I came across this gem of an article: The 20 Worst Drinks in America. I was rightfully intrigued and after scanning the online pages of this epic social news story, the thought that popped into my head was, “Seriously!?” It’s so easy to blame the manufacturer’s for products like this. After all, who really thinks mass producing a single beverage worth an entire day’s allotment of calories, fat and sugar is a good idea? But I think it’s more the consumer’s fault than anything else. Are Americans seriously that ignorant or incapable of glancing at the nutrition label, pinpointing such tidbits as “10% fruit juice” or “340 calories” and comprehending that this might not be the best choice for themselves or their child? Regardless, it’s a really interesting read if you’re up for some jaw-dropping statistics.
Yesterday at work, in celebration of Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras, CMC hosted a chili cookoff. I intended to enter the competition myself, but thought better of it over the weekend after considering the time and (albeit minimal) extra cash it would take for me to cook up a crock pot of my fresh chili. I also assumed it would be a waste of effort, as I’m not a master chef by any means and my creation would most likely get knocked clear out of the water by the competition. Let this be a lesson in self-confidence. Next time I won’t be so timid about putting myself out there for stuff like this, because most of the chili dishes there were plainly lackluster in flavor or downright frightening in texture. I’m fairly positive I could have smoked the competition. I truly wasn’t that impressed with any of the entries, though there were one or two yummy options. The free lunch meal was catered by (who else?) Skyline Chili and there was even some Mardi Gras King’s Cake for dessert. Not too shabby for a Tuesday lunch hour. Though I’ve had a craving for a bowl of my own creamy chili and a slab of cornbread ever since. Oh, well. There will be more chili cookoffs to obliterate the pants off of in my lifetime.
And now, as promised, the 30 day photo blog challenge.
Day 1 – A picture of yourself with ten facts about you.
- This photo was taken at the Old Globe Theatre in London before the showing of an abysmal performance of Othello during my summer 2007 Shakespeare performance and academic intensive study abroad program in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. I was 20 years old and so happy with this opportunity and with my life. It was a fantastic adventure and I have amazing memories from this trip. I count this as one of the most life-changing moments I have ever experienced. In an instant I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.
- Despite my appreciation for and delight in tasting all kinds of foods from gourmet to ethnic, I truly love macaroni and cheese. If a restaurant has it, I will order it. I am a mac n’ cheese connoisseur and have rarely met a mac n’ cheese I didn’t like.
- I was born on the 66th anniversary of women’s suffrage. Naturally, I believe in the ability of women to be great leaders and I aspire to be a great woman in my own way.
- I have two dream careers: to be an travel and adventure writer or novelist and playwright, and to sing, dance and act professionally in the ensemble of nationally touring productions. Lofty much?
- I am the crazy cat lady. I know – and I feel no shame. I have adored every one of my felines from Rufus to Sancho and my entire being lights up every time I catch a glimpse of a cat. I have a special affinity for homeless adult cats, orange tabbies, and disabled cats (blind, deaf, diabetic, missing legs, eyeless, etc.) I cannot be taken into pet stores with cats that are up for adoption because I leave in a fit of tears. I definitely like cats more than most humans.
- The 1930s-1940s are my favorite decades style wise. I am absolutely inspired by the music, fashion, hair & makeup, and the lifestyle of that era. If I could I would immediately time travel back to that time period for a week.
- I cannot wink, whistle, raise one eyebrow, roll my tongue into a taco, or wiggle my nose or ears. Clearly my talents do not lie in the visual amusement department.
- I HATE the color pink with a passion. I do not own anything pink and I adamantly refuse to wear such a hideous color.
- I never played a sport growing up. This hasn’t scarred me for life in any way, but I kind of wish I had attempted participation in a sport other than trampoline jumping and pogo sticking at least once during my childhood. Though thanks to gymnastic I can still do the splits!
- I have ziplined across a jungle in Jamaica, kissed a stingray in the waters of the Caribbean, played in the snow in Canada, drank margaritas on a beach in Mexico, climbed the Great Wall of China, soaked in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon beneath the northern lights, sailed the seas on a cruise ship, seen the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, studied Shakespeare in England, picked strawberries and explored a salt mine in Germany, enjoyed the tremendous hospitality of the ex-head of Hungary’s military and his lovely wife in their home near Budapest, dined on chocolate covered grasshopper in Japan, and skipped through castles and along the filming trail of The Sound of Music in Austria. I am incredibly blessed.
