not think that is what they consume. What planet are you on folks. And if you think you are eating food, the think again. There are certain things we should all be doing in respect to our food choices. And here are 12 Food Commandments to live by. Try them all or one at a time. But common sense will tell you this is the way to eat...duh!?
How I feel. There is a adage that Elanor Roosevelt made popular. 'No one makes you feel inferior without your consent.' I am a very confident person, but I would hope I would not allow anyone to break me down. To what end? If what they are saying is untrue then they need to be told. If what they are saying is true and is something that offends me, but is something I want to change in my life, can they be faulted for pointing out thee obvious? I think not.
We all have thee ability to shape, mold, forge my life, and moreso the way I want it, not the way anyone else thinks my life should be. you pay my bills then I have to listen to you, but until that day, sit back, relax and watch me get myself together.
Friday, June 26, 2009
It's Lonely At The Top
I wonder how much I would want instant success, wealth, fame, or anything else that fell into that category. We all say it from time to time. 'If only I could win the lotto.' Well I don't know about that anymore. *I would find a financial advisor for sure if it ever did happen*
I look at people in the media who supposedly 'have it all' and look where it gets them. There are few and far between who have handled their fame and done it justice. Just because you are a super-star does not mean you want the lime light. Yes you should do a red carpet now and the, but that doe snot mean I want cameras following me into the local deli to see what kind of mustard I use on my pastrami sandwich.
But there are a few who seem to thrive on it (the spotlight that is) and then when it becomes to much they back away, giving more credence to their being an enigma. Well as my mother use to say, 'Don't dance if you can't pay the fiddler.' And you know what, she is right.
Why even pick a career that is its main objective to put you in the spot light but then turn your back on it. Don't get me wrong I know people are entitled to their privacy and I will be the first to admit that I like mine, here in Average Joe land. My sister is a perfect example. She has people in her home all-the-time. I don't know about you but I like a quite night at home with a movie and a bowl of popcorn.
But these super stars, what are they to do? Soak up the lime light? Live in it and then cringe every time someone decides they want to have their baby, or write letters every single day. I bet the list is extensive as to what these people go through. But when do they draw the line? How many festivities do they attend per year? If any. Only thee Oscars, or should we throw in the Grammy's. And do we have the right, as the people who got them there, to want to see them outside their profession.
I don't particularly need to see Farrah or Michael at some Red Carpet so some schlep can tear apart what they wear. they are movie stars...who cares?
I genuinely feel for those who have reached the top only to be brought down, snuffed out to early. Here are just but a few who have Gone Too Soon:
Elvis Presley
Judy Garland
Michael Jackson
River Phoenix
John Ritter
Brandon Lee
Bruce Lee
Heath Ledger
James Dean
John Belushi
Bob Marley
Jimi Hendrix
Kurt Cobain
Janis Joplin
Andy Kaufman
Princess Diana
Freddy Mercury
Freddy Prince
Bernie Mac
The list is endless. And they they leave us is just as diverse. Those who had not finished what there were put here to do. So when you feet hit the floor every morning, be grateful they did.
I look at people in the media who supposedly 'have it all' and look where it gets them. There are few and far between who have handled their fame and done it justice. Just because you are a super-star does not mean you want the lime light. Yes you should do a red carpet now and the, but that doe snot mean I want cameras following me into the local deli to see what kind of mustard I use on my pastrami sandwich.
But there are a few who seem to thrive on it (the spotlight that is) and then when it becomes to much they back away, giving more credence to their being an enigma. Well as my mother use to say, 'Don't dance if you can't pay the fiddler.' And you know what, she is right.
Why even pick a career that is its main objective to put you in the spot light but then turn your back on it. Don't get me wrong I know people are entitled to their privacy and I will be the first to admit that I like mine, here in Average Joe land. My sister is a perfect example. She has people in her home all-the-time. I don't know about you but I like a quite night at home with a movie and a bowl of popcorn.
But these super stars, what are they to do? Soak up the lime light? Live in it and then cringe every time someone decides they want to have their baby, or write letters every single day. I bet the list is extensive as to what these people go through. But when do they draw the line? How many festivities do they attend per year? If any. Only thee Oscars, or should we throw in the Grammy's. And do we have the right, as the people who got them there, to want to see them outside their profession.
I don't particularly need to see Farrah or Michael at some Red Carpet so some schlep can tear apart what they wear. they are movie stars...who cares?
I genuinely feel for those who have reached the top only to be brought down, snuffed out to early. Here are just but a few who have Gone Too Soon:
Elvis Presley
Judy Garland
Michael Jackson
River Phoenix
John Ritter
Brandon Lee
Bruce Lee
Heath Ledger
James Dean
John Belushi
Bob Marley
Jimi Hendrix
Kurt Cobain
Janis Joplin
Andy Kaufman
Princess Diana
Freddy Mercury
Freddy Prince
Bernie Mac
The list is endless. And they they leave us is just as diverse. Those who had not finished what there were put here to do. So when you feet hit the floor every morning, be grateful they did.
Monday, May 18, 2009
But I'm So Ugly
I recently heard of a conversation that took place and it was quite interesting to me. There is a young lady I know that grows her hair out all the time, just so she can donate it to Locks of Love.
This is a big thing for many, if not most of the teenage girl population I know. But this young girl has gone outside of her comfort zone and donated her hair to those less fortunate.
Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that takes hair that is donated and makes wigs for children that are victims of cancer. Now I know that some people are offended by the word victim. But let me tell you how Merriam-Webster explains victim:
One that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent: as (1) One that is injured or destroyed or sacrificed under of any various conditions
Even Merriam knows these kids are done wrong. With that said, this young lady knows that she can keep growing her hair over and over again. These children to not have that advantage. And some of them may not even get the chance to enjoy the wig that is being made for them.
I have seen people tear down what locks of love does, saying they take monies and spend them unwisely. Hell, our own government does that, I don't see them moving to another country. For the most part I applaud what this organization does. And, what they cannot use for the wig itself, is sold off to other wig companies and the money is turned back into Locks of Love for other expenditures.
What had been said from an outside party was this, (And I am paraphrasing) "After my mother cut off my hair, I realized she had cut it too short and within a few seconds, I thought how ugly I really was." Hello, you think you are ugly? How about the little girl or boy who has no hair and a good possibility of dying. And you are worried about how much hair gel or spray you are going to need to make yourself beautiful. Puh-leaze. Give me a break.
Nothing is that important that I cannot give it up to help a fellow man, and moreso one who is handling a grave disease. Kudos to the young lady who is growing her hair out for those in need. What a very adult thing to do, and unselfish at that. I know there are going to be people who say, "Well if it works for her that is all fine and dandy, but it may not be my cup of tea." Again that person is correct, but do not sit there and have the gumption to tell me how ugly you are or that you could never do it, when a child's life is hanging in the balance.
To each his own, but I applaud fervently to all those who give up something that is so precious to many a female. But bottom line, it's only hair, for us it will grow back, for those with cancer, it may very well not.
This is a big thing for many, if not most of the teenage girl population I know. But this young girl has gone outside of her comfort zone and donated her hair to those less fortunate.
Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that takes hair that is donated and makes wigs for children that are victims of cancer. Now I know that some people are offended by the word victim. But let me tell you how Merriam-Webster explains victim:
One that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent: as (1) One that is injured or destroyed or sacrificed under of any various conditions
Even Merriam knows these kids are done wrong. With that said, this young lady knows that she can keep growing her hair over and over again. These children to not have that advantage. And some of them may not even get the chance to enjoy the wig that is being made for them.
I have seen people tear down what locks of love does, saying they take monies and spend them unwisely. Hell, our own government does that, I don't see them moving to another country. For the most part I applaud what this organization does. And, what they cannot use for the wig itself, is sold off to other wig companies and the money is turned back into Locks of Love for other expenditures.
What had been said from an outside party was this, (And I am paraphrasing) "After my mother cut off my hair, I realized she had cut it too short and within a few seconds, I thought how ugly I really was." Hello, you think you are ugly? How about the little girl or boy who has no hair and a good possibility of dying. And you are worried about how much hair gel or spray you are going to need to make yourself beautiful. Puh-leaze. Give me a break.
Nothing is that important that I cannot give it up to help a fellow man, and moreso one who is handling a grave disease. Kudos to the young lady who is growing her hair out for those in need. What a very adult thing to do, and unselfish at that. I know there are going to be people who say, "Well if it works for her that is all fine and dandy, but it may not be my cup of tea." Again that person is correct, but do not sit there and have the gumption to tell me how ugly you are or that you could never do it, when a child's life is hanging in the balance.
To each his own, but I applaud fervently to all those who give up something that is so precious to many a female. But bottom line, it's only hair, for us it will grow back, for those with cancer, it may very well not.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Dangerous Curves Ahead
Ahhhh, remember when having curves was what you aspired to look like. Remember when women/girls wanted to look like Marilyn Monroe? Well if you tried doing that today, you would be labeled FAT! You read correctly folks F-A-T. I bet you anything that Marilyn herself is rolling over in her grave.
Don't get me wrong, I know there are girls/women who can eat and eat and eat and never gain an ounce (And I mean eating good food, not living on drive-thru or take out, that is not real food in my book). But there are those who actually strive to be as thin as Twiggy. I bet if you took a poll and asked men who they would prefer to have on their arm for a date and their choices where Marilyn Monroe or Kiera Knightley, wonder who they would choose. There are some who might even choose the stick figures, but I am leaning on the side of not.
And yet the media goes wold when any star even gets close to a normal-sized 8 in the clothing realm. Size 8, that is a whole size smaller than I am and I am pretty darned average. I do not have to shop in the plus size section so life is good.
I applaud what Dove is doing and promoting that real beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. But I also want to applaud so high profile women for taking a stand and not shedding thee extra weight just because society/Hollywood/the media says they should. I am comfortable in my skin and until otherwise I am good to go.
Jennifer Hudson: A woman who was voted off American Idol by The Public and she still managed to land an Oscar. You go girl.
America Ferrera: "Don't eat the flan." If you have not seen Real Women Have Curves, then may I make a suggestion...rent it. For any girl who is having issues with her body, this film should be a mantra. It is not for little kids, for there is a scene involving America's character deciding to have sex for the first time. And even thought nothing is seen or heard, parent discretion is advised. Great film all the same.
Kelly Osbourne: You may not approve of her lifestyle (which I don't), but she recently came out of rehab and told the press that she is OK with her figure, even if they are not. Good for you Kelly.
Sara Ramirez: Grey's Anatomy. That is all I have to say. This woman is of ethnic background. Why is it that most women from Latin Countries have no problem with being voluptuous? If they don't, then why should we? Get a grip folks. Oh yeah, on a curvy woman you would have something to grab onto.
I could sit here and list a few more, thee emphasis being on few. I understand there are those who are naturally thin. Happiness to you ladies. But I am 5'2", 136 pounds and have no intention of trying to let go of a few pounds. I am physically fit (save my recovery from surgery), I exercise semi-regularly, my blood tests let my doctor know that I had the lowest cholesterol she had ever seen in her years of practice. So nani-nani- boo boo to all you who purposely want to be overly thin. Hah!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Things To Remember
I rarely if ever deal with chain Emails. they are, for the most part a waste of time. But I received one recently and scoured over it and read all the way through it , which is uncommon for me. But it wasn't the Email that hooked me so much as the final part of what had been sent.
This Email was from one of the survivors of the recent plane crash in the Hudson River in New York. We all know we should be grateful for what we have, but in all honesty we get slack in our thanks. Recently, (in the last few years) I have been thrown a few curve balls in the way of my health (via an accident), but all the same, my health was called into question.
And every now and then we are jolted into realizing just how precious life is, and that we all have a number. I can only imagine being any number of those who walked off that plane the day of the crash. And here are some of the things one of those people took away with them.
1. Cherish your families as never before and go to great lengths to keep your promises.
2. Be thankful and grateful for everything you have and don't worry about the things you don't have.
3. Keep in shape. You never know when you'll be called upon to save your own life, or help someone else save theirs.
4. When you fly, wear practical clothing. You never know when you'll end up in an emergency or on an icy wing in flip flops and pajamas and of absolutely no use to yourself or anyone else.
I myself had to rethink some things due to these statements (minus the flying part, for I rarely fly and 'always' wear practical clothing).
I try not to make promises, for then you look like a failure. So I usually say I will try, and that lets me off the hook.
Keeping in shape is not a problem. I have always kept a somewhat ideal weight (not those outrageous numbers the American Medical Association tells you you should be) and am glad to say this did not pertain to me. I had seen my mother get heavier as the years rolled on and she has used every excuse in the world except for taking responsibility for her own actions. I did not want to be that person...and I am not. That is not to say that I am fit enough to save someone else's life, but I am a sure sight better off than many out there. I love helping others and if dragging someone to safety is my destiny in life, then I want to be ready. Are you?
This Email was from one of the survivors of the recent plane crash in the Hudson River in New York. We all know we should be grateful for what we have, but in all honesty we get slack in our thanks. Recently, (in the last few years) I have been thrown a few curve balls in the way of my health (via an accident), but all the same, my health was called into question.
And every now and then we are jolted into realizing just how precious life is, and that we all have a number. I can only imagine being any number of those who walked off that plane the day of the crash. And here are some of the things one of those people took away with them.
1. Cherish your families as never before and go to great lengths to keep your promises.
2. Be thankful and grateful for everything you have and don't worry about the things you don't have.
3. Keep in shape. You never know when you'll be called upon to save your own life, or help someone else save theirs.
4. When you fly, wear practical clothing. You never know when you'll end up in an emergency or on an icy wing in flip flops and pajamas and of absolutely no use to yourself or anyone else.
I myself had to rethink some things due to these statements (minus the flying part, for I rarely fly and 'always' wear practical clothing).
I try not to make promises, for then you look like a failure. So I usually say I will try, and that lets me off the hook.
Keeping in shape is not a problem. I have always kept a somewhat ideal weight (not those outrageous numbers the American Medical Association tells you you should be) and am glad to say this did not pertain to me. I had seen my mother get heavier as the years rolled on and she has used every excuse in the world except for taking responsibility for her own actions. I did not want to be that person...and I am not. That is not to say that I am fit enough to save someone else's life, but I am a sure sight better off than many out there. I love helping others and if dragging someone to safety is my destiny in life, then I want to be ready. Are you?
Friday, February 13, 2009
It "Is" All About You
OK, so what's wrong with being selfish? Nothing, if it is done in the correct manner. I have always said, "I need to take care of me before I can be a good wife, mother, friend...." And in there is where the truth lies.
There is a huge difference between self indulgence and self kindness. One helps you...the other does not. Let me give you some examples and their differences:
Self Indulgence-
1) Continuing to do what is harmful to you and after you realize it is harmful
2) Loathing yourself
3) Getting lost in fantasies about how great your life is going to be, while you continue the same old self-destructive things
4) Not asking for help when you need it
5) Breaking the commitments you've made to yourself
Self Kindness-
1) Calling a halt to doing what's harmful to you
2) Defending yourself against anyone who attacks you- including yourself
3) Telling the truth
4) Asking for help
5) Believing that there's a good reason for what you're doing, even if you aren't aware of it at the moment
There you have it. In essence, all you have to do is be kind/good to yourself, the rest will fall into place...eventually. Nothing happens overnight. You didn't get there in one day and you won't dig out of it in one day either. So start with little steps. Find one aspect that fits your life and alter it. You have the power and the power to do what? Oh yeah, make choices. It takes effort to do the right thing. Whether it be eating properly, being nicer in traffic, saying a kind word to the wretch at work, more exercising. The possibilities are endless.
You can do whatever you want, it is your life. Make the best of it, you only have one. (Unless you are Shirley and then there will be many more)
There is a huge difference between self indulgence and self kindness. One helps you...the other does not. Let me give you some examples and their differences:
Self Indulgence-
1) Continuing to do what is harmful to you and after you realize it is harmful
2) Loathing yourself
3) Getting lost in fantasies about how great your life is going to be, while you continue the same old self-destructive things
4) Not asking for help when you need it
5) Breaking the commitments you've made to yourself
Self Kindness-
1) Calling a halt to doing what's harmful to you
2) Defending yourself against anyone who attacks you- including yourself
3) Telling the truth
4) Asking for help
5) Believing that there's a good reason for what you're doing, even if you aren't aware of it at the moment
There you have it. In essence, all you have to do is be kind/good to yourself, the rest will fall into place...eventually. Nothing happens overnight. You didn't get there in one day and you won't dig out of it in one day either. So start with little steps. Find one aspect that fits your life and alter it. You have the power and the power to do what? Oh yeah, make choices. It takes effort to do the right thing. Whether it be eating properly, being nicer in traffic, saying a kind word to the wretch at work, more exercising. The possibilities are endless.
You can do whatever you want, it is your life. Make the best of it, you only have one. (Unless you are Shirley and then there will be many more)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
5 Steps
I got this tiny flyer from my Doctor when my husband and I went to her thee other day. Hubby needed to see her and she handed me this little flyer. There were five powerful things on this flyer and things I have already started to implement into my life. Something we have been doing for a long time, others we are still working on. I will list them now and expand my thoughts and opinions on each of them.
1) Less animal products:
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but let me tell you, there is more to just cutting down or out red-meat. People assume that red meat is thee only antagonist out there. Any and all meat is culprits. Everyone flocks to chicken automatically and then fish. But trust me as long as you are consuming animals and their by-products, you are still not eating healthy.
And lest we forget meat derivatives, such as cheeses, butter, and anything related to these items. Fear not, you can still let go of these things and not feel deprived. It is something you can do overnight? Possibly, but I do not recommend it. Baby steps. But there are many who get this far and stop reading now. "Who me? Give up meat? You have got to be out of your mind." May be, but let me give you an example of how easy it is.
My husband, Mr. Macho Cuban, who grew up in a home that had no idea what the word vegetable was, sat down last night at dinner and had a super-filling meal and never touched a lick of meat. So the old adage of, "What do you eat?" Does not apply in my home. Give me a call let's do dinner and then tell me my eating lifestyle is lacking...I think not.
2) More plant products:
Please do not tell me you added a salad to your dinner. Blah blah blah. Yeah yeah yeah, whatever. But let's get down to brass tacks, we are talking heavy duty veggies. Like more than canned green beans on your plate. Throw some Swiss chard out there, put together a fan-flipping-tastic stir-fry and use things you have never seen or used before. Step outside your comfort zone and experiment, you will be surprised what you try once you add more vegetables and cut back on the meat. You will be forced to try new spices and herbs and your palette will come alive and your taste buds will thank you for it.
3) Less refined, processed, artificial foods
Dr. Mehmet Oz is a man on a mission. I already have gone through my cabinets to rid them of things that were processed. Luckily for me there was not a lot to lose. Did I throw it out? No, I ate them and then vowed not to buy those things again. Do I miss them? No, for I know the harm they were doing to me (what little I was consuming) and my family. But again, we took it one step at a time. First it was boxed cereals. We no longer have any in our home. then it was salad dressing. Now they are gone as well. There was little of anything in our cupboards that we had to get rid of, but what little was there is now gone. Everything we do, save for a few items (pasta, some canned tomatoes, and some sauces, but even those I am trying to figure out how to make from scratch) is homemade.
Some may say, "I don't have time." Well make the time. But do it in tiny, small steps. Pick one thing and work on it. Does not matter if it takes you 1 day, 1 week, or 1 month. Only you can determine what is right for you and your home. You can do this.
Remember this. If you can't pronounce what is on the label, then you do not need to be eating it.
4) More whole foods:
Most people automatically think of whole wheat bread. Ahhh, but do not be fooled. All breads are whole whole, because it is part of the wheat kernel, but is it whole grain? That is what you should be looking for. And even if it is whole grain, it is usually stuffed with preservatives to be able to keep it on the shelf. Real whole grain bread is usually kept in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Our homemade bread only lasts about 3 days...if it makes it that long. A loaf usually only makes it 2 days, tops. So we do not need preservatives in this house.
Preservatives are pumped into everything you eat. Why do you think food you purchase in 2009 can stay fresh until 2011??? What the heck is that anyway. Food was not meant to be around that long. It goes against the grain of Mother Nature. I am not saying that all of you need to become grain grinding nerds, but think of where your food comes from and how many stages removed it is from its point of origin.
5) More exercise:
I remember when my husband went to a nutritionist and she asked him for 15 minutes 3 times a week. (A walk around the block) and he flat out told her with all the defiance he could muster, that he could not incorporate that into his schedule. Give me a flipping break. He was being lazy. You want something bad enough, you make the time. If you can sit and watch an episode of Soprano's then you can take a walk to the end of the block or all the way around. Small steps people.
Once you are in a routine, then you will soon crave, if you will, exercise itself. It clears my mind and calms me down. No one to bother you and it is only 15 minutes out of my day. And who knows, you may meet your neighbors. What a concept.
Please read over what I have posted. Look and see what you can do with your life. If it is only one thing then so be it. That is one more thing you are doing today that you were not doing yesterday. And there is always tomorrow!
Good Luck
1) Less animal products:
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but let me tell you, there is more to just cutting down or out red-meat. People assume that red meat is thee only antagonist out there. Any and all meat is culprits. Everyone flocks to chicken automatically and then fish. But trust me as long as you are consuming animals and their by-products, you are still not eating healthy.
And lest we forget meat derivatives, such as cheeses, butter, and anything related to these items. Fear not, you can still let go of these things and not feel deprived. It is something you can do overnight? Possibly, but I do not recommend it. Baby steps. But there are many who get this far and stop reading now. "Who me? Give up meat? You have got to be out of your mind." May be, but let me give you an example of how easy it is.
My husband, Mr. Macho Cuban, who grew up in a home that had no idea what the word vegetable was, sat down last night at dinner and had a super-filling meal and never touched a lick of meat. So the old adage of, "What do you eat?" Does not apply in my home. Give me a call let's do dinner and then tell me my eating lifestyle is lacking...I think not.
2) More plant products:
Please do not tell me you added a salad to your dinner. Blah blah blah. Yeah yeah yeah, whatever. But let's get down to brass tacks, we are talking heavy duty veggies. Like more than canned green beans on your plate. Throw some Swiss chard out there, put together a fan-flipping-tastic stir-fry and use things you have never seen or used before. Step outside your comfort zone and experiment, you will be surprised what you try once you add more vegetables and cut back on the meat. You will be forced to try new spices and herbs and your palette will come alive and your taste buds will thank you for it.
3) Less refined, processed, artificial foods
Dr. Mehmet Oz is a man on a mission. I already have gone through my cabinets to rid them of things that were processed. Luckily for me there was not a lot to lose. Did I throw it out? No, I ate them and then vowed not to buy those things again. Do I miss them? No, for I know the harm they were doing to me (what little I was consuming) and my family. But again, we took it one step at a time. First it was boxed cereals. We no longer have any in our home. then it was salad dressing. Now they are gone as well. There was little of anything in our cupboards that we had to get rid of, but what little was there is now gone. Everything we do, save for a few items (pasta, some canned tomatoes, and some sauces, but even those I am trying to figure out how to make from scratch) is homemade.
Some may say, "I don't have time." Well make the time. But do it in tiny, small steps. Pick one thing and work on it. Does not matter if it takes you 1 day, 1 week, or 1 month. Only you can determine what is right for you and your home. You can do this.
Remember this. If you can't pronounce what is on the label, then you do not need to be eating it.
4) More whole foods:
Most people automatically think of whole wheat bread. Ahhh, but do not be fooled. All breads are whole whole, because it is part of the wheat kernel, but is it whole grain? That is what you should be looking for. And even if it is whole grain, it is usually stuffed with preservatives to be able to keep it on the shelf. Real whole grain bread is usually kept in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Our homemade bread only lasts about 3 days...if it makes it that long. A loaf usually only makes it 2 days, tops. So we do not need preservatives in this house.
Preservatives are pumped into everything you eat. Why do you think food you purchase in 2009 can stay fresh until 2011??? What the heck is that anyway. Food was not meant to be around that long. It goes against the grain of Mother Nature. I am not saying that all of you need to become grain grinding nerds, but think of where your food comes from and how many stages removed it is from its point of origin.
5) More exercise:
I remember when my husband went to a nutritionist and she asked him for 15 minutes 3 times a week. (A walk around the block) and he flat out told her with all the defiance he could muster, that he could not incorporate that into his schedule. Give me a flipping break. He was being lazy. You want something bad enough, you make the time. If you can sit and watch an episode of Soprano's then you can take a walk to the end of the block or all the way around. Small steps people.
Once you are in a routine, then you will soon crave, if you will, exercise itself. It clears my mind and calms me down. No one to bother you and it is only 15 minutes out of my day. And who knows, you may meet your neighbors. What a concept.
Please read over what I have posted. Look and see what you can do with your life. If it is only one thing then so be it. That is one more thing you are doing today that you were not doing yesterday. And there is always tomorrow!
Good Luck
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Let It Go!
Well tis the new year and many of us (not me) start by trying to follow a new regimen. I say why wait til the first of the year. If you are overweight, and it is July, then get out and walk. If you are looking to rid you house of stuff, then have that garage sale. If paper piles are taking over your home, then sit down, and go through them. Will this transformation happen overnight? Absolutely not. But your mess did not get there overnight so do not expect it to get cleared up overnight. Baby steps. People dive in with both feet and then get discouraged when their plan fails. So don't set yourself up to fail. One thing at a time.
There are plenty of sites that can help you over the hump of organizing. And do not think that just because your get some organization in your life that you will now be popping open your daily planner and checking to see what you are supposed to do next. People are under thee impression that with organization comes the loss of spontaneity. Oh so no. It just means you will be able to better find things, know when you can be invited to dinner somewhere, what time appointments are. And hopefully you will learn to be on time if you are someone who is constantly late, and you know who you are.
One that I use to frequent is Fly Lady . Now here is the deal with this site. You sign up for daily Emails...lots of them. They are reminder for you to follow. Like put your shoes away, make your bed and such forth. You scoff now, but once you get into a routine, you will be surprised how automatic decluttering will become. It's just a reconditioning of the brain. For many of us it is just laziness. You may not want to admit it, but if you step back and see the situation it is a form of laziness. 'I don't have time." Well listen here sister. If you have to plop your backside down for an hour reality show then you have time to do some cleaning/decluttering. And before you know it, things will just be automatic and you won't be giving a second thought to what you are doing.
Learning to De-clutter is something that most people know how to do, they just don't implement their knowledge. It's there, we know it, but we seem to be stuck in a hoarding mood. Let it go. You can't take it with you, and just what the heck are you doing with the 1973 edition of Better Homes and Garden. I mean really. Clip the recipe and recycle the magazine or donate it to the library. Give your junk to someone else. Let them deal with the clutter.
Also, clutter breeds critters. And unless you are planning to be an epidemiologist, then I say let the roaches breed elsewhere, not in your home. And that's just the tip of the iceberg on what junk collecting brings into your home.
Then there is the issue of, "Honey, where is that paper from last week?" Heelloo. Read the darned thing, clip what you need and let it hit the recycle bin. Or better yet, use it for cleaning your mirrors. That is what I do.
And how many people do you know are unorganized and successful in their lives. I doubt the Donal Trumps of the world have to walk over a pile of shores. Granted he probably has someone to do it for him, but you get where I am coming from.
I am planning a garage sale in the next week or so, and what does not get sold goes to Goodwill or some other organization that needs our help. And when all is said and done, I feel so liberated when this stuff is gone. I look at my parents who are pack-rats for sure, teetering on hoarders, and I know how I feel when I visit them. And I truly do not want to get like that , or have my children have to come visit me and spend all their time cleaning. That is not their job. So do yourself a favor and take a good look at the 'Stuff' you do keep and ask yourself honestly is it worth it or are you just keeping it for keeping sake.
There are plenty of sites that can help you over the hump of organizing. And do not think that just because your get some organization in your life that you will now be popping open your daily planner and checking to see what you are supposed to do next. People are under thee impression that with organization comes the loss of spontaneity. Oh so no. It just means you will be able to better find things, know when you can be invited to dinner somewhere, what time appointments are. And hopefully you will learn to be on time if you are someone who is constantly late, and you know who you are.
One that I use to frequent is Fly Lady . Now here is the deal with this site. You sign up for daily Emails...lots of them. They are reminder for you to follow. Like put your shoes away, make your bed and such forth. You scoff now, but once you get into a routine, you will be surprised how automatic decluttering will become. It's just a reconditioning of the brain. For many of us it is just laziness. You may not want to admit it, but if you step back and see the situation it is a form of laziness. 'I don't have time." Well listen here sister. If you have to plop your backside down for an hour reality show then you have time to do some cleaning/decluttering. And before you know it, things will just be automatic and you won't be giving a second thought to what you are doing.
Learning to De-clutter is something that most people know how to do, they just don't implement their knowledge. It's there, we know it, but we seem to be stuck in a hoarding mood. Let it go. You can't take it with you, and just what the heck are you doing with the 1973 edition of Better Homes and Garden. I mean really. Clip the recipe and recycle the magazine or donate it to the library. Give your junk to someone else. Let them deal with the clutter.
Also, clutter breeds critters. And unless you are planning to be an epidemiologist, then I say let the roaches breed elsewhere, not in your home. And that's just the tip of the iceberg on what junk collecting brings into your home.
Then there is the issue of, "Honey, where is that paper from last week?" Heelloo. Read the darned thing, clip what you need and let it hit the recycle bin. Or better yet, use it for cleaning your mirrors. That is what I do.
And how many people do you know are unorganized and successful in their lives. I doubt the Donal Trumps of the world have to walk over a pile of shores. Granted he probably has someone to do it for him, but you get where I am coming from.
I am planning a garage sale in the next week or so, and what does not get sold goes to Goodwill or some other organization that needs our help. And when all is said and done, I feel so liberated when this stuff is gone. I look at my parents who are pack-rats for sure, teetering on hoarders, and I know how I feel when I visit them. And I truly do not want to get like that , or have my children have to come visit me and spend all their time cleaning. That is not their job. So do yourself a favor and take a good look at the 'Stuff' you do keep and ask yourself honestly is it worth it or are you just keeping it for keeping sake.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Shhhhhhh!
When was the last time you say in silence. I am not talking quiet time. I am talking dead on silence. If you have to sit and think about it, then trust me, it has been far too long.
Let's go through a typical Saturday afternoon. You are mowing the grass, clearing off the driveway with the leaf blower(whatever happened to a rake and broom?), snipping away some branches from one of your trees with a chain saw. Now, by the end of your day, your nerves are frayed from all that noise, but looky what a purdy lawn you have.
To what end are we willing to jeopardize our hearing?
What many people do not realize is, not only is it the loudness of the sound, it is the length of time that will let you know how it has impacted you and your ears. We all know that one time exposure to extremely loud noises can inflict serious damage, but it is the repeated exposure to sounds in the hazardous range.
Our sound levels are measured in db's(decibels). Here are some familiar sounds and how much they put out in the way of decibels.
40db=quiet room
60db=normal conversation
80db=busy street
100db=chain saw
120db=amplified rock music
140db=gunshot
And once the hair cells of the inner ear are destroyed, there is no getting them back. But there are ways to drown out, if you will, the noise that is out there trying to invade our space. Get yourself a white noise machine. It can block out many a sounds that are unpleasant. There is nature sounds, via a CD. Or even some soothing music. Then there is the stress issue. The more we need to hear over something or be heard over something, that cannot be a good thing. So tune out and tone down the outside world every now and then and take a break from the world that is outside and the noises that come with it.
Let's go through a typical Saturday afternoon. You are mowing the grass, clearing off the driveway with the leaf blower(whatever happened to a rake and broom?), snipping away some branches from one of your trees with a chain saw. Now, by the end of your day, your nerves are frayed from all that noise, but looky what a purdy lawn you have.
To what end are we willing to jeopardize our hearing?
What many people do not realize is, not only is it the loudness of the sound, it is the length of time that will let you know how it has impacted you and your ears. We all know that one time exposure to extremely loud noises can inflict serious damage, but it is the repeated exposure to sounds in the hazardous range.
Our sound levels are measured in db's(decibels). Here are some familiar sounds and how much they put out in the way of decibels.
40db=quiet room
60db=normal conversation
80db=busy street
100db=chain saw
120db=amplified rock music
140db=gunshot
And once the hair cells of the inner ear are destroyed, there is no getting them back. But there are ways to drown out, if you will, the noise that is out there trying to invade our space. Get yourself a white noise machine. It can block out many a sounds that are unpleasant. There is nature sounds, via a CD. Or even some soothing music. Then there is the stress issue. The more we need to hear over something or be heard over something, that cannot be a good thing. So tune out and tone down the outside world every now and then and take a break from the world that is outside and the noises that come with it.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Die With A "T"
I have never ever dieted in my life. And I hope never to either. I do not understand how people feel the need to diet. Why not just eat right in the first place and all would be right in the world. Do not misunderstand me. I know it can be difficult to pass some things up, but I have never deprived myself in the food world, what-so-ever. If I am in the mood for a slice of cheesecake then I have it, I just do not eat 4-5 slices. I have never portioned my food, I just stop when I am full. I love what I cook because I cook what I love.
I was just telling my daughter that I think, and there is no evidence to support this, that if people ate a balanced diet (And a trip through the drive-thru does not count), then maybe, just maybe they would not crave the things that got them in an unhealthy state.
I watch people I know who are supposedly watching what they eat and trust me when I tell you they have it all wrong. They are putting microwaved, ultra-processed, high-fat, low in nutrition, if not nutritionally void food into their bodies and then wonder why they are in the shape they are in. Is anyone seeing a correlation here? Why do people keep doing what they know is harmful to their bodies?
I am not a smoker, never have been (unless you count the summer in 8th grade when I realized how flipping stupid it was to wantonly smell like an ashtray). And I drink in super-moderation and my children have seen this happen over their lifetime. We enjoy life as best as our pocketbooks will allow and do not regret a thing. I just want people to see what it is they are doing to themselves. Wake up people, get a clue. You only have one life. Why not live it to its fullest. My heart aches for people who have habits they cannot break. I do not understand that type of mentality.
And yet I hear it all the time that they do not have a choice, they do not choose to be in the condition they are in. Well I have an argument for that. I have MS and my son is autistic, "we" did not choose our illnesses. But many people choose to eat a second helping of whatever, have enough booze to get them to the point they barely remember what took place the night before, and many of them drove somewhere, or that they had to have that next fix. All those people chose to do that to themselves. My son and me did not.
Get the help, it is out there. But do not sit there and tell me you choose not to be that way. I never chose to have MS and my son certainly did not choose to be autistic. This is now turning into a rant and I did not want this. I just want people to see and know that they can make a difference, and the changes may not take place overnight. You did not get in the predicament you are in overnight it will not be fixed with a magic wand. It will be hard work, but think of the rewards at thee end of the rainbow, you can make your own pot of gold.
I was just telling my daughter that I think, and there is no evidence to support this, that if people ate a balanced diet (And a trip through the drive-thru does not count), then maybe, just maybe they would not crave the things that got them in an unhealthy state.
I watch people I know who are supposedly watching what they eat and trust me when I tell you they have it all wrong. They are putting microwaved, ultra-processed, high-fat, low in nutrition, if not nutritionally void food into their bodies and then wonder why they are in the shape they are in. Is anyone seeing a correlation here? Why do people keep doing what they know is harmful to their bodies?
I am not a smoker, never have been (unless you count the summer in 8th grade when I realized how flipping stupid it was to wantonly smell like an ashtray). And I drink in super-moderation and my children have seen this happen over their lifetime. We enjoy life as best as our pocketbooks will allow and do not regret a thing. I just want people to see what it is they are doing to themselves. Wake up people, get a clue. You only have one life. Why not live it to its fullest. My heart aches for people who have habits they cannot break. I do not understand that type of mentality.
And yet I hear it all the time that they do not have a choice, they do not choose to be in the condition they are in. Well I have an argument for that. I have MS and my son is autistic, "we" did not choose our illnesses. But many people choose to eat a second helping of whatever, have enough booze to get them to the point they barely remember what took place the night before, and many of them drove somewhere, or that they had to have that next fix. All those people chose to do that to themselves. My son and me did not.
Get the help, it is out there. But do not sit there and tell me you choose not to be that way. I never chose to have MS and my son certainly did not choose to be autistic. This is now turning into a rant and I did not want this. I just want people to see and know that they can make a difference, and the changes may not take place overnight. You did not get in the predicament you are in overnight it will not be fixed with a magic wand. It will be hard work, but think of the rewards at thee end of the rainbow, you can make your own pot of gold.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
I Ate What?!
There are many a folks out there who are struggling with their weight. I only know what this is like by watching my husband struggle and my mothers side of the family, who were for the most part, morbidly and super morbidly obese. I was lucky enough as were my siblings to receive my father genes and not have to deal with weight issues.
That is not to say I such down a half gallon of Ben and Jerry's, a bag of chips, three helpings of potato salad and three slices of cheesecake. To me, everything should come in moderation. Do I eat those things I just mentioned above? Yes and no. I no longer buy chips for my home, for I do not trust myself. I could very easily scarf down a bag of BBQ chips, never share a chip and lick the bag clean. So you see why I no longer purchase chips. Ice cream is something I can do without, I can take it or leave it, but usually I leave it. Cheesecake I now make from scratch, so for the most part I know what is going into mine and even though it is tempting to devour half a cheesecake, there are other family members who enjoy the fruits of my cooking labors.
I recently had to keep a food diary and will need to do it again. I have developed an allergy of some kind. I thought I had narrowed it down, but alas the moment I stopped jotting my food down, thee allergy returned, how ironic is that? So I am back to keep a food journal to see if I can pin this allergy down. But in doing so, I have realized what I do and, and truth be told, I do not do that bad.
When my husband was in Weight Watchers classes, his instructor at the time, told his class to write down everything they put in their mouth. So if you were home making spaghetti sauce and you took a taste, then put that same amount aside and add it up. You take one Ritz cracker, then mark it down. By thee end some students days, they were appalled to see just how much they really were eating. So that old adage of, "I don't know how I got this overweight, I don't eat that much.", is a huge farce.
Somehow I came across a link for food journals. Free Calenders from Mommy Links is where I found thee simplest food journal. It is straight forward and no frills. I also went a step further, since I was trying to find out what the heck I am allergic to and would write down all the ingredients in any given recipe. Thus far I am still uncertain as to what is giving me my lovely alligator skin.
I think, and I am by no means an expert, that there are a few things that overweight people battle with. One is denial. I have seen it first hand. I had one woman tell me straight to my face that she did not go back for seconds, whether it be in a home or in a restaurant. I have been with this woman on more than a few occasions and she does indeed go back for seconds. But in her mind, she really does not believe she goes back for seconds. People see what they want to see. If these people were filmed, they may have a different outlook on how they answer questions and may see what everyone else's sees.
I am not saying I am a saint in the food world. I just put down three slices of cheese cake over a three day period, but I am also walking around two blocks a day. I may not be losing weight by walking, but I am able to keep in check the not-so-good items I am eating. It all comes down to balance. Eat the ice cream, but do a few laps around the pool. Have a slice of chocolate cake, but get on that bike and hit the streets. Indulge in an extra helping of meatloaf, but put on the headphones and get to walking.
If you are not up to doing a 10K walk, have no fear. there is a thing none as baby steps. Some folks have difficulty walking to the mailbox. Hard to believe, but then do that 3-4 times a week, then make a trip to the end of your block (which ever end is closer), then when that becomes easy do the entire block. You can do it, you will get there. Have faith in yourself.
That is not to say I such down a half gallon of Ben and Jerry's, a bag of chips, three helpings of potato salad and three slices of cheesecake. To me, everything should come in moderation. Do I eat those things I just mentioned above? Yes and no. I no longer buy chips for my home, for I do not trust myself. I could very easily scarf down a bag of BBQ chips, never share a chip and lick the bag clean. So you see why I no longer purchase chips. Ice cream is something I can do without, I can take it or leave it, but usually I leave it. Cheesecake I now make from scratch, so for the most part I know what is going into mine and even though it is tempting to devour half a cheesecake, there are other family members who enjoy the fruits of my cooking labors.
I recently had to keep a food diary and will need to do it again. I have developed an allergy of some kind. I thought I had narrowed it down, but alas the moment I stopped jotting my food down, thee allergy returned, how ironic is that? So I am back to keep a food journal to see if I can pin this allergy down. But in doing so, I have realized what I do and, and truth be told, I do not do that bad.
When my husband was in Weight Watchers classes, his instructor at the time, told his class to write down everything they put in their mouth. So if you were home making spaghetti sauce and you took a taste, then put that same amount aside and add it up. You take one Ritz cracker, then mark it down. By thee end some students days, they were appalled to see just how much they really were eating. So that old adage of, "I don't know how I got this overweight, I don't eat that much.", is a huge farce.
Somehow I came across a link for food journals. Free Calenders from Mommy Links is where I found thee simplest food journal. It is straight forward and no frills. I also went a step further, since I was trying to find out what the heck I am allergic to and would write down all the ingredients in any given recipe. Thus far I am still uncertain as to what is giving me my lovely alligator skin.
I think, and I am by no means an expert, that there are a few things that overweight people battle with. One is denial. I have seen it first hand. I had one woman tell me straight to my face that she did not go back for seconds, whether it be in a home or in a restaurant. I have been with this woman on more than a few occasions and she does indeed go back for seconds. But in her mind, she really does not believe she goes back for seconds. People see what they want to see. If these people were filmed, they may have a different outlook on how they answer questions and may see what everyone else's sees.
I am not saying I am a saint in the food world. I just put down three slices of cheese cake over a three day period, but I am also walking around two blocks a day. I may not be losing weight by walking, but I am able to keep in check the not-so-good items I am eating. It all comes down to balance. Eat the ice cream, but do a few laps around the pool. Have a slice of chocolate cake, but get on that bike and hit the streets. Indulge in an extra helping of meatloaf, but put on the headphones and get to walking.
If you are not up to doing a 10K walk, have no fear. there is a thing none as baby steps. Some folks have difficulty walking to the mailbox. Hard to believe, but then do that 3-4 times a week, then make a trip to the end of your block (which ever end is closer), then when that becomes easy do the entire block. You can do it, you will get there. Have faith in yourself.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Peaks and Valleys
I have nothing against thin people, if that is their natural body type. But for many a girl/women, I am guessing they are surviving on air. There are times I want to go up and tell them to go eat a Big Mac (I would never, being a die hard advocate against junk food and a new-found vegetarian, but you get where I am coming from).
What ever happened to a real woman, or our perception of what a real woman's body should come close to resembling. I luckily never grew up with body issues, (even though the majority of my mothers family was morbidly obese). I grew up seeing that and knew I never wanted to grow up and go through what they went through and I never have.
But on the flip side, I have seen (never known) girls who are dying to be thin. Seeing them makes me shudder. Do they think it looks good? And thee answer is yes. And why do they think this. Well, just open any fashion magazine and there you will find your answer. Thank you Twiggy, and yet she is no longer thin. HAH! Payback can sometimes be a good thing.
Who told our girls that a size 1 was a good thing and something to strive for? Oh yeah, look at any TV show geared for the teen category. Not! There are a few things going on out there that are hopefully showing our girls that it is very much OK to have curves. Marilyn Monroe thought so and so did every man who drooled after her and every woman who wanted to look like her.
Here is a great show, but I will say it is gearded more for a teen population and I also suggest moms sitting with your daughters to guide them through any questions they may have. Read through Real Women Have Curves and see if it is right for you and your daughter. My daughter has curves and it made her feel so much better to see someone who was real to be OK with their body image. And yes, we do it the flan!
Another company who is doing strides to show the world that not all beauty comes in a size 1 or 3 is Dove. I may not endorse their products, but I do endorse their message 100%. Girls need to know that it is fine and dandy to be a size 8...10...12...and even 14, depending on your height.
I would also like to point out an authoress that has a grip on the fact that larger curvaceous women are not fat, even thought we have been led to believe that this farce is the real deal. I think no. May I introduce Meg Cabot of Size 12 is Not Fat & Size 14 is Not Fat Either. I personally have not read either of these books, so I cannot vouch for their content, but I would so love to get my hands on one if not both of these books.
There are also a few women who are standing up to thee establishment and telling them, "No, I will not drop 30 pounds just to please a few pencil pushers." Some of those women are, Jenifer Hudson, America Ferrera, Jordin Sparks, Sara Ramirez, Raven Symone, Fergie. I just want to say thank you from a mom who is trying to show her daughter that it is AOK to be a voluptuous, curvaceous, filled out figure of a girl/woman. I say Pah to the wannabe Twiggy's of the world and a big round of applause to those who are confident with the skin they are in.
What ever happened to a real woman, or our perception of what a real woman's body should come close to resembling. I luckily never grew up with body issues, (even though the majority of my mothers family was morbidly obese). I grew up seeing that and knew I never wanted to grow up and go through what they went through and I never have.
But on the flip side, I have seen (never known) girls who are dying to be thin. Seeing them makes me shudder. Do they think it looks good? And thee answer is yes. And why do they think this. Well, just open any fashion magazine and there you will find your answer. Thank you Twiggy, and yet she is no longer thin. HAH! Payback can sometimes be a good thing.
Who told our girls that a size 1 was a good thing and something to strive for? Oh yeah, look at any TV show geared for the teen category. Not! There are a few things going on out there that are hopefully showing our girls that it is very much OK to have curves. Marilyn Monroe thought so and so did every man who drooled after her and every woman who wanted to look like her.
Here is a great show, but I will say it is gearded more for a teen population and I also suggest moms sitting with your daughters to guide them through any questions they may have. Read through Real Women Have Curves and see if it is right for you and your daughter. My daughter has curves and it made her feel so much better to see someone who was real to be OK with their body image. And yes, we do it the flan!
Another company who is doing strides to show the world that not all beauty comes in a size 1 or 3 is Dove. I may not endorse their products, but I do endorse their message 100%. Girls need to know that it is fine and dandy to be a size 8...10...12...and even 14, depending on your height.
I would also like to point out an authoress that has a grip on the fact that larger curvaceous women are not fat, even thought we have been led to believe that this farce is the real deal. I think no. May I introduce Meg Cabot of Size 12 is Not Fat & Size 14 is Not Fat Either. I personally have not read either of these books, so I cannot vouch for their content, but I would so love to get my hands on one if not both of these books.
There are also a few women who are standing up to thee establishment and telling them, "No, I will not drop 30 pounds just to please a few pencil pushers." Some of those women are, Jenifer Hudson, America Ferrera, Jordin Sparks, Sara Ramirez, Raven Symone, Fergie. I just want to say thank you from a mom who is trying to show her daughter that it is AOK to be a voluptuous, curvaceous, filled out figure of a girl/woman. I say Pah to the wannabe Twiggy's of the world and a big round of applause to those who are confident with the skin they are in.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
It's Electrifying
When I here those words, I think of one of the final songs on Grease. Well trust me, what I am experiencing is nothing like that at all. Yes. I am recovering from my surgery, but at a much slower pace than I thought. Now remember, I am not one to super push myself, but with this extensive of a surgery, I thought it best to do what is expected of me and met my body do the rest.
My pain from pre-surgery is 100% gone, and for that I am thankful. But I have had a side effect that is starting to interfere with my recovery. I felt the tingling in the bottoms of my feet straight out of surgery, but it was extremely slight and only on the bottoms of my feet. Now, it has covered both feet, intensified and traveled to mid-calf. It is effecting my gait, and my knees, because it is effecting my gait...it is becoming a domino effect, but not in a good way at all.
Last night it went to a new level, it kept me awake until 4 AM. It was more like a restless leg syndrome. I could not keep still or find a comfortable position. So both me and my husband slept in the TV room. I on the sofa so I could change positions easily as not to disturb him in bed (Which he refused to sleep in), and he on his recliner. I finally dozed off and slept for about an hour and a half. Hubby was up at 5:30 to get ready for work and I went back to bed, hoping to be able to rest and hopefully sleep. Eureka! I slept until 9AM. I needed my sleep.
I did place a call to the nurses who deal with post-op questions and and hoping to get a call back today. Something is not right. The first nurse I spoke to said this could be something that peaks and subsides, or something that I live with the rest of my life. WHAT! Tingling feet that rank about a 6.5 on the Richter Scale? Come on. This is not right. I want answers. I know medicine/science is not exact, but a pall bark figure would give me something to shoot for.
Let's see what the nurses tell me and keep your fingers crossed.
My pain from pre-surgery is 100% gone, and for that I am thankful. But I have had a side effect that is starting to interfere with my recovery. I felt the tingling in the bottoms of my feet straight out of surgery, but it was extremely slight and only on the bottoms of my feet. Now, it has covered both feet, intensified and traveled to mid-calf. It is effecting my gait, and my knees, because it is effecting my gait...it is becoming a domino effect, but not in a good way at all.
Last night it went to a new level, it kept me awake until 4 AM. It was more like a restless leg syndrome. I could not keep still or find a comfortable position. So both me and my husband slept in the TV room. I on the sofa so I could change positions easily as not to disturb him in bed (Which he refused to sleep in), and he on his recliner. I finally dozed off and slept for about an hour and a half. Hubby was up at 5:30 to get ready for work and I went back to bed, hoping to be able to rest and hopefully sleep. Eureka! I slept until 9AM. I needed my sleep.
I did place a call to the nurses who deal with post-op questions and and hoping to get a call back today. Something is not right. The first nurse I spoke to said this could be something that peaks and subsides, or something that I live with the rest of my life. WHAT! Tingling feet that rank about a 6.5 on the Richter Scale? Come on. This is not right. I want answers. I know medicine/science is not exact, but a pall bark figure would give me something to shoot for.
Let's see what the nurses tell me and keep your fingers crossed.
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Choices We Make
I read a blog recently where a mother had her children coming to her saying that got tummy aches when they ate fruit and vegetables. So she put on her mommies cap and told her little ones that she could make their tummy aches go away by taking them to the doctors and getting a shot with a huge needle. Well, needless to say, and with miraculous speed, her children were cured. Now here is what I find odd. She stated that her children never had tummy aches when they ate junk food.
What amazes me still, and yet it shouldn't, that there are still so many families who still purchase junk food. We all know that down side to processed foods, and well all know the benefits to fresh fruit and vegetables, so why are we still stuffing our faces with this crap that is pushed on us by the big conglomerates. I would like to see their dinner plates. I bet you a million bucks their dinner plates are not loaded with the stuff they are trying to sell us(The big shots, is who I am referring to). Guaranteed, they are living the good life with fresh fruit and vegetables. I want to know how people, and parents can sleep at night knowing they are blatantly putting poison into their children's bodies.
Maybe I am coming off as someone standing on a soapbox, but I still cannot believe that in this day and age that we buy into the advertising these morons are trying to push down our throats.Case in point. My nephew, he are already at 15 months, is having problems with his bowel movements. Fifteen months. Come on. What kind of diet are you already feeding this child. And if this what he will see as normal, what is he being set up for? Childhood obesity, childhood diabetes, and who knows what else.Was it difficult for us to let go of some of this processed foods we clung to? I would have to say yes. And it was not so much the taste of the food, but the convenience of the food. What's not to love about picking up a box of cereal and pouring into your bowl. But what are you doing to your body? It may no show up today, or even tomorrow, but it will come back and bite you in the butt(Which will definitely be bigger by eating that cereal) in the years to come.
We all have the power to make choices. Those choices are not easy ones, but we make them. I choose not to smoke. Is that a difficult decision? Not for me,for I see what it does. I choose to drink rarely, if ever. Is that a difficult decision for me? Not really. I can go months without touching a drop of liquor, and that makes me fell good. That lets me know that I am in control of my body and in control of my life.When I used to be in the working world I was a cashier at a popular grocery chain. I would see people come through my line and have three and four 12 packs of soda. I would ask them, "Are you having a party?" And they would answer, very matter-of-factly, "No, we buy this every time we shop(Which for most people is weekly). My expression probably gave away how I felt. I would tell them, that we don't have sodas in our home. And they were truly amazed at how that was possible. "How do you not have sodas in your home?" And I politely as possible looked them in the eye and said. "You buy the groceries don't you? Just don't buy them...end of discussion." "Oh no, there would be an uproar when I got home."I knew then the mentality I was dealing with. I feel bad for people who feel they are not in control. I used to hear it all the time. "My kids would be upset...my husband would not tolerate not having..." Those people amaze me. I also feel if you are not willing to do what it takes to make changes, then you have no right to complain.
Again that may be a biased view, but if you smoke, don't tell me how may times you have had bronchitis, or if you are a drinker, I do not want to hear about your hangover, and if you put an extra piece of cheesecake in your mouth, then I don't want to hear that your pants don't fit any longer. You are in control, you have the power to make changes. So make them, whether it is what color to paint the bathroom, or what meal you will cook tonight. Stand up for what you know is right, and for what you believe in.
What amazes me still, and yet it shouldn't, that there are still so many families who still purchase junk food. We all know that down side to processed foods, and well all know the benefits to fresh fruit and vegetables, so why are we still stuffing our faces with this crap that is pushed on us by the big conglomerates. I would like to see their dinner plates. I bet you a million bucks their dinner plates are not loaded with the stuff they are trying to sell us(The big shots, is who I am referring to). Guaranteed, they are living the good life with fresh fruit and vegetables. I want to know how people, and parents can sleep at night knowing they are blatantly putting poison into their children's bodies.
Maybe I am coming off as someone standing on a soapbox, but I still cannot believe that in this day and age that we buy into the advertising these morons are trying to push down our throats.Case in point. My nephew, he are already at 15 months, is having problems with his bowel movements. Fifteen months. Come on. What kind of diet are you already feeding this child. And if this what he will see as normal, what is he being set up for? Childhood obesity, childhood diabetes, and who knows what else.Was it difficult for us to let go of some of this processed foods we clung to? I would have to say yes. And it was not so much the taste of the food, but the convenience of the food. What's not to love about picking up a box of cereal and pouring into your bowl. But what are you doing to your body? It may no show up today, or even tomorrow, but it will come back and bite you in the butt(Which will definitely be bigger by eating that cereal) in the years to come.
We all have the power to make choices. Those choices are not easy ones, but we make them. I choose not to smoke. Is that a difficult decision? Not for me,for I see what it does. I choose to drink rarely, if ever. Is that a difficult decision for me? Not really. I can go months without touching a drop of liquor, and that makes me fell good. That lets me know that I am in control of my body and in control of my life.When I used to be in the working world I was a cashier at a popular grocery chain. I would see people come through my line and have three and four 12 packs of soda. I would ask them, "Are you having a party?" And they would answer, very matter-of-factly, "No, we buy this every time we shop(Which for most people is weekly). My expression probably gave away how I felt. I would tell them, that we don't have sodas in our home. And they were truly amazed at how that was possible. "How do you not have sodas in your home?" And I politely as possible looked them in the eye and said. "You buy the groceries don't you? Just don't buy them...end of discussion." "Oh no, there would be an uproar when I got home."I knew then the mentality I was dealing with. I feel bad for people who feel they are not in control. I used to hear it all the time. "My kids would be upset...my husband would not tolerate not having..." Those people amaze me. I also feel if you are not willing to do what it takes to make changes, then you have no right to complain.
Again that may be a biased view, but if you smoke, don't tell me how may times you have had bronchitis, or if you are a drinker, I do not want to hear about your hangover, and if you put an extra piece of cheesecake in your mouth, then I don't want to hear that your pants don't fit any longer. You are in control, you have the power to make changes. So make them, whether it is what color to paint the bathroom, or what meal you will cook tonight. Stand up for what you know is right, and for what you believe in.
Friday, July 25, 2008
The Power of Massage
I recently had major spinal surgery, and if you have never gone under general anesthesia, then you may not know that it wreaks havoc with your system, and more specifically your plumbing. To rub slat in the wound(No pun intended) they put me on iron...big mistake. There is nothing worse than things not running smoothly(Like how I am avoiding all the graphics about this subject), and that is what I was experiencing...until today.
As I sat in the ladies room here at my sisters, I began to rub my belly, for no other reason than to rub it. Well low and behold, things began to move. I had really begun to worry that I may need to take stronger measures. But my little belly rubbing session paid off. I did not have to take one supplement or additive to get things moving. Good 'ol time and mother nature prevailed.
Long live massage!!!
As I sat in the ladies room here at my sisters, I began to rub my belly, for no other reason than to rub it. Well low and behold, things began to move. I had really begun to worry that I may need to take stronger measures. But my little belly rubbing session paid off. I did not have to take one supplement or additive to get things moving. Good 'ol time and mother nature prevailed.
Long live massage!!!
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