Everyone has a story!

I have written about my love of CBS News Sunday Morning before.  No surprise there.  But just when I think the show can do no better...THEY DO.  This past Sunday, Correspondent Steve Hartman, brought us a wonderful three part segment.  The name- "Everybody in the World has a Story."  He spun a globe and whatever city he landed on in whatever country in the world he flew to, picked up the phone book and randomly picked a person to talk to.  Each time he found an amazing story out of a seemingly ordinary person's life.  The segments were raw, unprovoked or scripted and extremely heartfelt each time. 

The neatest part of the segment was not elements within the individual person's story.  It was my own reaction to the idea that I am not the only person in the world. It was overwhelming to realize how selfish humans can be. Being selfish is not necessarily a bad thing.  It gives us the ability sustain life on Earth.  It only becomes toxic when a person is unable to take "self-less" breaks to love and care for another or when we consistently deny through words and actions that we co-exist with billions of other selfish creatures every second of our selfish lives. We tend to forget that there are others out there.  Not just in our office, our home, our community, our state, our country, but in the world! There could be ten other women in ten other countries dealing with the same issues as me right this very second.  There ARE hundreds of thousands of people less fortunate than me and at least a couple thousand :) that may be a tad bit more fortunate than me.  I am one person. Thanks to that segment, I am walking around this week with a little more perspective.  While the segment put me in my tiny little place in this vast world, it did one other important thing as well.  It made me realize that I have a story too! To me my story may be mundane and typical but to someone, somewhere else in the world, maybe it could be considered raw, unprovoked and heartfelt as well.  Thanks Sunday Morning!  I will continue to watch you in awe of your creativity and brilliant journalism!

Hangover Friday!

Today I have been fighting a really bad hangover. Honestly, I did not think that I would make it until lunch time at work but its almost 2 and I am still here (Ryan would be proud). Hangovers are a nasty way to experience a day. Headache, cloudy brain, inability to focus, tummy ache, constant hunger. Though payment is due upon waking, I still say it was worth it! Last night I got to spend time with friends, family and even some strangers.We were all brought together to raise money for a great cause and we all got to know each other a little better. It was awesome. 
Today started out really bad but I am blessed to work with family and therefore could admit my payment for last night was in full affect without repercussions. My Mom, sister and I were all able to laugh about me not having to reapply makeup this morning (and about the kid that sings "Teenage Dream" on YouTube). Sorry Dad, I got some stuff done but not much! I'll make up for it on Monday. 

Lesson Learned:  Sometimes the experience is worth the hangover oh and laughter really helps cure a hangover!

Carambola Fruit

Florida is the number one producer of the carambola fruit a.k.a the star fruit.  Seeing as we have a carambola tree in the garden with blooms on it, I figured it would be fun for me to get to know my near future harvest a little better.

The Star Fruit originated in South East Asia and India and made it to the United States by way of Hawaii.  South Florida's tropical climate makes it the perfect place for a carambola to thrive. The star fruit has both a distinct shape and flavor.  In totality its shape is oval with ridges and it has a yellow-green color.  When sliced diagonally the fruit chunks become a star making it a fun and whimsical addition to salads, cocktails and even a glass of ice water. The flavor is light and tangy.  I can't imagine it would be disagreeable to anyone's pallate.  The skin on the fruit is thin and can be eaten. There are seeds in the star fruit but they are minimal and easily removed prior to consumption. 

Although the Florida orange typically gets the kudos in the Vitamin C department, Carambola's are chalked full of the vitamin and contain a large amount of water which counts for hydration points. In my opinion a star fruit is the "low maintenance" version of an orange.  It's easier to grow and prepare than an orange and I guarantee given the choice, a child would pick a unique shape fruit over a boring round one :) I do love oranges though so don't get me wrong.

So far our carambola tree has needed little love other than a warm sunny spot to love and ample amounts of water during the dry season.  These trees tell you they are not happy when the leaves turn yellow.  Generally this indicates too much water or not enough.  We purchased two of the trees ($25 each which is amazing for such a productive fruit tree) and gave one to our friends in Miami as a housewarming gift.  Their's instantly started producing and has ever since (Zone 11).  Ours was a little stunted due to the amount of freeze temperatures we had this past winter (Zone 9/10 border) but since we moved it to a sunny location and gave it some drip irrigation is is blooming like crazy. Do yourself a favor and if you are located in Florida get yourself a Carambola!