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I’m not sure of how many people think about this but I still want to talk about it. I was in the store today to purchase a few items. Toilet paper was on my list. I don’t have a memebership to Costco or Sam’s because it’s just me and I cannot see the value added from owning one. I buy my items at a regular retail store. When I went to get the toilet paper I was disturbed. There was not a package of toilet paper that was just a regular roll or a double roll. All of the packages of the brand I buy was in mega roll form. I don’t believe in that. There is no way in hell that a pack of 6 rolls of toilet paper would last me as long as a pack of 24 single rolls! And what toilet paper holder can hold a roll of paper that is said to contain 4 rolls? Not mine. At one point when I went into the store I had the option of buying at least a double roll package of 12 equals 24, which I have always been leery about. Now this option is no longer available. What the hell?

I have notice over the years manufacturers reducing size of containers but still charging the same price. Or worst more. Lol. Most of these items are essential and we have no other choice but to buy them. Obviously toilet paper is a necessity. Therefore, I feel like we as consumers are getting ripped off. I can’t stop saying this, but there is no in hell way that there is 24 rolls of toilet paper in just 6 rolls. I understand that some people may want less toilet paper rolls hogging up their storage or linen closets. For me, I prefer single rolls or at most double rolls. I’ll find the space for them.

So after standing in the aisle for a good 3-5 minutes, I decided to switch brands. I wasnt going to say which brand but why not. I normally purchase Charmin but I have switched to Cottonelle for now. At this time they are still supplying a 12 rolls equals 24 rolls package. I’m sure that will probably change soon. Smh. And when it does I won’t know what brand to buy. I’m not strictly a label shopper but some brands I feel are better for me. When it comes to toilet paper, I haven’t found a store brand that compares. Now with paper towels, Target’s Up and Up brand can get my dollar any day.

What products have you noticed that seem like they are ripping you off? Did you switch or continued to stay with that brand? Do you know of any store brands that are better and more cost effective than the brand names? Please share.

This past weekend I attended a family reunion. It was my mother’s great grandmother’s side of the family. I knew no one there. Never even heard of them until I was recruited to work on the committee for the reunion, from the only relative that I did know. Lol. These are my observations from the event.

Family reunions are a lot like being on a cruise. You see the same people every day, whether it’s at breakfast, lunch or dinner. You begin to recognize people’s faces but may not know their names. You say “Hi” and are really friendly, you talk a little about self and they share information about where they are from. You laugh and develop some sort of camaraderie. The cruise ends and you don’t see any of those people again. In the case of family reunions, you may see those people again at the next one.

I guess what I am trying to say is that family reunions are kinda impersonal. We as people tend to gravitate towards the family we already know and are friendly to the family that we do not know. We discuss how we are related and introduce our families to each. But we don’t really take the opportunity to get to know each other or exchange information to stay in contact after the event. We don’t remember each other’s name from one day to the next. I am not criticizing anyone. I know I am guilty of this the most. What are we to do to deepen these connections and really get to know each other? I can’t say that I know but I will definitely put serious thought to my observations.

One reason I feel family reunions are necessary, from my perspective, is because you have the opportunity to meet your distance male relatives. I am so worried now. This side of my family happens to be very large. There was a fair amount of people in attendance but a good portion of the family did not attend. Which means that I have male cousins out here that I do not know. And for anyone who has ever dated their cousin, you would know what I mean right now. I can say, at this point in my life, that I have not dated one of my cousins that I know of. And if I did, yuck! Lol. Now I am saying some of this jokingly but seriously though, this is a real possibility.

It may seem that I am negative about family reunions but I am not. They make it possible to learn more about yourself and how we are all connected. I happen to experience syncope occasionally and so does my mom. I found out that it is actually common in my family. Reunions allow you the opportunity to know your family history, possible health issues and individual relatives. Even though I may not remember the majority of people’s names, I will remember their faces. I will see them out and know that they are mine. For all those who attended the reunion, it was great to meet you. To those who pulled me out of my shell and included me, I thank you. For those who were unable to make it for whatever reason, I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you at the next reunion.

So I went to the doctor yesterday. I am not a fan of doctors because I feel like their solution to everything is giving you a pill. Now I’m not a big pill taker. Not much that I hate but pills are one of the things I hate. Especially if they are not capsules or coated. Those white chalky ones end up coming right back up. Lol. I do believe that pills can help on a short term basis. I don’t believe in taking pills long term. There are just too many side effects that can cause something else to go wrong. Then they are giving you another pill for that issue. Never ending cycle.

I had some labs done at my last visit and we went over them yesterday. Things are definitely out of order in my body. TSH for my thyroid about 10 times the normal range. Hemoglobin level at 8.71, normal range 12-16, indicative of anemia due to low iron. Vitamin D deficiency as well. So now the girl who hates pills has no choice but to take them. I am constantly tired, no matter how much sleep I get. And I don’t want to feel this way anymore. Though I am in agreement with taking these pills, I will not allow it to be a long term solution.

For some conditions, I believe changing your eating habits can be just as effective as pills. With that being said, I have changed my diet to plant based foods. Which pretty much means no foods that come from an animal or any part of an animal, including seafood. The last, no seafood, I don’t know if I am going to make it. Lol. Not for the rest of my life. As I have mention before, I have multiple sclerosis, MS for short. Reading about this condition and also speaking with others, I have learned a plant based diet may be beneficial for my health and to help fight the progression of MS. I don’t know but versus taking a pill everyday for the rest of my life with no guarantees and numerous side effects, I can definitely give this diet a try. So far its different but not as challenging as I thought it would be. I think my biggest struggle is my sweet tooth. Cookies, Reese’s peanut butter cups, an occasional donut or brownie. Smh. My neighbor did suggest Oreos, the one thing I can eat that I don’t really like. I’ll wait until I’m desperate. Lol.

For me at this time in my life, I find myself doing things I don’t want to do. Doctors, pills, no seafood. I also find myself realizing that I cannot go on practicing unhealthy habits and expect a good quality of life. What habits have you realized is affecting your quality of life? What do you plan on doing about it? If nothing, just curious why? I realize we all have to get to a point where enough is enough. This may not be your time. Hell it has taken me getting ready to turn 40 to finally get there.

Also, for anyone already living on a plant based diet, what are some of your favorite foods or recipes? I need help.

Comments or emails always welcomed. Email is elsims27@yahoo.com.