I am thanking God that I didn't witness an actual Tsunami, and more importantly that Oahu is safe.  I woke up this morning around 3:00 am and not because I wanted to. 
"Are you awake, turn on CNN," it was my mother frantically screaming in the phone.  Clear across the screen it said:

ADVISORY WARNING: TSUNAMI WATCH IN HAWAII. 

The craziest thing that I had ever seen.  I couldn't believe it.  I continued to watch as it said for everyone to leave their homes and go to the high point of the mountain. 

"Where the hell is the closest high point?" You would think that I would know these things prior to a potential natural disaster. 

I hung up with my mom and dialed my friends numbers immediately.  Around 6:20 am, I ran out of my house like a bag lady with my luggage and big purse in tow. 

"Meet me in front of Don Quiote," I told my friend.  (Don Quiote is a grocery store).  I waited for my friend as I observed individuals rushing to get last minute supplies: water, candles, flashlights, jugs of water.  It made me even more nervous when I saw other people running around like crazy.  Even crazier, the checkout line was all the way near the produce--backed up!

As we made our way out of the store to find the mountain top--we noticed people lined up outside of Mcdonald's.  Seriously?!?! But, I'm sure Mickey D's was thrilled about all the business it was getting.  We walked to the shopping center... figuring, it was extremely high up. 

"Sorry ladies, but you can't sit here, the mall is closed."
Are you serious? Well, do you know where we're supposed to go?
"I don't know! the security guard said."

I don't know, is not a phrase you want to hear when there is a potential natural disaster.  Worst yet, we were on foot. 

We walked and walked and walked...

Then we decided to catch a cab to one of the college campuses.  Only 10 other people were there waiting, but it was nice to know that we weren't alone. 

Glad we "DODGED A BULLET."

I said that it would take me two weeks before I converted to vegetarianism; however, I have started the process a little earlier.  No meat and No dairy.  Goodness, so far so good, but I'm nervous for the upcoming months.  I'm nervous because I have a couple trips planned.  I think that will be the real tester.  How will I do under pressure? Especially if alcohol is involved.  When I drink I have the urge to eat chicken wings.  Haha. 

I'm not going to say that I won't slip up, because there is a chance that I will.  What I can say is that I am loving the transformation with my body and skin, thus far.  Having clearer skin is definitely my main motivation.  Also, I have not had stomach pains (something I suffered because of food allergies).  Today, I went to Wholefoods and went crazy trying to find a meat-free and soy-free brand that I could enjoy.  Well, I found the perfect brand.  The brand is called Quron.  O my God.  I swear to you, I could not tell that there was NO meat in it.  I give the person who created this brand props.  I heart the chick'n patties.  I also made scalloped red potatoes with fresh basil and carrots.  Have you tried this brand before? Simply, the best! 



[Image via Quron.us]

I feel like I've made this claim before.  I am two weeks away before I become a vegetarian.  Well, not a complete veg because I will still eat fish from time to time.  I love sushi!

I gave up beef about 5 years ago, and I swear I felt so much better when I stopped eating it.  Right now, I eat poultry and fish.  Ugh, it's going to be so difficult to give up chicken.  I love chicken and pasta!

Are there any good vegetarian recipes that can replace chicken? I'm also giving up dairy.  I probably sound crazy.  Everyone has their own reason for taking such extreme measures.  Foe me, it's simply a lifestyle change. 

On top of eating better, I'm going to exercise more.  Also, I want to see if my skin improves.  I notice that when I eat certain things my skin breaks out, so I want to see if this vegetarian diet will do me some good.

 I'm going to keep a diary that details my journey.  HAHA.  I'll probably be a cranky chick! I'm going to commit to 30 days starting March 1st of no meat (except fish), and no dairy.  If I see improvement, I'll keep this lifestyle, but if there's no change... well, "how you doin' chicken? lol

Any vegetarians out there that can offer advice?

I checked my cellphone bill this morning and boy was I played.  I can't even pick my lip up off the ground, right now.  $200, that's how much my current bill is.  WTF?! I know, I'm asking myself the same question.  I was charged $20 for a 15 minute long distance conversation; FYI, in the past I was able to call this number and NO problem.  At most I would be charged $5-10.  I was charged about $10 in government fees, surcharges, etc.  Oh, and get this shit.  Now, they charge a fee for having a spending limit unless you set up automatic payments.  This is some bulls@#T!

My bill is not supposed to be over $80 a month.  Ugh, I really despise cellphone companies.  Apart of me feels like I should get rid of this damn phone.  When and why did I have to succumb to societies mess of always being able to communicate.  Remember when people didn't have cellphones? NO? Well, I do! People used house- phones and were completely satisfied. 

I could call the cellphone company and give them a piece of my mind, but what would be the point? It would be a tit for tat game of Russian Roulette.  Now, I'm looking on their website and I see a message regarding these fees.  OH, the damn fees were enforced last month.  Why didn't they send out letters informing customers of this? Why do I have to search the website to be informed about my bill. 

Isn't there a law stating that customers should be properly informed? No, well we should be! On top of everything else, my phone (Blackberry) is acting a mess.  It freezes, cuts out, doesn't charge half the time).  Why did I pay all this money for a piece of crap? I've only had this phone for a year!

Sure, I could break my contract (pay hella money), and go with another company, but the truth of the matter is, I'll probably still end up dissatisfied.   I ask you, what is the best cellphone company out there? And, why?

For the first time ever, I will be running in a race.  Not just any race, The Great Aloha Run.  I'm not a trained runner or anything, but I decided to do it all in the name of charity.  I'm racing on February 15, 2010 to raise money for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN).  It's a great organization that I support.  Having been diagnosed with food allergies a while ago, this charity is close to my heart.  100 percent of money raised will go directly to the organization.  You can read more about my story and donate at www.firstgiving.com/salathahelton.  I hope my story inspires you. 

I was reading an article on Bossip.com about the difference between men and women when it comes to having casual sex.  Rapper Bow Wow, discussed the difference and talked about how women become jealous and obsessed, but that men are capable of  understanding the difference between casual sex and sex in a relationship. 

First off, who gives Bow Bow the right to suddenly be an expert, isn't he like 12? Haha.  I kid, I kid.  No, but I'm really starting to get tired of the overwhelming amount of men who feel that because they are in the spotlight they're experts on men and women as it relates to dating.  Sure, I recognize that there is a difference in the way men and women interact, and I also recognize that women are emotional by nature, but I know several women who are capable of having sex and accepting it as just SEX.  I'm tired of men portraying us as whiny, overly emotional, hormonal broads! I'll admit, all these things can apply to me, but that's only when I'm watching Lifetime, so suck it!

Maybe, I'm being harsh.  In their defense men don't always think before they speak.  Darn, I guess that's pretty harsh too.  Point being is that, men aren't the only ones who want just a sexual relationship.  I have friends who tell guys straight up, "I just want sex, and not a relationship."  Sure, the majority of women probably would like a committed relationship, but aren't there men who equally want the same?

Where the problem lies 

Here's the problem.  Men and women communicate differently.  Oftentimes, a man will know that a woman doesn't want JUST a sexual relationship, but he'll enter into the situation anyway.  We women are just as guilty, because we know what the guy wants, and instead of walking away, we walk into the situation hoping "he changes" his mind.  Some men think with their anatomy and some women think with their hearts. 

These roles can sometimes be reversed.  Equally, a man can think with his heart, and a woman can think with her anatomy.     

NEWSFLASH

Men don't change their minds regarding sex.  There are instances where more feelings are developed, but rarely does a man change his mind. 

SIDENOTE

Why are there so many books written by men on how women should act? And, so many movies--once again, written by men on women? In my opinion, standards of a woman have been set so high, but not by ourselves.  These standards have been set based on men.  Don't get me wrong, I love, honor, and respect THE MAN.  But, I'm sick of being objectified all because of a particular standard that has been placed.  We should all be able to screw who we want, date who we want, and act the way we want without some celebrity or reject pointing the finger believing that he has all the answers. 

So as I end this long blog, because of rants... Here's my finger
"screw you."