"Much ado about nothing...."

I haven't written in a very long time.  I guess my priority was not on writing, but more on working...  Not sure if that is a good thing, or a bad thing, or just nothing at all...  Whatever the case, I am back at it.

I bet you are wondering what's up with that Cheerios picture.  Well, with all this controversy about the new ad I thought I'd weigh in too.  after all, I have a big mouth and I love stating MY opinions.  Wink Wink.

Cheerios!!!  How could you do this?  How could  you advertise using a biracial family?  After all, families are only one race!

I don't get what the uproar is all about?  Aren't we all multi-racial/cultural?  Don't you ever talk to your friend who will proclaim that she is Swedish, Irish and Scottish?  Or your other friend will say he is Italian, Irish and Portuguese?  Or how about that Asian family down the street who you think is just "Asian", after all Asia is just one Country, right?   Or what about that beautiful African-American woman you saw on the Voice - wait, WHAT?!?!  Her father is African-American, but her mother is an Asian woman?  Wait, that doesn't happen here in America!!!!  Right?

HELLO EVERYONE THAT LIVES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND AROUND THE GLOBE:  We are all mixed up, I mean mixed race!  Is there such a thing as a "pure race" anymore?  HA!  In my humble opinion, I would have to say a big resounding NO!  Wait, let me take that back.  You may be able to find some indigenous people in the Jungles of Africa, or in the Rainforests of the Amazon, that may have pure-ish genes, who knows?  But, I think it is rare.

I love how when commercials or pictures or whatever are televised or advertised on billboards, there is an uproar of people sounding off negatively.  Do you think it is the majority or minority?  I would have to say the minority, since we are all of multi-cultures and races.

I have been reading what a lot of people are saying both negatively and positively and thankfully we have the right of Freedom of Speech where we are able to say what is on our minds.  I love what this brings forth...  DISCUSSIONS!!!

I love reading about the people who "hate when people ask me what nationality or race I am."  I think a lot of us get that question.  Right?  I mean, I can't count how many times people ask me, "what are you?"  I used to be annoyed by that question and give people a flippant answer, "I'm American".  But then I realized, they are asking because they are curious about me, about my culture, about where I came from and who I am.  I have embraced that.  Love it, actually, because I know I am a little bit different than their norm.  I, to them, am the face of diversity.  Why wouldn't I love that?  I rather someone ask me, then just assume I am Chinese, because, quite honestly, that is what most people just say.  Well, no I am not Chinese, and well, no I do not know Karate, and well, NO, I don't speak another language, though, I wish I did.

I love being "different".  My family is quite multi-cultural, and I absolutely love being part of it.  I love to now look back on my childhood and remember the confused stares that we had received by passers-by.  I truly appreciate now why people were so baffled.  I love the story my dad tells me of when I was just a tiny baby and he and my family were vacationing at the beach, and one morning he was walking me in my carriage on the beach when a few kids came over talking to my dad asking if I would have a hard time learning English.  It was those silly questions now that I laugh about how ignorant people can be, but how innocent that question truly was.

We are curious. And without being curious we wouldn't have all the luxuries and wonderful things in our lives as we do.  We want to learn and understand.  There are those few minority people that don't want to learn, that don't care to know who you are and where you came from.  So we should embrace those that are curious, that do want to know how you got that dark skin tone, or those blue eyes, or long curly hair when you should have straight "Asian" hair.

Thank you Cheerios for starting another great discussion, as of course, there will be many more controversial ads, commercials, news reports, etc.  But for now, just embrace the fact that these discussions are what keep our curiosity going.  That keep us being who we are most, which is HUMAN.

And to those friends who are asked every day, "What are you?"  Don't be upset or angry about it, be happy someone is that interested in knowing who you are!

February is Heart Health Month

What steps are you taking to keep your heart healthy?

There are so many ways to keep your heart healthy.  Here are just a few easy steps for a healthier heart and a healthier YOU!

Eat your way to a Healthy Heart 

Cut down on your salt intake: People today are consuming sodium in high amounts.  According to the CDC we are eating 3,400 mg of sodium a DAY!  Most of us should really only be having 1,500 mg of sodium in a day.  If you eat too much of it, you are at risk of high blood pressure and it is a major contributor to heart disease and strokes.  So put down that salt shaker and use other tasteful choices such as, cilantro, pepper, garlic powder (not garlic salt), fresh squeezed lemon, etc.

More Fruits and veggies: Haven't you heard that saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away?!?  Of course you have! Eating fruits and vegetables gives you the nutrients and fiber your body needs.

A little bit of Exercise goes a long way

A body in motion: Keep that body moving!  Your heart needs exercise to keep it healthy.  30 minutes a day of some type of sweat promoting exercise does a heart good!  If you can't commit to a 30 minute workout schedule a day, break it up into 10 minute intervals.  Walk briskly for 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes before or after lunch, and then again 10 more minutes before or after dinner.   Be realistic about your exercise times.  Start off slow and work your way up.  Remember, you have legs, use them!

Pump some iron: Work those muscles! Your most important muscle is your heart, to keep it strong a little weight training goes a long way.

Try interval training: Little bursts of intensity to moderate exercises can be a great way to rein in your cholesterol and also help slow your heart rate, which is a sign of cardiac health!

Emotions can be hazardous for your health

Smile: Don't worry, be happy!  Did you know negative emotions can raise your blood pressure?  Depression is also a factor in heart health.  People who are depressed are four times more likely to have a heart attack.  Emotional stress causes physical stress.  Haven't you seen those commercials of depressed people also having physical pain?   There is a powerful connection between mind and body.  Here are a few helpful suggestions to stay happy and less stressed: Exercise (30 minutes a day goes a long way), Breathe (take deep breaths a few times a day while at work or even at home),  Meditation, You time, and whatever else makes YOU happy!

Treat your heart with care and love this month and the months to follow.