Melinda's latest Bzz

Many of you know that I belonHealth-full breadg to BzzAgent.  For those of you who don't know, it is a wonderful organization that allows its members to join campaigns that are related to that person's areas of interest.  We then get a bzzkit, and sample products.  Then, we give open and honest feedback to our friends, families -- OK, sometimes I bzz to anyone who will stand still and listen. BzzAgent is wonderful word of mouth campaigns.

My latest campaign is -- you guess it: yummy bread!  Oroweat has healthful breads, which are only 80 calories per slice and chock full of good for you things.  In my area, the bread is goes by the brand name Brownberry, but it is still the same comp,any.  Actually, depending on where you live, you might find Oroweat, Brownberry (like me!) or Arnold bread.  Don't worry -- it is still the same yummy stuff!

In addition to low cal slices, the bread is soft.  Surprising for a bread that has 4 - 5 grams of fiber per slice.  I know, sometimes high fiber bread is kind of, well -- cardboardy.  Not this stuff.  I promise!  I love it! Something else that I think is huge is that there are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

I found my bread here in the St. Louis, Missouri area at my local Dierberg's supermarket.  I'll bet you can find it at one of your local supermarkets too.  Try it!  I am pretty sure you will be pleasantly surprised -- and like me, hooked!

There is also a website for Health-full bread.  Check it out!

The Rosie Show

I have been watching Rosie O'Donnell's new talk show on OWN.  At first, I didn't care for the show very much.  However, she revamped and reworked -- and now does one on one's with no audience.  I like it much better.  Kind of like sitting down to coffee with someone.

Recently, Rosie's guest was Joe Pantoliano or as his is also known, Joey Pants.  At any rate, he was talking about his documentary about mental illness and talking about his own mental illness.  Ahh, a commonality between us.  One that I understand all too well.

He talked about how it affected his work, his life, his everything.  Rosie and Joey discussed how you can seemingly have everything, yet have nothing inside -- and be so afflicted that you do indeed appear crazy to those looking in from the outside.

I know that black place, and I totally understand how it can engulf your world.  I don't really think that people who have not suffered from Major Depressive Disorder or another mental illness can really understand just how all encompassing it can be -- and of the struggles to keep one's self out of the dark pit.  It is a full time job, and must often be coupled with medication and therapy to be successful.  And even then, you can still fall over the edge.

I applaud Mr. Pantoliano for taking the brave steps to bring his message to the fore front.  Our society does not always understand differences and often is threatened by them.  The more light that can be shed, the less stigma.

To find out more about Rosie O'Donnell's talk show on OWN, click here: The Rosie Show.

To find out more about Joey Pants, click here: Joey Pants.

To find out more about mental health, click here: NAMI.

February 22, 2012

I do mean to post more, but I have been feeling not so well.  I thought I was getting better, but then I woke up this morning at 3 am with a terrible stomach ache.  It is now after 9pm, and my stomach is a bit better, but my head hurts so bad that I can hardly stand it.  My house is a wreck too, which doesn't tend to make a person feel better -- even at the best of times.

The good thing is -- that there is always another day.

My sister-friend 's mom  passed away recently.  It is so sad to loose your mother -- and so hard.  I know from experience.  Life is never the same.  Here is a link to a blog entry that my friend had written about her mom.  It is well worth the read.  PS:  I love you Melody.  Blue Memphis

A life well lived

I have been reflecting on the loss of Whitney Houston. Perhaps it touches me so because we are of the same age -- both born in 1963. Her life, for all of the supposed glamour that came with it appears to be one filled with heart ache.

I think of words that I have heard from other celebrities -- about how life as a celebrity isn't always as it appears to be. It is often filled with loneliness and isolation. I don't think I would want that kind of life. Sure, money can bring all sorts of material luxuries, but what are they if your life is empty otherwise?

I can't imagine not knowing who I could trust, who I could turn to. Always second guessing as to whether or not those around you are there for the money and fame or out of true love.

My life is often difficult. My health is not great. I suffer from chronic depression in addition to my other health issues. I have been to that edge and stepped over, not wanting to live any longer because I was so in the depths of that dark depression. I am financially poor by USA standards. But I have love of friends and family. I am rarely bored or lonely, and to be quite truthful, I don't feel especially poor. I have a house with electricity, heat, and running water. My children have luxuries like video games and the computer. We have three pets. I have a solid car that is paid for. I don't have the newest and best, but I am content. I wonder if Whiteny Houston would have said that smame thng. For all she had, I believe I have more.

An all new me

I have not been writing often -- not here, not anywhere. It is time to make a change. I am going to attempt to write more frequently, which includes blogging on a more regular basis.

Yesterday, it was announced that Whitney Houston had passed away. I turned 49 last month; she was 48. A talent cut short; a life cut short. I don't know what to make of it. I know she had her demons -- street drugs. Who knows what drove her there, but it was a sad place to be for sure. She leaves behind a daughter, who faces her adult life without her mother. My sympathies go out to Ms. Houston's family, and especially her daughter.

It makes me think of people that I have known that havc passed quite before their time. Unfortunately, I have lost friends -- as well as the lost of celebrities in pop culture. Mortality is a scary thing, I think. The thought of leaving behind those who you love most. It disturbs me to think that my children would be left without me; still too young to make it on their own. I would like to live to see them into their middle ages at least. It has always been important , but it is even more so since their father left as now they rely totally on me. I wonder how other single parents feel, or if they even give it consideration at all.

At any rate, 2012 is seeing an all new me. There is much that has been given a back seat, and it is time for me to bring them back into focus. To bring myself back into focus -- a clearer, sharper, more well-defined me.

Death of a baby

RIP Baby Tyler

Tyler Dasher made national news -- because his mama beat him to death. Tyler lived in my small St. Louis area community. In fact, he lived within walking distance from my house. He was 13 months old when his mama allegedly beat him to death for crying when she wanted to sleep. Then she took that poor baby and dumped him and called the police to say that he disappeared from her home.

What do we take away from this most horrendous event? It can be a learning moment for everyone. We all have a breaking point -- and for whatever reason Tyler's mama reached hers. What happened next could have been prevented if she would have just picked up a phone and called someone for help. There are various locations of crisis nurseries all around St. Louis. She could could have taken Tyler there. I know there were options.

As a parent myself, I have been to that edge. I haven't abused my kids, because I knew to call in for reinforcements. Parenting is a difficult job to say the least. It is also the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I love my children, and just can't wrap my head around the fact that parents kill their babies. There are so many other options.