When Worlds Collide and Make Magical Things Happen.

If you haven't heard about THIS then it's about time. Call it a restoration of your faith in humanity and all that is good and pure in this world. (Sounds like I'm exaggerating, but I'm really not.) This is genuine love. Not love for your husband, or love for your family, but simple love for our fellow men and women on this earth. As Jenny, the now infamous blogger, quotes at the end of her more-infamous post...

"Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead)

Yes, I feel a bit selfish (okay, very selfish) for not being one of those hundreds of individuals who gave selflessly to this cause. However, what I now look forward to is keeping this story in mind when I am otherwise upset at the dismal situation of this country and this world. Rather than complaining, I will contribute and conspire to make things better, even if just a little bit. I hope you'll join me in doing the same.

Food Revolution

I saw a lecture today by Marion Nestle, a highly-esteemed professor from NYU, an author and foody who is passionate about everything food. Most importantly, she is passionate about nutrition and making nutritious foods accessible to those who can least afford it.

Among the numerous horrors she's uncovered regarding the food industry and its drive for dollars rather than the health of people, she is specifically devoted to fighting the battle against food industries marketing campaigns to kids and underserved youth who are most susceptible to the tragic health effects of unhealthy, processed foods.

However, there are movements all over the country these days that are working towards promoting better health (and more accessible health!) for youth and those less fortunate. Salman sent me this link highlighting the efforts of the Hamilton Crop Circle here in Baltimore, which is creating a network of local schools, restaurants, farmer's markets, etc. to make a better Baltimore through sustainable, and affordable healthy foods!

{via here}

I also urge you to check out Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, which has just finished it's first season on the air. The famous (and slightly attractive) English chef has just received the TED prize to fight obesity in the US through educating the public about how to eat healthier and what's really being served in their school cafeterias. It's a great show...and it's none of that "reality" tv stuff...it's the real deal!

As a lover of all things food and all things healthy, I cannot help but deeply appreciate the lengths at which people are going to give others the opportunity to eat better.

Greg Mortenson

Have you ever met someone so selfless, and so full of hope and spirit, that you can't help but want to jump onto the stage and give them the biggest hug ever?

We saw Greg Mortenson on Tuesday night and it was awe-inspiring to say the very least. His humility is so beautiful and rare. Best birthday present ever :)

(salman got to shake hands with Greg Mortenson after the presentation- I was too busy taking pictures and trying to capture as many moments as possible...)

Belated Birthday Present!

"In times of war, you often hear leaders—Christian, Jewish, and Muslim—saying, ‘God is on our side.’ But that isn’t true. In war, God is on the side of refugees, widows, and orphans." (Greg Mortenson)

"Educate a boy, and your educate and individual. Educate a girl, and you educate a community." (African Proverb, Greg Mortenson)

"When you take the time to actually listen, with humility, to what people have to say, it's amazing what you can learn. Especially if the people who are doing the talking also happen to be children." (Greg Mortenson)

I am going to see Greg Mortenson at the Baltimore Speaker Series on Tuesday, April 27th! Salman bought us tickets for my birthday present...I couldn't be happier.