Being 30

I realize many people look at turning 30 with disgust or even disdain. I'm not quite sure why but I suppose they feel that by ending their 20's, that means they're truly getting "older" or maybe they feel like "now I have to be an adult". I never really looked at my age that way, I saw it as just another day with a touch of the whole milestone thing. However, I don't feel any different, I don't act differently...or do I? I know it's not about being 30, it's about having experienced many things, learned from them and applying those lessons to everyday life. Does that make me wise? To some degree, I'd like to think so anyway, but not completely...afterall, I am only 30. I bring this up because I've watched recently as someone I know, fairly well, has opted to live her life in such a way that I cannot help but question her motives. She's smart, beautiful and lively. She feels that it's time for her to live her life carefree and enjoy her youth. I call her methods...reckless abandon. I find the way I feel about this situation almost new territory for me. Have I been there, definitely, and I came out of it for the better but will she? I don't know, I suppose it's not my place to guess. However, when I'm asked for advice or shared details from last nights festivities, I can't help but think, "Man, am I glad I don't live your life." It must be exhausting to always go out, get drunk/high and sleep around. Yep. So, my point is, in a way, I'm watching someone figure out life on their own terms and my advice to her, when asked, is always based on my own experience but it's seen as coming from someone older. It's difficult to watch a friend begin a tumble downhill, I want to grab her by the arm and stop it, but, sometimes, you've gotta tumble down that hill so you'll know next time how to keep your footing.

I must say, it's nice being on the other side. Don't get me wrong, I'm no better than her but I am glad that I'm in a place where I'm content just staying home and, yes, being an adult.

I'm not looking for an argument...

Just wanted to say that before I say anything that some may deem "politically charged". So there's your disclaimer. My point in this post is to continue with a thought that, unfortunately, provoked some people to come at me with the claws out. Perhaps it was my misuse of syntax or their lack of control, either way, it no longer matters. However, following the passing of healthcare reform, I've seen numerous posts and affiliations on Facebook (yeah I know) with *almost* hatred towards our government and those who support it. It's really kinda sad but that's the beauty of the country we live in, anyone is able to express any emotion, thought or idea in any way they want...well almost anyway, I mean as long as it's legal lol. So, while I will admit I am neither for or against this reform, I am certain however that healthcare needs to, no MUST, be reformed. When most are faced with making a decision whether to support this or not, I've found that people reflect on their personal situations, their experiences and the like, which is what one should do as an adult. However, when you're not even able to consider the other side of a story, that's when things, in my opinion, become juvenile. I truly believe that were our forefathers able to return here on Earth and see what kind of nation we've become, and I know I'm not alone in this, they may just be a wee bit disheartened. Now, I'm not referring to politics in that statement, for goodness sake the Republican party didn't exist until 1854 and for the Democrats 1790. Last I checked, the US became an independent country in 1776. So, while my history may fail me, the point remains, our forefathers most likely could not fathom at that time what bickering and, almost elitism, they would find in 21st century America, yet that's where we stand. No one side is COMPLETELY willing to look at the other side. Perhaps it's fear, who knows. However, those polarizing figures from both sides of this health care reform lack the wherewithal to just take a peak at the other side.

So, having said this, I turn to those people who matter most to me, my family. I KNOW this reform will help them. For those of you shaking your head, give me a minute. My parents both work, never looking for a handout but not seeking medical attention they need, why? They cannot afford it. When your only option due to pre-existing conditions is COBRA, or similar, and it would cost almost $1500 monthly (aka your mortgage), it's no surprise they don't have insurance. They need it though and that worries me. So, by and large, I'm for this healthcare reform and I'll continue paying monthly for my own health insurance, which will remain intact. I just feel that some people need a bit of an education when it comes to healthcare reform...not only regarding the guidelines themselves but life in general. In the words of Beth Stevens (have to cite lol), "Be empathetic." Afterall, empathy is the most important element of compassion and, again, were our forefathers to come back here on Earth and see that there is little compassion for our fellow man, then they have failed and so have we.



By the way, check out this article and this. Just found it interesting...

Oh and this one ...some Americans are just "awesome"


Once again, just saying that I found them interesting. That's all.

ALDI's

As many of you know, Seam is a manager for the ALDI grocery stores. So I feel inclined to blog about it because there seems to be a stigma regarding this store, at least according to some forums we frequent. Let me start off by saying that ALDI's is NOT your typical grocery store and do not expect it to resemble a Whole Foods or Tom Thumb, envision a mini Costco. It, however, WILL save you money unlike the aforementioned stores. The primary focus of ALDI's is to save the consumer some cash, something most Texans are unfamiliar with. Oh wait, there was Food Lion but, unlike Food Lion, ALDI's does not take second rate foods (similar to a clothing outlet). Instead they provide consumables under their own private label, ALL made by the manufacturers of name brand products you know and love. Here's the catch, ALDI's leases space in what is deemed "second rate" locations, they charge a quarter for a shopping cart (which you get back when the cart is returned to the proper place), they do not bag your groceries (you can bring your own reusable bags for a "greener" world OR purchase bags for 6 cents or so while there...IKEA?), there is no real merchandising and minimal, yet efficient, staff...why, you ask? This is all so the savings are passed on to the consumer. Unlike places such as WalMart, make no mistake, ALDI's employees are compensated well via salary and benefits hence the customer service you receive and the minimal check out time (the cashiers are actually timed to make sure all things continue running smoothly). Seriously, I'd love it if the person ahead of me only took 2 minutes (max time) to check out with a cart full of groceries...when was the last time that occurred at WalMart or Tom Thumb (longest check out lines EVER). They do not accept credit cards or checks, instead they rely on pin-based debit cards, cash and even Lonestar cards because this too keeps cost at a minimum. All this being said, why not give it a legitimate shot? I mean, it will save money and the food is quality stuff. Since living in KS, we've always had stuff from ALDI's and it's good stuff, so why not try it? Oh yeah, the "stigma". I realize that the store that's just opened in Frisco may not make it, why? Because too many people in Frisco would be/are so afraid that they'll be "seen" buying groceries at a discount grocer...seriously. It's the truth.

So, anyway, moving on. Seam recently came home with 2 huge bags of groceries and I'd like to share SOME of the products & prices with you. I say some because he bought some crap that Seam would only buy lol and that goes for ANY grocery store....I mean Mango nectar? C'mon. So here we go:

Gallon of milk...$1.79
Cinnamon Crunch cereal (aka Cinnamon Toast Crunch)...$1.89
Avocado...$0.39/ea
Whole Pineapple...$0.99
Pkg of Roma Tomatoes (Fresh)...$1.29
Pkg of Jalapenos (Fresh)...$0.35
Italian Diced Tomato...$0.55
93% Ground Beef...$3.17
Bag of Navel oranges...$1.39
Dozen Eggs...$1.19
Bag of White Onion...$1.99
Box of Peanut Butter Wafers (aka Nutty Buddy)...$0.99
Shells & Cheese (aka Velveeta)...$1.29
Limes...$0.15/ea
Garlic Bread (yummo)...$1.69
Parmesan Cheese...$2.49
Premium OJ...$2.39
Beef Stew Meat...$4.19

This is all just to give you an idea. By the way, ALDI foods come with a guarantee..."If for any reason you are dissatisfied with any food product. Not only will [they] replace that product BUT ALSO give you your money back". Not bad right? It's actually a good deal and it's not "cheaply" made stuff. It's quality food, trust me. I guess Texans just need to stop being so snobby, at least from some of the stuff we've heard. Afterall, this business model is not new to the United States. These stores have been VERY successful in the Eastern half of the US since the 70s, not to mention Europe. Apparently, they are doing something right.

Hothouse Tomato

I bought a tomato today that was, in my opinion, expensive. I mean over $2 for ONE tomato is kinda insane! However, it created a slew of emotions, memories and the like. I remember my parents growing tomatoes, along with squash, peaches, plums, onions, peppers, okra, black-eyed peas, cantaloupe, sometimes watermelon, etc, in a backyard garden. So, when I realized just how expensive I felt that ONE tomato was, I remembered eating fresh, homegrown tomatoes. So fresh, in fact, I could pick it and eat it right then and there. To some, this is probably weird, but hey, I grew up in the country and things like that aren't...weird. I remember learning when to pick a squash and when it was too ripe...when picking okra was a pain in the ass because you always get those prickly things stuck in your hands. I remember when, to pick a juicy peach off a tree was a lovely treat....incidentally, to this very day, I refuse to buy peaches at a store, why? Because they could NEVER compare to those peaches we had as kids. Thanks to my great grandmother, Nanny Williams, we had plenty of peach trees but, really, only one that produced peaches that were...good. I remember walking what seemed like miles to pick corn in a field where good ol' Joe Bennett planted corn...fresh corn off the cob...the smell alone was intoxicating, like popcorn but not. Cucumbers in vinegar, a green onion with a meal as a side...the sound of Pappaws nose as he ate...it whistled lol...I miss that. My mom's squash, her beans, her telling me..."Just eat it!"...I miss that too. It's strange because, as a kid, I was never in to veggies, now I miss it. This even brought me back to when we grew strawberries in that barrel container on the back porch...I wanted them to turn red so bad, I'd eat them green, bitter face and all.

It's funny how what one "Hothouse tomato" can make you think of...keep that in mind. It only takes one little thing in life that opens up so many memories.

So, who is an expert at growing a garden on an apartment balcony????

The View

No, I'm not referring to the television show. Is that even still on? Anyway, I'm referring to the things that occur in life, when we forget to actually enjoy the view. Ok, seriously, this is not about that TV show. Something I recently read made me remember a time that Seam and I went to San Francisco. Everything about this moment is/was idyllic, I just took it for granted and, for that, I have regret. See, we were on our way to Napa Valley to see some wineries, test the juice, ya know the usual. We drove across the Golden Gate Bridge, it was foggy but even through the fog you could feel the grandeur of the moment. I mean c'mon, it's the Golden Gate Bridge! We entered into a town just across the bridge, Sausalito. Thankfully my mom had informed us to check out the town. We drove around it, just on the side of the bay. It was wonderful, so we stopped. We decided to have some coffee and stopped at a coffeehouse along the water. We got our coffee and stepped out onto the deck, the salty breeze filling the air, birds abound, I remember seeing a bike out front...it was, without a doubt, idyllic. Then we turned around...the view. We were on a deck at a coffee shop in Sausalito overlooking the water and...overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. I regret not spending more time there, being too concerned with our "schedule" and NOT just enjoying the moment. We will return one day, if nothing but to simply enjoy the view.

Precious

I recently watched the movie Precious. I watched because I knew it had to be a good movie given all the accolades it's garnered, plus the reviews were all (mostly) great. So I gave it a shot. From the back of the case, it reads....

"Precious Jones, an inner-city high school girl, is illiterate, overweight and pregnant...again. Naive and abused, Precious responds to a glimmer of hope when the door is opened by an alternative-school teacher. She is faced with the choice to follow opportunity and test her own boundaries. Prepare for shock, revelation and celebration."

Let me first say, the term "shock" is an understatement. I was livid, pissed off and hurt, all in one, by this film. It's strange when a movie can speak to you and I, personally, cannot get this one out of my head. I will say this, Mo'Nique DESERVED her award. Why? Because by the end of the movie, I wanted to knock her ass out then hug her for some reason. It actually changed my opinion of her. I mean, I've seen her on Queens of Comedy and then this? It was insanely different. So, if you're interested in watching this flick, take this into account...it's gritty, honest, powerful and sad. That being said, I loved it. I can only hope that Gabourey Sidibe continues to act and has a successful career. I, for one, am thankful this was not a true story (I think anyway). Although I'm certain there are people out there experiencing similar challenges. I hope those people gain strength from this film.

Taylor Swift...

Do I think she's a legitimite artist? Sure. Do I think she's a legitimate songwriter? Sure. Do I hate her? No. Ok, that last question remains to be seen. I feel it's apropos to post regarding this issue since her concert is, probably still, going on as I type this here in Dallas. She is NOT a vocalist, by any means, AND her songs all deal with high school issues. Of course, everyone and, just about anyone, can relate in some way to her songs (I mean we all went to high school right?); however, seriously? Vocalist? No, seriously...vocalist? She cannot sing. Her "music" may be ok but her musicability is seriously lacking. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying her songwriting ability sucks or her presentation, God forbid, sucks. Vocalist. Let's go ahead and make this clear as a bell... vo-cal-ist: noun. a singer. Ok, alright, she's a "singer" but the basic definition of vocalist does not infer"singing well". She sucks in my book aka cannot carry a tune. Were it not for millions of "tweens" this poor girl would never have made it beyond her first awards show. Seriously. I mean, seriously. When you're in a category with the likes of Reba, Martina McBride, CARRIE UNDERWOOD and Miranda Lambert...SURELY she must be asking herself, "am I as deserving VOCALLY as them?" The answer is and will always be...NOPE. Poor girl, I hope she enjoys her ride because surely as a "singer/songwriter" she will eventually realize which part of that "title" she's actually decent at....oh and have I mentioned yet, it's not singer.

Flotsam and Jetsam

An aplty titled blog if you ask me! You see not terribly long ago Seam officially set up the aquarium. Through the generosity of friends, we received numerous items INCLUDING two clown fish aka Nemo. So here we have this little aquarium that is, obviously, Disney themed. Ok, it's really not but how else would I allow such a time consuming and, needless to say, expensive hobby right? So it's Disney themed ("only in my mind" counts). So Seam decides one day that he really needs an eel in this tank. Why? I haven't a clue, it would literally be the FURTHEST species on my list of "musts". However, it's there now. I've been closely monitoring the little villain because, well, he eats, of all things...fish! So, I've decided to name him Flotsam, solely because of the movie The Little Mermaid. Are you seeing a pattern? Jetsam will never exist, probably because #1 Flotsam already has a death wish and it's name is Kevin and #2 Seam knows that there's no saving an eel in my book (long story short: Flotsam GOT OUT OF THE AQUARIUM and almost died...serves the idiot [eel not Seam] right!). Sooooooo, my final question to all my loyal followers, that is to say, all 3 of you...WHY would anyone EVER put a Disney Hero and a Disney Villain in the same habitat???? Only time will tell who will win the war and as of now, I foresee my culinary skills turning to sushi, that's right unagi anyone?

Flotsam and Jetsam as seen in The Little Mermaid....


Flotsam as seen in Plano, TX....

Oscar Night is Tomorrow

Who's watching? I will be, probably because I'm a sucker for pop culture, well kinda anyway. I will begin this post with the fact I have NOT seen but a handful of the nominated movies. I mean, I own Up but have yet to watch it (I know! Sacrilegious!), Coraline is in the mailbox as we speak from Netflix, yeah it's gonna stay there until I'm willing to check the mail. Let's see, I saw District 9...ok, I saw about 30 minutes of the flick and turned it off...stupid movie. Oh wait, I did see Julie & Julia...great movie? You bet! Do I want Meryl Streep to win? No. While I realize her caliber of acting is amazing, I'm secretly rooting for Sandra Bullock or Gabourey Sidibe (just trying to spell her name took me 4 tries, even then I had to consult another website lol). I've seen neither Precious or The Blind Side, but still. You gotta root for someone right?

I saw one of the Documentary Feature nominees, Which Way Home. It was sad but telling of the determination CHILDREN have to get to the US simply to provide for family and/or live. I think the most disturbing portions of the documentary were the updates of the children it followed. Sad. So I'm rooting for this flick because it's the only one I've seen and it's an eye opener. Wait, why wasn't Religulous nominated? Oh well.

So you may be asking yourself, why are you watching the Oscars if you haven't even seen the majority of nominated movies? The answer is clear as a bell....BECAUSE.

Alright, alright...I'm also watching to see what people wear LOL! I know. ALSO, to hear the speeches, there are usually some great ones like the one below! Concise, to the point and, yet, speaks VOLUMES...classy.



Hattie McDaniel receiving her Oscar for one of the greatest movies, Gone With The Wind (bite your tongue). To be so graceful, heartfelt and appreciative after everything....I'm referring to the fact that she was "not allowed" to attend the premier of the movie given it was premiered in 1939 Atlanta. Times have changed, thankfully. However, this is still such a classy speech.

A Sizable Sum of Cash

About a week ago, I finally gave in. Yes, Seam has had his sights set on going to the South Pacific for some time now. Will this actually come to fruition....mmm, probably not. However, I was the missing link. I refused to even consider such a place because, well, it's INSANELY expensive. Not to mention the LAST thing I want to do on vacation is spend almost an entire day in an airplane (literally, roundtrip flight=about 20 hours NOT including connections) for only 4 days in, what seems to be, paradise. Ok, scratch that last part... I mean the term "paradise", it completely kills my complaint regarding flight time. So anyway, I finally said, ok, we'll go and I'll contribute about $1000 to the trip. The SAD thing is, a grand is like a drop in the bucket when it comes to this caliber of vacation's cost. In a way, I'm regretting making the decision to give a green light. As many of you know, I'm not a "beachy, heat seeking, sun bathing, snorkeling"-type person. The sheer beauty of the place is what draws me in and, that alone, is enough. However, there are NUMEROUS other places I'd rather pay for, including, but not limited to: WALT DISNEY WORLD, Alaska, the UK, Germany, Italy, Greece, an African Safari, Japan, heck even Thailand (yum...Pad Thai lol). I guess I shouldn't complain, if he's wanting to pay (the majority anyway) for a trip to Bora Bora or Tahiti, then I should be grateful. I just can't help but wonder, what else could I see with that sizable sum of cash?


As an aside, should this trip not work out, I have numerous other ideas in mind. Most notably, taking my niece and sister to Disney, a 10 day road trip through California, ALASKA! and, of course, Italy. We'll see what happens. I mean, we may not be able to go anywhere!

A new leaf...I hope

I'm going to be making a concerted effort to blog, at the VERY least, once per week. I've neglected this way too long and I'm not really sure why. I mean sure I'm working 40 hours per week, taking classes,...ummm....ok, well that's it lol. So for you loyal followers, *tap* *tap* is this thing on? All I hear are crickets! So for MYSELF then, I'll be trying to keep up. I can't promise anything super intriguing but, I'll try. See ya soon!