Food Inc.
Food Inc. has me shocked, disgusted, and totally pissed off that the large corporations that have control of the food industry can get away with these evil tactics with no retribution! In the past, I have written on this blog, and on my green blog, spellsgogreen@wordpress.com about processed foods, and healthier eating, but I had no idea how uncontrolled the industry was until now. When I happened to watch Oprah last week, she was discussing the documentary Food Inc with Author Michael Pollan. I knew there were chemicals, toxins, high sodium and more in fast foods and processed foods, but they took it much further and more in-depth than that. I had to see the documentary Food Inc. for my own knowledge. To learn more go to http://www.foodincmovie.com/.
A Must See For Everyone!
I am outraged at the lack of morals and ethics of our own government officials who have knowledge of the illegal activities in our food industry. How could this be allowed to happen in our own country, and why hasn’t something more drastic been done to stop it? The abuse being done to livestock is repulsive. Additionally, the emotional, plus financial abuse being done to farmers is total bullshit. How can a country, who has survived for hundreds of years off the hard work of our agriculture community allow four large corporations including Monsanto Company, Tyson Foods, Smithfield Farms and Perdue Foods to completely take control of the food industry? The food, agriculture, and chemical industries all have former executives in government posts and have lobbyists influencing the others. Do I hear ‘Monopoly?”
Movie Plot Info: In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that’s been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government’s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation’s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment.
Personally I am now much more informed on our foods than I was even a year ago when I started eating healthier. Honestly, the last year has now come full circle. When we were in Georgia a year ago we stopped by our cousins home to visit. Her husband is a chicken and crop farmer. When visiting outside, we noticed several large fully enclosed metal dome buildings behind their home which had me curious. My husband explained that they were chicken houses. I thought it strange because the chickens houses I always remembered were open and covered with chicken wire. When I asked, our cousin explained that these houses were how the company wanted them, fully enclosed. He also said that the companies come down weekly with these machines and go through the houses from one end to another injecting all the chickens with antibiotics. That was the point I decided no more drug filled poultry or meats. When we left I noticed more chicken houses down the road that someone else was running. Unfortunately, a year ago I didn’t have a picture in my mind of the conditions inside these houses like I do now, plus the control the corporations have over my cousins. It all totally sucks.
After viewing this documentary, I have now decided I can no longer eat poultry or meat. I absolutely can not enjoying eating any of these foods knowing the living conditions and abuse the livestock have been through for our indulgences. Additionally, why would I want to eat something that has lived in feces filled conditions, eating nothing but corn and being pumped with antibiotics? Plus the ammonia soaked fillers they put into the beef when packing it. It is all absolutely disgusting. I also can no longer eat processed boxed foods, because I would just be condoning the greedy corporations and their practices. I only wish I had this knowledge while raising my children, however I am thankful I can educate my grandchildren.
Will I ever eat poultry or meat again? For now that answer is no and if I ever do it would be from livestock that have been able to graze and eat the way they were suppose to. They would also NOT be injected with drugs, or antibiotics. For now the foods I am eating are totally organic and supporting the local farmers who are struggling to survive. I have also become a whole grain lover! It would be safe to say I will be losing weight……..LOL………….
I ask, possibly this indeed answers the questions as to why in our country the cancer, diabetes and heart disease rates are higher than any other country in the world? Hmmm……..it does make you think………..
2010 It’s On! Weight Loss Contest!
Ok, I’ll be honest, I have sucked at getting the rest of my weight off. I have had one excuse, after another, for not losing this last 50 lbs. Oh my god, 50 lbs!! My excuses are ridiculous too……I have just got to Git-R-Done! I wrote on here a year ago about how I lost most of my excess weight, going from 270 lbs to 185 lbs. However, I then gained back 30 pounds of what I had lost. I blamed the stress we were under that year for the weight gain. Yes, blah, blah, blah………..Well, let’s be real, I wrote on here a year ago about needing to lose the rest of my weight, and I am still at the same place I was then. My ass is big, my thunder thighs still rub, my boobs are heading South quickly, and under arms (where I should have triceps) could take flight they flap so much. So, I have made a pack with some online girlfriends and am on a quest to finish what I started! Here is the deal……..
We started a Weight Loss Buddie’s Contest on January 18th and our contest ends on May 9th. The winner will be determined like the Biggest Loser Show, with the highest percentage of weight-loss and will get $20 from each person. There are nine of us in all, which would result in $180 in winnings. It’s really not about the money, however who couldn’t use an extra $180…….;-) smiling here, however the support we give each other for healthier and happier lives is what’s most important.
It has now been two weeks since the contest started and I finally have my ‘game face’ on……I am focused and ready. This was the perfect week for me to watch Oprah’s show on Food Inc., which verified more what I have said about processed foods being poison. When I read Jillian Michael’s Book, Master Your Metabolism, it was a huge wake up call to the foods we eat (earlier blog on here written about her book). I began eating healthier foods after reading her book, but still indulged at times in processed or fast foods when the cravings struck. Now, after watching Oprah’s show on Food Inc., which I am downloading tonight to watch the documentary, I am now more than ever swearing off processed foods, fast foods, and meat or chicken that isn’t raised properly (grass-fed, grains and free to roam). I know it sounds weird to some, but when you do your homework, these unhealthy foods are making us sick with diabetes, cancer, heart disease and yes, obesity. If the Corporations didn’t own the farmers it would be a different story, but the ’suits’ only care about the money………..that’s it.
Game face……….I am doing this 100% and no BS. My plan is to have my Zoe Life each morning for strong nutrients, not to mention it fills me up, and then to eat whole grains, fruits, veggies, and on some days fish, or another meat. When my sweet tooth calls I am having rice ice cream treat or dark chocolate when my sweet tooth calls. My kitchen is CLOSED at 8:00pm each night, and I am not allowed back in there until breakfast……Ugh. This will be my challenge….I love to eat at night……..just me, my food and the TV…………..God, this will be hard. What is it about night eating? Is it that I can eat all the crap I want and nobody is watching or judging me? Is it the fact that all the stress of the day has caught up to me at night and I am pigging out while releasing it? Seriously, I can chow down at midnight………..big time! Lastly, my workouts will be random because of the walking I do at work, however I am going to try to do strength training several times a week, and on my days off some cardio.
It’s on………………………..stay tuned…….
The Bucket List……..Is It My Turn In Life?
I remember sometime last year writing a list of things I have always wanted to do in my life, but never had the opportunity to fulfill. I suppose it was my turning 50 moment and reflecting back to where all the years went! I guess you would refer to that list as my Bucket List! God, I loved that movie. I don’t know what I did with my list, for all I know it may have ended up in the garbage, during one of my “I don’t give a damn menopause episodes.”
If you have followed this blog, you know the last couple of years have brought tremendous challenges to our family. Financially we have lost everything, and have had to start over. It has been extremely difficult and very humbling. It has also made us appreciate so much more that life has to offer. You know, the little things……..which is all we can afford anyway……LOL…….. Having to go back to work, after being retired for the last 10 years, has really made me have a reality check on my future. So, this brings me to many thoughts I have had recently…………my Bucket List. My god I’m 51, my children are married living their lives, my belongings are minimal, and I think it is now time to decide what the hell is next? I had so many aspirations when young, but decided to focus on the importance of marriage (obviously my ex-husband didn’t) and being a good mother (he missed that one too). I always thought I would have time to do all the things I dreamed of, as if life and time stood still until my children were raised. Many of the aspirations I had years ago would not apply to a 51 year old woman, so my Bucket List may be a bit shorter………., but that is the reality of it. Wasn’t it Oprah who said that women always tend to put themselves last and everyone else first? Well, the realization is that when we do that, as I have, our dreams get pushed back to ‘last’ also.
My husband still wants to open his own restaurant someday, and also go back to cooking competitions. In years past he won many BBQ Competitions, like the ones The Food Network shows randomly…….which is why my ass has gotten so big……LOL. His big prize was the Jack Daniels, where he won First Place for Ribs and Brisket. Yummy 
This is his dream though, and I am supportive of it, but if I continue to put my dreams last I will never experience them. I know the years are ticking away and I need to face that reality and start going after what I want in life. At 51 (soon to be 52) I am seriously at a crossroads in my life, and need some answers on “what’s next for Sandy?” Now, more than ever, I want to see some of the aspirations I have always had come to fruition. Here is some of my Bucket List, to be revised at my discretion……..because I forget more often now……..an age thing I am sure…..lol:
1) Healthy Cooking Recipes Blog or Website.
2) Mountain Country Home with acres for my pets to run and play (possibly my horses, which I miss terribly)
2007 Times I Miss With My Horse
3) Quiet time to write more often and share my thoughts (for whoever cares to listen???).
4) Have our Zoegetics Business successful where we can help others get healthy and earn income in the process. http://www.zoelifestyle.com/mspell
http://www.zoeismoms.com
5) Have trained pets that can be taken to visit the elderly and sick children for healing purposes and companionship.
6) Have an art room for pottery making, and other arts.
7) Travel (Colorado, Alaska, California, Italy, England to name a few).
8) Hiking and River Rafting in the Mountains.
This year is Balance and Peace for my New Years Goals (which I am doing good at), along with two items on my Bucket List. I’ll keep you posted on my progess!
Is It Too Much To Ask……Me Time?
It is 2010, and my goal for this year is to find some Balance and Peace in my life. Is this really too much to ask for? Seems ridiculous to have to ask, but this is my reality now. My New Year goals use to always involve fat loss, a smaller butt, and debt, however this year is totally different. Yes, I am still at war with my bouncing arse, and duck wing arms that may take on flight at any moment. Yes, we still have ever lingering debt that is hovering over us and is now taking on a life of its own with attorneys and court dates, but I am determined to have my mindset this year different. My life has been in a tail spin for over 2 years, and I have found that I am desperately wanting some balance and peace. My brain is on overload and can’t handle anymore, or it may blow!
I want Balance. Balance from ever-changing busy schedules, needs of others, which all leaves little time for me. I need balance so I can spend some quality time with my parents, my husband, my children, Hondo my dog, and again time for me. Yes, let me be selfish……..me time! As sick as it sounds, I miss working out, cleaning and organizing our home, cooking, and afternoon romance……….LOL……..damn, it’s been so long I forgot how fun that was. I also want Peace for 2010, which means no drama, stress or BS. I want peace from all the crap that adds stress or lack of sleep to my day. I am over it and don’t have time for it anymore.
Me Time!
Both of my 2010 goals seem reasonable enough, however menopause might play a role in it being challenging at times! Especially striving for peace!
The J.O.B.
Well this is my reality……my hectic life has taken over my time once again. What ever happened to the retirement age, or even the 10 minute power naps I use to take to rejuvenate and keep up with my crazy schedules? I can’t even seem to fit those in my calendar anymore. I need an A & E Intervention! I have to admit, even the Biggest Loser Campus is looking like a vacation to me.
I have obviously been AWOL on here the last few months and the culpret is my new job……..yes, J.O.B. After 10 years of being home and running my own business, I am a member of the Blue Color Club……….lol…..the elite Working Class. For some reason my life is ass backwards. Aren’t you suppose to work…….then retire? Of course I have never done anything the easy way in my life. I have to say though, that despite the physical and mental difficulties of being in the workforce, it has been an absolute positive experience for me. It is funny how life throws you unexpected curves, however in the end there tends to be a tremendouse benefit from it………..well, usually……LOL.
I began working at a Health Food Store in September. If you have ever read some of the health and weightloss entries in this blog or my spellsgogreen blog, I have tried over the last couple of years to really educate myself in this area. So, all and all, my job has become a love of learning food (organic, natural and unhealthy foods), nutrients (good and bad) and how it can better my life! Hey, the plus is, I get paid for it.
Despite the feet hurting and time away from home, my goal for 2010 is to get the balance back in my life. LOL……..ok maybe this goal is extreme, but hey……you never know!
Georgia “Shotgun” Wedding!
I have another son……..and no I didn’t give birth at 52! God, that would be one for the record books! LOL…….Joe is my new son-in-law! Alina got married! I am late posting this, but do to the J.O.B. and all the curves life has been throwing my way, I haven’t had time to “sit and take notice” of anything – gosh not even the additional gray hairs I am sprouting!
Alina and Joe at the Waterfront
Her wedding was actually in St. Mary’s, Georgia, which is near the Naval Base she is stationed at. This wedding was planned on very short notice – 3 weeks to be exact. LOL……hilarious, almost like a shotgun wedding!!! Alina and Joe have been together a couple of years, so it wasn’t a total surprise. I felt like the Clampetts from Beverly Hillbillies when we drove to Georgia. In our Expedition we had Bubba, myself, my 87 year old father, my 85 year old mother, our son Bruce and daughter-in-law Kristie. We also had the wedding dress, suits, suitcases, food for the reception, and more stuff all packed in. We were lucky to have oxygen left in there! Of course the wedding didn’t happen without glitches, like the Church air not being on and the bride, along with the bridesmaids trying to keep their armpits from sweating, hair falling and makeup running. Oh, and the delay of Bubba, and her grandparents finding the church……..however they did show up an hour later. Thank goodness they did make it because her grandfather was walking her down the aisle! At this wedding we didn’t have to worry about the groom not showing, just her Dad and grandparents! LOL……….Also, lets not forget the music not playing…….well, then it did play………….. and then it decided not to play for the wedding march………..LOL. Alina said she didn’t even notice the wedding march not playing because she was concentrating to hard on holding her grandfather steady while walking down the aisle! Yes, there was some stressful, but very fun moments. Overall, the church was precious, the bride was gorgeous and the memories………..priceless.
Both children married……………….yes, I am done now!
My Farm Town Home………
Evidently the latest news according to my readings online at MSNBC and CNN is that Social Security will be reduced in 2010 and 2011. It amazes me that they can reduce something that one can barely exist on now. My father-in-law before he passed received Social Security for a year, along with Medicare Benefits, and without our assistance would not have been able to pay his bills or his medications. I ask, how the hell can they consciously do this? Oh, wait, key word “consciously”………maybe they don’t have a conscious. They don’t seem to get, that for many elderly, this is all they have and it’s monies they paid into from their wages. Possibly if Congress and many others ’sitting pretty’ on Capital Hill weren’t drawing such ridiculous salaries, they wouldn’t have to take funds from ones who need it the most. Additionally, if they didn’t spend millions of dollars to help bailout Banks and Mortgage Companies and even more to the Automotive Makers with Cash for Clunkers, possibly they may not have to take from Social Security. Neither one of those bailouts truly helped the individuals who needed it the most. The Banks and Mortgage Companies have held on to much of the bailout money for their own benefit and meanwhile foreclosures are still happening at a rapid pace. Many people who traded in their paid-off clunker cars, are now faced with car payments each month in a souring economy and job market. Had our government thought of the families struggling, instead of Wall Street, The Banks and Automakers, more people would have been helped. We lost our father-in-laws home when GMAC wouldn’t work with us, after doing everything they asked. We owned the Deed to the Property and merely wanted to take over his mortgage payment until we sold the home. They did whatever they could to avoid our attempts and basically wanted the home in foreclosure, as it would be to their benefit. They knew because of the Government bailout for Banks, they would make more money with the Government (Fannie Mae) paying off the home, then selling it once again for more money. They actually bid against us at the foreclosure auction! It’s a long story, and possibly one day I will blog about it, but it truly opened my eyes to the illegal scams taking place within the big conglomerates that hurt so many who are just tyring to make it. It amazes me everyday the greed and lack of compassion that runs our government. Obviously, they have forgotten where they came from.
So, basically I have paid into social security for most of my life, but shouldn’t expect anything in return by the time I would be able to draw benefits, which would be in 14 years? Hmmmmm, screwed once again by the government that was suppose to be there to ‘protect’ me………right. I suppose like many of us, including my father-in-law who passed a year ago, I can live my dreams and aspirations through the Internet………more specifically Farm Town,which is where I know have my land and home……..ahhhh, one place the banks or government can’t touch me! Well, not yet anyway!
My Internet Farm Town Home
Keeping Up With The Girls…….No Way
Yesterday, I was on a 10 hour outing with my 21 year old daughter and her Navy partner. My daughter is getting married in a few weeks, and the chaos has begun. I never knew shopping could be so exhausting, however fatique set in on the third hour, and it was downhill after that. I felt like ET when he was sadly pointing and saying, ” Go home….home.”
Yes, Coffee!
These girls were on a mission, we went to Publix, Target, Michaels, the Mall and God only knows how many stores we went to in there! I did my best to keep up, but by 6pm the all curious question flew out of my mouth, “Where are we going now?” My daughter laughed, I guess she thought I was being funny, and said, “To see my future in-laws.” I immediately felt a sinking headache coming on. I felt all of 51 and fast approaching 81! I had walked till my feet didn’t want to move, my arse had been squished in her Mitsubishi so much it was even tired….lol…. I was hot, sticky, and just felt gross from the Florida heat. I hate it here and still wonder why the hell I live in this sweat box of a state. Now, I am going to meet the soon-to-be in-laws…………crap, I am sooo not prepared for this!
I survived the 10 hours away………..as did my achy thunder thighs and arse. I also had a self discovery, that the older I get the more I am OK with becoming a hermit and doing online shopping from the convenience of my bed! LOL……I also now have a huge appreciation for the elderly scooting around town! I am glad I spent this time with Alina, because I know we won’t have alot of time together prior to her wedding. However, she will be back this Saturday for her Bachelorette Party, and wants me to attend! Can you even imagine a 51 year old menopausal mother going out partying with a bunch of 21 year old girls? Oh my God, I would die……..there is no way. Bar hopping, drinking out of penis straws, bodies grinding on the dance floor, sweat and …………..ugh…….my mind can’t even go there………NOT!
A Wedding, Grandma and Me….
Alina & I
Ok, this is a red alert, my daughter just called and informed me she is getting married in three weeks. I already had ‘empty nest syndrome’ with her going into the military, but I knew she was still my girl. Now I am losing her to marriage…….good grief……..this is too much in one year! My son marrying last October, my daughter going in the military in January and now my daughter marrying in three weeks. Can it get any worse for a mother? I think not……..this is it…….the worst. I don’t know what to do right now, bitch or cry? Ok, I now have a headache.
I am happy for her……….hmmm, I think. As their mother, I only want the best for my children, and I certainly don’t want them making the same idiotic mistakes I did, and still do at times! I just don’t want her to settle for less, but to do all the things she always dreamed of doing. You know, not screw up like I did in life and do none of the things I always dreamed of doing, outside of having a family. LOL…….God, if I could go back……….
Alina has been remarkable in her accomplishments with the Navy this year. This is possibly one reason I don’t know if I am excited about her marrying, or concerned that it is possibly too soon. She and Joe have dated for two years, except for when they broke up briefly a few times………..ahhhh, young love. He is a nice guy, and I know they both care for each other, I only hope they are ready for all the unforeseen surprises a new marriage can bring. You know………..toilet seat up, hair shavings all over the sink, laundry on the floor, remote control syndrome……….lol…. I suppose these are the things I need to warn her about….amongst others!
Her getting married phone call, has created over 20 phone calls from her grandmother……….lol. Keep in-mind, her grandmother is 85 and doesn’t always recall the previous conversation, even if it was within the same day. One phone call may be the same phone call you have again, and again, and again. Her grandmother is an angel, but I now need tremendous patience……..which I have very little of since menopause invaded my life. This will be a wedding for the record books in our family. In 3 weeks we will have a small gathering of family, which includes my father who is 87 and can’t hear, my mother who is 85 and doesn’t remember (tends to repeat herself – alot), our family and the grooms family will meet for the first time(I hope I like them! LOL), and of course my hormones raging all over the place. This may or may not be a good mix.
Ahhh, already this morning, 8am, and yet another message from grandma…….lol……God help me.
I Need An Intervention!!
Over 30 years of working and I am still not doing what I always wanted to do…………there is something wrong with this picture! I am sitting here with a sinus headache, miserable and wondering why? I no longer work in offices, but I am still running a maid service. Each and every day I report to duty!
Sandys Maid Service
Who is my employer? My family. To use the word “Domestic Goddess,” just doesn’t fit at the age of 51. I’m a Maid, or better yet, a Janitor! This definitely was not the plan I had for my life, especially not for this many years. I mean who would have dreams and goals to clean toilets and bathrooms, cook, be a pet babysitter and yes that includes vomit and poop cleaner upper. Lets not forget garbage dumper, dishwasher, floor & carpet cleaner, painter, and the all famous laundry queen. Oh and the bonus, I also volunteer part-time as a Nurse, Psychiatrist, Lawyer, Chauffeur, Gardener, Banker, and…….Lover……..although that one is teetering on retirement…….LOL.. God, if I counted how many times the last 35 years I have done each……… That is frightening to even think about and that information may very well put me over the edge!!! LOL…….
Many times I went on a ’silent’ strike, just to see what would happen, however NOTHING did happen……So, again I reported to duty the next day to get the chores caught up – just like a good maid would do! Now of course if I ask for help and drop those ever noticable hints for the members of my family to get off their lazy asses……..they would. They would do just enough to ‘appease’ and then all home life goes back to normal…….which really sucks! Maybe it’s menopause, but I’m in a rut and need a change. It’s enough already with the dust, dirty floors, stinking toilets, dirty dishes, constant garbage going out, and laundry, laundry and more laundry. Now I love my family and gladly did all these wonderful chores to help keep the house running, however I assumed my career choice would have a retirement date – especially after 30 years of loyal employment! Hell, I should have bought stock in my Maid Business, I would be rich! LOL………..
I need a Menopause Intervention! I want beautiful, luxurious hotel rooms with clean sheets, and fluffy towels. I want to see beautiful country sides, foreign cities and tasty exotic cuisines. I want to live the Travel Channel and Food Network Life!
