YOB: # 30. Have an International Dinner (Part 2)

By Lara

I honestly don't remember how International Dinner got on the Year of the Birthday List. I know that I must have suggested it. As you have already read, Beth would never have suggested that. I think I envisioned multiple guests each bringing their favorite international dish for our sampling pleasure.

Obviously, it didn't work out that way.

I think my order at the International House of Pancakes consisted of a hamburger and mozzarella sticks. I don't think there is anything less international about that meal. I just wanted it to count because I was feeling anxious about getting the list finished.

Once I realized that the list wasn't going to get finished anyhow, I relaxed a little bit. That didn't stop me from wanting to get a little bit further into the 30 items. I had planned to take Beth to a Japanese Steak House. After all, Beth has been to Japan. Surely, she would like something there, right? Apparently, the only thing she liked in Japan was goyza. Also, I started having flashbacks of people with giant spatulas throwing food at me.

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YOB: # 30. Have an International Dinner

By Beth

I'm a big fan of food. Probably why I'm not a size 2, but hey, looks aren't everything, right? Right? I can be bribed with cheesecake, or chocolate. Or chocolate cheesecake. Or cheesecake dribbled with chocolate syrup. Or chocolate cheesecake yogurt (it exists, trust me). Or…well, you get the point. Food is great, there are so many flavors, textures, spices; enough to explore for a lifetime. I really wish I could be that guy, Guy, from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Not the hair, just the taste-testing.

Funnily enough, though, I get nervous around foreign food, I was almost an adult before I tried Chinese food. See, I had a bad experience with food overseas when I was quite young. I remember it like it was yesterday….(cue the wavy flashback screen with the wobbly music). It was late winter of my 5th grade year of school. I hated 5th grade, was a 10 year old girl trapped in a 14 year old's body. Don't even ask. So I was looking forward to going to Israel with my family and our church group for 10 days. Any time out of school was okay with me. My parents had been several times, leaving my brother and I behind with various relatives, family friends and strangers. This time we were old enough to go. I was excited, it would be my first time out of the US, there would be foreign boys there and I'd get out of school, did I mention that? It is only looking back now that I can appreciate the places I went and their Biblical significance. I'd love to go back.

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Food Or Fuel?

By Renee, LSWA

Unfortunately, too many families are having to choose between feeding their family or paying the utility bill.  In these tough times of lay-offs, involuntary unpaid days off and pay cuts, the average family is struggling and compromising on basic needs.  Here are some resources they just may help all of us not have to choose.

1.  Angel Food Ministries:  For $30, anyone can purchase a standard box of food from a local host site that can feed a family of four dinner for approximately a week   There are no income guidelines or special criteria.  If you eat, you qualify!  In addition to the standard box that includes, fresh and frozen meats, vegetables and/or fruit, milk and eggs, there are also Convenience meals for seniors or people on the go, allergy-free box, meat and grill boxes and a fresh fruit and veggie box.  You can purchase as many as would like.  By saving money on your groceries, you can free up money to pay for other expenses.

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General Mills And The ADA Partner To Help Kids Across US

By MAD21

"General Mills and the American Dietetic Association Partner to Help Kids Across the US Learn How to Eat Healthy and Stay Physically Fit."

"The General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids Program, in partnership with the American Dietetic Association, has awarded a half-million dollars in grants to community-based organizations across the U.S. for programs that support young people living healthy, active lifestyles.

The grants program awarded $10,000 to 50 nonprofits, schools and other organizations across the United States to develop fun, interactive programs that incorporate a fitness and nutrition component, and operate under the expert guidance of a registered dietitian."

Go and read about the three groups that were awarded the grants and the amazing work they are doing to help kids get healthy.

Nutrition Bars and Drinks

Nutrition bars and drinks are great for the mid-afternoon or evening snack. I do not recommend doing more than one of these at the same meal. For me, one or the other was usually enough to carry me over to my next meal.

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