Posted: April 24th, 2009 | Author: Joy | Filed under: Dailies, Featured, Photography | 1 Comment »
I’ve been MIA because of sickness. A strange kind of bug hit me like I’ve never been sick before. This is old age!
In other major news, I’m going back and forth about what to do with this space this year. I’m not sure. On one hand, I would like to just type for stretches and tell you what’s been fluttering in my mind. For example, that I can’t contain my happiness that it’s the weekend. There’s always something refreshing about the thought of weekends. It’s like the first taste of cold, cold fresh lemonade in your mouth on a hot humid day. I just feel like that. I love weekends, you see.
Wait, what was I saying? Yes, sometimes I just would like to talk freely here as if no one is listening. I would love to, but sometimes, self-censorship gets in the way. And that sucks. So I’m at a crossroad with the blogging here. I know I want a separate site for things that are not food-related, because I already have a site for that. I already have a separate site for photography, too. But there are still other things I’d love to share that doesn’t fit under food and photography. This blog has always been a mish-mash of things, as my life is. And I like that kind of unpredictability, and surprise, and short notice. However, I do like to build this into…something. I don’t know yet. Or maybe I do, it just hasn’t come together yet in my head. I feel like a have the magic beans waiting to be planted into something wonderful. Something magical.
There I go again, romanticizing about things. Heck, who the hell talks about her website and then end up being wrapped up with the vision of magical beans and some wonderful thing to come out of it??
The other day I almost cried over an awesome pie crust. See what I mean? Who planted this burst of overzealousness into my genes??? My friend attributes it to my being a Leo. Ok, sure.
Where am I headed with is? I don’t know folks. But I’m glad to be talking/typing again. At least I can go back here without something in my body hurting. Next: my hair would have asthma. Watch out Dr. House.
Posted: April 8th, 2009 | Author: Joy | Filed under: Featured, health + wellness | Tags: health, medical, women | 2 Comments »
A DNA test that detects the human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer, is more effective than Pap smears at detecting and preventing the disease, according to a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. [from ABC News]
The difference between a DNA test and pap smear is that the former tests for the actual virus and the latter checks for cell changes, which is why it’s done every year to see if something that’s missed the previous year will be picked up the next year. According to the article, this doesn’t mean eliminating the Pap smear. It means that it’s safe to not take it every year.
One more thing: “The DNA test for HPV is only used for women 30 and over. Many women get this virus but 90 percent of the time, their bodies get rid of the virus on their own and it does not lead to cancer.” Yup, it’s only for us oldies! :p
Posted: April 3rd, 2009 | Author: Joy | Filed under: Featured, art + creativity, food + travel | 5 Comments »
A new study demonstrates that experiential purchases, such as a meal out or theater tickets, result in increased well-being because they satisfy higher order needs, specifically the need for social connectedness and vitality — a feeling of being alive.
Having grown older, I’ve started to think about this and I finally found ‘validation’ in a scientific study that my hypotheses were correct. It doesn’t take a genius, only a closer look at myself and my behavior. It’s no secret that when I was younger, I was more inclined to purchase an expensive piece of clothing or bag. These days, I’d rather spend it on traveling, a good dining experience, watching a show, or an activity. I find that the satisfaction and good memories from these events are far more lasting than buying something that I might sometimes still find in the box or bag that I purchased it in months later and then thinking, “I really did not need that. What was I thinking?”
It’s so easy for me to pass up a thousand dollar bag in favor of a thousand dollar trip for a vacation, and see friends and eat good food. The good memories haven’t disappointed me yet. :)