And so it begins

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Who Likes Brazil Nuts?

Whenever I buy mixed nuts, there are always Brazil Nuts included. I DON'T LIKE BRAZIL NUTS! Never have - can't imagine that I ever will! And it's not just me. I've been to parties where mixed nuts have been served, and at the end of the evening, the Brazil nuts are left, alone, wondering why they have been abandoned for cashews, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, and even the lowly filbert.

For me, I just don't like the way they taste. Some have called their flavor "earthy." If that means "like dirt," then I'm in agreement. Just as finding a bit of dirt on some poorly-washed lettuce you've just eaten turns your enjoyable salad into something you need to spit out, so does finding a Brazil nut ruin my enjoyment of an otherwise nice munchie.

Even the finest selections of mixed nuts in the stores include Brazil nuts! Why? Is it because they improve the mix? Add a desired flavor/texture/aroma to the mix? I doubt it. Brazil nuts must be cheap. And since they are usually bigger than most other nuts, they help fill up the container so when you open it up there are nuts up to the brim! "Oh joy! Look at all the nuts in here!" must be what you're expected to exclaim.

I've taken to just picking them out now and throwing them away. I hate to be wasteful, but even my amazon parrot, who goes crazy for peanuts and cashews, just looks at them suspiciously and walks away. Even she knows "earthy" is best left untouched - certainly not worth eating!

New Year's Goals

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you each find peace, prosperity and happiness in 2008.

There's always a lot of talk about New Year's resolutions. Bah! Don't make vague resolutions. Instead, take some time and make some goals.

First, get a piece of paper. An unwritten goal is just a wish - write it down to make real.

Second, come up with two or three goals. Make them realistic, obtainable, and measurable. "I want to be a better parent." isn't a goal - it's just wish. Instead, how about "I will read a bedtime story to my kids at least three nights a week."

Write down your goals and leave some space between them.

Lastly, jot down an action plan to accomplish your goals. For the reading example, perhaps you need to visit a book store to buy a book of stories.

Got goals? Share them in your comments, and include a step or two from your action plan. I'd love to hear from you!