So tell me, what is the power that comes from food. Besides the basic response of how it gives us energy to survive, live and grow...lets be honest, we are FAR from that basic definition in our evolved world. In the culture that I am engulfed in, food has become more than a basic eat and live relationship. Food is a power, a presence, a life, an existence and even to some a God. Not only are there food and options for food everywhere you go from bookstores/libraries, gas stations/pit-stops, fast food chains, restaurants, but I even get offered food from the empanedas lady who sells them in the wal-mart parking lot. We must not forget the ever beloved food network and channel, where we are able to watch how to cook, cook offs, cake offs, cupcake wars and not to leave out the awesome competitions of the iron chef and chopped. Food finds its way into every social event no matter how big or small. I don't think there is a place where you can escape the temptations and seductions of this basic energy source. We have not even swam the deep waters of food and its connection to our mental and emotional state. Thoughts that run though my head, "I am (fill in the blank with any emotion-I choose sad)I need chocolate, ice cream...something salty, greasy or fat". Or "I did really well today, I need a reward...Mimi's cafe is still open..." Or, "lets do something fun...what restaurant do you want to try next?" Or "date night...zupas!" (that was just yesterday). Half the fun of traveling to new places comes from trying different foods! When Nick and I went to Aruba it could simply be summarized as beach and food (gelato-ice cream really). So I ask, what is it about food that makes it so influential, so interesting, so important to us. I believe that if some alien came form another planet and saw how we treated food...I would have to wonder at the report they would write after their visit. When people move to the neighborhood they give food, someone dies, they give food, births, they give food, sickness, they give food. Food seems to be a main staple of our express of charity. But it is SOOOOO good! So everyone, whether or not you agree with this post about food-it doesn't matter because in a few minutes I am sure you will start to crave something and then try as hard as you can to make, get, or buy that fulfilling food. I will just wish everyone happy eating...and if you have any good reciepes...please share them.

Up and down...life is like that

So here it is...another flat tire. This is twice in one month. The first one could have been deadly. I was driving on the express way, going 60 mph talking to my handsome hubby. The one light-which I have never seen red, turned red-causing me to stop and as my light turned green I ended my conversation with nick and tried to climb to my original speed...then bang, my car pulled to the right, both hands were on the wheel as I gained control. Lucky, I had two hands and that I was at a low speed, or it could have ended not as nicely. Nick was surprised at the phone call he received with only a few second interlude. So I am on the side of the express way...teacher slacks and all...trying to change my tire. Laughable really. I know I had done it at some young women or relief society event a few times in my life...right? Well, God is in the details of our lives. As the sun lowered and darkness seemed to spread as quickly as my stress and panic; here came a truck with a couple in it, the husband who happens to work at discount tires. Five minutes and the dirty deed was done. My lovely friend and visiting teacher companion came to my aid and followed me home as I drove my big car over the weakening donut. Well a similar scene was played yesterday and today. My back tire, I guess, felt neglected and wanted attention, negative attention, so it too went flat. This time it picked up a lonely nail and became intimate friends with it. A horrible hole resulted. SO God sent me another guy, who works at the Saint Sophia Church who changed the tire (I didn't even try). Then my beautiful school Secretary followed me to the tire store, and my Principal drove be back to pick up my car with its new tire. What would I do with out the kindness of strangers and the powerful women in my life?

So in the ended I have felt a little flat this week. School work is getting Nick stressed, and worried. I have more issues with my bank and school is getting me down as well as the need for the change that I am hoping for. What a spiritual high from General Conference-then comes the trials...and they are not bad trials, they are just all at once it seems. But we have so many blessings...I thank heavenly father for them everyday in Spanish in our couple prayers. Exciting things are happening...and these little bumps in the road will flatten us at times, but God always sends us ways to get back up on our feet again.