Pagophagia

Growing up my mother often told stories of me to standing in my crib, peeling the paint off the walls and eating it. She also said as a toddler I would go outside, put my hand into the gopher holes (my grandmother’s yard was full of them) and grab a handful of dirt to eat.

My own memories of craving the unusual go back to elementary school. I seemed to always have an ice cube in my mouth. Over the years the “ice thing” has grown increasingly worse. I crave ice like crazy – all the time.

My second husband hated the sound of my ice crunching so much that I was banished to the garage to eat it – as if going outside for a cigarette or something. I am so used to it and so close to it that I can’t tell but the sound of it must be incredibly loud and annoying. People mention the sound even when I don’t even realize I’m eating ice.

Several years ago I was told that the craving was a symptom of anemia. I’ve been so diagnosed several times throughout my lifetime and consequently prescribed iron to address it. But, for whatever reason, I’d rather eat ice than take iron.

This disorder is called Pica. Pica is defined as a medical disorder characterized by an appetite for largely non-nutritive substances or an abnormal appetite for some things that may be considered foods, such as food ingredients (e.g., flour, raw potato, starch, ice cubes).

OK, confession time -- my cravings go a bit further than ice. I actually crave the smell of rubber – as in rubber tires. I can stay in the tire section of a store forever, just sniffing away. Tennis shoes often have the same scent and I love it. (Go ahead and laugh.)

Today I was thinking about my cravings and decided to do some research. According to all I’ve read, both the ice and rubber issues are tied to my iron deficiency. I find it fascinating that the human body responds to deficiencies in this way.

Today I learned that Pagophagia is the name for craving ice specifically. So now when people are annoyed by the sound of my ice crunching I can tell them I can’t help it. I suffer from pagophagia.

A Black Republican Chick

 
I’ve avoided writing about anything political in a while because all of this has just been so draining. This is probably a tough time for Republicans in general, but to be Black and Republican is a truly test of my resolve and convictions.

CNN had James T. Harris on a few days ago. He is the Black man who dared to stand and show support for McCain at a McCain rally. Sadly, he has been called an Uncle Tom and totally vilified by the Black community because he is bold enough to stand by his conservative principles. It’s that continuing expectation – all Black people must vote for Barack Obama. Should someone dare to support the McCain/Pallin ticket they are considered out of touch, a traitor, ignorant, trying to be White or a “suck up”. It’s just all so tiring I’m just about ready to cry.

A close friend (knowing that I am Republican and will not be voting for Obama) challenged me about the intelligence of Sarah Pallin the other day. It was disguised as a joke but the tone really bothered me.

My daughter nearly walked out of her Sunday school class last week because the leader brought up the election and everyone (except my daughter) jumped on the Obama bandwagon. She literally begged them to return to the lesson but they refused.

Many of my neighbors have McCain/Pallin signs in their front yards. I was thinking of putting one up too but my aunt will be here next week –visiting from California – and I just don’t want to deal with her response.

My sisters and I speak regularly but it is as if the presidential race is not even taking place. We dare not speak of it. How I wish that we could simply agree to disagree. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. It would definitely get ugly if we were to talk politics.

So with all of this in mind I’ve just not been in the mood to write about politics – especially considering the fact McCain is losing in the polls. A line in a song from the movie Hustle and Flow goes, “you know it’s hard out here for a pimp”. For some reason every time I think of this battle I sing to myself, “you know it’s hard our here for a Black Republican chick”. :-)

Euro

I failed to post a photo of Euro. I'd hate for her to feel slighted. We named her Euro because my daughter objected to naming her Dollar. :-) The costs associated with having a pet add up very quickly!

But isn't she cute?

Calgon Take Me Away

This is the point in my life where the entrepreneur, mother, Christian and concerned American in me are all taking big chunks of my time and energy. This past month has been a whirlwind and November promises to be more of the same. I can hardly believe that it’s been a month since I’ve written anything. Where did the time go?

Well, on September 7th we bought a puppy -- a mini-schnauzer named Euro. On September 8th my son’s childhood friend moved in with us. On September 9th my first grandchild (Pharyn) was born. In mid-September I decided that I needed larger offices for my business and began the search. I found the perfect office a few days later and we are moving next week. My daughter’s 17th birthday is this October 26th and I am shopping for a used car as a gift. When I add the election and the financial crisis to the mix – Calgon take me away!


Today I was “inspired” to write when someone emailed the picture above to me. I think it absolutely hits the nail on the head. Obama is seen as some type of superhero coming to save the nation. The problem with that view of course, is that this is not a movie. Or, as Jay-Z puts it, “this ain’t a movie dawg”

OJ

OJ Simpson’s trial for armed robbery began today in Las Vegas. OJ should have taken his not-guilty verdict and headed for the hills. He should have been laying so low people would have to strain to remember his face. But no, instead he has remained in the news, he’s been on TV, he’s “written books” and most recently (allegedly) taken part in a robbery.

Now OJ is facing robbery charges. His actual involvement is irrelevant, he is almost certain to be found guilty. That big red target on his back has finally been bulls-eyed.

The Black community may have celebrated his not-guilty verdict 13 years ago (even though deep down I think we all felt he was guilty), but he has now even worn Black folks down. I think the entire country just wants OJ to go away.

I’m putting him on my list with Jesse Jackson, Phil Gramm and Omarosa. . .

Pharyn Victoria

My precious, first grandchild was born at 12:17 yesterday afternoon. She was 6 weeks early but still weighed in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces! She is beautiful and healthy. Thank you Lord!!

So now you understand why I've been MIA. . .

Republican National Convention Notes

There’s really not much that I can add to all of the accolades that Sarah Palin has received for yesterday’s speech. It was informative, challenging and forthright. I loved her “I’m stompin’ with the big dogs” demeanor. Thus far, she is the highlight of the entire convention. I like her.

On the other hand, I could have done without Rudy Giuliani. His speech was so abrasive it grated on my nerves. He just sounded mean, vindictive and angry to me. Not the best way to woo voters. I had to change the channel on Rudy.

Lastly, I simply have to comment on the lack of diversity among the delegates. I read that minorities make up 13% of the delegation at the convention. I think that number may be more accurately reported simply as 13. And, it seemed as if the cameramen were trying really hard to pick out the Black folks in the audience but were hard-pressed to find any in attendance.

I was watching the convention yesterday with a Democrat. I was thinking what he immediately voiced, “it’s all White folks”. I’ll say about the Republicans’ efforts to reach out to Black people what I just said about Rudy Giuliani – “not the best way to woo (Black) voters”

It’s no wonder Black folks are wary of Republicans. It doesn’t appear that they have invited us in. I suppose for most Blacks it is a whole lot more comfortable to be with the Democrats. At least there they know that they won’t be alone. As the adage goes, “there is (perceived) safety in numbers.”

I know that Black folks play a big part in this as they’ve not even considered the Republican Party as a viable option. But it is still shameful. The Republican Party must address this issue in 2012!