I Will be Calling Them Recycles

I'll be quick. My annoyance started when I saw Love Don't Cost a Thing on cable and instantly knew it was a black & trendier version of Can't Buy Me Love from the 80s. Reboots, remakes, revivals are things I am "overly-woke" about. I'm only 85% against them. I really The Wiz, but The Wizard of Oz gets on my nerves. (I can't wait for Wicked to come to the big screen. Because I've always known Wizard of Oz was a lie.) And the most beloved Imitation of Life that has Mahalia Jackson singing at the funeral is the 2nd version of the Fannie Hurst novel. But it is like every old movie or TV show needs a makeover these days. That is irritating. Do we not deserve original content?

I know my problem is because I watch so many great original independent films & web shows that need funding. I am a fan of many content creatives that just need the right eye to see their vision.

Some have been seen and their dreams are coming into fruition. Some are still working within the indie realm. And they can't be seen because Hollywood would rather literally tell the same story over & over. That is unfortunate.

So until Hollywood stops with the remakes, reboots, and revivals, I'll just deeply sigh alone when another one is announced and released. I don't want to, but my little matinee money, Neilson ratings, and name changes on Twitter to "No More Reboots" haven't swayed opinions of those in charge. I'll just save my dollars & viewership for the new original stuff I want to see.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

The Right Manchild Podcast

Yes, I know boringnest is not a word. But I use it a lot in life. And yes, I know UTA is not in Dallas. Heck, I was a student there at one time. It is in Arlington.

Why am I telling y'all this?

Because I was on The Right Manchild Podcast having fun with my sweet friend and host DeeDee Sweets. And I said those goofs. *blushing* DeeDee is wrapping up their solo show(has two other great shows with co-hosts) soon and I was one of the guests on episode 159, Reboots Are Still Unnecessary.

The Right Manchild is one of my favorite podcasts. The host gives their listeners an honest view of life through their unapologetically non-binary, fat, black, pansexual eyes. They're a cool writer, photographer, and a U.S. veteran.

And on episode 159, we talk about how I found their show, reboot culture, music, a little politics and more. Also on the show is Frankie from the What About Your Friends Podcast. Frankie has been on 3 times before & DeeDee & he catch up on life, current & future photography projects, and more.

It is a very fun episode! Listen to it on either(click on your preferred site)
Spotify
Apple Podcast
Anchor.
Oh, it is for Mature Audiences Only. I mean if your little one starts using the term 45 like me, stay out my inbox. You were warned!

And you if want to follow DeeDee Sweets on social media and/or listen to their other shows, Casually Sarcastic with Keisha & DeeDee & Keep It Mad Simple along with other episodes of The Right Manchild, the info is below.
Twitter / IG: HeyDeeDeeSweets
Snapchat: DeeDee-Sweets
Show IG / Twitter: 2people2pods

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

So Much...

How often do you complain? Seems we've done it a lot all our lives. Interesting enough, I don't think anyone is first taught about being thankful as an older person. We're taught over and over about gratitude, yet life & its issues somehow make us forget.

I don't remember not knowing this song. It's like I have heard it all my life. And actually, it has been around most of my life.

It came out the same year I started school. And kindergarten is my earliest memory of learning about Thanksgiving. I was even in the school's PTA play as a pilgrim.

And I lie here thinking about all many sacred and secular songs about being thankful & grateful I have been exposed to. I keep going back to that five-year-old and that song. All that is going on we STILL have So Much to be appreciative.

Ever have a bout with insomnia. I see the social media timelines, I'm not alone. I know sleep is the objective, but have ever thought you could be suffering in a coma? We avoid the emails in our junk mail folders because our uncles didn't leave us a castle and many riches. Yet, we should be thankful scammers didn't fool us and steal what money we do have. And no matter the political climate, the USA still has the 1st Amendment in the constitution. There are many countries that never had those freedoms.

Dear Me in Kindergarten,
There is always an opportunity to be grateful. It is never a reason to complain your life away. That would be a waste.

One day before you form a gripe, take a breath and think about the flip side. I bet you could find a blessing (big, minut, and every size in between) in every event in life.

I just realize I used some very big vocabulary words for very young Me. LoL I won't fret. Muh Diva back then will explain that to me. After asking what I was reading, but she'll break it down.

I just want that little one and all of the younger us to remember the lessons about being thankful we learned. Truly listen to all the songs of appreciation we've been introduced to and learned from them. Because sometimes finding something to be grateful for may be the joyful feel your soul may need to make everything feel alright.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

I Like It Slow! (OUTSPOKEN_DIVA's Favorite Recipes)

Shout out to the 90's group, H-Town for inspiring this post's title. I might even body roll while typing this one about my favorite recipe made in a slow cooker.

I'm a novice in the world of slow cooking. It is not shocking because my grandmother dislikes them & my mother is a casserole maker. But in the summer, I don't use the oven. And after a diet of fried, grill, and pan-seared proteins one summer 3 years ago, I decided to make the investment and learn how to use a slow cooker. I think anything I have put in an oven except baked goods, I have made in the slow cooker. But beans are my favorite things to make in it.

I didn't like beans until I lived in Beaumont. Growing up(before they became over-priced delicacies) beans, neck bones, pig feet, & oxtails were made on Tuesdays. I thought of them as heavy meals. But once I learned different cooking techniques at Lamar, I started lightening up beans to please my palate. And well, the bean soup that I throw lots of love in is White Bean-Turkey.

Slow Cooker White Bean-Turkey Soup

Ingredients

• 16 oz bag of Great Nothern beans
• 6 cups vegetable stock or water
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 Tblsp poultry seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 smoked turkey wing**
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 large carrots chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced

Directions

1. Soak the beans for 4-6 hours in water covering the beans by 1 inch.
2. Drain the water from the beans and rinse 
3. Add the stock or water and dry herbs & seasonings to beans in a slow cooker.
4. Add the turkey, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours in a slow cooker or until beans are soft, but not mushy.
6. Let Stand for 15 minutes. Serve Hot!

**Noted Suggestion: Can be made meat-less by adding one more teaspoon of smoked paprika

This recipe is protein-rich. Good for anyone who wants to increase their protein intake, like bodybuilders & those going through chemo. It's also good for cold & chilly days.

Well, my body is saying to stop all the gyrating. I hope you can't wait to make this low and slow dish. And like any recipe shared, let me know if you make it.

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!

Settling These Halloween Candy Debates

I like October 31st to be fun. And I think all Halloween buzzkills should be locked up. An article ranking Halloween candy by nutritional values came down one of my social media feeds and I wanted to scream!!! All Candy is Unhealthy! Want to only eat Healthy food, Do Not Eat Candy. But that article got the brain wheels a turning and thoughts said to make a post about my top 5 likes & dislikes in Halloween candy.

Likes

5. Skittles

4. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
3. Heath Bars

2. Laffy Taffy(Except Banana)
1. Pixy Stix: I have no, zero self-control with this candy. Those tangy straw are very delicious to me. Years ago for Lent, I sacrificed candy and I haven't had them since. But even through memories, I know they are still the best.

Dislikes

5. Milky Way/Three Musketeers

4. Almond Joy/Mounds

3. Tootsie Pops

2. Black Licorice

1. Candy Corn Not a fan. My sister, A was the beneficiary of my candy corn when we were younger. 🎶Give them to my sister🎶

So, what are your likes & dislikes in Halloween candy? Tell me in the comments. Remember moderation is key when enjoying those treats & be safe out there.

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!!!

Gotta Keep Fighting (October Awareness)

I almost typed I won't be doing these type of posts anymore. While last year's post was being posted (automatic timer), I was finding out my brother had left this world. We were leaving the private family viewing & I learned a young woman I know had just left an emotionally abusive relationship. I was in a purple top and I was floored. But I then chucked the emotions over to grief. And also I always notice that Domestic Violence awareness is only talked about by the mainstream media the last few days of the month. Like it's an "Oh Yeah".

Then this year, I found out the required ages for a mammogram changed yet again. You prepare your mind to start having to have these screenings

Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they wish to do so. Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years or can continue yearly screening.

and then you find out you're in an "If They Wish To Do So" group. Who wishes to get their boobs smashed? And health insurance doesn't cover wishes. That reminded me of my loved one who came to "nutritional professional" me for help with a diet plan when she was diagnosed. A small chart with suggestions on a plate was all they gave her. And my thought is still the same, "Medical Science can be the biggest jerks at times". Oh and if you know about male breast cancer, consider yourself in a small population. It's not talk about much, either.

But at the beginning of this October Awareness, I saw myself changing my profile pictures all over social media. I was sharing an event to bring about awareness and the song "I Need You to Survive" Bishop Hezekiah Walker & the Love Alive Choir came on the Mind Radio. The tears ran down my face. That's why I still wear the colors pink & purple in October and beyond. I stay in the fight because my heart wants victims to be survivors. I stay in the fight because of every victim turn survivor I know & don't know. I stay in the fight for victims that didn't get the chance to be a survivor.

Oh, the breast cancer & domestic abuse systems in place need all the work & workers they can get. Because well, "No System" kills us all. Until there are no victims to become survivors, Stay in the Fight!

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!

Dear Little Me

You are a weird one. Not that everyone isn't weird, also. You're weird because you finally accept the term one day and decided to maneuver accordingly. Heck, taking the time to write this post is proof. And well, here are some pointers on living this way.

Go Back and Study That Again. When You're Done, Go Study It Once More. You won't be partying enough that studying will get in the way. Your social life won't be that grand that you can't stand to be a little smarter. Plus, it might cause you to save some energy, money & time on things you will know won't enhance you.

Dial It Back Some, because he, that, them, those and any other nouns & pronouns are Not the End All to Be All. This won't block heartbreak, but it will cushion the blows. Trust me, you'll live. Actually, the pains could be worse. It will All be replaced for something or someone better. It All will have a Silver lining. And it All, trust me it All is in God's hands. Oh, and none of it will hurt so bad that you will ever consider jumping out of His hands.

Cry it All out and Don't Cry about Anymore. If you don't know you are a crybaby... Let the tears fall and wash it all away. When it's all gone, don't jump back in and splash your face with the same hurt & issues. Let it all go, when it is gone.

One more Cup of Water & a little more Exercise won't kill you. Our body will thank you very much.

That's all I have. Older me is not stopping me from typing this, so maybe I am advising you correctly. Plus if she needs to add anything, I have a feeling she'll tell us. *wink*

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!