Pumpkin Spice, Is Not Nice…

Pumpkin Spice, Is Not Nice…

Pumpkin Spice, Is Not Nice…

Editor: With the holidays fast approaching, and pumpkin spice appearing everywhere it only seemed right to hear from the opposition; not everyone loves pumpkin spice.

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

It’s Not The Spice Of Life…

If you look, on my Facebook, or other social media nook,

you will find, on that fall grind, that I mind –

I do not like that pumpkin spice, I do not think it very nice…

 

A Poem… (With Apologies to Dr. Suess)

I often ask why,

Would anyone buy?

Pumpkin spice.

 

I do not like pumpkin spice,

I do not think it “very nice”.

I do not want it in my rice.

 

I consider it a vice,

I would not feed it to some mice,

I would not buy it at any price.

 

I do not want it in a cup,

I would not feed it to my pup,

It’s not something I care to sup.

 

I do not like it for a lunch,

I do not like it for a brunch,

I dislike it quite a bunch.

 

I do not want it quick,

I do not want it on a stick,

I do not want it while watching a flick,

I would not serve it to old St. Nick.

 

I do not consider it yummy,

I would not feed it to a mummy,

I do not want it in my tummy.

 

Pumpkin spice is a bore,

For me it does not score,

It makes my blood pressure soar.

 

I do not want it from a store,

I do not want it to pour,

I do not want it on the floor,

I hope it goes right out the door,

Pumpkin spice no more.

 

I do not like it in a group,

I do not like it in my soup,

I do not like it in a chicken coop.

 

I do not like it at a ball,

I do not like it in the fall.

I do not like it at all.

 

Pumpkin’s not the spice of life,

It, quite frankly, brings me strife.

 

I do not want it for a dime,

I do not want it anytime,

It sort of reminds me of slime.

 

I do not want it in a bowl,

I do not want it with a roll,

I would not give it to a troll,

Pumpkin spice, out of control.

 

I do not want it in my hand,

I sort of feels like sand,

I do not want it in the land,

I do not want it with a band.

 

I do not want it from a can,

I do not want it in a pan,

I would not serve it to cousin Dan.

 

I do not want it in a tub,

I do not want it as a rub,

It is the worst kind of grub.

 

I do not want it in a glass,

Pumpkin spice, I’ll take a pass.

It is a pain in the …

 

This is getting kind of naughty,

Pumpkin spice belongs in the potty.

 

On it I do not wish to dine,

It is not very fine,

I will never make it mine.

 

I would not serve it to a fleet,

I do not want it with my meat,

I do not consider it a treat.

 

This is something I will not eat,

Even though it’s sometimes sweet,

Writing this sort of has me beat,

Avoiding pumpkin spice is a feat.

 

I do not want it in a room,

I do not even want it in a tomb,

I would not feed it to my groom…

 

I do not want it wearing a dress,

I long to see it oh so less,

I really feel it is a mess,

It is something I cannot bless,

Pumpkin spice, never yes,

It does cause me ever stress.

 

It makes me sneeze, if you please…

 

I do not want it in a boat,

I would throw it in the moat,

I am pretty sure it will float,

I wouldn’t feed it to a goat.

 

I do not want it to drink,

I will wash it down the sink,

Pumpkin spice really makes me think,

I sort of feel it does stink.

 

I do not want it with my meal,

I do not care if it’s a deal,

I’m just saying how I feel.

 

I realize it is a fad,

But it sort of makes me mad,

I do not want it at my pad,

It sort of makes me sad.

 

I am so very glad,

It is not what I just had,

Pumpkin spice tastes really bad.

 

I do not want it in a nook,

I do not want it while reading a book,

I would not serve it to a crook,

It is not something that I cook.

 

I do not want it in my house,

I would not serve it to a mouse.

(Not that my house has a mouse.)

 

I would not serve it to a sow,

I would not serve it to an owl,

I would not serve it to a cow,

I honestly think it’s foul,

It just makes me want to scowl.

 

I do not want it now,

I do not want it anyhow.

 

I do not want it in a mix,

That would put me in a fix,

I think they should use it to make some bricks.

 

I do not dream,

Of it in my cream,

Does anyone detect a theme?

 

I feel that it tastes fake,

Pumpkin spice I will not make,

Pumpkin spice I will not take,

Pumpkin spice I will not bake.

I would throw it in a lake.

 

Please give me a break,

I will not serve it to that Jake

From State Farm, for heaven’s sake.

 

I do not want it in a pill,

I would not serve it to cousin Jill,

It does not give me a thrill,

In fact it gives me quite a chill,

It rather makes me ill,

Pumpkin spice tastes like swill.

 

I do not want it on my toast,

I do not want it with my roast,

It is the flavor I detest the most,

Pumpkin spice I cannot boast,

I would not serve it to a ghost.

 

I do not want it with my dinner,

It is for sure not a winner.

 

It’s deliciousness you can’t convince,

I do not want it in my hair rinse,

I will not give it to cousin Vince,

I would not serve it to a prince.

 

Pumpkin spice has got to go,

I would not serve it to a beau,

Pumpkin spice, just heck, NO!

 

I do not like it in the den,

I would not serve it to a hen,

I do not like it in a pen.

 

I do not want it on a plate,

I do not want it on a date,

It’s popularity I debate,

It is something I berate.

 

I do not want it in a gel,

I do not even like the smell,

Pumpkin spice is not swell.

If you eat it, please don’t tell?

 

I do not want it at the pool,

I do not think that it’s cool.

 

I do not want it in the sun,

I do not want it on a bun,

Pumpkin spice is no fun.

 

I do not want it in a nest,

Pumpkin spice is a pest,

It really is not the best.

 

I absolutely do not jest,

I puts my patience to the test,

I needed to get that off my chest.

 

Pumpkin spice I just,

Do not trust.

 

I realize it is a craze,

That is something that does amaze,

I hope that it is just a phase,

Cause it leaves me in a daze,

The question that I must raise,

Why the pumpkin spice praise?

 

I would rather eat some kale,

I will state, without fail,

Pumpkin spice belongs in jail.

 

I do not want it in a bag,

It makes my feelings sag,

It kind of makes me want to gag.

 

I do not want it in my bed,

I do not want it in my head,

Pumpkin spice makes me see red.

 

I do not like it in my stew,

Just the thought makes me blue,

I will not give it to Betty Lou,

I will not serve it to Aunt Sue,

I do not want it in super glue.

 

I will not feed it to a crew,

To this conclusion, I drew,

Once it’s gone I shout “whoo-hoo”,

Pumpkin Spice, it’s nothing new.

 

I do not want it in my mouth,

Pumpkin spice can just go south.

 

I do not want it with my turkey,

Pumpkin is quite jerky,

This is getting kind of quirky.

 

I do not want it in a tin,

I could try it in my gin,

That might actually win,

But pumpkin spice is a sin.

 

I do not want it on a farm,

It causes me such alarm,

I fail to see it’s charm.

 

I do not want it in my latte,

For me it is a not-te.

 

I do not want it in my sauce,

Pumpkin spice is not the boss,

It’s popularity has me at a loss.

 

I do not want it at the gym,

I do not want it on a limb,

I would not like it on a whim.

 

I would not serve it to cousin Jim,

My chance of consuming it is slim,

Pumpkin spice is pretty grim.

 

I do not want it in a strudel,

I do not want it with a noodle,

I would not feed it to a poodle.

 

Pumpkin spice is sort of snarky,

I am tired of all it’s malarkey.

 

I do not want it on any road,

I would not give it to a toad,

I do not want it in my abode.

 

I would not give it to my prof,

It feel it belongs in a trough.

 

I do not want it around the bend,

If I consume it, I would not mend,

I really wish this was the end.

 

I would abolish it if I could,

This I know I certainly would,

This is something that I should,

Do for all the common good.

 

Pumpkin spice I have not drunk,

Who indeed would have thunk,

I would not serve it to a skunk.

 

I know this song getting long,

Pumpkin spice is simply wrong.

 

I do not want it in a ditch,

Pumpkin spice is something to pitch,

For its flavor is not rich.

 

I do not want it in the snow,

I do not want it at a show,

I do not want it in my cup of joe,

Pumpkin spice is a big no,

It really has to go.

 

I do not want it in a chair,

I do not want it at a fair,

I would not feed it to a bear,

Pumpkin spice, now that’s a scare.

 

I do not want it on a table,

I wouldn’t serve it to Aunt Mabel,

Pumpkin spice is quite unstable.

 

I do not want it with a pickle,

I would not pay for it a nickel.

 

Pumpkin spice has me in a rut,

I would not serve it to King Tut,

It’s a pain in my butt.

 

I do not want it in June,

It will never make me swoon,

I do not want it by light of moon,

I do not want it on a spoon,

I would not serve it to a goon.

 

I do not want it in my home,

I do not want it under a dome,

I would not serve it to a gnome,

Pumpkin spice, feel free to roam.

 

Pumpkin spice is not right,

It always gives me quite the fright,

It is not a pretty sight.

 

I do not want it on a bike,

I do not want it with cousin Mike,

I would not feed it to a tyke.

 

I do not want it in a tent,

For it my money won’t be spent.

 

I do not want it in my dip,

I will not sip even a little nip,

I will not taste a single drip.

 

I do not want it on a tray,

I do not want it while watching a play,

I do not want it in my spray,

It sort of smells like clay.

 

I will not serve it to cousin Ray,

It sort of makes me feel gray,

This is getting tired, you say.

 

I do not want it anyday,

It is not welcome to stay,

Pumpkin spice, go away,

Pumpkin spice, I say oy vey!

 

Pumpkin spice won’t get the gold,

The flavor really is too bold,

This is getting old, I’m told.

 

Pumpkin spice is not the best,

It has put me to the test,

Drink this stuff?  You jest,

Almost time to put this to a rest.

 

It is nearly time to bid pumpkin spice adieu,

And get back to our regular brew,

Of pumpkin spice I must again say ewww,

But this is nothing new,

I do not like it, that is true.

 

Pumpkin spice is a sham,

For me it is not glam.

 

I do not want it in my beer,

It does not make me cheer,

I do not want it as a schmear,

It just makes me shed a tear.

 

But during fall, it’s all I hear.

Therefore I must jeer,

I do not hold it dear,

It makes me fear,

I am glad the end is near, for this year.

 

I do not want it at a dance,

With pumpkin spice I have no romance.

I do not want it on a ranch,

Pumpkin spice, not a chance.

 

I do not want it in a yurt,

I do not want with yogurt.

 

I do not want it while wearing a skirt,

Would just a taste really hurt?

I would not choose it over dirt.

 

I do not like it with pink eggs and ham,

I do not like it with a can of Spam,

I will not give it to cousin Pam,

I will not serve it to Uncle Sam,

Tired of it, yes, I am.

 

I do not want it in my hat,

I would not serve it to my cat,

I do not want it with cousin Matt.

 

I would not serve it to a bat,

I would not serve it to a rat,

Pumpkin spice, ewww, what is that?

 

I do not like it on a plane,

I do not like it on a train.

I do not like it in the rain,

I prefer it down the drain.

 

I do not like it in a car,

I do not like it in a jar.

I do not like it at my coffee bar,

I think it tastes a bit like tar.

 

I do not like it on a bus,

In my house, it might gather dust.

You may consume it, if you must.

 

I may try it in a pie,

but will be happy to bid it goodbye.

 

I do not want it in a fog,

I would not give it to my dog,

I would not give it to a frog,

I would not give it to a hog,

I do not want it in my blog.

 

I do not like it in my hair,

I do not care to spray it in the air,

I do not like it anywhere.

 

I do not want it in a truck,

Just the thought, ewww, yuck,

I do not want it for a buck.

 

I would not feed it to a duck,

It sort of tastes like muck,

I think it might bring bad luck.

 

I do not want it at the dump,

Let’s just give it to Donald Trump,

Because he is such a chump,

And such a pain in the rump.

 

I do not want it in the aisle,

It surely does not make me smile,

This has gone on for quite a while,

Pumpkin spice, just not my style…

 

Thanksgiving In Perspective

OPINION: Thanksgiving In Perspective

OPINION: From My Perspective

A Traditional Thanksgiving May Become a Relic of the Past

By Megan Wallin

As an adoptee with strong ties to and respect for my biological Oglala Lakota heritage—now three generations and several European ancestors away from life on the reservation—I’ve had some qualms with traditional American views of Thanksgiving.

There are quite a few people (Native and Non) who feel similarly, but I’ve also spoken with some elders who, despite being deeply ingrained in their tribal cultures, feel neutral on the subject. Their reasoning? Holidays are what you make them. For many, any holiday is a day off to share with loved ones and focus on gratitude, and that includes this one. Still, it remains a bleak reminder of the origin story behind genocide and intergeneration trauma.

Ironically, some of the people I’ve talked to who are most passionately opposed to Thanksgiving have entirely European heritage. They’ve proposed enjoying the day off but celebrating a Harvest Day, changing the title and the focus of a day ultimately rooted in celebrating colonialism that led to the destruction of tribes, families, cultures and languages. They’re certainly not wrong to think that.

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10 Plus Tips To Cope With Anxiety

Got Holiday Anxiety?

With Thanksgiving comes tension for some. . .

10 Plus Tips To Cope


Don’t Let Anxiety Ruin Your Holidays

By D. S. Mitchell 

Turkey and Pumpkin Pie 

The holidays are right around the corner. Some are excited about turkey and gravy, and fancy wrapped presents, but others see only stress and anxiety on the horizon. If you are hosting parties, the stress level is on steroids; fancy china, excited young ones, guests, surprise and otherwise. It can seem overwhelming. Read on if you are looking for some tips on how to get you through the holidays as anxiety free as possible.

Be Ready

Stay rested and recharged, ahead of the holidays. Take time for yourself.  Get enough sleep, engage in activities that you enjoy and make you feel good. Don’t skip self care routines under the pressure of the approaching holidays. Don’t do it-skipping health care routines will cost in the long run. You need that 30 minutes of cardio and any other health activities you are engaged in. These activities will keep you balanced and ready to face the upcoming holiday challenges. It just might be yoga, biking, stretching, Tai Chi, or  aqua aerobics, that  saves your sanity.

Everyone has different triggers, and identifying them is one of the most important steps to coping and managing anxiety attacks. Common ones, your first day at a new job, heading an important meeting, meeting your SO’s parents. Time and reflection will be required to identify your triggers. In the meantime, there are things you can do to try to help calm or quiet your anxious mind.

4.) Use aromatherapy

Whether they’re in oil form, incense, or a candle, scents like lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are soothing. Certain receptors in your brain are activated by aromatherapy.

5.) Walking or Yoga

Just walk away if the situation is causing anxiety. It might be time to focus on  your body and not your mind to relieve your anxiety. Just move. Whether it’s the pool or the yoga mat, move your butt, it helps reduce stress. Try stretching, it can be incredibly beneficial.

6.) Write down your thoughts

Many mental health therapists suggest a client write down what’s causing their anxiety. Writing it down, gets it out of your head and can make it less daunting. My mother used this one, on a regular basis. She would write letters to the offenders and put them in envelopes addressed to whoever was causing her frustration and then stick it in a file, never sending it.

Not All Anxiety Is The Same
The previous suggestions are helpful if your symptoms are situational or sporadic. If anxiety is an on-going, persistent part of you life you may need more serious interventions and coping strategies.
Five Strategies For Coping With Long-Term Illness 

If anxiety is a regular part of your life, not just around the holidays, it’s important to find treatment strategies to help you manage it. There might be a combination of things, like talk therapy and meditation, or perhaps cutting out or resolving your anxiety trigger. Confused, as to where to start? It is always helpful to discuss options with a mental health professional who might suggest something you hadn’t thought of before moving ahead with your plan.

Some Well-Known Triggers:
  • debt
  • a stressful work environment
  • traveling
  • driving
  • DNA-genetics — anxiety, depression, alcoholism can run in families
  • drug withdrawal
  • medication side effects
  • trauma
  • phobias, such as agoraphobia (fear of crowded or open spaces) and claustrophobia (fear of small spaces)
  • some chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, or asthma
  • chronic pain
  • multiple mental illness diagnoses (such as depression, OCDC, anxiety)
  • caffeine
  • alcohol
Managing Those Triggers

Sometimes triggers can be obvious, such as caffeine, alcohol consumption, and drug use. Other times triggers are less obvious and we may need a therapist to help us isolate those triggers. Long-term stress, such as financial or work-related situations, can be more difficult— is it a due date, a person, or the situation? At this point you may need some extra support, through therapy or with some trusted friends.

Then What?

Once you do figure out your trigger(s), you should try to limit your exposure to them if you can. If you can’t limit it — say because it is due to a stressful work environment that you can’t currently change — using other coping techniques may help.

1.) Try Meditation

A successful meditation regime will take time and practice.  When done regularly, you can train your brain to dismiss anxious thoughts when they arise. If sitting still and concentrating is difficult, try starting your exercise routine with more active physical exertion and then start your yoga routine.

2.) Adopt Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps people learn different ways of thinking about and reacting to anxiety-causing situations. A therapist can help you develop ways to change negative thought patterns and behaviors before they spiral into a panic attack.

3.) Healthy Diet, Regular Exercise, Embrace Life 

Exercise regularly. Eat balanced meals. Get enough sleep. Stay connected to people who care about you. You may want to talk to your psychiatrist about adding supplements or nutrients to your long-term strategy.

4.) Consider Adding Supplements

Research shows certain supplements or nutrients help reduce anxiety symptoms. Some of these include:

  • lemon balm
  • omega-3 fatty acids
  • green tea
  • valerian root
  • dark chocolate (in moderation)

It can take up to three months before your body is actually using the nutrition these herbs and foods provide. If you’re taking other medications, make sure to discuss herbal remedies with your doctor. I’ve said that twice. I cannot say it enough. Different medications interact with one another whether OTC  or prescription. Talk to your doc.

5.) Prescription Medications

If your anxiety is severe enough that your mental health practitioner believes you’d benefit from psychotropic medication, there are a number of directions to go, depending on your symptoms. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Is My Anxiety Harmful?

Identifying what variety of anxiety you’re dealing with can be challenging-mainly because everyone’s body reacts to danger in entirely different ways. I’m sure you have heard “anxiety” used as a general term for feeling worry, uneasiness, or nervousness. It is often situational, a big dance, a speech, a tryout; it is often a feeling grown in response to an upcoming event that has an uncertain outcome. Every human being deals with such emotions-at some time in their life. It is part of how we are wired, our brains respond to perceived danger, even if there is no real danger.

Things Can Get Dark

There are times anxiety can get serious and turn into anxiety attacks that may begin slowly and initially feel manageable, but build up over a few hours. (Panic attacks are different. A panic attack comes out of the blue and then subsides.)

Signs and Symptoms of an anxiety attack

These are some of the more common mental and physical symptoms of anxiety:

  • feelings of danger, panic, or dread
  • nervousness/restlessness
  • rapid heart rate
  • sweating
  • trembling/chills
  • tiredness/weakness
  • gastric problems
  • difficulty focusing
  • rapid breathing, hyperventilating

It is possible to have both an anxiety and panic attack simultaneously. The quick coping strategies mentioned above may also help with a panic attack.

Try focusing on an object, repeating a mantra, closing your eyes, and going to your happy place.

Signs and Symptoms of a Panic Attack
Causes of Anxiety

If you notice that quick tips haven’t been working, you may want to consider seeing a professional for help. Especially if you believe you have GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and the symptoms are interfering with your daily routine and physical symptoms. A mental health professional can help with identifying your triggers, maintaining long-term strategies through behavioral therapy, medications, and more.

Living With Anxiety 

If your anxiety stems from a past trauma, it can be helpful to work through those issues with a licensed therapist. On the other hand, if your brain chemistry predisposes you to persistent, chronic anxiety, you may need to go on medication to manage it. Anxiety is likely to continue to be part of your life, but it doesn’t need to take over your life.  Treatment is available to help control those painful symptoms and make those holidays at least tolerable.

OPINION: Halloween Identities


OPINION: Halloween Identities

Halloween is all about candy and ghosts.

OPINION: Halloween Identities

By Megan Wallin

The Unspoken

In the United States, there are five (unspoken) varying brands of Halloween, celebrated by distinctly different groups. These celebratory traditions exist in order to satisfy the holiday-savoring appetites of the average American, who—sadly relies on holidays and social media clicks for their happiness rather than access to affordable healthcare, parental leave, clean air and water, pothole free roads, safe bridges, tuition free college, and a whole array of policies that could change their real world.

Type One: The Family with Children

You know this type. They’re the  ones you buy candy for, leave on a porchlight, and decorate your house (just a little) in the hopes to see little witches and Disney characters bound up to your door with their hapless, usually sleep-deprived parents, as all the adults spend a night being tricked into treating their little ones. There’s a sort of child-centric quality to most holidays, undeniably, but Halloween ranks quite highly on the list, with dress-up and make-believe already being prominent tenets of their young lives.

Escapism

The motivation behind most families going out to celebrate Halloween is to make memories that give their children something to talk about with their friends at school or daycare, and to give the parents some time away from the responsibilities inherent in staying home. Trick or treating, especially with kids, allows an escape from both your usual surroundings and the identity you wear day in and day out as you about work, school, and house chores.

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Valentine’s Day Memories

Valentine’s Day Memories

By Anna Hessel

Valentine’s Day Memories

The cold days of February bring thoughts of one of my favorite holidays, Valentine’s Day.  Some of my fondest memories involve Valentine’s fun.  We all remember when we were growing up getting those tiny Valentines in their little white envelopes placed in a big wooden box on the teacher’s desk.  Each year my miniature Valentines had a different theme: puppies, kittens, Barbie, and of course, princess.

A Kindergarten Memory

My earliest Valentine’s memory is my kindergarten campaign to give trousers to that little guy with the bow and arrow, since it was cold outside.   Those timeless teddy bears with pink and red bows, and heart-shaped boxes of candy covered in ruffles, bring back many teenage memories.

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