Can you eat too many avocados?

I never use to like avocados, for years I turned my nose up at the sight of them. Now I fill my morning routine with a small piece of delicious rye bread topped with an avocado. Yes the whole avocado!! I stretch and dislocate my jaw, but I get this delicious sandwich into my mouth and for minutes fall into blissful dreaming.

It all started when I went vegan. I couldn't stand avocados before that, and then suddenly I decided what the heck I'll give it one more go. Ever since that fateful day I've been addicted.

I don't know if there are interventions when it comes to eating avocados, but my addiction has gone so far as to research the avocado and its history, origin, and current economic status.

So to add to your already full brain, I want to note that Americans pay the most for their avocados. You may ask, why? Surprisingly it's because they eat most of the avocados that are produced within the US, mainly California. With the higher cost of production (labour etc) in the US, and strict guidelines for imports from Mexico and a few other Latin countries, US farmers have a set monopoly.

Another interesting fact about avocados: most of the avocados produced in the US come from one single tree, ordered by a farmer a few decades ago. Since avocado trees are hard to breed, most offspring are not offspring at all but grafts of the mother tree.

I hope I have added a bit to your knowledge of the avocado, and illustrated how for some alcohol is an addiction, but for me it is the fruit of the gods, the seed of passion- the avocado.

peace
-Anna (R)

I don't want gifts!!

I understand people enjoy giving gifts, that Christmas is suppose to give people the opportunity to show you how much they care. What I do not agree with is that physical gifts, especially the bought kind are necessary to that appreciation.

Over the years I've tried to (in failure) get my family to stop giving each other gifts during Christmas. The main idea was, I really don't need more: figurines, books (I don't read), or in general things I don't want. If budget were not an issue perhaps paying off my education debt would be a nice gift, or a trip to India. But since budget is an issue, I realize that I really do not want more material things, which in the end I never use, and add to the pollution of the planet.

SO in vain I try again this year, please please lets not do gifts. I would rather get a heartfelt card, or letter, or hug, or anything but another box wrapped in the sorrow of too many people who had to produce it, or inhale the toxins it spewed into the air/water/soil.

This year for Christmas I wish only for company and good food. In my attempt to cut through the gifts stuff I suggested that if my family really wants to get me gifts, I want them to donate money to their fav charity (or mine).
In addition, I've only bought gifts for those I know truly need them. I for one don't need any, because I'm comfortably at home with very few needs as of today. But there are family members that just moved, and need a bit of help in setting-up their nest. Therefore my suggestion is that the people who truly need gifts should be focused on. If that is no one this year then no gifts for anyone.

These are just a few thoughts on Christmas and the commercialization of relationships (be it family or romantic).

peace to all,
-Anna (r)

Life Goes On...

School is winding down, life is gearing-up and I'm still trying to figure-out what to do with myself. Do I do my masters, do I go and find a job, do I go and travel and work my way through the world, do I go and work for my sister, do I move to Alberta (where my sis is), oh what to do?

I've been looking at applications and I can honestly say that I hate reference letters. They are a waste of time, and all programs require them. I know that that program admission committee know's that reference letters mean nothing, as most students get generic ones from prof's they dont really know. This to me is pointless, so why oh why do I need to submit 8 so far for 3 programs.

In other news, its super cold and my hands are turning blue.

peace
-Anna (r)