Food for thought, literally

Here's an article from The New York times that's really interesting. The author is the same guy who wrote my favorite cookbook, Mark Bittman.

18 - 25

One of the great things about working at Vanderbilt is all the research that always going on. I'm a big fan of research, I mean how else are we going to learn new things. We often get system wide emails about different research teams looking for subjects. I found one the other day that offered compensation for filling out a survey. Sign me up. I say that the study was for people 18-25 years old. Then I realized that this no longer applies to me. Sad, but true!

Wealthy?

My best friend Lisa is a high school biology teacher. She is really great at her job. Over dinner the other night she was telling me about an activity she had her class participate in this week. It was called a hunger banquet. She divided her class into wealthy, middle-class, and poor according to the appropriate percentages in third world countries (i.e. only 4 students were considered wealthy). She provided food for all students. The wealthy students received chicken parmesan, salad, and dessert. They were seated at a table with nice linens, silverware, etc. The middle class students were given rice and beans on a paper plate and seated at their desks. The poor students were given 1 cup of rice and seated on the floor. She said that many of the "poor" students were disgruntled because there was so much food left over, but they weren't allowed to eat it. This made me think about all the food I waste. Seriously. And here's the kicker...just about everyone in the U.S. would be considered "wealthy". I have never thought of myself as "wealthy" although I have given thought to what I would do if I were. But me, wealthy? As I thought about this more, I realized how fortunate I am. I have never been hungry, never feared for my life, and never not had a place to sleep. Never. I have wonderful parents who loved me enough to say "no" sometimes, and who supported me through all my educational endeavors. Speaking of education, I have not one, but two college degrees. I have a great job, great friends, and a fabulous husband. So I have a new perspective on wealth, and I would definitely consider myself wealthy beyond measure. "to whom much is given, much will be expected" Luke 12:48. If you are reading this, I count you as one of the many blessings in my life.

Cloned Hamburger?

This week the FDA approved the sale of meat and dairy products made from cloned animals.  I am a little disturbed by this.  One of my concerns is that there will be no requirement to label this meat or milk as coming from cloned animals.  While I have not read all the research yet, my initial thoughts are negative.  I try to buy as much organic as possible, especially meat, milk, and produce.  But who says the organic industry won't eventually get on board as well.  Here's a link about this from the Chicago tribune. Would love to hear your opinion.  

Tiffany

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Colin and I are celebrating 2 years of wedded bliss today!  Colin, you are the best husband a girl could ever hope for.  I love you.

Christmas pics

Here are some pictures from our Christmas in Vermont!  

Congratulations Colin!

Here are some long overdue pictures of Colin's graduation from Belmont.  He officially has his MBA now!  I am so proud of you, Colin!

Oh and Danza got a haircut today, so here's an updated picture of him.

Happy New Year

From our family to yours, happy 2008!  Check out our new Pendleton blanket that Joe & Suzanne gave us for Christmas.  May 2008 bring you good health, peace, and love.  May this be your best year yet!