Fantastic Plastic...NOT!!

Plastic is everywhere. When you have kids, it is LITERALLY everywhere! Baby bottles, breastmilk storage, sippy cups, plastic spoons, straws, dishes, you name it. If it is for our children, it is usually plastic. Its lightweight, durable, and portable. The problem? Its causing cancer and fertility problems, just to name a few. The risks of certain plastics have been reported in several reputable forms of media and has caused a bit of a scare amongst concerned parents who have barely gotten over the "lead paint from China" scare. I want to help all parents as well as those of you who are not parents, but still need to be informed. I mean after all, everyone uses plastic in our daily lives. I mean, how many lean cuisines have I eaten this past year??? Use a water bottle during your workouts? How about sipping on bottled water while out and about? Plastic is a major part of our everyday lives. We need to be aware of the risks and dangers of all substances than can be harmful to us and our loved ones.

Here's the deal with plastic as I've discovered as of late. First of all, not ALL plastic is bad. Just certain ones. Most plastic is assigned a number that ranks the type of plastic it is. The numbers range from 1-7. Basically, numbers 1,2,4, and 5 are safe. However, numbers 3,6, and 7 are said to be harmful. You can locate this number on the bottom of the item, sometimes in the middle of a triangle. The main harmful chemicals that we are to be aware of is Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Phthalate. Many items are now created with a BPA-Free label on them to ensure safety to consumers. Keep your eyes peeled for it. BPA is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastic. This has been a favorable plastic because it does not crack or shatter, can be cleaned with very hot water, sterilizes easily, does not absorb odor and is an extremely safe alternative to glass. It is used in many common household products including many of the more fancy baby bottles. Phthalates are used to make plastic more flexible and are also very common. Alternatively, plastic made from polyethylene and polypropylene are deemed as safe.

I looked at all of my daughter's sippy cups, plates, and bowls and had to toss a couple of them. Another key thing here is that heating the plastic (even those deemed as safe) is not recommended. Supposedly heating can release toxins from the plastic into the food/drink and thus into our systems. So, no microwaving in those plastic bowls! Also, do not put your plasticware in the dishwasher. I have been guilty of ALL of these things. Instead, transfer the item to a glass container for heating and handwash your items with warm soapy water opposed to putting them in the steaming hot dishwashing machine.

The take away? Avoid plastic whenever possible. Whenver you must use plastic, be sure that it is a "safe" plastic - polypropylene or polyethylene. Also, be sure to never heat these plastics, never put them in the dishwasher, and never eat or drink anything that has been left in the hot car in a plastic container. Avoid polycarbonate plastics and any plastics numbered 3,6, or 7. What do you do if you can't find a number on the bottom of the container? Toss it. It's not worth you or your child's safety.

Racism

Wow...I grew up with James Dobson and Focus on the Family programming. They are a sponsor on the above product. As a Christian, I am not only disappointed, but deeply mortified and hurt. This is not going to fly as a "satirical" statement as the cover of the New Yorker claimed. There is no other way to describe this, but to call it what it is. Pure overt racism. When people say that racism is dead or that someone is "playing the race card" I always get little goosebumps on my skin. I know for a fact that racism is NOT dead and that "race" is not a "card." Its a very real thing that me, my family, and my friends still experience almost daily. Don't get me wrong. I have a great life and I am VERY blessed. However, that doesn't mean that I don't experience or witness some sort of racial discrimination on a regular basis, however covert it may be. This box reminds me of the racist figures of the past - Mammy, Blackface, Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben. Please research these things and gain a better understanding of where I'm coming from. What you CAN'T see in the picture I posted above is the back of the box. It displays a picture of Obama with a turban on his head and a quote that says, "Point box toward Mecca for tastier waffles," amongst other offensive statements. Are you kidding me? I'm not going to all up in arms about this because as soon as we get past this, there will be something else and something else and it will continue throughout the rest of this election and (if he wins) through his time served as President. Let's be honest. Those of us who are Black in this country, whether for or against Obama, knew that he would encounter much opposition and attack based on race throughout his political career once he entered the running for President. However, I personally, very worried now that it is right in all of our faces. I mean, in history, being the "first Black" this or that is more than just inventing something or going to the Olympics or whatever the accomplishment is. It is the inherent meaning behind having to even make it a milestone. To have to say, "so and so was the first African-American Male to ever win an Oscar" or whatever says something. It says more than just the amazing accomplishment at hand. It says all the weight and opposition that person went through to get there. More likely than not, death threats/attempts on themselves and their families, physical and verbal abuse, etc. etc. To be the trailblazer is a really tough road and I am well aware of all the shoulders that I personally stand on the be in the place I am in today. I think Obama is a really great man. I personally believe that he is what our country needs right now in that state that it is in. I think he represents everything that the American dream is supposed to be about. But, that is just my personal opinion. I'm aware of that and I'm okay with that. What I am not okay with is things like the Obama Waffles being passed out at a conservative event sponsored by a Christian program. A program that I grew up listening to with my mother. I challenge Focus on the Family to focus on themselves and examine their hearts and motives. God will not bless such a blatant hateful statement that is made on that box and it goes directly against everything we as Christians stand for. Be honest about the place that such an endorsement could come from. Its scary and sad, but I must say not surprising. I started this vote with a picture of Obama praying and other Christians praying with him and for him. Boy, does he need it. And we all need it as a country...as Americans.

Sarah Palin and Soccer Moms

Okay, I don't want this blog to turn into politics central...I don't know about you, but I'm already pretty exhausted about the election. However, I feel that this is a major part of history right now, and I need to weigh in. First of all, there is soooo much to say here, but I'm going to take it in parts. Starting with the most recent news of Senator John McCain choosing Gov. Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate. Although I am for Obama, I do not consider myself to be "anti-McCain." I don't think that those things are mutually exclusive. My personal feelings about what I feel America needs are in line with who I believe Barack Obama is. I will blog on this another time, but my point is that just because I am for Obama doesn't mean I am a McCain hater. I agree with some of the same things that McCain agrees with, not everything of course. That being said, I don't agree with everything Obama says either. I do not, however, care for Gov. Palin. I think it was a poor choice for McCain. Why not Huckabee or Romney or whomever? They seem much more qualified in my eyes. I truly truly truly believe that McCain chose Sarah Palin because she is a woman. He was aware of the many disheartened Hillary Clinton supporters who have threatened to jump ship and vote for him. I believe he wanted capitalize on that and that is why he chose Sarah Palin. Do they have similar thoughts on policies? Yes, of course. However, his choice in choosing Gov. Palin truly made me look at him differently. Was it a smart choice? That is debatable. Some may say yes. It was smart to capitalize on those Hillary supporters. Either way, I find it interesting that supporters of Hillary Clinton (whom I did NOT support for the presidency) were sternly condemned by Republicans for voting (relating?) for Hillary just because she is a woman. NOW, it seems okay to vote for McCain/Palin just because Palin is a woman. I mean, is the hypocrisy not apparent? Obviously all Republicans do not feel this way, and I am only speaking of the ones who DO feel this way. Many are saying that women are voting for Palin because she is a "hockey mom" and very relatable. Are you kidding? I am a mom and I do not relate to Palin at all. She does not represent me. I feel that it is undermining the intelligence of us "moms" in America to say that we would vote for her for that reason. I don't know that much about Sarah Palin. What I DO know about her leads me to my personal belief that she is not someone I would want for my VP or possible president. She is ready or experienced enough to me. Sorry, I know that is a hot debate button, but that is my opinion. Also, Governor and Senator are vastly different positions. The requirements and responsibilities are different. Also, the idea that being a mom of five qualifies her to lead a country is plumb crazy. What was the name of that lady who drowned all of her kids? Yates? I mean, I'm not comparing Palin to Yates, but my point is that to say that JUST because someone is a mother of many children they would be a great president is very presumptuous. I think its great that Sarah is a mommy. I would love to be so blessed to be a mother of five. She appears to be very happy and into her children, which is great. I'm not into tearing down other women or mother's. I am simply speaking of her politics. My other major issue with Palin was her condescending speech at the RNC. She was very sarcastic and talked to down a lot in my opinion about issues and people that she does not agree with. Her comment about Community Organizers really took the cake for me. The fact that she cannot see the connection between a community organizer and the position of President is disturbing. I was personally offended by the way Palin downed community organization as if it is not real work or experience. I mean, what the heck is a President? Well, what SHOULD part of a President's job be? Organizing our communities! I mean, that is what it is all about. Well, I guess that is just how I see it. I mean, Jesus was a community organizer. That is where the real work is. Anyone who graduates at the top of their Harvard Law class and chooses to go back and work in the community where the real need is instead of taking a high powered law position is okay in my book. I have no problem with lawyers and the like. My point is simply that it is not only commendable, but NECESSARY to have those who have the knowledge, experience, and thus power (since knowledge is power) to bring it back to the communities from which they came. That is why I am for Obama and why Palin's remarks were offensive to me. Her remarks represented the disconnect that is there between herself and the way other people may have to live in this country. I love being a "soccer mom" and I'm glad that women are making strides this election. But, this is one mommy that prefers respect for grassroots community efforts to elitist lifestyles any day.

I'm back!

I've been away...from the blog for awhile and I've been having "blogger's guilt" about not blogging in so long. That's crazy. Like I really need that! But, it is true. I have so much to blog about...the elections, sarah palin, spritual things like worship and bible study, health stuff....so much blogging and so little time! I will try to blog more often so they don't all pile up on me. So, just writing this quickie to let you all know that I'm still here. I will be blogging shortly after I get my daughter to bed.

Can you tell me how to get...how to get to Sesame Street?

On thursday we took Aliyah to her first amusement park. She went to Sesame Place in Landsdale, PA. It was a perfect place for her because it was geared to a younger generation and is dedicated to the characters of the Sesame Street television show. Aliyah's favorite is of course Elmo, referred to as "Momo" by her. She got to take pictures with him even though she was very unsure about these lifesize monsters. She enjoyed a breakfast with Elmo and his friends. She never warmed up to big bird...he was just too big altogether. We had a fun time even though I think she was still a little young for the whole thing. It was worth it though because when she warmed up to the characters, she was having fun waving to them and giving them a high five or better yet, a fist bump. I posted a few pictures from the day. I will enjoy taking her back again. Soon, we will be moving up to the bigger amusuement parks!!!

Another Natural Haired Sista

I have been on a journey for awhile dealing with my removing all chemicals from my hair and going "natural." I think my first attempt at this as an adult was about five years ago. I decided to go the route of just letting the straightening chemicals, the relaxer, grow out and just flat iron the new growth that was not straight until it all grew out. Well, that did not last long. I was working a corporate job and was in the heat alot from getting in and out of the car as a pharmaceutical sales representative. You can imagine how my 75% straight hair and 25% afro hair looked in the sweltering heat of the South. The heat that I put on the 25% kinky hair did not last in the humidity for any period of time and it all just became too difficult to manage while working in that environment. So, needless to say, I abandoned that idea and got another relaxer. After I got married and left that job, I contemplated beginning the process again. I started doing research about different techniques women used to get some tips. I had a friend at the time who chose to cut her hair off and grow her natural hair back using the loc technique a.k.a. dreadlocs. Her hair grew really fast and she looked very beautiful and afro-centric. Locs are not for me, but I did want to be able to have a nice beautiful naturla fro like the picture I posted above. That is the look I was going for. Mostly I just felt like I was coming into myself and I wanted to get rid of the chemically processed hair that wasn't truly who I was. So, when I got pregnant, there was a perfect opportunity to start again. I did not want to have any chemicals put into my hair or nails or anything while I was pregnant. I wanted to have a natural birth and I felt like not relaxing my hair was a part of the whole journey for me. It is amazing how pregnancy can make you feel like you are really coming into the real you. I'm wondering if other women out here experienced this whil pregnant. A feeling of empowerment and a true acceptance of myself for exactly who God had made me to be. I always thought that I felt that anyway, but I really felt it then. I didn't care that I was getting fat becuase I felt like my body was doing what it needed to do to support my baby. A few stretch marks? So what? Those are battle wounds, baby! So, I have been growing my hair out since that point. However, after I gave birth, my hair started falling out a few months later. I had heard of this happening to other women, so I expected that this could happen. However, the shedding seemed to get worse and worse and lasting a very long time. I assumed this was because I nursed my daughter for a year after she was born and the hormones were still abnormal due to that. But, after I stopped nursing, I still had the shedding. Many people told me that it could take up to two years for my hormones to regulate! What???? I was hoping to be pregnant again by that time and I didn't want to not have a rest period in between. That just didn't sound right, but I was also having other issues at the time. You can see my post of Graves Disease from a few weeks ago. Bottom line this hair loss was because of my hyperactive thyroid problem. This gave me even more motivation to lose the chemicals in my hair. So, a few days ago I took my braids out and after I got out the shower, I looked at my hair in the mirror and I just grabbed a pair of scissors and started cutting. I cut it ALL off. Well, all the hair that was still chemically straightened. Leaving just a short Afro. Well, a short uneven afro since I was the one who cut it. But, I didn't care. I felt so free....so liberated....and very comfortable. It was just me...and I loved it. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm going this week to get it shaped up. But, I feel like it is so right and I'm glad I finally just jumped in with both feet instead of trying to hold on to those last several inches (i cut off 5inches!). Anyway, I'm looking forward to this new journey. I have a couple of friends who are also where I am on this journey and it is good to have them to chat with about stuff. I had to blog about this and share such a significant day. Before my daughter was born I always said if I had a girl I would not relax her hair. Now that she is here I just know that I would never do that. Her hair is so beautiful. As is all of our hair; black hair. All the different textures and types....they are beautiful and the more we accept it and just rock it out...the more it will be accepted in the mainstream culture as well. I want my daughter to always know that she is beautiful and doesn't have to chemically alter any part of her physical self to fit in. I want her to accept everything about herself because she is beautifully and wonderfully made. And I want to lead by example. Luckily, I have a husband who didn't freak out either! He said he loves it and I love him for that!

R.I.P. Bernie and Isaac

This weekend was a sad one for many of us who were fans
of two great entertainers, Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac. Actor and Comedian Benie Mac dies Satuday morning from Pneumonia. He was one of the Kings of Comedy and most recently had a hit sitcom loosely based on his family life. Actor and Musician Isaac Hayes passed away today as well. He was a wondeful singer and actor, probably best known for his critically acclaimed role as "Shaft" in the title movie back in 1971. Both men brought great entertainment, not only to the African-American community, but to American pop culture in general. My heart goes out to their family members and loved ones. They will be missed.