The Great Grocery Smackdown

I've never been a fan of Wal-mart, that's a fact. I always saw them as a major contributor to the problem of American obesity. They sell food... however until now it was always pre-packaged and high in fat and calories. (for the most part.) It was also far from sustainable and did not do anything to support local growers, which in turn beats down the environment (shipping, trucking, oil, etc.)

I just read the most uplifting article about the company. Wal-mart is making big changes. They are beginning to sell fresh produce from local farms. They are carrying organic milk and cage free eggs. The food is comparable to what you might find at Whole Foods in quality, and a lot of it comes from the same places! Walmart is able to charge lower prices because they are so huge and they can guarantee the growers that they will buy their crops. This is happening at the supercenters, and I don't frequent any Walmart supercenters, so I really wasn't able to see this for myself. However, in the small towns where Walmarts are a big thing, the Supercenter is what they get. I am officially impressed. It seems that Walmart does a lot behind the scenes and they don't really brag about it. Many props to the guys in charge - thank you for doing your part to give less-than-wealthy Americans some better options.

Check out the article on MSN!

.

Food Revolution!

Jamie Oliver has a new show called Food Revolution.

Jamie has already revolutionalized school lunches in Great Britain and he's on a mission now to get the U.S. on board. Children of this generation will officially live shorter lives than their parents due to childhood obesity.... this will lead to adult onset diabetes, heart disease and worse. While this is just a television show, it is also extremely important and a great first step in getting our fat asses back on track. Check out the show on ABC, Fridays at 8pm.

Also, go to Jamie's website to sign the petition to change food in this country!

Here's the Premise: The American Food Revolution needs to start now! If you care about your country and the health of its children please help us make a difference. We need your support to get people back in touch with food and keep cooking skills alive before it's too late. We want to make sure every kid gets good, fresh food at school. It's proven that real food promotes more effective learning. If you want better health for your kids the junk food must go.

Snowboarding!

Em and I (and Bear) made a trip up to Snow Summit yesterday. Best day of snowboarding ever! We're at practically the same level, so nobody ends up waiting at the bottom of runs for the other person. By the same token, nobody feels like they need to go faster than they're capable of. It's a sweet happy medium where we are both able to challenge ourselves without slowing down the other. Em, you're my favorite snowboarding partner by far =)

I'm with Coco!

Team Coco

Coming April 24th =)
.

SUV Ends Up In The LA River, Female In Critical Condition

What a crazy, horrific, yet inspiring story... This only strengthens my desire to become a paramedic. This woman's SUV plunged off of a bridge and ended up at the bottom of the dirty Los Angeles River. 17 feet underwater. For over 20 minutes. Firefighters and Paramedics performed CPR and Advanced Life Support procedures on the rescue boat and on the way to the hospital. The woman is in critical condition, but has a pulse! INSANE.

Check out the Long Beach Fire Department's blog story here.

Another great account of the story is on Contra Costa Times.

My girls =)

Still going strong! As we each grow and change in our different ways, we still seem to come together and connect on the same great level. I hope to god this continues and we remain this close forever and ever! I love my girls =0)

Rowdy, no.

Dad's new puppy, DJ. (short for Dutchess & Jewel). But Angel and I think he's more of a Rowdy, courtesy of Scrubs. I actually think he's part albino with that brown nose and green eyes and I love him already =)

What's going on??

I took a photographer position with Lifetouch Church Directories and Portraits, and so far I'm liking it. It's very similar to what I did before with Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch (high school seniors)... except now I get to photograph all ages, groups, even doggies! So far so good and I'm really enjoying getting to know my coworkers. I am already perfectly suited for this job.

I believe that this came to me at the perfect time. Unemployment was starting to worry me, and it looked like it would take a while for the EMT certs to come through. Don't get me wrong though. I am completely dedicated to my goal of Paramedic. I am actively applying to EMT jobs all over So. Cal. and hoping for the best. If possible, I'd love to do both jobs for a while. EMTs work minimum of 12 hour shifts (some up to 24!) so I'd only be working 2 or 3 days per week. It would be simply amazing to be able to do them both. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Bite me

San DiegoWild Animal Park

This place makes my heart happy =0).

Not only can the animals run free, they can also roam in packs/groups similar to what they might do in the wild. Many types of animals are placed together in harmony to allow them a semblance of normalcy. A lot of them are on the endangered list, and the San Diego Zoo is working to reverse this. All of their profits go directly to programs benefiting the animals they are protecting -- and THAT makes me feel good about spending money there! Highly recommended! Check it out, San Diego Wild Animal Park

Passed the NREMT!

I now have national certification to work as an EMT.. I even got a patch! So now all I need is my LA county cert and I can work. This process is longer than I expected, but I can only see it as a great thing. I mean, if I didn't have to go through all of this, I'd have little faith in the pre-hospital care we receive. soon.. very soon.. =)

Haiti

I've been watching CNN coverage for the past 2 days, just wishing that I were further along in my schooling. I want to be there, I want so badly to help, to provide medical care for these people. I am making it my personal goal to be able to help in the next major emergency, in some way. Any way. I've thought of joining the Peace Corps, but I think linking up with the Red Cross or a similar aid organization would be even more fulfilling. Many doctors and nurses are on their way to Haiti to do whatever they can to help these people. I want to be that help...

In the meantime, Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross Haiti relief.

.

times are tough.

I have THE absolute GREATEST friends and family. If you've seen me in the last few months, you're exactly who I'm talking about. So many of you have helped me in your own special and distinct way. I couldn't ask for a better support system. Hopefully I'll be up and running smooth shortly! Thank you for everything.

Soon to be.... EMT!

It was only 3 weeks long... but the most crazy intense immersion program I could have imagined. I have been eating, sleeping and breathing nothing but basic life support and I wouldn't have it any other way! Literally, since I finished I have dreamt about saving people's lives every single night. I met a lot of really great people in my short time there, and I intend to grow those friendships as I make my way through this insane career path.

I learned so much more than I ever thought I would, and this is only the beginning! Everywhere I go, I see potential to save a life. I know why the body reacts to things, I know how major disease affects us, I know how to keep someone alive if they suffer an accident or heart attack or diabetic coma. I can stop bleeding, splint an extremity, deliver a baby (if I HAVE to)... I can breathe for someone, keep their heart pumping blood, treat for shock, I can triage, I'm prepared for mass casualty, this is just madness. The body is an AMAZING thing, yet so incredibly fragile.

I have a ride along scheduled for this Sunday, actually with one of my instructors, so hopefully I'll really get some hands on action. I'm doing my ER hospital shift next week as well. Then I take my National Registry Exam, then get Certified in LA County.. and THEN I can get a job. I am looking forward to so much!! It can only get better from here. I can't wait to save my first life. I realize I'll be taking the bad with the good, but I know that the positive experiences will FAR outweigh anything traumatic. I'll see some things that I'd never wish upon anyone else... but I'll also see some things that I will cherish forever.

New Year's at Betny's

Thanks Beth and Danny for hosting - again! Sing Star, 'Absince', Rockband, Korean Tacos, Jello shots, Dress up, and Snuggies... That about sums up the night. We had a blast, celebrating with close friends can never be bad! Happy Birthday Beth, we love your place and the new year's sleepover is probably the best idea ever. Everybody had fun, and nobody had to worry about driving home! I love you guys!

HH Holiday Party 09!

Tine and Rhino hosted this year and as always we had a LOT of laughs =). Beth and Danny ended up with the dreaded Penis statue, which is now beautifully engraved with the names of previous owners (thanks Em!). There were some great gift wars, especially between the boys, and everyone ended up with something suitable to them. I'M certainly more than happy with my new pair of Handerpants courtesy of Christina!