Hey, World

I haven't forgotten about you, or this blog.

Actually, exciting things are happening, and I'm in the process of moving things along to a more suitable locale on teh internets.

So, bear with me just a bit longer; we'll be back to business as usual in no time.

My Aching Back

Sometimes, when I least expect it, my body likes to surprise me with some random ailment. Well, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised by anything involving my back; I seem to have inherited my father's spinal disc issues, so these things are just going to pop up from time to time throughout my life. Usually, it doesn't have too much of an impact on my daily life. As I said, though, my body likes to surprise me occasionally, and 2013 has been no exception.

A few months ago, this nagging pain towards the base of my spine gradually took a turn for the worse. After several visits to the doctor, and several "false starts" (i.e., assuming that the pain was related to something else), I was informed that I had a disc herniation at the L5 S1 level. In a way, I was relieved; at least the mystery pain was no longer a mystery. Since we knew what was wrong, it would make the treatment process a little easier, right? Well... yes and no, to be honest.

When you have a herniated disc, you actually have quite a few different treatment options. I learned about some of these options in 2006/2007, when I had a cervical disc herniation.

The first treatment option is physical therapy, which can be done with or without the assistance of a steroid injection to the affected area. This option tends to work well if the disc herniation isn't too severe. Apparently, the disc can sometimes heal itself. According to the specialists that I spoke with, nobody is quite sure how or why the discs can heal themselves, but if it works then they aren't going to question it! I think physical therapy is a good option, if the specialists feel that your disc has a good chance of healing on its own. Obviously, rest and medication(s) may also play a role in this treatment approach.

On the other hand, there are several different surgical options; a specialist will usually recommend the best approach based on your individual circumstances.

Personally, I've decided to try the physical therapy approach before resorting to surgery. On Thursday (9/12/13), I'll have an epidural steroid injection that will help my body with the pain/inflammation in the area. Helping my body to cope with the pain will allow me to focus more on physical therapy. I'm optimistic and genuinely believe that my disc will be able to heal with time and patience.

So, that's what I've been up to during my hiatus. Of course, other things have happened, and I'll be blogging about them as well. Never a dull moment!

My Immortal (Harry Potter): The Infamous FanFiction Becomes a Miniseries!

This is just... well, there really aren't enough words to describe how fantastic this is. Seriously.

If you've never heard of this amazing masterpiece, it's still hosted in its entirety over here and over here.

I'm also going to link to a video of Brian (the director) reading excerpts from the "story." Because it's HILARIOUS. Really a breathtaking reading of the original story. Or at least, some of its best (worst?) scenes.



Still not convinced? Check out the trailer for the miniseries:




The first three episodes have already been released. Since I'm so nice, I'm going to embed them below for your viewing pleasure. Don't forget to follow the official (My) Immortal page for updates and additional goodies!

FANGZ 2 ALL MAH FELLOW GOFFS!

DOMA Is...

Grumpy Cat

...unconstitutional!

Yep, you heard me. Earlier today, in a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional. In the words of Justice Anthony Kennedy, "The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity. By seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others, the federal statute is in violation of the Fifth Amendment."

Former President Bill Clinton originally signed off on DOMA in 1996. DOMA prevented same-sex couples whose marriages were recognized by their home states from receiving any of the hundreds of benefits available to other married couples under federal law.

In a statement given earlier today, President Obama applauded the Supreme Court's decision, noting that DOMA "...was discrimination enshrined in law. It treated loving, committed gay and lesbian couples as a separate and lesser class of people. The Supreme Court has righted that wrong, and our country is better off for it."

Indeed. Let's not forget other struggles for marriage equality, such as the long quest to legalize interracial marriage. This is a step in the right direction for America, despite the negativity being spewed by certain individuals.

Onward!

Tampons: They Could Save Your Life

I've been absent for a minute. Sorry about that! I'm dealing with some unexpected "surprises" in my life. I have a lot of blog posts in progress, and they'll be finished and posted in the near future. In the meantime, I bring you a tampon commercial from Russia. Is it Shark Week yet?

The Evolution of a Genius: Portrait of the Artist as a Second Grader

Portrait of the Artist...

So, back in the second grade, we were each given a small journal. Periodically, we were given prompts during class and we had to write about these topics in our journals. Apparently, I saved my journal- I came across it not too long ago, while going through my belongings and deciding what to keep/toss/etc. Since I was obviously a budding genius, I'm going to share some of the gems found in my second grade journal:

"I would like to be 21 years old because you can only play slots when you're 21." (Side note: Apparently, when I was three years old, I came running into the room and announced to my parents, "I got a straight flush and won $300!" My mom loves this story.)

"My favorite place is Albertsons because they always have some free samples and they are so good and so so so delicious and wonderful and I guess I just like them so so much." (Mmmmm, food. So, so, so delicious.)

"I don't like to go shopping because it is so dumb and my mom spends so much time at the shopping center." (True story. Also the reason I entertained myself by hiding in clothing racks.)

"I love you and dad and I really try to be good but I just can't." (At least I was honest. Also, I feel like this is still a thing I would say.)

"Because if he doesn't learn he will grow up to be a little stupid." (Kids, school is important. If you don't go, then you might grow up to be a little stupid.)

"My bird is turning out to be better than I thought." (I'm not sure what I expected?)

Tornado Victim Finds Dog During CBS Interview

Having lived through Hurricane Katrina, I can certainly empathize with survivors of natural disasters on a more personal level. Maybe that's why this particular story really hit me right in the feels, so to speak.

Although this video clip is definitely heartwarming, it's also a tear-jerker. You've been warned!

Remember, the best survival strategy for a natural disaster is to have a plan for you and your family. Make sure that each family member is aware of the plan and practice each plan (or parts of it) consistently. 72hours.org is a good source of information. In addition to the usual Google search results, you can also look here and here for some good information.

Talented Friends: Kelcy Mae

The lovely Kelcy Mae.

I have some talented friends. In fact, one of these talented friends has recently released another EP, The Fire. Thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, Kelcy Mae was able to release The Fire last week. Reviews of The Fire have been overwhelmingly positive; I've listened to the new songs myself and I really think she's outdone herself with her latest work. If you'd like to listen to The Fire, you can do so at ReverbNation. This website also has information on her upcoming live performances. The Fire is also available on iTunes. If you live in (or around) the New Orleans area, be sure to stop by and catch one of her live shows- I can personally guarantee that it will be fantastic. If not, don't fret- she just might come to a town near you, one of these days! Finally, if you'd like to learn more about the artist, feel free to head on over to KelcyMae.com.

Thanks to OffBeat Magazine, I'm pleased to provide you with one of my new favorite songs, "Oh How the Whiskey." Just press the play button below and enjoy!

I Survived Finals: Spring 2013 Edition

Assigned reading... minus the huge stack of journal articles.

Somehow, I survived the end of the semester. Of course, in doing so, I also utilized all of my brain's power and had nothing left to fuel my creativity. It's only been about a month since my last update, and yet so much has happened in the world. I've wanted to comment on a lot of it, but the funny thing about the end of the semester is that it really does sap every spare ounce of energy and creativity you may have. That energy, that creative spark, are all focused on one thing: survival.

Although I'm relieved by the end of the semester, I also feel a bit lost. I've grown so accustomed to being busy that it's strange to have more free time. Naturally, I've already filled the void by enrolling in a free Harvard course and indulging in hobbies like gardening. Boxing and Muay Thai also help to fill that void, even though they often leave me feeling pretty sore in the process. It's a good kind of sore, though... and a GREAT way to relieve stress.

Professionally, I'm also starting to focus more on my freelance career. Namely, I've been building a portfolio to present to potential clients. I've also been collecting letters of reference that I can supply upon request. With any luck, this summer will be an excellent time to boost my qualifications and earn some extra money while doing so.

Of course, I'll also start blogging once again. This blog something else that I can add to my portfolio, yes, but it's also a great way to relieve stress, explore my thoughts/emotions, and comment on world events. I'd like to explore some other blogs, too, and see what interesting things are being said by members of the online community.

Carpe Diem! ...Right?

Boston Marathon Explosions

Two explosions occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon today, shortly before 3:00 p.m. EST. From what I've heard via CNN, 2 people are dead and more than 20 have been injured.

This hits uncomfortably close to home, as I have many friends and frat brothers living in the Boston area. Many of them love to participate in marathons. Thus far, my friends are all accounted for. As for their friends and family, I'm not sure.

Sending positive thoughts to Boston, MA. This is a horrible tragedy. I just don't know what the hell is wrong with people...

(On a side note, many "spectator videos" are popping up on social media sites. These videos were captured by individuals who happened to be filming the marathon right as the explosions occurred. Warning, these videos are quite graphic and may be a "trigger" for many.)

World of Jenks: Meet Chad

World Of Jenks | Ep. 2 | Can't Make Me Be: While living with Chad, a 20-year-old with autism, Jenks experiences not only the challenges of this condition, but discovers a smart, hilarious, and heroic young man.

This is a bit belated, since I've been really busy with grad school. I had meant to post it on April 2, 2013, which happened to be World Autism Awareness Day. But hey, the month of April happens to be Autism Awareness Month, so it's all good!

Have you ever watched World of Jenks? If not, no worries- you can view all of the episodes online at the link provided in the previous sentence. This particular episode introduced viewers to Chad, a 20-year-old young man with autism. In experiencing Chad's daily life, Jenks develops a greater appreciation for his struggles and the positive attitude with which he overcomes them.

It's definitely worth checking out. If you're interested in Chad, he happens to be a recurring member of season two.

Let's use April to promote a positive image for individuals with autism and to have open, intellectual discussions regarding autism.

Simple Kindness: Fixing a Broken Cheeseburger

I couldn't help but smile when I saw this story on the evening news. The story has since gone viral. You can easily use Google to find multiple articles/posts about this story, so I'll just link to one such report in this post.

Basically, the simple actions and kindness of one Chili's waitress made all the difference for one family's visit to the restaurant. Arianna MacLean is a 7-year-old girl with autism. She ordered a cheeseburger while her family was dining at Chili's. When her cheeseburger left the kitchen, it had been cut in half- a standard procedure for all childrens' burgers at Chili's. However, when Arianna saw her cheeseburger, she thought that it was "broken" and didn't want to eat it. Arianna's older sister explained the issue to their waitress, Lauren. Instead of arguing or having a negative/dismissive attitude, Lauren agreed that the cheeseburger was "broken", apologized, and promptly delivered a new- uncut- cheeseburger to Arianna.

After staring at the cheeseburger for a few moments, Arianna then bent down and kissed it.

When you have a family member with an autism spectrum disorder, even the simplest family outings can be problematic. Sensory issues and social difficulties can make these outings stressful for everyone involved. Lauren's response in this situation was fantastic and should serve as a model for other employees in the service industry. Individuals with autism are different- not less. It's important that their feelings and thoughts are validated and treated with respect.

Aside from going above and beyond to make Arianna's dining experience an enjoyable one, Lauren has also become Facebook friends with Arianna's older sister, Anna. Providing exemplary customer service and making a new friend? All in a day's work for Lauren!

Matthew Lannon's Powerful Argument for Gay Marriage

Matthew Lannon, a 12-year-old resident of Rhode Island, delivered a powerful speech in support of gay marriage in front of the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary committee. For being in the sixth grade, he speaks with a great degree of eloquence and wisdom.

Lannon's parents- two lesbian mothers and two gay fathers- have been in their respective relationships for 14 years. As he described it, "My parents, and all the other gay and lesbian people here, just want to be happy." Interestingly enough, Lannon also happens to be the nephew of Rhode Island State Sen. Donna Nesselbush.

Surprisingly, Rhode Island is the only New England state that does not allow same-sex marriage, although LGBT couples do have the option of civil unions.

Kudos to you, Matthew Lannon, for having the courage to stand up and encourage people to "choose love!"

Perez Hilton is a Dad!

Image courtesy of Perez Hilton

Perez Hilton recently welcomed his baby boy into the world! The boy was born using a surrogate and, although born a bit early, is doing well and seems happy and healthy!

You can view more photos of the proud papa and his baby boy here.

Congratulations, Perez!

Build-A-Bear Will be Lighting it Up Blue for Autism Awareness!

Image Courtesy of Autism Speaks (Facebook)

Build-A-Bear has teamed up with Autism Speaks to celebrate Autism Awareness with a one-of-a-kind furry friend! The bears will be available in participating Build-A-Bear workshops across the USA on March 27th. From what I've heard, each store will only be receiving a limited shipment of these bears, so once they're gone, they're gone.

I know that many of us have varying opinions of Autism Speaks. I understand that- I also have issues with the way they approach the topic of autism, as well as their approach (or lack thereof) to individuals with autism. However, this... this is just cute. Wifey really wants to get me one. I'm not complaining!

If you would like to get ahold of this special blue bear, give your local Build-A-Bear store a call and/or stop by any participating location on March 27th!

Accountability: Meeting Adam Lanza's Father

CBS News recently aired this interview with Alissa and Robbie Parker, the parents of Emilie Parker- a beautiful little girl whose life came to a tragic end in the Newtown, CT massacre. Alissa and Robbie were able to meet with Peter Lanza, the father of Adam Lanza, the young man responsible for the school shooting that took the lives of 26 people- 20 children and six adults.

This interview brought tears to my eyes. Losing a child must be such a horrible thing to endure. Alissa and Robbie Parker are anything but full of hate and bitterness, however; their responses in this interview show us a strong couple determined to honor their daughter's memory by living for their family.

Just as a reminder, you can read Robbie and Alissa's blog for more information about their family: The Parker Five.

Kroger CARBmaster

Yum, protein!

As I've mentioned in some of my other blog posts, I'm a BzzAgent. From time to time, I'm provided with free samples of/coupons for various new products in exchange for providing my honest opinion of said products. The goal is to generate honest "bzz" about a product- not to sell anything or lie to make it sound good.

Recently, I was asked to try some of the products in Kroger's new CARBmaster line. The CARBmaster line of dairy products was designed specifically for those who are monitoring their carb intake. Current products being offered under the CARBmaster brand are yogurt, Greek yogurt (regular and lite), and milk. The CARBmaster yogurts are designed to be lower in carbs, calories, and sugar than regular yogurt while providing a decadent, delicious treat. Black Forest Cake and Cinnamon Roll.

The CARBmaster Greek yogurts, like other Greek yogurts currently on the market, are high in protein. CARBmaster's Greek yogurts contain 16 grams of protein per serving, contain zero fat, and are available in delicious flavors such as Blackberry Yumberry, Pomegranate, and Mixed Berry. The Greek Lite varieties boast a mere 90 calories per serving, to boot!

Finally, the CARBmaster milk is touted as being a nonfat, reduced sugar product. The best part about it is that it packs a major protein punch- it contains just as much protein (16 grams) as the CARBmaster yogurts!  Now THAT'S a great way to sneak some extra protein into your day.

When I was asked to try out the new CARBmaster products, I was excited. I love yogurt and I drink milk at least once a day, so these products were already being used heavily in my household. One of my hobbies is weight training, so I'm always looking for a convenient way to grab some protein on the go. When my $10.00 Kroger gift card arrived in the mail, I put them to good use and purchased a few of each product: CARBmaster yogurt, CARBmaster Greek and Greek Lite yogurts, and a half gallon of the plain Kroger CARBmaster milk.

The first thing that I noticed about the CARBmaster yogurt is that it has a different texture than, say, Yoplait yogurts. I'm not sure how to describe it, exactly. It's a little bit thicker, and that's definitely not a bad thing. I tried the Black Forest Cake and Cinnamon Roll yogurt flavors. Sometimes, when I'm at work, I crave something sweet to give me an extra boost later in the day. These yogurts didn't disappoint; the flavors were decadent and indulgent. Of course, since the CARBmaster yogurts are low in carbs and high in protein, I didn't have to feel guilty about treating myself.

The Greek and Greek Lite yogurts were fantastic as well. I'm a berry fan, so I tried the Blackberry Yumberry, Blueberry, Strawberry, and Mixed Berry flavors. These were easily some of the best Greek yogurt blends that I've had. Aside from the 16 grams of protein per serving, the best part about the CARBmaster Greek and Greek Lite yogurts is their low price tag- they're affordable, and that makes them a more attractive option than many of their competitors.

Finally, regarding the CARBmaster milk, well... what's not to like? The milk was delicious! I enjoyed it on its own, with cereal, and blended with chocolate syrup to make a protein-powered chocolate milk drink. I think the chocolate milk was my favorite way to enjoy the CARBmaster milk. Enjoying a glass of chocolate milk after a hard workout left me feeling refreshed and relaxed. I can't wait to try the vanilla flavored CARBmaster milk. I bet that it will taste great with some granola!

All in all, the CARBmaster product line seems promising. My only complaint is that there aren't many flavor varieties available for the CARBmaster yogurt line. That aside, I highly recommend the CARBmaster product line to anyone looking to add some extra protein to their day, or anyone who just wants to enjoy a decadent treat in the middle of the day without feeling guilty or breaking their diet. The CARBmaster product line is only available at Kroger stores.

What are you waiting for? Head to your nearest Kroger and try these great products for yourself!

What will you try first?

Strut Your Mutt

Proud members of the "Star Pups" pack!

Strut Your Mutt is a fun event.

Since our mutts love to strut, we just had to participate.

I had been meaning to post about this for awhile now, but I got sidetracked with school and life in general. If you'd like to learn more about the event, you can check out their website.

You should also spend some time looking into Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. They're doing some amazing work in Utah. We need more organizations like this throughout the nation.

As you can see, our boys had a great time strutting. Looking forward to next year!

Mormons and Gays

The LDS Church once again made headlines during the latter part of 2012, this time due to their website called Mormons and Gays.

The optimist in me acknowledges that this is a step in the right direction. The church is basically saying that they will no longer excommunicate you or banish you simply for being homosexual. Most importantly, they are acknowledging that homosexuality is not a choice; rather, it’s something that you are born with. The church is also advising members of its community to accept homosexuals and not to shun them or turn them away.

Temple Grandin Answers Questions via AutismLive

In this video, Dr. Temple Grandin answers many viewer questions. Topics include advice for parents of children with autism, some words about the Sandy Hook tragedy, and upcoming speaking events, to name a few.

The video is a bit lengthy- 40 minutes long- but well worth watching. The beginning of the video offers an "index" of sorts, listing the times for each specific question. So, if there are certain questions/topics that you're interested in, you can easily skip through the video.

The Parker Five

(Image courtesy of the Parker family.)

As I writer, I know that the act of writing can provide a therapeutic effect in addition to being an outlet for creativity. In the wake of the Newtown, CT tragedy, the Parker family has created a blog in order to express their love for Emilie, work through the difficult days without her, and to share their story- and Emilie's- with the world.

Needless to say, the posts were amazing to read. I can't even imagine how it would feel to lose a child in a tragedy like this. The Parker family has worked very hard to rebuild their lives and to unify their "family of five." You can read their blog at the following link:

The Parker Five

SLC Air

The air in Salt Lake City, Utah is sickening. Literally. This winter has been especially bad. So much so, in fact, that the air pollution in Salt Lake City prompted this petition from Utah doctors. In their petition, the doctors offered various suggestions for improving the air quality: lowering highway speed limits, making mass transit free for the winter, curbing industrial activities, placing a permanent ban on wood-burning, and initiating a strong push for employers to allow their employees to work from home.

It may sound a bit extreme, but the doctors have every right to be concerned. The toxic air is creating many new health problems and worsening the health of those with respiratory issues. During these "red air" days, the doctors have been advising people to avoid the outdoors. It was also suggested that introducing anti-oxidants such as fish oil or chocolate into their diet may help the citizens of Salt Lake City to fight toxic exposure.

Controversial Books: In Our Mothers' House

OMG! Lesbians! Raising children!

I've always loved to read, and I hold a special place in my black little heart for banned and controversial books. I hope to make such posts a regular feature of this blog. "In Our Mothers' House," by Patricia Polacco, has the dubious honor of being the first book I'll blog about in this particular category.

This book (unsurprisingly) caused quite a stir in Salt Lake City, UT! It all started back in January of 2012, when a kindergarten student at Windridge Elementary School decided to check the book out from the school library and bring it back to his house. His mother was shocked and appalled by her son's reading selection, and promptly drafted a petition to remove the offending literature from the school library, which 25 other parents signed.

In April, it was decided that the book could remain in school libraries but that it should be kept behind the counter. Their reasoning? The book "didn't comply with state law barring homosexual advocacy in the school curriculum." Yes, there really is such a law in the progressive state of Utah. Shocking, I know.

So, if Windridge Elementary School is located in Utah, why did they even add "In Our Mothers' House" to their library? According to a spokesperson for the school district, the book was added to 5 of the district's 50 elementary schools back in June 2010, after learning that a Windridge student was being raised by lesbian parents. Is it sad that I'm honestly more surprised by the school district's initial attempt to foster understanding and inclusion than I am by the angry mob that demanded that the book be banned from Utah schools?

Well, you can bet that the ACLU got their collective panties in a twist when they heard that "In Our Mothers' House" had been relegated to a position of secrecy behind the library counter. In a letter to Superintendent Bowles, John Mejia, Legal Director of the ACLU of Utah, pointed out that Utah law prohibits the advocacy of homosexuality in health curriculum, and that even if "In Our Mothers' House" were to be included in health curriculum, it could hardly be said to advocate homosexuality. The Alliance Defense Fund also contacted Superintendent Bowles, emphasizing that the school district had not banned "In Our Mothers' House", but was simply requiring parental consent in order to read the book, arguing that "parents have the primary role... in the upbringing of their children."

Throughout this entire debacle, I couldn't help but think that the parents crying for the ban of this book were severely crippling their own children. As a parent, you should be aware that you can't shield your child from reality. Any attempt to do so is only going to end up causing more harm to the child. Whether you like it or not, your child is going to exposed to "radical" ideas, concepts, and images, despite your efforts to prevent that from occurring. Through television, video games, the internet, their environment, and their peers, your child is going to be exposed to ideas that you may not agree with. If you're not ready to have healthy discussions with your child about these ideas, concepts, and images, then you're not ready to be a parent. Period. End of discussion.

The desire to ban a book just because it conveys ideas that you don't agree with is also ridiculous and does nothing to deter an unhealthy culture of fear. Hell, when I was a small child, I read those "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" books and scarred myself for life. I'm sure that my parents weren't thrilled when my overactive imagination was spurred into nightmare overdrive, but did they contact my school district and cry for the books to be banned? No.

This lady ruined part of my life.

(Ironically, parental complaints led to the "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" series being re-released with updated, less terrifying illustrations, but I'll cover that in my next blog in this series.)

As of January 21, 2013, "In Our Mothers' House" is back on library shelves in the Davis School District.

If you'd like more information on "In Our Mothers' House", check out the book on Amazon.com. You can purchase it directly from Amazon.com or through a local retailer. Unless you live in Utah, anyway- then you might have to check behind the counter of your local retailer, or you might be chased from the premises of your local retailer if you inquire about the book. Proceed with caution, Utahns!

Bountiful Basket

I love participating in the Bountiful Baskets co-op! If you've never heard of it, let me explain. Bountiful Baskets is a co-op with chapters set up in many different states. What started out as two sites in 2006 has grown to hundreds of sites in 16 different states. Members wishing to participate in a specific week make a contribution towards a basket. The basic basket contribution is about $15.00 for a basket that is roughly 50/50 as far as fruits and vegetables are concerned. Organic baskets and additional items (lunch packs, additional fruits/vegetables, bread, etc.) are available at an additional cost. We usually opt for the "basic" basket and we have yet to be disappointed. Trust me, you couldn't buy this stuff in a store for the low price of $15.00! The above picture was our first Bountiful Basket. We participated last week and our basket contained bananas, strawberries, pears, onions, potatoes, green bell peppers, lemons, celery, and much more.

This is also a fun program because it challenges the way you think about food. You never know what you're going to get, so it adds some fun and variety to your meal planning. Since we pick up our basket(s) on Saturday morning, we're able to review the contents and plan some meals accordingly. For example, after reviewing last week's basket, I immediately decided to make a stew and a banana pie. Both were a hit with my family. Sometimes, we've received items that we wouldn't normally have purchased. In the above picture, you'll notice a small container of champagne grapes. I wouldn't have purchased these on my own, but they were an amazing addition to our basket. They also prompted me to search for ideas on how to use them. I wound up making some "lavender/cream cheese mini tarts" and they were delicious! Definitely a great way to expand your culinary talent and feed your family.

I also love that we're able to purchase healthy food at an affordable price.

If you're interested in participating, check out the Bountiful Baskets website and see if they have a location close to you. Of course, since this is a co-op, everything is run by volunteers, so I would encourage you to volunteer your time to the co-op if you're physically able to do so. It's a simple way to ensure that this excellent program sticks around for a long time to come.

Pneumonia Sucks

I haven't written in awhile. Right after the holidays, my respiratory problems decided to flare up. Eventually, it turned into walking pneumonia. That name always makes me laugh; it's more like "staggering" pneumonia or "lurching" pneumonia. I never had respiratory problems until I moved to Utah. I guess when you live in an area that has the dubious honor of being known for its extremely poor air quality, respiratory issues should be anything but surprising. Oh well... it's just one more thing that I won't miss when we move.

I have a plethora of blog posts to finish, but in the meantime I'll leave you with an epic picture of Jane Lynch cosplaying as her character from Wreck It Ralph, Sergeant Calhoun. You're welcome, world.