Food Revolution

My new obsession is Jamie Oliver and his Food Revolution. I didn't know him very well before the show started, just bits and pieces. But after reading up on what he was able to accomplish in the UK, I was thrilled to hear that he was taking an interest in making a positive change in the US. God knows this country needs it - and not to mention how shameful it is that we need a Brit to come get things stirred up.

One of the most shocking things to me about the show was what kids eat at school. Having grown up in Romania, I was only in the US public school system for one year as a senior in high school and I knew how to make good choices for myself. Even so, I gained 13 pounds in one year. I know this was not ONLY due to the school lunches, but I am sure they played a part. When I see middle-schoolers who are obese and eat pizza for breakfast, it breaks my heart. What future are we setting them up for?

This is the first generation that is predicted to have a shorter life span than their parents. This is the 21st century, can't we do better than that in a developed country like the United States? No, dear USDA, french fries do not count as a serving of VEGETABLES!

I strongly support Jamie Oliver and all those who are FOR this Food Revolution, including First Lady Michelle Obama. We need to do better for our kids and ourselves - and in the process other benefits will follow, such as treating our planet better.

Today I found out that Jamie Oliver MIGHT be opening a Food Revolution kitchen in Washington DC in Penn Quarter. Right now it is just a rumour, but here you go: http://pqliving.com/?p=8343.

Here's to Jamie and to all those who want to make a difference in children's lives! Sign Jamie's petition here: http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution/petition.

Happy Earth Day!

Today we celebrate Earth Day and the goodness of what is Mother Nature. It is in fact the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a celebration that is designed to inspire awareness and appreciation of the Earth's environment. Today it is important to remember that what we have and enjoy today is what we want to pass on to our children.

I will not get preachy but I wanted to take this opportunity to encourage you to educate yourself, your kids, your family and friends about the importance of being conscious of your every day actions. It's easy! Recycle, unplug things in your house that you are not using, reuse things as much as possible, buy local products, drive less. All these things make a huge difference.

Also, take the time to send this educational Earth Day ecard from Make an Impact. Make an Impact is my new project at the Pew Center on Global Climate Change where I work, focused on educating individuals about the actions they can take to make a positive difference for our Planet.

http://makeanimpact.pewclimate.org/earthday

Happy Earth Day everyone and thanks for making your impact today and every day!

Week Away

And by that, I don't mean vacation only. Last weekend Jason and I were in Florida for Todd and Megan's wedding. It was a lot of fun, because the Burkett cousins are awesome. We love visiting with them and hanging out.

The fun weekend was followed by the Pew Center conference that I have been working on for the past 6 months. It was great to see all that work come to fruition. It went really well, without a flaw really. It was incredible.

While in Chicago I also visited two friends: Kate from 'Cuse and Anca, a former high school classmate from Romania. It was so much fun to see both and catch up.

Now, I am home and it is time to plant our garden, so I think that is what we are doing this weekend.

I also want to send a shout out to Lynn and Eric on their anniversary - congratulations and to many many more years ahead.