Mental Post-Its

Thoughts, Notes, and General Mental Mayhem


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Celebrating Lent

Lent begins on Wednesday, so I’ve been contemplating it’s coming over the past few weeks. I can’t say that I particularly enjoy celebrating it, after all who enjoys restricting themselves, but I do look forward to the lessons I learn from it and the good it does for my life.

If you haven’t celebrated Lent before, you can read up on it a bit here. I have been participating in it for about four or five years now. Some friends and I chose to celebrate it as an act of devotion and self-control, like a growing number of Protestants. And because we don’t have the same regulations, I guess would be a correct term, as Catholics, we do it a little differently. Some celebrate from Ash Wednesday, for 2012 it’s February 22, to Holy Thursday, April 5. Others of us choose to go through the Saturday and finish on Easter Sunday morning at church. I like the latter, personally. And I also take the the opportunity as some do to see the Sundays between as mini celebrations, where you can break your fast. So, that’s how I Lent.

The items for my Lenten fast vary each year.  I’m sure some people use the same thing each year or change it up depending on their circumstance. They may give up chocolate or alcohol or another food or activity. With Protestants, it varies pretty dramatically from what I’ve seen. The point is to really sacrifice something, or more than one thing. It has to have meaning for you because that time is then used to grow your relationship with Christ through prayer, fasting and giving. If it doesn’t hurt in some way, it doesn’t count.

For me, the fasting portion typically revolve around the goals I have for myself that year or something I really want to work on or improve in my life. For example, this year I’ve decided on a fasting item to go with my three major goals for the year: physical, spiritual and financial. They are personal, so I only share them with a few people who will hold me accountable. I suggest you do the same. Remember, fasting isn’t supposed to make you comfortable. Growth opportunities are usually challenging, and not always fun.

So, that’s a little on Lent from me to you. I hope you will consider taking part in it. For any Christian, it’s a great exercise in devotion, self-control and deepening your relationship with God. Give it a try and let me know how it went!


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How to Survive Almost Anything

If you know even just three things about me, one of those items is probably how much I love TV and movies. One of my favorite genres is anything to do with spies. Outside of that, I love action, end of the world, comedy, dramady, some SciFi, some fantasy, some romantic comedies, mostly fiction…ok, lots of different genres. (Mostly, you can just leave out Westerns, Reality and co-dependent teen vampire flicks, and I’m in.) Therefore, in my vast amount of research, I’ve been taking notes on how to survive almost anything–End Times, zombie apocalypse, kidnapping, bombings, physical attack, vampire awakening, virus outbreak, alien invasion and/or galactic invasion. And I’m here to share that knowledge with you. You’re welcome.

Learn….

  • a second language. You almost always need to be at least bilingual. This flaw is an American’s Achilles heel. I need to get back to practicing. If were are talking near future, learn Spanish. (See most stats for 2030.) Far future, Chinese. (See Firefly.)
  • to pick a lock. Despite my asking for a lock picking kit for years, I’ve yet to receive one for my birthday or Christmas. Don’t be fooled, kids. A credit card won’t work on any real door. Get yourself a set of tools and practice. And all locks were not created equal, so don’t get cocky.
  • kickboxing or another form of martial arts or higher level self defense. You must be able to defend yourself. This tactic should come in hand in almost any situation, except for evil wizards.
  • Morse Code. Old school or not, it could prove to be invaluable in a variety of situations. It’s survived itself, hasn’t it? Morse Code would work for when the power goes out, when you need to communicate without words, or even in a German submarine.
  • a warning phrase. You need to choose a phrase to communicate with your friends and loved ones in case you are in trouble. This simple exchange could communicate that you’ve been kidnapped, you’re cover has been blown or that your job won’t let you share that a meteor is headed to Earth in 19 hours. So, you may want to choose a few phrases, as well as one that says, “It’s ok. I was wrong. It was just a flock of wild geese flying backwards.” Don’t make it too obscure, though, or someone will catch on. Example: Jack and Sydney said that there was construction on the freeway.
  • to like exercise. Let’s face it. In any of the movies where your life is on the line, these people are running. It’s the awful truth. Some strength training and running will come in handy. Watch The Firm or War of the Worlds. It could be almost anything.
  • to wield a weapon. Let’s not make the mistake that there will always be a gun on hand, and that you can just point and shoot. You may want to take up an axe, bow and arrow, wooden stake or shank. It would also be helpful if you can make your own weapon, and several of the aforementioned lend themselves to that.
  • to survive on less food. If it’s End Times, don’t count on a filet every night. Practice fasting, and it wouldn’t hurt if you learned to eat things you find in nature for good measure. Panham isn’t that far away.
  • to push through your fear. Fear gets you killed. It makes you think slower. React and go. Remember, there are only two choices: fight or flight. Both involve action, though. One exception: only play dead if there is a bear nearby.
  • who you can trust. You may think it’s easiest to survive on your own. It is realistic to think that there is a Brutus around every corner willing to sell you out for their own survival, cash, power or appointment within the alien regime.  But the real truth is that you need your Ron and Hermione. Know who those people are.

Of course, there are probably a few other items that could be added to this list. What would you add? I’ve just tried to cover the basics for you. These topics will take you a while to learn, and you may discover others in the process. After you’ve mastered the above, you’re in good shape. Then you can move on, and hone other survival skills. But for now, congratulations in taking the first step. You’re well on your way. I’ll see you on the other side…

Note: even if you never have to use any of these essential skills, you’ll look way cool in front of your peers.


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The Cost of Chocolate

We’re coming up on Valentine’s Day, and no matter how you choose to spend it, the odds are that it will involve chocolate. USA Today reported that chocolate sales for Valentine’s Day 2009 totaled almost $15 billion. That’s pretty unbelievable. That’s a lot of chocolate.

But do you know how your chocolate gets made? Better yet, do you know who makes your chocolate? Where it comes from? If you are buying one of the popular brands or one of the cheap brands, then chances are great that slave labor is involved.

We take for granted all the options we have here in the US. You can splurge or you can pinch pennies, but either way, there is a choice for you. This choice is taken away from many of the people who pick the cocoa beans, and start the supply chain of what ultimately ends up in our bellies.

I don’t tell you this info to bring you down, or be a buzz kill, or ban chocolate. Believe me, I looooovvvveeee chocolate. In fact, I pretty much don’t care about any other kind of candy unless it has something to do with chocolate or peanut butter. And the more they marry, the better. But I do want to be a good citizen of the planet. I do want my choices to better the lives of others, not make them worse. And I can do that every time I make a purchase, and so can you.

I’m pretty impressed by the CNN Freedom Project. I love seeing them put their reputation and resources behind something so worthwhile. Their recent expose on the hidden costs of chocolate were not unfamiliar to me, but they did put a face with the issue. I’m going to do a better job of choosing chocolate, and hope you will consider it, too. Please buy chocolate that is labeled “fair trade” or carries certification by the Rainforest Alliance or Utz sustainability programs. You can also use apps like Free2Work or Fair Trade Finder.

I learned several years ago…no matter what the product is, if it’s really cheap, then the chances are that someone, somewhere is paying the price. You’re going to be a consumer, no doubt about it. Just be an educated one. I get the fact that most all of us live on a pretty strict budget. And I get the fair trade products typically cost more. But two things: first, if those were the items in demand then the price would go down, and second, now that I know better, I can’t choose to look the other way.

On February 14, you can show a lot of love just by choosing a better chocolate. Happy Valentine’s Day!


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Identifying Human Trafficking in Georgia

On Monday and Tuesday, I attended a seminar hosted by the Georgia Department of Education focused on human trafficking. I was thrilled to see the state taking an offensive role in this atrocity, and educating its teachers and administrators on the issue and prevention. They hope to have a poster in every school in the state with relevant information and hotline numbers by next fall as part of their “Not in Georgia” campaign.

One of the women who spoke to us was Maria Velikonja, arguably the foremost authority on human trafficking within the FBI. Most of what she shared with us was her experience throughout Eastern Europe, and how that related to what we are currently seeing here in the US and Georgia. Unfortunately, there is no complete profile for victims of human trafficking because it spans both genders, all socioeconomic classes, all sizes and shapes, various ages, etc. There are some factors, though, which do seem to be common for many cases:

  • Lower class homes
  • Female
  • Ages 9-18, or as high as early 20s
  • Single-parent homes
  • Homes where the parents pay little attention to the child
  • Substance problems
  • Ran away from home before
  • Girls with a series of older boyfriends
  • Low self-esteem
  • Illegal citizens
  • Good student with declining grades
  • Gang members or hang around gangs

These are by no means definitive, though. There are plenty of cases that have broken these molds. But the above mentioned characteristics can make a child more susceptible.

Maria also shared some of the findings from a 2005 report called “Hidden in Plain Sight” which make Georgia a breeding ground for this kind of activity.

  • In 2000, Georgia was ranked #1 in the US for percentage of childhood poverty.
  • Over 4,000 strippers work in Atlanta.
  • There are 440+ strip clubs in Atlanta.
  • A lot of illegal activity takes place at strip clubs, even legal ones.
  • 90% of runaway children in Atlanta become part of the sex industry.
  • Pimps come to Atlanta from elsewhere because of the city’s reputation.
  • Most predators make contact with pimps via the internet.
  • 45-50% of minors in Atlanta live in single parent households.
  • Once on the street, 1/3 of runaway teens will be lured or recruited into prostitution within 48 hours.
  • Atlanta ranks in the top five US cities for the highest levels of child trafficking.
  • Many children are recruited from public transit, malls, Underground Atlanta, schools, and even from their friends or schoolmates.

One of the most shocking statistics I’ve heard since I started learning about this issue a few years ago is that men who purchase sex with these children and teens are not who you’d think. In Atlanta, over 40% were men north of the Atlanta Perimeter. These are typically white, middle to upper class men. Shocking and sad. These are men we could very well know or associate with. Why? I believe it’s because they don’t like the story they are living in and are looking for escape. They want a dangerous break from their world. There are more than just desperate housewives out there.

What you can do:

  • Report ANY kind of suspicious activity.
  • Be informed and inform others.
  • Make your children aware of the situation.
  • Help your child’s school learn about the issue. A21 also has a student guide PDF.
  • Buy items made by trafficking victims worldwide to help offer them alternatives. Along with this, know where the products you buy come from. Example, most chocolate that we purchase in the US comes from slave labor. There is an app called Free2Work that you can download to help you navigate. Purchase power is one of the most important things you have at your disposal on any issue.
  • Ask questions.
  • Mentor or look out for children who could be at risk.
  • Mentor or look out for young boys who are at risk of growing up to be a perpetrator, trafficker or pimp.
  • Don’t ignore the issue. Crime thrives when it’s ignored.
  • Support an organization working to end human slavery. Examples, Not For Sale, Street Grace, WellSpring Living, A21 Campaign, DNA Foundation, Night Light, Hagar International, Better Way Imports, Freeset, Radiant Hope…and these are just a few.
  • Whatever you do, just DO SOMETHING.

SEEK JUSTICE.

Should you have any need to report anything suspicious regarding human trafficking, the national hotline conducted by Polaris is 888-373-7888.


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My Favorite Atlanta Restaurants

Because I used to work in restaurant public relations, and still keep up with the restaurant scene in Atlanta somewhat, I get asked a lot what restaurants I recommend or are my favs. So, I’m compiling a list here, in no particular order. I know I’m probably leaving one or more off that I would like on here since I’m just going off the top of my head, but there are so many to choose from. I did try to provide a wide variety.

We have tons of great restaurants in Atlanta, so get out and explore! I don’t even visit my favorites very often; sometimes it may be a couple years between visits. With numerous restaurants opening every year, there are always options at hand that I must try before returning to a place that I’ve been to before.

So, here’s my initial list.

  1. di Paolo – For years, I’ve said this was my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I think that still holds true. Incredible food. Gracious service. Quaint atmosphere. Great prices. It turned me on to northern Italian cuisine, and now I barely eat southern Italian. Best cheesecake ever.
  2. Figo – You can’t be the prices and fresh food here. Delicious Italian. Gluten-free options. Friendly service and atmosphere. Doing good in the city. I’m obsessed with the arugula salad.
  3. Doc Chey’s – This restaurant would be the Asian equivalent of Figo in all categories mentioned above. Cheap and fresh. I crave the coconut soup and the tofu lettuce wraps. They do a lot to support their neighborhood and the city at large.
  4. ONE. midtown kitchen – The best steak frites in the city, though they offer a lot of fabulous options. One of my favorite atmospheres in the city.
  5. Cabernet Steakhouse – It’s been quite a while since I’ve been, but in my opinion, these are the best steaks in the city. Cabernet was my first job after moving to Atlanta, and it taught me to be a steak snob. It was a very delicious lesson.
  6. Ted’s Montana Grill – Get the New Mexico. Add horseradish sauce to anything you order. It’s a sin to order anything but the bison. Simply the best burger in town.
  7. Urban Pl8 – Oh, my. Been here three times and it was a complete joy every round. Love the gluten-free options, but everything I’ve tried here was a home run. Peanut Butter French Toast? Pesto Chicken Omlette? C’mon!
  8. Alon’s – I probably visit this place more than any other. You can buy just about anything. Everything I’ve ever bought has been wonderful. All made from scratch in house. De-lish!
  9. Pura Vida – There’s a reason Chef Hector was on Iron Chef. He’s amazing. I’ve been introduced to numerous, different ingredients here with pleasing results. Try the baby goat.
  10. Pure Taqueria – I love this laid-back atmosphere and great Mexican food. My favorite, though? The hamburger. You may think it’s weird, but I guarantee you won’t question it again if you try it.
  11. Sushi Nami – I’ve only been here once, but it was stellar. Absolutely incredible. Well worth the drive.
  12. Rosebud – Southern goodness. It’s haute and home-cooked. Lovely atmosphere and good service. It’s hard to decide what to order!
  13. Serpas – New American with Creole influences. It’s a new spin on a lot of your favorites. Scott has been one of my favorite chefs through several restaurants now. Follow him. You’ll be glad you did.
  14. Season’s 52 – A healthy version of eating at a nice restaurant. Good portions, good calorie count. BUT…it’s also yummy. It’s a great night out.
  15. 4th & Swift – Inventive and rewarding. My friend took me for my birthday a while back, and it was a happy birthday indeed. Jay Swift is an Atlanta favorite. Eat here and you’ll see why.
  16. Village Tavern – If your in the suburbs up north, this place is one of the best to visit. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve eaten here and it’s always been wonderful. Consistency should be rewarded.
  17. Top Flr – Love the atmosphere here, and the food is just as captivating.
  18. Murphy’s – There is a reason this place has been around for about 30 years. Voted best brunch many times, but also a great lunch and dinner. Super yummy desserts.
  19. TWO Urban Licks – A sister of ONE. midtown kitchen. This restaurant is worth going home smelling like meat. Really fun atmosphere and fantastic food.
  20. Takorea – I’ve only been here once and am headed back tomorrow. Korean and Mexican blend. I can’t even begin to describe the delight in this joint, both in the atmosphere and food. Sesame Fries, Tempura Sweet Potatoes, Brisket Enchiladas, Tacos, etc…on and on…
  21. (one to grow on) Feast – I know there are a hundred fantastic places in Decatur, but I just don’t get there often. I took a friend here for her birthday a few months back, and it was all-around wonderful. Adorable decor, great service, fantastic food. Yeah, gotta get back to Decatur.

For pizza:

  1. Fritti
  2. Antico Pizza
  3. Z Pizza
  4. Blue Moon Pizza
  5. Mellow Mushroom

For dishes:

  1. J. Christopher’s  – Blueberry Crunch Cakes
  2. Jim ‘N’ Nick’s – Brisket and Cheddar Biscuits with Honey Butter
  3. The Flying Biscuit – Creamy Dreamy Grits or Heavenly Potatoes (great brunch overall)
  4. F.A.B. – Try the Creamy French Onion Soup and you’ll dream about it for years. I do.
  5. Cinco – best Chicken Tortilla Soup I’ve ever had.

For desserts:

  1. Piece of Cake
  2. Cami Cakes
  3. Henri’s
  4. Cacao
  5. Parish

And let’s not forget our friends the food trucks!

Let me know which of your favorites I missed, and why! And if you’re ever looking for suggestions, just let me know.