Veterans Day 2008

Sunday was a rainy afternoon, where P and I cuddled on the couch with Fred-the-Basset and watched the movie, "Pearl Harbor". I had even seen it before. And it almost focuses more on the romantic love triangle than the war itself. That said, I still cried during the war attacks scenes. And it quickly made me think back to my first trip with Patrick early in our relationship, to Oahu, where we visited the USS Arizona Memorial. Patrick rolled his eyes at my crying but war films have always made me cry. I remarked to P, "There is no way I could watch any war film if I had family that had directly fought in any of these wars."

Which leads me to today's blog subject. It is Veteran's Day. And, yes, by some grace of God, my massive family has never been directly involved in a war. My father got out of the Vietnam initial draft by being recently married, and about to be a first-time father. (At least that is what my folks told me long ago). He did have to join the army and he moved my mother up to Northern California for a couple months while he trained and she had my oldest sister, Ceci born at that Fort's hospital.

But other than that stint, my family didn't send anyone into war zones to fight. Not my uncles, cousins: no one.

But I still feel a tremendous amount of emotion when it comes to military. I don't know if it's growing up my whole life in a military town. I don't know if it's because from the age of 18-23 I met many young militia going out to the dance clubs or Tijuana where my heart always held a soft spot for these young, tough, but slightly lost young men. Heck, I short-term dated 3 or 4 navy or marines in my day. And now, the Love of my Life, who is not only a retired navy vet himself.

I asked my students on Friday why they were getting today off, and sadly, most of them didn't know, or cared. It was just a holiday to them. A reason not to go to school.

For my part, I want to say, that I cannot - even with my vast imagination -begin to feel how families with loved ones who are directly involved in wars past and present feel on today's memorial holiday.

So I, in my small way, salute all the men and women, sons and daughter, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors who have fought for our country and have given up so much in order for us to live normal, free lives.

May God Bless all our military and especially be with those overseas fighting for as I type this. Keep our men and women safe, and come home soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 I consider myself the type of gal who takes nothing for granted and is truly appreciative of everything that I have. After spending a lovely early morning tea with my 2 dear friends from college - Diana and Beverly - I am reminded once again how much I love the few close people in my life.

Whatever my true opinion of ol' Chris Columbus coming over and raising havoc amongst the native American Indians - I still take this day as an extra-special day of giving thanks and reflection for my relatives, my health, my Faith in God and in myself, my close friends, my sense of humour, my compassion for others, my kitty Jordy, my country home I am renting, my music and my Merritt family.

May God Bless us all and have a safe and wonderful time with our loved ones! 

Thanksgiving-eatingTips

Thanksgiving and the Holidays parties are in full swing and because I am always so aware and proactive about my health I wanted to put out Elsamart's Tips for Eating during The Holidays.

It is said that the average American gains 7-10 extra pounds from Thanksgiving to New Years Eve. Seven to ten, ya'll!!! You are talking to a 35-year-old woman who is in better shape and a size 4 compared to my college early 20s when I was, at my curviest, a size 10. I changed my eating habits, cut out red meats and upped my workouts from just jogging to yoga, pilates, weights, kickboxing and more. When the holidays approach I feel like I am one of the few who don't dread gaining weight, or ever worse: trying to lose it. It's all about knowledge and discipline. And respect for your health and body :)

Avoid: Cured meats laden with salt and desserts containing large quantities of white flour and sugar are just the type of holiday favorites no one needs. They’re the foods that give us a sense of heaviness and drowsiness after we’ve consumed them. If you feel like falling asleep after you’ve eaten, that’s a very good barometer that you ate the bad, over processed food. Some people call it the 'food coma'. I have to say that I have NEVER felt this way after the holidays. I might be tired due to other reasons, but certainly not wanting to pass out from eating too much.

Balance: As usual, moderation is the key. Go for more fresh foods, such as vegetables, and less highly processed foods, such as a supermarket pie. Which is not to say you can’t eat a piece of pie. It is said that if you have good veggies and protein on the table and there’s not a lot of cream and butter on them then yes, have a dessert, it’s not going to tip you over the edge. If you have three desserts in one day, that’s going to tip you over the edge. (editor's note - I am DEFINITELY having about 3 different, if small portions, of desserts tomorrow. Maybe even ... -gasp- 4!!)

Control: It’s not unusual for people to eat a whopping 2,000 calories in one sitting over the holidays, especially when it comes to Thanksgiving meals. Experts say there’s just no excuse for consuming that much food. Take the skin off your turkey, skip the gravy and stuffing, forget the butter on your mashed potatoes, and show a little respect for yourself! Especially when it comes to that other holiday indulgence – alcohol. If you are going to drink - try red wine (which is healthy for the heart, at least, and watch out for those high calorie fru-fru drinks!) Or even better - be the designated driver and limit yourself to one drink only!

Knowledge is power! Be thankful for your health and body! Drink lots of water before eating to fill you up and try to take a walk that evening to help your food settle.
Best Wishes to my readers...

Happy 4th of July, America!

Today we spent North America's birthday at my Uncle Alex and Aunt Peggy's beautiful house on Mt. Helix, La Mesa. It was a lovely day - not too hot, and, once again, a fun time filled with food, blessings and family. There is never an Araiza-family get-together without some sort of sport competition - this time set within the swimming pool an impromptu game began of Uncle Alex tossing the ball as one jumps off the diving bar. The point being to 1) try and catch the ball mid-air and 2) to then toss it (mid-air) inside the basketball net. This game amused us so much it lasted about 2 hours - with even the littlest kids getting involved :) Be sure to watch the pictures on slideshow to see the hilarious action caught on camera! Best wishes to all! Click below on Sylvia and Tim and also enjoy the slideshow at bottom!

Fourth of July, 2007 - Elsa's photos