30somethingandsearching

I have found a new treat.

Banana Nut Cheerios!

I have gotten into the habit of eating cheerios as an evening snack.

This is to replace the former snack of cookies or ice cream or some other fattening treat.

I actually lost a few pounds doing this.  I know you are not supposed to eat after 7 or 8 at night, but if I am hungry, I am going to eat and I am usually hungry around 8:30.

I have been eating Honey Nut Cheerios or regular Cheerios, but then I saw the commercial for the new Banana Nut Cheerios.

Butera had them for $2.50 a box, which, if you know anything about cereal, is pretty cheap.

They are good!  They taste and smell like Banana Nut bread!

The other day I had the brilliant idea that they might be even better with chocolate milk.  Like a chocolate covered banana.

I put just a little in a bowl and put some chocolate milk on them.  I had to dilute the chocolate milk because it was too chocolaty, but it’s pretty good!

I can’t say which way I like it better.  Both are good.  It is fun to change it up every now and then though.

Do you read the obituaries?

I find this to be a fascinating pastime. 

I have never read the obituaries other than if someone I knew passed away and I was looking for the wake/funeral information.

My mom, however, reads them in Wednesday’s and Sunday’s Chicago Tribune every week.

photo credit: Chicago Tribune

This is not something that she has just started to do as she’s reached the AARP age bracket.  She has always done this.

I asked her why, because to me it is quite morbid.  She says she is looking for people she might know.  Sometimes someone passes and their family wouldn’t know or think to contact her. 

Well, that is still very morbid, but okay.  I guess that makes sense.

What is weird is that she doesn’t just skim for names she recognizes, she reads those for people she doesn’t know.

photo credit: blakcat at flickr

She frequently points out names of people, the length of the entry, what their life was like, how many grandchildren they left behind, etc.

The other day she pointed out two small children that died.  One a 3 year old and the other an 8 year old.  She read the entire entry and was teary eyed.  Well, yes, this is very sad and I am sorry for their families.  I am not trying to be insensitive to them.  I just find it an odd pastime.

Especially for someone who has very little time to herself.  Though, maybe that helps her relax or stay focused on what she does every day caring for my uncle. 

Do you or anyone you know read the obituaries regularly?

I am starting week 4 of my Paralegal classes. 

I am more than half way through this term.  It is a lot more work than I anticipated, but it is teaching me a lot of what I will need to know. 

The one class is teaching me about research.  While I am seasoned in research of a normal variety (that is all I did my last year while getting my BA), legal research is different. 

Not only do I have to learn the lingo, I have to learn the hierarchy of authority and what resources provide that authority, how to find it and how to read the findings.

I have a 10 page paper I have to write due week 6 and I have not begun.  I do not leave things to the end when it comes to school, but each week we learn another piece to the research, so I can’t really get started.  I am going to be a lunatic that final week.

The other class is jurisprudence and we are learning the various areas of law.  For the 10 page paper due week 6 in this class, we have to pick a specialty.  This is hard because I have a lot of areas of interest.  For the sake of the class, I will just pick one and go with that.  I am not stuck to that specialty after the class is over, so I will just pick one that I can work with easily in writing.

I think for the classes that begin in April, I will just take one class.  Taking two has been overwhelming.  I have been hurrying from one class’s assignment to the next and as soon as that is done, it is time for the next week. 

Thankfully, though, they have been informative and the instructor is experienced and very easy to work with.  He is accommodating and quick to respond to any questions.  Such a relief after the computer lab nightmare.

It’s Fat Tuesday! 

If you participate, it is your last chance to indulge before lent begins.

Traditionally a religious observance, Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, has become synonymous with excess.  Carnival is prominent in many cities worldwide, but in the United States, New Orleans is it. 

If you ever wondered why everything Mardi Gras related is purple, gold and green, it is because those are the colors of Mardi Gras.  There are several Mardi Gras parade krewes, but the krewe Rex selected the colors in 1872 and gave them their meaning in 1892.  Purple represents justice, Gold represents power and Green represents faith.  

Having French origins, it makes sense that New Orleans would be the host to Mardi Gras.  If you ever get down there, be sure to stop by Mardi Gras World and check out the floats and costumes on hand.

New Orleans is my favorite city; I have been there many times.  Every year around this time, she calls to me.  I can smell, taste and feel the city around me, though I am all the way in chilly Chicago.

It is not the alcohol and freedom from inhibitions that draws me, though it does not hurt.  It is the architecture, the art, the food (who could resist the food?), the music, the people.

It has been over 2 years since my last visit and I do miss you, Vieux Carré!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

What are you cutting back on to save money?

In this economy and the downward spiral of the job market, many are making big and small changes to their daily routines and household expenses.

What are you changing?

I have already changed both my health and car insurance to lower my monthly premium.  There alone I have cut out over $250 a month.

Many are eliminating their daily latte, eating out much less, getting their hair cut less frequently, doing their nails at home among other small changes to ease the strain from this economy.

photo credit: news.ft.com

We may cut out the movie channels from our cable subscription.  We don’t watch them that often and if it saves a few dollars a week it might be well worth the change.

My current project is changing my cell phone plan.

I have not been under a contract for over a year so I have been on the plan I elected 3 years ago.  The plan was a special deal they had going, nothing like the plans they have now.  I have 1500 anytime minutes.  I don’t use even close to that. 

I also have a texting plan that costs $5 a month.  I don’t text all that often either. 

I can save over $10 a month by cutting out the texting plan and changing my plan to one with fewer minutes.  If I need to text someone, it costs $0.15.  For the rare instance that I actually use this feature, that small amount is better than $5. 

I am trying to get my step-dad to cut his Starbucks habit.  He spends $60 a month on coffee.  It’s plain old coffee, not a fancy latte or anything he couldn’t make at home.  Some habits are hard to break.

All these little changes add up.  Until the economy changes, there are just some sacrifices we have to make.

Some may think that cutting back on luxuries means you are in financial trouble, but it doesn’t.  Not for everyone.  It may, however, be what saves you from a financial disaster.  With the current instability of the economy and job market, making a budget and cutting back on things you don’t really need in order to save money might just be the smartest thing you could do.

photo credit: kpth.com

Are you making changes to save money?

Do you watch the Oscars every year?

Will you watch tonight?

Do you see the movies that are nominated before the big night?

I watch every year and I will watch tonight, but I rarely see any of the films.  Once in a while I may have seen one or two, but not very often.  Though, the majority of the films nominated look like they might actually be enjoyable.

So, why do I watch? 

To see what everyone is wearing, of course.

I’m not one to follow any celebrities closely in the news or read the rags for bits of info.  If they show it on the mainstream news, I find out about it, otherwise, I am clueless and couldn’t really care less.

I do love seeing them all glammed up though.  It’s the one night of the year that the celebrities go back to Old Hollywood with the ball gowns and fabulous hair, not to mention the shoes and accessories.  I imagine Fashiona will have a recap of the best-dressed celebrities.

I also hear all the buzz and hoopla about the nominees, which then inspires me to watch the Oscars to see who wins. 

photo credit: oscar.com

I know there is a bit of a disagreement among critics as to whether or not the late Heath Ledger is deserving of a nomination, let alone the win, for his role in The Dark Knight.  

They are also discussing if the award will be presented to Heath Ledger’s daughter Matilda. 

I keep seeing commercials for the Academy Award special Barbara Walters is having prior to the Oscars.

She is interviewing Hugh Jackman, which makes sense as he is hosting the Oscars,

photo credit: moviesditsky.com

Anne Hathaway, who is nominated for Best Actress In A Leading Role for her work in Rachel Getting Married,

photo credit: oscar.com

Mickey Rourke, nominated for Best Actor In A Leading Role for his work in The Wrestler,

photo credit: oscar.com

 and the Jonas Brothers. 

What? 

The Jonas Brothers?

I can’t help but sing “one of these things is not like the other.”

Is this their attempt to get a younger demographic or is there a reason I don’t know of for having the Jonas Brothers on this show?  Am I missing something?

This season on The Biggest Loser, I am moved by the kindness and sense of community among all of the contestants.

Last season, I was disgusted with the way some of the contestants behaved and this season is like a breath of fresh air.

There are always some contestants that I feel connected too or cheer on a bit more than others.

It is usually someone in whom I see a strength or a great pain they need to overcome.

It is usually a woman that learns her own beauty and power.

This season, there are several that are standing out to me.

Tara (a 23-year old former model), of the green team, has been a powerful contestant from day 1.  She does not give up.  She fights for every pound every moment of the show.  She is definitely an empowered woman.  Her drive is inspiring.

(Tara on the left)

This week they had a challenge, which was to climb a tall hill to retrieve a key that would unlock the door to the gym.  Only 2 teams (4 contestants) would find the key that unlocked the door giving only those 4 contestants access to the gym the entire week. 

There were dozens of keys and they had to keep going up and down the hill until the 2 keys were found.  It was blazing hot out and they kept running up and down.  Tara was up and down that hill more than most other contestants.  She was throwing up from the physical toll on her body, but she kept going.  That is determination.

I was thinking, wow she is a machine.

A few scenes later, Tara showed us a more vulnerable side.  It was good to see that everyone, including someone as strong as Tara, could experience a moment of weakness.  It is okay to be scared.

Another contestant that stands out is Mandi, mother of 2 boys, from the yellow team.  This is a woman that came to the show with little self-esteem and had no idea of her own self-worth.  She is a competitor, though.  Give her a challenge and she will fight till the very end.  She does not give up.  She shows her weaknesses to the world, but when it comes down to it, she is just as determined as Tara.

(Mandi on the left)

The third person that stands out to me is Kristin, from the purple team.  She is currently the heaviest woman in the house.  Last week, after working her butt off, she gained 2 pounds.  She was devastated.  This week, she lost 12 pounds putting her under 300 lbs for the first time in 8 years.  She is trying to lose weight to have a baby. 

(Kristin on the left)

What I love about Kristin is her attitude.  She never complains.  She just does whatever her trainer tells her to do.  A woman of her size would normally be hindered by the weight and unable to complete some of the tasks let alone be a competitor.  She always does well and makes it look easy.  In the challenges amongst the contestants, she fights hard to win.  She has come in second a few times beating out the men, even winning a tough challenge last week through sheer determination.

I love seeing this kind of strength in women.  The kind of strength that proves you can do anything you set your mind to.  The kind of strength that tells the world you are someone to be reckoned with.  The kind of strength that says you can overcome any obstacle.

I’d love to see these three in the finals.  I’ll be rooting for you, ladies.

My mom came home the other day and told me that a friend of ours is getting divorced.  It was a bit of a shock to us.  Like most marriages seem to outsiders, things were good.  They had been married for about 15 years. 

The reason they are getting divorced is because he cheated.  With his secretary. 

It’s always the secretary. 

She confronted the secretary; she admitted and apologized because she never meant for this to happen, but she told the wife other things that the husband has not, such as it is still going on.

     photo credit: womansavers.com

The husband wants to work things out, but the secretary says they are still having an affair, so the wife has already started the divorce process.

I’m sad for her, but I am more sad for her 4 kids.

I am the product of divorce and the cause for that divorce is multiple affairs.  My father couldn’t keep his pants on.  He was caught once and my mom forgave him.  He was stupid enough to bring one of the bimbos to our house when my mom was visiting her parents.  The neighbors saw and told her.  Second time caught and that was the end. 

I was 4 when they divorced.

Because of their divorce, and the reason for their divorce, I’ve always been apprehensive about the thought of marriage.  Until I was in my mid-twenties, I flat out refused to ever get married. 

Who wants to set themselves up for that kind of pain? 

Not me, that’s for sure.

Then I started seeing friends and family enter marriages that appeared to be strong and healthy. 

My sister and my brother-in-law were a good fit from the beginning.  Though he can annoy me at times, I think he is a good guy and I don’t think he would cheat on my sister.  Despite the fact that he has many similarities to my father, I think he is a better man than my father ever was. 

Plus, he has had his life threatened, prior to their wedding, if he ever hurt her.  I think he knows us well enough to believe we would follow through.

Then one of my best friends got married around the same time.  They seemed to be a perfect match too.  Their relationship, combined with my sister’s, made me start to think maybe the idea of marriage wasn’t so bad.  Maybe there are men that are honest and good.

Then, he left without explanation.  She pointed out phone numbers she didn’t recognize and I called all unknown numbers until we determined he was cheating.  He is still with that woman over 6 years later. 

It worked out okay for her in the end as she is married and has 2 kids now, but I saw it tear her apart. 

And I began doubting the male species once again.

My other best friend married a few years later.  I met her husband and fell in love with him.  Not the way she fell in love with him, but I fell in love with the kind of man he is. 

I adore him.  He’s a good ole boy from Louisiana.  The fact that he is from New Orleans (my favorite place) was enough for me to like him before I even met him, but his character blew me away. 

I have a penchant for southern boys.  Probably because my grandpa was a good ole southern boy.  There is just a level of respect and loyalty that often comes with southern men.  From what I know of him and the man he is, I really don’t believe he would ever cheat on her.

However, there have been others whom I never thought would be the type to cheat.  Men that seem to adore or even worship their wives.  Men that love their wives and would never leave them yet, some of them have no qualms cheating.  I have been surprised many times by men I never thought would cheat only later to find out that he cheated and/or they are divorcing.

It makes me wonder if all men cheat. 

I have heard the bull cocky about the animal instinct to spread their seed or the inability for humans to be monogamous.  I don’t buy that.  Yet all around me, there is evidence of men who cannot seem to control themselves. 

I understand that in most cases, there was some obvious issue in the marriage that created an unhappy atmosphere, which caused him to stray.  Even so, the man should be a man and say so making an attempt to resolve that issue. 

So, I ask, do all men cheat and only some get caught? 

It makes me wonder if I should even consider marriage anymore.  I don’t know if I could handle that kind of betrayal.

We have all seen this photo, correct?

photo credit: Chris Gordon, WireImage

The photo that set the world on fire, right?

The image shows Jessica Simpson with a few extra pounds from when we last saw her. 

The media has blown this story out of proportion.  She gained a few pounds.  So what?

I will disclose right now that I do not like Jessica Simpson.  I find her more irritating than I can even tell you.

Regardless of personal feelings toward her, I found this story to be offensive and a sad example of the pressure women are under to be perfect.

If a woman is not a size 0, she is fat.  I must be obese because I am a size 10 at 5’10.  Holy crap, send me to The Biggest Loser right now!

I don’t see a fat woman in this photo.  I see a woman who is healthy.  She is not a stick figure, she has curves. 

When are we going to stop beating each other up?  When are we going to say “that is enough?”

Until women stop buying the tabloids that vilify women for being womanly, our children are going to be the ones to suffer.  Little girls and young women see these stories and grow up thinking they have to be skinny or, worse yet, perfect to be accepted.

As a former anorexic, it pains me to see stories like this.  In the recent past, it was Jennifer Love Hewitt and Tyra Banks who were under fire for not being stick figures.

We can’t win.  If we are skinny and small chested with no butt, we are teased for looking like a boy.  If we are curvy and womanly, we are told we are fat.

NEWSFLASH!  There is no such thing as perfection.  It is a mind game and a sick form of torture.

Let it go.  As long as you are healthy, embrace your body. 

Where the media should have targeted Jessica Simpson in this photo is her wardrobe.  What IS that? 

I wanted to offer my sympathies and condolences to those in Australia who have been affected by the wildfires that have destroyed so much.  To Australia, my heart and prayers goes out to you all.  If I could, I would wrap my arms around each of you in comfort. 

It is devastating that these fires were intentional.  They believe an arsonist is to blame for setting the fires leading to the casualties they fear will be over 200.  Over a thousand homes have been lost and at least four towns destroyed.  Over 100 are injured, some in critical condition.

I cannot comprehend why anyone would set fires with the intention of destroying not only the land and wildlife but so many people’s lives. 

I hope they find those responsible and they pay dearly.  It won’t bring the lives lost back or undo the damage, but someone needs to be held responsible.

One heartwarming story has risen from this sadness.  I first saw this on Holy Cuteness  and then I saw it on Ellen.

photo credit: Mark Pardew AP Photo

A firefighter, David Tree, saw this Koala and the poor thing looked like it was in pain and pleading for help, so he stopped to help it.  He called for a bottle of water and the Koala drank 3 bottles while holding his hand.  Watch this video.

An unusual scene, to say the least.  This human-like response from the Koala and the kindness and generosity by this man really touched my heart.  The scene is truly heartwarming.

I pray the animals find habitat that is suitable for them and I pray that the human survivors get the financial and emotional aid they need.  It breaks my heart and all I can do is offer my love.