Crazy Dream

So everyone has those "if i could do anything in the world" dreams, and I am no different. My secret (well, not so secret now), crazy dream is to open my own restaurant. I'm sure it would totally make me hate to cook, but don't ruin my dream, OK? I don't think there would be one particular style of food but everything would taste like it was made by your mama, or at least what you wish your mama's food tasted like. There would be different daily soup and specials, and it is only natural to serve breakfast all day. There would be Jack Johnson's banana pancakes, chips and queso, and home-style pizza. The menu would change often and I would try to use as much local, organic ingredients possible. It would also be cheap, because great food shouldn't break the bank.

This post came about for two reasons; 1. I am watching Drive-In's, Diners and Dives on the Food Network, and 2. I just made AMAZING red bean, beef chili. I learned to cook by watching my parents, especially my Dad, and I'm still always really impressed with myself when things taste great in the end. I love to cook for others and I think it is so sad that so many people don't know how to cook. The beauty of home cooking is the fact that I know every last thing that goes into what I am eating. If I eat unhealthy, I can't say I didn't realize it. I tend to eat way better at home because I sneak veggies in to unexpected places. I guess for now I will have to settle for cooking for my friends and family, but maybe, one day I'll lose my mind and open a restaurant.

Food, Inc.

A family friend of mine is a big movie buff and I have attended a couple pre-screening events with her that are hosted through the Jewish Film Society. Today we saw a documentary entitled "Food, Inc." by director Robert Keener. The film gives insight to the capitalization and monopolization of the farming and ranching industries, which has changed rapidly in the last 70 years. Basically it gives an insider look on the loss of respect for all parties involved in the food production industry, from the farmers to the animals to the workers. Of course, the large corrporations behind these abuses failed to comment, and I don't blame them. And it is also no suprise that the Bush administration served as a catalyst to all of the injustices.

All of the changes in the food industry were sparked by the fast food movements of the 50's and the advancements in technology only fueled the fire. We see a poor, obese family, who can't affordto buy vegetables because they have to pay for their diabetes meds. They know they are in harms way but when it costs over $1.00 for merely a head of brocoli, why shouldn't they use their $1 to buy a whole hamburger from McDonalds? We also see the farmers who are stuck in a vicious circle of debt that enslaves them to the large corporations and screws them over at the same time. The solutions the movie presents would call for a large nation-wide overhaul of the entire food production system, which would have to start from the top down to really be feasable. But there we can all make small changes as well. One of the people interviewed is the founder of a organic dairy company, who "sold out" to Wal-Mart. But his point is one more organic product in Wal-Mart is more money for the movement. Every item we purchase is recorded and the patterns are noticed by the store owners. Basically, buying certified, organic products is like casting a vote for healthy, fair, respectful food production processes. To find out if a product is truely organic, you can look up any brand name at www.greenerchoices.org.

I highly suggest seeing the movie when it comes out publicly. It really made the importance of organic, fair farming hit home with me. It is not an easy movie to watch, but it is an important movie to watch.

Meet Serena, the Wonder Dog.

Meet Serena, the Wonder Dog. She is a beautiful, almost 2 year old Australian Shepard. I got her from NorCal Aussie rescue in January 2009 and they think she was about a year and a half at the time. Only God knows why someone gave her up because, aside from the occasional chewing issues, she is AMAZING! I mean, look at that smile. The woman from the rescue named her Serena because she is so serene. She likes to cuddle and hide things in the backyard. She even burried one of my Uggs there, but out of consideration for me, she burried it well enough that the rain did not ruin it. Now this dog is so cute I literally get stopped on the street so people can sing her praises. She enjoys walking on the beach, playing with other dogs, and walks in general. She loves to be around people, and is more happy to sit in the car patiently than be at home alone. If any of you are thinking of getting a dog, I highly recommend a shelter or rescue dog, because they often are WONDERFUL animals. I'm sure Serena will be the subject of many future posts, but don't worry I will try to keep my obsession to a minimum.

Progress

I feel like I am making steps, baby steps but steps none the less, towards feeling like I am not a visitor in my own life. I feel like sometimes I just settle because I think something or someone will make me happy. I know I have high expectations for myself and I expect a lot of others, but the compromise is just as disappointing as not ever meeting my expectations. People have told me that if I don't lower my expectations I will always be disappointed, but I feel like I would be selling myself short by constantly doing that. Why should I compromise? I know life can't be planned, Lord knows I learned that through experience, but there are some goals that I would like to meet regardless of when that happens. The fairy tale isn't automatic, and prince charming may never come, but what if my story is in a completly different book?

Here are 3 things I am greatful for today:
1. That I'm confident enough to know that not everyone has to agree with me, but they do have to be respectful of my opinion.
2. Seeing my hard work pay off at my job, and that I work in an environment where growth is encouraged and praised.
3. Yoga class. My downward dog may not be perfect but the fact that I have the physical and mental ability to move and stretch is a blessing.

Purpose

I am starting this blog for a number of reasons:
1. I read blogs all day and I thought...hey, why not try one out. I almost hope no one sees it.
2. There is a lot of change in my life right now and I feel sort of out of control.
3. I find myself complaining about stupid (or not so stupid) things everyday and I know it could always be worse. This is a personal reminder I am ALWAYS greatful for something.

When I was younger and I would whine about things my Dad would always make me list 3 good things in my life. I never realized it at the time, but I've come to do that internally all the time. This is basically a way for me to remember what I'm thankful for. So here is my current state of mind.

Complaint- I am frustrated that it is Saturday night and I don't know anyone in this city to call if I wanted to go out. I have no network of friends yet and I'm losing my patience. My life is up in the air.

3 Happy Things:
1. I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the country, where I am able to drive an hour and go on an amazing hike with my great dog, Serena.
2. I met great people on my hike today. I am glad I am the type of person that can talk to a wall and people seem to like me.
3. I have friends in Texas that will always be there for me and happy to see me.

Ok, that wasn't so hard. I am going to try to post whenever I'm down in the dumps, which comes and goes a lot more lately. If anyone reads this, you should try my theory....what's the worst that can happen?