holiday shopping

Christmas Eve

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One more day at the shop until I get a little winter break. From solstice to solitude with a work rush in between. I have never worked retail during the holidays. Catering, yes. Restaurants and film sets - sure, but retail - not once. This year I told the folks at the herb bar that I would help on the floor when things got hairy and it was both a joy and at times a challenge. Because that’s how humans are. We are both things. Something about the holidays intensifies that contrast though. Over the last few days I’ve felt utter love from total strangers and I have been chewed out in record time by some people I would be fine with never seeing again. It was nice to be in a place with life to not take it personally. To know that that’s their shit. What a gift it is to be able to shrug off other peoples shit. In the past I would have let those people ruin my day and then drank a lot about how “people are the worst” when I got off of work. Making me no better than them. there is always going to be a Scrooge. No matter the season. Holiday or not. Our job is to make sure that we aren’t playing that role. While I was gathering some last minute orders I was listening to a podcast of some analysts looking at Dicken’s Christmas Carol through a Jungian lens. It was interesting and I learned a few things. First of all I think I might like to befriend some analysts. Secondly I learned that the definition of Humbug is lies. I was surprised I didn’t already know this but what an apt year to learn it’s meaning. It’s basically the Not So Happy Holidays way of saying Fake News. Anyway, I hope you are all feeling cozy and grateful wherever find yourself in this moment.

Day 349: Freezer waffle Sandwich with peanut butter, bananas, pecans, pumpkin seeds, crunchy quinoa, a drizzle of coconut cream and a dash of spirulina. Bloobs on the side. Spirulina is incredibly good for you. This isn’t a full serving by any means but tiny doses add up throughout the week. I use a lot of powdered supplements as garnishes on my food. In the winter especially because I am less like to make myself a smoothie which is how I would normally ingest these things. Try it. However I do not suggest spirulina on popcorn.. I tried it and was not thrilled. I’ll be sticking with my nutritional yeast.

Spirulina aka Blue-green algae has protein, B vitamins, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium.. it’s an MVP in the land of nutrition. It has well earned the title of superfood and you can find it in nearly every grocery store.

Give a little

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If you’re out shopping or clicking through free shipping offers take a second this give a little to your local food bank or shelter. A lot of people go without during the holidays and this year has more of us down and out. I keep reading about how severe food scarcity has become during this pandemic and it’s just unreal. In a country where 40% of the food is wasted it’s heart breaking to read that our food banks are struggling to meet the needs of its community. Together we can do something about that. Check out FeedingAmerica.org to find a food bank in your area and give them whatever you can.

Day 309: Brown rice cakes with almond butter, bananas, bloobs, pumpkin seeds and cocao nibs.