I must admit that I purposely didn’t follow the Next Food Network Star very closely this year – more about that in a minute. However, I did see the submission videos of the contestants prior to the airing of the first episode. I instantly picked Aaron out of the group as my favorite to win. No, I was not real impressed by his microwaving a frozen burrito, wrapping an egg crepe around it then topping it with jarred salsa. I’m not sure who would have been impressed by that, other than perhaps some kids who’ll eat anything with cheese in it. However, there was something about his personality that got my attention, which didn’t happen with a single other contestant.
As far as my not following the show, after watching the submission tapes I was left dumbfounded as to why my tape wasn’t one of the chosen ones. I mean, they liked the tape well enough to give me not one, but two callbacks. And then… nothing. Not a peep out of the Food Network. So I figured they found some people who were really the bomb in the kitchen and in front of the camera. And then I saw the videos, which I have to say in my opinion, most of them sucked.
After getting over my initial pissed off-ness and boycotting the show for the season, I decided to watch the finale. This time, not only did Aaron’s pilot come off with even more confidence and personality, but his food actually was appealing. I’m now walking around as proud of him as if he were my own brother. I’ve come to the conclusion that this was obviously Aaron McCargo’s year to shine. And this is my year to be big and pregnant, one last time.
I may consider throwing my hat in the ring again, as that is my ultimate goal like thousands of others, to have my own cooking show. My video submitted for this past season can be viewed at myspace.com/culinarytherapy. I made grilled ground chicken kabobs and served them on a bed of couscous and orzo. Feel free to critique it as you please. I need to develop a leathery tough skin if I plan to sit before the Food Network judges in the future. That’s what Aaron did, and it paid off big time for him. Congrats bro!
Monday, August 4, 2008
World Breastfeeding Week 2008
World Breastfeeding Week 2008 has arrived with a very timely theme, “Mother Support: Going for the Gold”. With the start of the 2008 Summer Olympics only 4 days away, this years theme has me picturing a new Olympic category – breastfeeding on the move. It would involve women running track with baby securely in tow in the latest baby sling or pouch from places like rockinbabysling.com or modestmums.com. I mean if women can participate in a high heel marathon, why not breastfeeding on the move?
This celebration week always makes me reminisce about my own experience with breastfeeding. It was scary to look down and see that I had one breast that appeared to be twice the size of my baby’s head, and the other was half the size. What the heck was I doing wrong? I was allowing her to choose her favorite, the one that had the most milk flowing, far too often. I eventually learned how to fix that problem – pump and rotate.
I happen to have a lactation consultant in the family who provided the most valuable info of all – the secret of the cabbage leaves. Just when I was about to give up due to the pain of engorgement, she instructed me to break out the cold cabbage leaves. What a relief! Now, when I’m in the hospital and have the rare occasion to provide some sort of diet education to a new mom to be, I ask if they plan to breastfeed. If they do, I share that gem of info with them.
There are too many benefits and joys of breastfeeding to name, but I can discuss a few of my favorites. Breastfeeding is the greatest free meal plan ever created. To me, that alone should be enough to want to take advantage of it. Not to mention, no heating or bottle washing necessary, no trekking to the kitchen in the middle of the night, and all the antibodies your baby needs right there at your disposal. Let's also not forget the fabulous boobage that only a breastfeeding mom can sport. And of course the personal bond that you share with that beautiful little person who can look up at you like no one else on earth can, as they dig their sharp little nails into your flesh and eventually start to look away while gripping your poor nipple making you scream in pain. It’s just one more wonderful perk of being a mom.
For more info on breastfeeding, my favorites include:
http://www.lllusa.org
http://www.mommytoo.com/blackbreastfeeding.htm
http://www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org
Happy feeding!
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