This will be my first of random questions. I will ask them randomly. They will most likely be questions that I've asked myself. My hope is to make you think.

Do you laugh enough?

Starving but to tired to fix myself something to eat I grabbed a bag of snyders honey mustard onion nibblets...yum! Once the bag was half gone I realized how full my stomach was of nothing. This got me thinking of how we, Americans, view food and how it may relate to our individual outlook on life.

It's obvious that my pretzels were a quick fix. We are surrounded by quick fixes. Want to look younger, try botox. Want an outfit you can't afford, get a credit card on the spot. In the moment these seem like perfectly good choices. Think about the long term affects, an overly tight non-expressive face and old clothes that you're still paying for.

Looking back I wish I would have made a better choice. I try not to be a quick fix person. Most things, I over analyze. Such as, clothing purchases, cell phones, shoes, anything for my house. I will admit that food is a weakness of mine. I love sweets and Doritos and pizza and potatoes and carbs carbs carbs. The reality is these are quick fixes to my cravings and the long term affects could be fatal to my figure and health.

Food is so powerful. It's one of the first things we do when we get up, a few hours later we want some more, by the time evening comes we want some food that really hits the spot. Think about what you eat, analyze it. It could be the difference of feeling alive or feeling deprived. Think about every choice you make, each one adds up to the story of your life.

Now that summer is over and winter is creeping its chilly way into our lives, I've been trying to think of fun things to do as a family during the week. So, last week, Dalyn (my three year old) and myself came up with a schedule for the week. We wrote down what things we would clean and what fun things we would do. Thursday, the big day had arrived. The plan was to rent a movie from the movie store. This was exciting for Dalyn because usually if we're going to get a movie it's from the library (it's free).

Going in, we knew what video we were getting, so I thought this would be a quick process. Oh no, he wanted to look at everything, as any three year old would in a new place. Luckily we were not in a hurry, so I said, "Have at it, buddy." What a terrible decision.

I was shocked! Disgusted! Embarrassed! No, not at my child, but at the video store! This establishment has the audacity to call them self Family Video. Family are people that protect you and guide you. The word "family" makes you think of values, morals and standards. Why am I going on like this? Most video stores are divided into sections, such as: new releases, comedy, action, horror, and kids. Family Video is set up differently; new releases, nearly new, family fun, and two-for-one. It's done this way because they are always having specials. For example, rent a new release and get a nearly new for free. Sounds great, right? Each section is also displayed alphabetically. What is my point? I'm getting there.

Dalyn stands some three feet tall and right there before his little eyes are horrific images. Horror: an overwhelming and painful feeling caused by something frightfully shocking, terrifying, or revolting; a shuddering fear. Not only did he see them, he pulled it off the shelf and asked me about them. Remember, we are not in the horror section, because there isn't one. We're not talking one misplaced video. They were spread throughout. After the third one, he pulled off the shelf, we left.

Also during this visit, I noticed another monster. The Adult section, very discreetly placed in the store. This put a fire in me. Need I say more?

I first went to the Family Video website to obtain more understanding of what family means to them. "Family Video's mission is to be our customers' first entertainment choice. We do this by providing a unique mix of great customer service and low prices. Customer Service is our Top Priority!" This is true, they offer great prices. Wipty Do! Not satisfied with the information given online, I called Family Video headquarters. I was connected to a regional manager, Bill. I told him about my experience with the graphic images placed at a child's eye level. He informed me that horror movies are one of their most popular family rentals and said that families are diverse so it's hard to meet all expectations. He also said that maybe if my child was 10,11, or 12 I probably wouldn't mind them seeing the graphics. He fails to realize that the graphics are disturbing to me and I'm 28. He did say that he would check it out and see if there are some of these videos they could put on a higher shelf, but never asked what location I was calling about out of there 550 locations.

After he thought he had pacified me on that topic, I brought up the Adult section. I told him that I was confused about the name of their store because pornography is something that tears families apart. He didn't have much to say. I also added that pornography is a multibillion dollar industry, so it must be about money! He didn't have much to say.

I would never step foot in an off-the-highway, no windows Adult video place. Why would I go to Family Video? Does a cheap price and convenience mean that much to us? Not to me. I would rather pay $10 for a video rental from a place with no Adult section and a place with some display sense than from Family Video. Even better the library, it's free.

Thank you for visiting my blog. This is my first time blogging. I have no great agenda for doing this. I'm a stay at home mom with thoughts and opinions. I am no great writer, but, hopefully you will look past my writing flaws and hear the message. I welcome comments, negative or positive. Enjoy!