So this is my last blog post of the semester. It's been a long, arduous journey thus far but I can say I have learned many things. Mainly, I have learned that, at 17, I was just not ready to start my freshmen year of college. After taking some time off and returning at 21, I think I'm at just the right age/time in my life where I'm ready to take this thing seriously.
This semester has proven trying to my patience and certainly my mental well being but I have to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. And although I did have a tendency to put off my blog posts until the end of the week (and sometimes right down to the last hour!) I always enjoyed writing them. I learned so much from doing the necessary research to write about many of my topics.
I will walk away from this English class, and this blog, with a better understanding of children, the food I eat, the things I like to do, and the country in which I live. I hope to be able to keep posting, at least every now and then, as I continue to further my education. I would definitely like to read some of my classmates blogs and am hoping that many of them continue to write regularly. I certainly cannot promise two posts a week (I mean who am I kidding? If they aren't mandatory I probably won't do them :D) but I think I would still like to have this blog as an area in which to express myself creatively.
They, although I'm unsure who "they" are, say that keeping a diary helps to enrich one's life. According to "them", if you keep a diary you are more likely to take mental notes of moments as they are happening, to better remember them so you can write about them later. Perhaps this blog will no longer serve as an arena for me to write about food, perhaps now I can use it as a place to express my feelings. To write about my daily comings and goings.
I've had a wonderful semester and I have appreciated everything that I've learned from my teachers, my classmates and myself. I hope everyone in ENG 102 can say the same.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Caleb
When I was nine years old, in the fourth grade, I met my best friend. I was the resident "new kid" at school that year and then, after Christmas break, there was another "new kid." He was tall and gangly with brown hair and brown eyes. He was goofy and outgoing and we were both relatively friend-less in this strange new school. We instantly became inseparable. During that time, I was a painfully shy, very quiet little girl. Caleb, my new best friend, was not. He had no trouble at all talking to people and I must credit him with bringing me out of my shell.
As time passed, our bond grew stronger. I remember in the sixth grade, we had a lot of big fights on the playground. Sometimes we'd go a couple of days without talking, but we always found our way back to one another in a short amount of time. Then we entered Junior High, perhaps one of the most awkward phases in a young person's life. As we both went through puberty, I watched my best friend grow tall, handsome, and his voice got deeper. Girls started noticing Caleb more but we only had eyes for each other. We tried "going out" once or twice, but our soul mate connection was deeper than your average romantic, Junior High boyfriend/girlfriend thing.
As high school approached, we were still the best of friends. Driver's licenses, boyfriends, girlfriends, new friends; none of that could come between us. Our bond was only growing stronger. In our very conservative, close minded (see also: redneck) hometown, we clung to each other. Our friendship was a life preserver in an ocean of people who didn't understand us. We became "Sam and Caleb", the two class clowns with the sense of humor that no one else ever really "got." Our weekends consisted of seeing all the new movies together, discussing books, crushes, teachers, and life.
When we graduated, we both went to different colleges in different states, but remained just as close. We were in constant contact throughout these new, scary phases of life. We shared our first loves, first heartbreaks, first losses, and every new victory. Short trips to see each other over long weekends and extended breaks were always fantastic. To this day, when we see each other, no matter how many months have passed since our last visit, it's as if nothing has ever changed. In this crazy thing called life, my friendship with Caleb is constant. I know that he will always have my back and he knows that I will always have his. We have a history. We've known one another for thirteen years. We've known each other not just in that casual high school friend way, but in a way like no other. We understand each other like no one else can.
This weekend, Caleb will be graduating college. Tonight, I will take the six and a half hour long trek to see him, to be there for him in this milestone moment. In our lives, there will be many more milestones, and for all of them, we will be right there by each other. We will continue to share in our losses and our victories. Time has proven that nothing can come between us. No matter what troubles we face, our friendship has always been a beacon in the night, beckoning us home to a place of familiarity.
Caleb is truly one of the best people I know. He's kind and considerate, sensitive and hilarious, handsome and not at all arrogant. He cares deeply for his family and his friends. He is smarter than he even knows. He is organized and driven. He has the best sense of humor. He makes me laugh like no one else can, when no one else can. I know that, whatever he decides to do with his life, he will be very successful. I feel extremely lucky to be so close to him, to truly call him my "best friend." Sometimes, we tend to throw that phrase, "best friend", around loosely, but not me. When I think of "best friend", it's Caleb's face I see, it's his laugh I hear. I love him and I'm so proud of him. He was the first boy to ever tell me that I am beautiful. I would like to dedicate this post to him, because he, too, is beautiful. Inside and out, Caleb is a beautiful person with the kindest soul I've ever known. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.
As time passed, our bond grew stronger. I remember in the sixth grade, we had a lot of big fights on the playground. Sometimes we'd go a couple of days without talking, but we always found our way back to one another in a short amount of time. Then we entered Junior High, perhaps one of the most awkward phases in a young person's life. As we both went through puberty, I watched my best friend grow tall, handsome, and his voice got deeper. Girls started noticing Caleb more but we only had eyes for each other. We tried "going out" once or twice, but our soul mate connection was deeper than your average romantic, Junior High boyfriend/girlfriend thing.
As high school approached, we were still the best of friends. Driver's licenses, boyfriends, girlfriends, new friends; none of that could come between us. Our bond was only growing stronger. In our very conservative, close minded (see also: redneck) hometown, we clung to each other. Our friendship was a life preserver in an ocean of people who didn't understand us. We became "Sam and Caleb", the two class clowns with the sense of humor that no one else ever really "got." Our weekends consisted of seeing all the new movies together, discussing books, crushes, teachers, and life.
When we graduated, we both went to different colleges in different states, but remained just as close. We were in constant contact throughout these new, scary phases of life. We shared our first loves, first heartbreaks, first losses, and every new victory. Short trips to see each other over long weekends and extended breaks were always fantastic. To this day, when we see each other, no matter how many months have passed since our last visit, it's as if nothing has ever changed. In this crazy thing called life, my friendship with Caleb is constant. I know that he will always have my back and he knows that I will always have his. We have a history. We've known one another for thirteen years. We've known each other not just in that casual high school friend way, but in a way like no other. We understand each other like no one else can.
This weekend, Caleb will be graduating college. Tonight, I will take the six and a half hour long trek to see him, to be there for him in this milestone moment. In our lives, there will be many more milestones, and for all of them, we will be right there by each other. We will continue to share in our losses and our victories. Time has proven that nothing can come between us. No matter what troubles we face, our friendship has always been a beacon in the night, beckoning us home to a place of familiarity.
Caleb is truly one of the best people I know. He's kind and considerate, sensitive and hilarious, handsome and not at all arrogant. He cares deeply for his family and his friends. He is smarter than he even knows. He is organized and driven. He has the best sense of humor. He makes me laugh like no one else can, when no one else can. I know that, whatever he decides to do with his life, he will be very successful. I feel extremely lucky to be so close to him, to truly call him my "best friend." Sometimes, we tend to throw that phrase, "best friend", around loosely, but not me. When I think of "best friend", it's Caleb's face I see, it's his laugh I hear. I love him and I'm so proud of him. He was the first boy to ever tell me that I am beautiful. I would like to dedicate this post to him, because he, too, is beautiful. Inside and out, Caleb is a beautiful person with the kindest soul I've ever known. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman
After a long day of writing papers, studying for finals, and pondering the meaning of life, I get a headache. It's only natural, using all that brain power, all that intense concentration. Headaches are a part of life and ever since I was a young girl, I have suffered from chronic headaches. So what do I do when I have a headache? Yeah, like almost everyone in the world, I reach for a bottle of Tylenol or ibuprofen, basically I go for the Acetaminophin. Pop a couple of those and relief is on the way! But wait! What about the other effects that this drug can have on me? Now back in the 1970's long term usage of Tylenol was linked to liver disease, but this research is outdated. According to this Medicine Net article, Tylenol's long term usage rarely causes liver disease in people with normal, healthy livers, but (yes there's always a but) Tylenol (Acetaminpohin) can cause an elevation of liver enzymes, causing injury to the liver. This gives me pause about reaching for the Tylenol next time I have a headache. But what else can I do, you might find yourself asking. Well, let me tell you about some natural remedies to everyday aches, pains, and sleeping problems.
One of the most easily found herbs that can remedy a headache is ginger. Ginger can be found at your local super market and even at your favorite Japanese restaurant. According to the research I found here, ginger inhibits platelet aggregation and, as a result, drinking ginger tea can help cure a migraine. Not only is ginger helpful in the prevention and treatment of headaches, ginger can help with a plethora of different ailments. For instance, ginger, because of its volatile oils and phenol compounds, can help cure motion sickness and nausea in pregnant women. Preliminary studies have even shown that ginger may help lower cholesterol and prevent blood from clotting.
So what about those of us who have trouble sleeping? I don't know if you know this, but chronic use of sleep aids can cause dependency and even insomnia. There is hope, though, with this herbal remedy! That herb is melatonin. Melatonin is found in the brain and its secretion in the body spikes at night, allowing us to fall asleep. Melatonin can also be found in health food stores and, sometimes, your local supermarket. This research shows that melatonin induces sleepiness and even lowers one's body temperature which could further aid in sleepiness. Taking melatonin about two hours before your usual bedtime can help you fall asleep, and stay asleep, easier.
Echinacea is another natural remedy to many common aches, pains and even bug bites. Echinacea is a plant found in North America and has been used for many years. This website informs me that it was even used to treat scarlet, blood poisoning, and syphilis in the past. The wonderful thing about echinacea is that it can be used in place of antibiotics. This is good new for people, like myself, who do not like to take antibiotics. Echinacea has been approved to treat urinary tract infections, broncitis, hay fever, and even hemorrhoids.
So maybe you're a skeptic when it comes to natural remedies, but I swear by ginger! Echinacea and melatonin, too! Next time you're feeling sick, anxious, or you're having trouble sleeping, instead of reaching for Tylenol PM or other similar medications, try a natural remedy!
One of the most easily found herbs that can remedy a headache is ginger. Ginger can be found at your local super market and even at your favorite Japanese restaurant. According to the research I found here, ginger inhibits platelet aggregation and, as a result, drinking ginger tea can help cure a migraine. Not only is ginger helpful in the prevention and treatment of headaches, ginger can help with a plethora of different ailments. For instance, ginger, because of its volatile oils and phenol compounds, can help cure motion sickness and nausea in pregnant women. Preliminary studies have even shown that ginger may help lower cholesterol and prevent blood from clotting.
So what about those of us who have trouble sleeping? I don't know if you know this, but chronic use of sleep aids can cause dependency and even insomnia. There is hope, though, with this herbal remedy! That herb is melatonin. Melatonin is found in the brain and its secretion in the body spikes at night, allowing us to fall asleep. Melatonin can also be found in health food stores and, sometimes, your local supermarket. This research shows that melatonin induces sleepiness and even lowers one's body temperature which could further aid in sleepiness. Taking melatonin about two hours before your usual bedtime can help you fall asleep, and stay asleep, easier.
Echinacea is another natural remedy to many common aches, pains and even bug bites. Echinacea is a plant found in North America and has been used for many years. This website informs me that it was even used to treat scarlet, blood poisoning, and syphilis in the past. The wonderful thing about echinacea is that it can be used in place of antibiotics. This is good new for people, like myself, who do not like to take antibiotics. Echinacea has been approved to treat urinary tract infections, broncitis, hay fever, and even hemorrhoids.
So maybe you're a skeptic when it comes to natural remedies, but I swear by ginger! Echinacea and melatonin, too! Next time you're feeling sick, anxious, or you're having trouble sleeping, instead of reaching for Tylenol PM or other similar medications, try a natural remedy!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Short Story
Okay so I never ever let anyone read my short stories and, hey, no one really ever comments on my blog so I figured, what a great place to post a part of a story I'm working on! Any feedback would be much appreciated. I'm not sure where this story came from or where it will end up and, as of yet, it doesn't have a title but this is what I have so far. And please, if you do have feedback, be gentle. Also, be aware that there is some coarse language:
Jack Baker, 32 years of age, took the warm, Pyrex casserole dish from his aunt Myra’s shaky, fragile old hands. His dark, red-rimmed brown eyes met her sad gray ones and she let her small fingers graze his hands as he accepted her condolence gift of green bean casserole.
“Kamron was so beautiful, Jack. She was an absolute doll,” Myra said softly. Jack nodded patiently.
“Yes, she was an incredible woman,” he replied quietly. She had been his best friend. The mother of his only daughter and his soul mate, if there was such a thing. She had been 30 years old the night she was hit, head on, by a truck diver who had fallen asleep at the wheel, his truck veering quickly through three lanes of traffic. She had died instantly. Probably felt no pain, according to the officer who delivered the news to Jack. Deputy Wilkins. Jack had wondered if he had had to deliver news like that before. If this Deputy Wilkins had ever had to crush a man’s dreams for his future on his front stoop.
Jack spent most of the next week in a daze. He wondered how he would take care of their precious daughter alone. He wondered how he would take care of himself alone. Now that Kamron was in the ground he knew it would be a whirlwind of sympathy cards and condolence casseroles that would probably go uneaten. But a casserole could not raise a little girl. A little girl with the biggest blue eyes Jack had ever seen. A little girl who had just lost her first tooth. A little girl who had just lost her mother.
“She’s up in heaven now, looking down on you and Jane,” Myra explained to Jack as she dabbed the corners of her eyes with a ratty piece of tissue. Jack smiled weakly but could not reply. Over the past few days he couldn’t count the number of times that people had told him Kamron was in heaven and that this was “God’s plan.” Some fucking plan. Jack now had to learn how to put a little girl’s hair in pigtails. How to coordinate her outfits for school and how to navigate the treacherous waters of raising a teenage daughter without his wife, his best friend.
Jack excused himself and went looking for Jane. He found her in his brother, Peter’s lap, she was giggling at something. He stood a few feet away, watching his younger brother hold his daughter tenderly. A lump formed in his throat. His eyes stung with tears. Kamron was gone and every day Jack would have a tiny version of her to look after. He was scared for Jane. Scared for himself. Peter looked up and noticed Jack, pointed to him and whispered something in Jane’s ear. She jumped off of his lap and ran towards Jack, hugging his legs.
“You doing okay, Daddy?” she asked softly, pressing her face into his side. He smiled down at her.
“Doing good, sweetheart. How you doing?” he asked her, kneeling down to look into her huge, clear blue eyes. She smiled at him, revealing her missing tooth. Her bottom front tooth. Kamron had been so excited when she lost it. Leaving her not only a dollar under her pillow but a small note made out of pink construction paper. “Your mommy and daddy are so proud of you!” it had said. Jack’s heart ached thinking of that small, pink note tacked up on Jane’s wall, written in Kamron’s handwriting. Just one of several small pieces of her all over the house they had shared.
“Good. Uncle Pete tells good jokes,” she answered, smiling over at her uncle. Jack nodded.
“He always has. He’s always been a better joke teller than me.”
“Daddy, you don’t tell jokes.” Jack pulled Jane close to him and smelled her citrus shampoo as he held her tightly. She squeezed him back, hard as she could. She knew her daddy would need lots of hugs from her. She knew she’d need some from him too.
“Hey Janey, why don’t you go see if Aunt Myra brought any cookies. She makes the best cookie you’ll ever eat!” came Peter’s voice from above them. Jack stood up and watched as his small, dark haired daughter ran towards his frail, old aunt Myra in search of cookies. He looked at his brother. Four years younger and taller than him by at least two inches. Pete’s hair was shoulder length, straight and light brown. Jack found it very odd seeing his free-spirited, longhaired brother in a black suit. With Jane out of earshot, Pete asked his brother how he was feeling, honestly. Jack shrugged.
“I think I’ll throw up on the next person to tell me that Karmon is in heaven, looking down on me and Janey,” he replied wearily. Pete chuckled.
“But Jack, this is God’s plan,” Pete said sarcastically, placing a hand on Jack’s shoulder. Both brothers were tall and thin. Both had the same thick bottom lip and lopsided smile that their father, Marvin, had had. Jack, though, had always been the more stoic brother. He had been the star student. The shy one. Peter had been the outgoing one. The one who had all the friends and the girls chasing after him. Although they were both very different, they had always been good friends and Jack knew he’d be leaning heavily on Peter during this time of mourning. During this time of being so god damn alone.
Jack absent-mindedly ran a hand through his straight, shaggy dark hair. He suddenly felt panicky. He wanted all these people out of his house. He was tired of them milling about, picking at the condolence casseroles that were laid out, buffet style on a long table set up by one of Kamron’s cousins.
“I think I need some air. Could you keep on eye on Janey? Make sure Myra doesn’t try to save her soul or anything.”
“Sure thing, brother. Take your time. It’s fucking depressing in here,” Pete replied, smiling sadly at Jack.
So that's what I've got so far. I'm not sure where to take it next, but I have some ideas. If you're interested, let me know and I'll keep you posted.
Jack Baker, 32 years of age, took the warm, Pyrex casserole dish from his aunt Myra’s shaky, fragile old hands. His dark, red-rimmed brown eyes met her sad gray ones and she let her small fingers graze his hands as he accepted her condolence gift of green bean casserole.
“Kamron was so beautiful, Jack. She was an absolute doll,” Myra said softly. Jack nodded patiently.
“Yes, she was an incredible woman,” he replied quietly. She had been his best friend. The mother of his only daughter and his soul mate, if there was such a thing. She had been 30 years old the night she was hit, head on, by a truck diver who had fallen asleep at the wheel, his truck veering quickly through three lanes of traffic. She had died instantly. Probably felt no pain, according to the officer who delivered the news to Jack. Deputy Wilkins. Jack had wondered if he had had to deliver news like that before. If this Deputy Wilkins had ever had to crush a man’s dreams for his future on his front stoop.
Jack spent most of the next week in a daze. He wondered how he would take care of their precious daughter alone. He wondered how he would take care of himself alone. Now that Kamron was in the ground he knew it would be a whirlwind of sympathy cards and condolence casseroles that would probably go uneaten. But a casserole could not raise a little girl. A little girl with the biggest blue eyes Jack had ever seen. A little girl who had just lost her first tooth. A little girl who had just lost her mother.
“She’s up in heaven now, looking down on you and Jane,” Myra explained to Jack as she dabbed the corners of her eyes with a ratty piece of tissue. Jack smiled weakly but could not reply. Over the past few days he couldn’t count the number of times that people had told him Kamron was in heaven and that this was “God’s plan.” Some fucking plan. Jack now had to learn how to put a little girl’s hair in pigtails. How to coordinate her outfits for school and how to navigate the treacherous waters of raising a teenage daughter without his wife, his best friend.
Jack excused himself and went looking for Jane. He found her in his brother, Peter’s lap, she was giggling at something. He stood a few feet away, watching his younger brother hold his daughter tenderly. A lump formed in his throat. His eyes stung with tears. Kamron was gone and every day Jack would have a tiny version of her to look after. He was scared for Jane. Scared for himself. Peter looked up and noticed Jack, pointed to him and whispered something in Jane’s ear. She jumped off of his lap and ran towards Jack, hugging his legs.
“You doing okay, Daddy?” she asked softly, pressing her face into his side. He smiled down at her.
“Doing good, sweetheart. How you doing?” he asked her, kneeling down to look into her huge, clear blue eyes. She smiled at him, revealing her missing tooth. Her bottom front tooth. Kamron had been so excited when she lost it. Leaving her not only a dollar under her pillow but a small note made out of pink construction paper. “Your mommy and daddy are so proud of you!” it had said. Jack’s heart ached thinking of that small, pink note tacked up on Jane’s wall, written in Kamron’s handwriting. Just one of several small pieces of her all over the house they had shared.
“Good. Uncle Pete tells good jokes,” she answered, smiling over at her uncle. Jack nodded.
“He always has. He’s always been a better joke teller than me.”
“Daddy, you don’t tell jokes.” Jack pulled Jane close to him and smelled her citrus shampoo as he held her tightly. She squeezed him back, hard as she could. She knew her daddy would need lots of hugs from her. She knew she’d need some from him too.
“Hey Janey, why don’t you go see if Aunt Myra brought any cookies. She makes the best cookie you’ll ever eat!” came Peter’s voice from above them. Jack stood up and watched as his small, dark haired daughter ran towards his frail, old aunt Myra in search of cookies. He looked at his brother. Four years younger and taller than him by at least two inches. Pete’s hair was shoulder length, straight and light brown. Jack found it very odd seeing his free-spirited, longhaired brother in a black suit. With Jane out of earshot, Pete asked his brother how he was feeling, honestly. Jack shrugged.
“I think I’ll throw up on the next person to tell me that Karmon is in heaven, looking down on me and Janey,” he replied wearily. Pete chuckled.
“But Jack, this is God’s plan,” Pete said sarcastically, placing a hand on Jack’s shoulder. Both brothers were tall and thin. Both had the same thick bottom lip and lopsided smile that their father, Marvin, had had. Jack, though, had always been the more stoic brother. He had been the star student. The shy one. Peter had been the outgoing one. The one who had all the friends and the girls chasing after him. Although they were both very different, they had always been good friends and Jack knew he’d be leaning heavily on Peter during this time of mourning. During this time of being so god damn alone.
Jack absent-mindedly ran a hand through his straight, shaggy dark hair. He suddenly felt panicky. He wanted all these people out of his house. He was tired of them milling about, picking at the condolence casseroles that were laid out, buffet style on a long table set up by one of Kamron’s cousins.
“I think I need some air. Could you keep on eye on Janey? Make sure Myra doesn’t try to save her soul or anything.”
“Sure thing, brother. Take your time. It’s fucking depressing in here,” Pete replied, smiling sadly at Jack.
So that's what I've got so far. I'm not sure where to take it next, but I have some ideas. If you're interested, let me know and I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Breasts: for more than just ogling.
On April 23rd, 2010, my brother Michael and his wife Melissa welcomed their baby girl, Sophia, to the world. At seven pounds five ounces, she was healthy and sporting a shock of reddish blonde hair. Words cannot express how excited our whole family is about this newest, tiny addition. With a new baby comes many new responsibilities and lessons in life that one cannot be prepared for until the baby is actually here. While I myself have never had children, I have had quite a bit of experience taking care of babies and young children and I've known, and been close with, many parents. The main concern of most of the parents? The health of their children. In this week's blog, I would like to discuss one way in which a parent, namely a mother, can greatly benefit her baby's health now and in the future.
Breastfeeding has, in the past, been something that is taboo in our culture. We never really talk about it and certain celebrities have even been scolded for breastfeeding in public. This is sad, in my opinion. Breastfeeding is a natural act that benefits both mother and child and should be viewed as such. It is not a "peep show" or "gross" or "weird" and I have heard it described as all of the above. Quite the contrary, you may be surprised to learn about all of the benefits of breastfeeding.
For one, breastfeeding does not only benefit the baby, breastfeeding also benefits the mother. According to this womenshealth.gov literature, breastfeeding can lower the risk of Postpartum depression and even certain cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer. Not only that, but breastfeeding allows a mother to take some quiet time with her newborn baby to bond and to relax together. Breastfeeding can also increase confidence in a woman and it can save up to $3000 dollars a year, depending on your formula brand!
There are also numerous benefits for babies who are breastfed. These facts state that breast milk provides the perfect amount of proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins that newborns must have to be healthy. Not only that, but information found here states that premature infants who received breast milk has greater mental development than those who were not. Also, infants who are fed breast milk are less likely to be re-hospitalized after discharge than those who are not. This is because breast milk contains antibodies that help babies fight diseases and viruses. Breast milk is also the easiest food for a new born baby to digest, which is important for a baby's sensitive stomach.
Not only is breastfeeding good for mother and child, but also for our environment. With breastfeeding, there is little need for plastic waste from bottles and formula containers. Another benefit? Because breastfed babies are sick less, the mothers of these babies can miss less work. Also, because of breast pumps, a mother can store her breast milk to be fed to the baby later, so that even if the mother can't be around to breastfeed, her baby can still enjoy the healthy benefits of her breast milk. This also helps dads and partners get in on the act of feeding the baby, too.
In conclusion, the benefits of breastfeeding are numerous for mothers, babies, families and the environment. Breastfeeding is a natural, wonderful thing for a mother and her new baby to share and should be encouraged by all.
Breastfeeding has, in the past, been something that is taboo in our culture. We never really talk about it and certain celebrities have even been scolded for breastfeeding in public. This is sad, in my opinion. Breastfeeding is a natural act that benefits both mother and child and should be viewed as such. It is not a "peep show" or "gross" or "weird" and I have heard it described as all of the above. Quite the contrary, you may be surprised to learn about all of the benefits of breastfeeding.
For one, breastfeeding does not only benefit the baby, breastfeeding also benefits the mother. According to this womenshealth.gov literature, breastfeeding can lower the risk of Postpartum depression and even certain cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer. Not only that, but breastfeeding allows a mother to take some quiet time with her newborn baby to bond and to relax together. Breastfeeding can also increase confidence in a woman and it can save up to $3000 dollars a year, depending on your formula brand!
There are also numerous benefits for babies who are breastfed. These facts state that breast milk provides the perfect amount of proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins that newborns must have to be healthy. Not only that, but information found here states that premature infants who received breast milk has greater mental development than those who were not. Also, infants who are fed breast milk are less likely to be re-hospitalized after discharge than those who are not. This is because breast milk contains antibodies that help babies fight diseases and viruses. Breast milk is also the easiest food for a new born baby to digest, which is important for a baby's sensitive stomach.
Not only is breastfeeding good for mother and child, but also for our environment. With breastfeeding, there is little need for plastic waste from bottles and formula containers. Another benefit? Because breastfed babies are sick less, the mothers of these babies can miss less work. Also, because of breast pumps, a mother can store her breast milk to be fed to the baby later, so that even if the mother can't be around to breastfeed, her baby can still enjoy the healthy benefits of her breast milk. This also helps dads and partners get in on the act of feeding the baby, too.
In conclusion, the benefits of breastfeeding are numerous for mothers, babies, families and the environment. Breastfeeding is a natural, wonderful thing for a mother and her new baby to share and should be encouraged by all.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Top 5 Books
Admittedly, I have struggled with what to write my second blog post about for this week. I thought maybe I could do another one about Jamie Oliver, and how much I just absolutely adore him, and how tonight is the season finale of "Food Revolution" and how, if you haven't done so yet, you should sign this petition for better lunches in elementary schools. Then I thought, since I've already done one blog post over Jamie and his revolutionary vision for the food future of America, I could probably find a better, more creative topic.
Then I thought "AHA! I know what I'll do my second topic over! The financial aid office and how friggin' irritating they can be!" Then I checked my mail and found a check in my mailbox from said financial aid office. My heart softened and I thought "ah well, I'll give the financial aid ladies a break for now."
I've already done topics of movies, television, songs and bands. Basically those are all my favorite things. Then I realized, books! I could do a blog post over my top 5 favorite books! So, here we go!
1. "Rats Saw God" by Rob Thomas- No not that Rob Thomas. The writer Rob Thomas. He probably doesn't have as good of a singing voice but his literary voice is wonderful. I read this book for the first time when I was in the 8th grade and have read it at least fifteen times since. To me, this book really captures what it's like to be a teenager; to feel love and subsequently heartache, for the first time, to struggle with your identity, and your parents. This book covers it all with depth and poignancy. Even now that I'm almost 22, I still read this book at least once a year. I love the journey on which it takes me.
2. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky- This is another one of those books I first read in high school and I absolutely fell in love with it. It is written through a series of letters to an anonymous recipient. The letters are written by a young boy entering high school named Charlie. Charlie talks of his struggles with life, family and friends. Honestly, the characters in this book feel like real people, people I would hang out with. While it is a bit of a downer, this book has a certain magical quality that I'm reminded of every time I read it.
3. "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck- Okay yeah, I had to put one stereotypical popular "Oprah's Book Club" book in here, but only because I really do love it. The comparisons to the Bible, specifically Cain and Able, and the struggles that the two brothers of the book (Adam and Charles) face are fascinating. Steinbeck is, of course, one of the most well known writers of our time and this book has convinced me that he isn't just overrated. Steinbeck really writes these characters with a sensitivity that shines through in the entire novel. It's interesting, dramatic, and hard to put down.
4. "Mississippi Sissy" by Kevin Sessums- Aside from fiction (which is probably my favorite genre) I love a good memoir and this is definitely that. Sessums talks of his struggles growing up as a young boy in Mississippi, the respective deaths of his parents, and his struggles with sexuality. He writes with poise and humor that's both charming and entrancing.
5. "I Know This Much is True" by Wally Lamb- Lamb is probably most famous for his popular book "She's Come Undone" and, while I have read "Undone", my favorite work by Lamb would have to be "I Know This Much is True." For one, this book is long, topping almost nine hundred pages. To some, that may seem intimidating, to me, it's a dream! I love settling in with a huge book, especially if it's as engaging as this one. Our protagonist, Dominick Birdsey, must deal with being the identical twin of a schizophrenic who cuts off his own hand, the death of his mother, and of his infant daughter, all the while trying to figure out who he is and who his biological father is. The end wraps up nicely, which I like, tying up all of the loose ends. Lamb really got it right with this book and if you enjoy reading a nice, long book, I certainly recommend this one.
So there you have it. My top 5 favorite books. These books all hold a very special place in my heart and, most of them, I've read multiple times. Reading an old favorite book is like slipping into a warm bath. It's comfortable and familiar. It's like seeing old friends that you haven't seen in a while, they haven't changed and they are just as welcoming as they always have been.
Then I thought "AHA! I know what I'll do my second topic over! The financial aid office and how friggin' irritating they can be!" Then I checked my mail and found a check in my mailbox from said financial aid office. My heart softened and I thought "ah well, I'll give the financial aid ladies a break for now."
I've already done topics of movies, television, songs and bands. Basically those are all my favorite things. Then I realized, books! I could do a blog post over my top 5 favorite books! So, here we go!
1. "Rats Saw God" by Rob Thomas- No not that Rob Thomas. The writer Rob Thomas. He probably doesn't have as good of a singing voice but his literary voice is wonderful. I read this book for the first time when I was in the 8th grade and have read it at least fifteen times since. To me, this book really captures what it's like to be a teenager; to feel love and subsequently heartache, for the first time, to struggle with your identity, and your parents. This book covers it all with depth and poignancy. Even now that I'm almost 22, I still read this book at least once a year. I love the journey on which it takes me.
2. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky- This is another one of those books I first read in high school and I absolutely fell in love with it. It is written through a series of letters to an anonymous recipient. The letters are written by a young boy entering high school named Charlie. Charlie talks of his struggles with life, family and friends. Honestly, the characters in this book feel like real people, people I would hang out with. While it is a bit of a downer, this book has a certain magical quality that I'm reminded of every time I read it.
3. "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck- Okay yeah, I had to put one stereotypical popular "Oprah's Book Club" book in here, but only because I really do love it. The comparisons to the Bible, specifically Cain and Able, and the struggles that the two brothers of the book (Adam and Charles) face are fascinating. Steinbeck is, of course, one of the most well known writers of our time and this book has convinced me that he isn't just overrated. Steinbeck really writes these characters with a sensitivity that shines through in the entire novel. It's interesting, dramatic, and hard to put down.
4. "Mississippi Sissy" by Kevin Sessums- Aside from fiction (which is probably my favorite genre) I love a good memoir and this is definitely that. Sessums talks of his struggles growing up as a young boy in Mississippi, the respective deaths of his parents, and his struggles with sexuality. He writes with poise and humor that's both charming and entrancing.
5. "I Know This Much is True" by Wally Lamb- Lamb is probably most famous for his popular book "She's Come Undone" and, while I have read "Undone", my favorite work by Lamb would have to be "I Know This Much is True." For one, this book is long, topping almost nine hundred pages. To some, that may seem intimidating, to me, it's a dream! I love settling in with a huge book, especially if it's as engaging as this one. Our protagonist, Dominick Birdsey, must deal with being the identical twin of a schizophrenic who cuts off his own hand, the death of his mother, and of his infant daughter, all the while trying to figure out who he is and who his biological father is. The end wraps up nicely, which I like, tying up all of the loose ends. Lamb really got it right with this book and if you enjoy reading a nice, long book, I certainly recommend this one.
So there you have it. My top 5 favorite books. These books all hold a very special place in my heart and, most of them, I've read multiple times. Reading an old favorite book is like slipping into a warm bath. It's comfortable and familiar. It's like seeing old friends that you haven't seen in a while, they haven't changed and they are just as welcoming as they always have been.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Home Cooking
About a year ago, the thought of cooking anything besides scrambled eggs would have sent me into a panic. I was so scared of cooking, no actually I was scared of screwing up or catching something on fire, that I never even attempted it. This turned out to have been a big mistake. These days I cook myself and my family a delicious dinner just about every night. And I absolutely love it! Cooking is as much of a creative outlet as writing or painting. Not to mention, there are several health benefits of eating meals that you yourself have cooked. So if you are afraid of cooking, like I once was, read on and find out just how beneficial it is.
This USA Today article says that, when people eat out, they consume 50% more fat, calories and sodium. Not to mention that when dining in a restaurant, people often end up with less vegetables and whole grains in their meal and, ultimately, their diet. Couple that information with the fact that a diet rich in red meats and lacking in vegetables can cause cancer and you've got some pretty jarring facts to chew on.
Another problem with restaurants? Portion control. The plates and the portions are larger at restaurants. According to this Smallstep article, people actually do consume more calories when they are served a larger portion. So you may think that you're eating healthy at a restaurant by ordering your favorite salad, but in reality you probably aren't simply because of portion alone. One way to control this is to order an appetizer instead of an entree.
The major problem that I, personally, have with eating out? The ingredients. In America, we already have a problem with consuming processed foods and paying no attention whatsoever to the ingredients in these "foods." When you are eating something that a restaurant has provided, you have no idea what you are consuming. There is no way of knowing how much butter, salt or other ingredients are used in the food you are eating and it's definitely important to be aware of this.
Another benefit to home cooking? It's cheaper and, in this recession, saving money is what really counts. This NY Times article confirms that nearly half of the average family budgets goes toward eating food outside of the home. Imagine the savings of simply cooking a few more meals a week at home.
So we now know some of the many benefits of home cooking, but what about the time factor? Cooking at home can be time consuming, right? Well I've done some research for you and I have found some quick, easy recipes that can be prepared at home with little preparation and cook time. If you are so inclined, you can check these out here.
I cannot sing the praises of home cooking enough. Not only is it important for your personal health, but the health of your family as well. Cooking at home can be a fun task, especially if others, such as children, are involved. Not to mention, cooking at home with your children can teach them about health, food and how to cook for themselves which can be an important life skill that will serve them well down the road in life. So here are the facts: cooking at home can be cheaper, it's certainly healthier (depending on what you cook, of course), and it can create some much needed family time in our crazy society. So next time you're pondering what to have for dinner, put down that take out menu and pick up a recipe book. It could save your life.
This USA Today article says that, when people eat out, they consume 50% more fat, calories and sodium. Not to mention that when dining in a restaurant, people often end up with less vegetables and whole grains in their meal and, ultimately, their diet. Couple that information with the fact that a diet rich in red meats and lacking in vegetables can cause cancer and you've got some pretty jarring facts to chew on.
Another problem with restaurants? Portion control. The plates and the portions are larger at restaurants. According to this Smallstep article, people actually do consume more calories when they are served a larger portion. So you may think that you're eating healthy at a restaurant by ordering your favorite salad, but in reality you probably aren't simply because of portion alone. One way to control this is to order an appetizer instead of an entree.
The major problem that I, personally, have with eating out? The ingredients. In America, we already have a problem with consuming processed foods and paying no attention whatsoever to the ingredients in these "foods." When you are eating something that a restaurant has provided, you have no idea what you are consuming. There is no way of knowing how much butter, salt or other ingredients are used in the food you are eating and it's definitely important to be aware of this.
Another benefit to home cooking? It's cheaper and, in this recession, saving money is what really counts. This NY Times article confirms that nearly half of the average family budgets goes toward eating food outside of the home. Imagine the savings of simply cooking a few more meals a week at home.
So we now know some of the many benefits of home cooking, but what about the time factor? Cooking at home can be time consuming, right? Well I've done some research for you and I have found some quick, easy recipes that can be prepared at home with little preparation and cook time. If you are so inclined, you can check these out here.
I cannot sing the praises of home cooking enough. Not only is it important for your personal health, but the health of your family as well. Cooking at home can be a fun task, especially if others, such as children, are involved. Not to mention, cooking at home with your children can teach them about health, food and how to cook for themselves which can be an important life skill that will serve them well down the road in life. So here are the facts: cooking at home can be cheaper, it's certainly healthier (depending on what you cook, of course), and it can create some much needed family time in our crazy society. So next time you're pondering what to have for dinner, put down that take out menu and pick up a recipe book. It could save your life.
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