Ode to Avocado

Hey Folks,

Long time no talk. And we take full responsibility for our lack of correspondence. We commend you for Staying Strong. In the spirit of being ridiculous, we have decided that the best way to jump back into this is to write about something that people either love or hate: the almighty avocado. Don't let that drab outer-covering fool you, folks!

Allow me to just say that I am among the many avocado lovers out there. What's not to enjoy? First, there is the beautiful color of a ripe avocado. It reminds me of lush grass on a summer day. Second, what other fruit or "pom" technically speaking, has such a beautiful perfect pit inside it? I'm all for peaches, but their pits are lumpy and rough. Avocado pits are smooth and delicate.

Another reason I am in a love affair with avocados is the wide variety of food stuffs they can be a part of. A sandwich without avocado is nothing special, salad without avocado has little appeal, and chips without guacamole are not worthy of feeding to a stray dog.

My final reason for being so passionate about this wonderful fruit is that it is a healthy source of fat. That's right. What could be better?

[Wrightless Smalls]

Sex. Avocado. Which is better? The world may never know? I sure don't.My heart belongs to this green(my favorite color) fruit. What a delight it is to stumble upon this manna from heaven in any meal. Avocado, or Persea americana, is a native of Mexico.

So, the real question I ask is this: if mexico is the land of such wonderful things as sombreros, tequila, AND avocados, why the heck are people immigrating here?! We should be running to mexico at top speeds! I know I will be, adios amigos.

~Ella Mentry

The Holidays Have Arrived!

Hello Folks,

Our deepest apologies about our lack of correspondence. School has been unusually crazy and painful, but we shall try to end 2009 the way we began it: we ARE staying strong. And we know you are. Now treat yourself to some thoughts on holiday cheer.

For the past 19 Christmases (aka my whole life), I have had this rule foisted upon me: NO CHRISTMAS MUSIC OR HOLIDAY CHEER UNTIL AFTER THANKSGIVING. And folks, I dutifully have followed that rule... until this year. That's right... while Christmas shopping with my roommates in the beautiful Santa Barbara this past weekend, I couldn't help but feel the need for some holiday music. At first I felt guilty for listening early. Until I realized that I have been in a grand mood ever since I started listening to it. The moral of the story: Christmas music is appropriate in November.

Another reason to love the holidays: peppermint mochas from Starbucks. I know I don't need to elaborate on that one.

[Wrightless Smalls]

You're a mean one Mr. Grinch! You have termites in your smiiiilllee!

You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile MR.GRIIINNNNCCHHH!!! I LOVE THIS SONG!. Also, I love Christmas. I can't deny it. I can't hide it. I am the reason people get annoyed with Christmas, because I never get annoyed with it. There is such cheer everywhere during the holiday season! The best treats are out! You can get free peppermint hot chocolate and cider at William's and Sonoma. The holidays are great, and there is no denying it! Christmas music is snazzy and fun to sing along. There's mistltoe for all you soon to be, and current, lovers out there! So, don't be a Grinch! Soak this holiday season up! It's the most Wonderful Time of the Year!

~Ella Mentry~

2012: The END??

Readers-

Certainly you've heard the "buzz" so to speak about the ancient Mayan calendar predicting the end of the world being in 2012. What do you think? What do WE think? Or how about the most important question of all: if the world truly were going to end in a matter of several years, how would that change your life?

I'm not sure whether or not I buy that the world is going to end in 2012. I must say though, if it really were going to end, I would feel jipped! What happened to growing old, and having a career and being a famous millionaire? I guess the good news is that I'd go pre-sags and wrinkles...

Really though. If I KNEW for sure the world was ending in 2012, I would drop out of college, backpack through Europe with my best friend, and spend all my money on beer. I'm sorry, but that's just the way it would be. I'd probably get rid of most of my possessions so I could live a life of pure adventure. I mean, who needs to be educated and properly clothed when you're going to die soon anyways?

PARTY BABY

[Wrightless Smalls]

I would party if i knew i was going to die in 2012. I would probably travel the world. And selfishly have a child, while knowing that it would lose its life because I wanted to be a mother. I guess that's pretty sick. So, maybe I'd just party and travel the world sans offspring.

~Ella Mentry~

Road Rage: A Modern Epidemic.

Hello Readers,

Our apologies on the lack of bloggin' as of late. Moving back to college is a time-intensive activity! Anyways, recently we have noticed large amounts of road rage occurring in our small town. We find it highly irritating. Stay Strong - don't let all those angry drivers out there get you down.

There is not much out there that can put a damper on a nice sunny day spent driving to get some iced coffee with your best friend. In fact, nothing can spoil such an event in my opinion. HOWEVER, a little something we all love to hate called Road Rage sure can give you a momentary murderous feeling.

Folks, this is 2009. Smart people don't just drive around leaning on their horns and shaking their fists all the time... because they know that even the kindest-looking of cars can hold dark secrets inside, such as an AK 47. Even a machine gun!

My point is this: although Ella Mentry and myself may look kind and innocent driving along in my old car, the truth is, the fate of the next Road Rager just might not be as pleasant as that of the first. Just kidding, but really. There is a time and a place for rage, and the road is not one of them.

[Wrightless Smalls]

What a douche. Sometimes that's all you need to say.

~Ella Mentry~

Andrea Bocelli

Andrea Bocelli. Known for such hits as: Time to Say Goodbye and The Prayer, Andrea Bocelli stole our hearts in the 4th grade(when we were forced to sing Time to Say Goodbye in full Italian garb for an elementary school performance). Did you know he is blind? How amazing! When it's 'time to say goodbye', Stay Strong, folks.

I am going to take my own spin on this Andrea Bocelli post. Of course I have mad love for the man, considering the hours it took to try and perfect the pronunciation of words not native to my English tongue, but I will now share with you why I have a more recent tie to good old Andrea.

WILL FERRELL. Have you seen Step Brothers? If not, you must. At the end, darling Will sings an Andrea song that is so beautiful, yet humorous, it brought a whole new feel to the song. Everything Willie Ferrell touches turns to gold. Listen to his rendition of Bocelli's song, and I'm certain you'll agree.

Another point: Is Andrea not a feminine name? Perhaps I am not European enough to understand such trends.

[Wrightless Smalls]

Andrea never ceases to amaze me. I mean, he is just fabulous!

I recently watched him do a concert. He seems so kind-hearted.

We are big Will Ferrell fans and even Will utilized one of

Andrea Bocelli's songs in Step Brothers. He knows several

languages, has the voice of an angel, and he's blind. I'm pretty

sure those three qualities make you a saint. On that

note, Wrightless and I also spent many a time

singing The Prayer in our little Catholic School choir.

Talk about Saints! Now I go. As I part, I suggest you

check out, Somos Novios with our boy Andrea and

Christina Aguilera.

~Ella Mentry~

IF you could be an animal...

IF you you could be an animal... what would you be and why. We expect responses people, this

could spark some great discussion.

Stay Strong.

My answer to this question is a bit off the mark. Human beings are technically animals, and

damn brilliant ones at that. So I'd probably prefer to be human and have a toilet and clean

water than crapping in the woods and drinking water with pond scum in it.

I guess that isn't a very satisfying answer for my lovely readers though, so let me ponder this

for a second. Ok, I've got it:

Elephant.

Why, you ask? Because they are brilliant. They live for a long time. And they actually form

families, which is kinda nice in my opinion. They're huge so they get to eat a lot. PLUS, they

look very sweet, but who wants to mess with an elephant? Exactly.

[Wrightless Smalls]

If I could be an animal I would definitely be a Great White Shark. However, I wouldn't be just

any Great White Shark, I would be a GW in South Africa. I mean what wouldn't be great about

that? I'd be a savage of the deep. The apex predator. You just swim around, find your food, then

burst through the water at top speeds, destroying anything in your way. Yep, sounds like a good

time to me!

~Ella Mentry~

Papa Bloom

Who is this crazed man? To the world, and to his many fans, he is known as Papa Bloom. To Ella Mentry and Wrightless Smalls he is known simply as Dad. What does he stand for? Random hugs, great advice, and, if you're lucky, a completely crazy comment that comes out of nowhere.

When you're in need, who ya gonna call? Not ghostbusters, but the always Strong, Papa Bloom.

I first had the pleasure of meeting Papa Bloom (then commonly known as "Mr. Bloom") when I was 5 years old. That is when I befriended the dear Ella Mentry. Readers, I must tell you that I pity those of you who have not had the pleasure of encountering this fine gentleman. While his large stature and bushy mustache may be intimidating at first, Papa Bloom should be no more feared than a puppy. Unless of course, you are a boy dating one of his many daughters, or have committed some crime-like act.

I have many fond memories of Papa Bloom from over the years from playing a game called "Octopus", to singing songs together, to the one of a kind GREAT advice that he always has. Perhaps the best part about Papa Bloom is the surprise hugs he supplies. Whether or not you are a true daughter of his, if you know him long enough, you become one.

I honestly think Papa Bloom should have an afternoon show called "Coffee Hour with Papa Bloom". What a hit it would be!! His jokes coupled with his endless wisdom would make his show one that would rival even the great Oprah Winfrey I'd wager. In conclusion, I have mad love for Papa Bloom and I feel very grateful to know him so well.

[Wrightless Smalls]

I first met Papa Bloom when I was born. I don't remember

anything about that day. Come on people, I was an infant. Anyway,

for all of you who don't know Papa Bloom, you should. He is a large

man, with dark hair,beady brown eyes, and a big mustache. What says

Papa more than that? You may be asking yourself, is this man human?

Yes, yes he is. Behind his super-Dad like appearance, he has crazy

ideas, gets stressed out from work, and sometimes projects his own

problems on his many children. But enough of that,we're all human.

Even Papa Bloom.

So, what's the big deal?

Firstly, Papa Bloom can advise you on any subject. Even

spelunking;(Wrightless and I tested this by asking him about

spelunking in Eastern Europe). Sometimes, if you're feeling blue or

just chilling at the Bloom house,Papa Bloom will surprise you with a

hug. He talks to guys about future plans,interrogates boyfriends in

a kindly manner, and he says the funniest and craziest things.

One day he walked into the Bloom house with a green felt

news boy cap on, met Wrightless' boyfriend at the time, and said:

"So, what are you doing with my girl?"

Papa Bloom. Enough said.

I leave you with one of his great quotes, that he got from

Granddad Bloom:

"He says to me, 'Chuck, I don't care if you're out there

digging ditches.If you're the best at what you do, there

will be demand for you, and you will be successful and

make money."

-Papa Bloom

So, if ever you're down, stop by the Bloom's. Papa Bloom will brew

you a cup of the best, strongest, coffee you've ever had, and give

you the advice you need.

~Ella Mentry~

Time Travel.

Hello Readers,

Today we saw the movie The Time Traveler's Wife. And we got to thinking... is time travel cool or not? Why has no one created a time machine? In our opinion, if Ben Franklin and Thomas Edison couldn't make one, it must be impossible. Through time, Stay Strong.

Personally, I think the idea of time traveling is dumb. It's like, I'd already know what mistakes I am going to make and about my successes but I can't change any of it? Talk about creepy. It's just like that question people ask, you know, if you'd want to know when and how you're going to die. WHO ANSWERS YES TO THIS?! I mean, how can you enjoy your life when it's like a count down? I'd only want to be able to ask some magical genie (i.e. Aladdin) a specific question, like "will I get into medical school?", or "will I ever be cursed with children?". Otherwise, forget it.

On the other hand, traveling back in time might be kind of fun. I always thought living in the 40's would be fun. Or being a pioneer or something. Only for like a week, and then come back to good old 2009.

Also, would you marry a man who you knew travels time with no control? I would NOT. Talk about inconvenient. I'm already grumpy enough without dealing with that BS. The question is, where do people come up with such preposterous ideas? I need a coffee beverage.

[Wrightless Smalls]

I finished reading The Time Traveler's Wife last night around one o'clock. I cried last night, and I cried at the end of the movie as well! Weak? Yes I am. Seriously though, could you imagine knowing when you were going to die? Or, knowing that the love of your life was going to die in a matter of moments? I wouldn't be able to handle it, let alone if I had an Eric Bana-like husband. He was a hunk!

"There are definitely pluses and minuses to Time Traveling. I personally would like to leave it to fiction. After all, I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise that I will have when I'm famous and traveling the world with my incredibly handsome husband."

-Ella Mentry 2014

Woah! Where did that entry come from?! And why is it green??It's quite hypocritical given the circumstances...hmm. I must depart and consider this foreign blog entry from my future self.

~Ella Mentry~

It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Falls Out of the Truck

Readers,

Today we had another adventurous reunion with our old pals, and part of the day included riding in the back of a pickup truck along an old back road in Big Sur. We would just like to point out that while participating in such an activity, one MUST stay strong.

There is nothing quite so simple as riding in the back of an old pickup truck. To me, such an activity speaks of simpler times, before rampant STD's and car jackers. Anyways, as far as I can tell, there is no other way on earth to be simultaneously frightened for your life, yet utterly at ease. The wind and dust in your hair (and eyes) has a soothing summery feel to it, yet you certainly feel grimy after the ride is over.

Although, as we all know.... it's all fun and games until the truck goes careening off the edge of a perilous ravine. I mean, imagine that happening for a second. I'm pretty sure no one would continue laughing and clapping their hands with careless glee. No, those of us with blood still actively running through our veins (of course I include myself among the surviving) are thinking one of several things:

1. "Fuck. Now the car is broken down and we have to walk."
2. "Lester!!! Can you hear me?? Does anyone know CPR?"
3. "This is the prime time for me to rehearse my interview, because this is sure to be on the news at some point".
4. "Where is my camera? This needs to be caught on film."

Just sayin', folks. Better safe than sorry.

[Wrightless Smalls]

Dirt. I think I'm completely covered in dirt. Today, we went to Big Sur with the same friends we went to the German restaurant with. We sat in the back of our friend Kelly's truck with Lisa. As soon as we started to go. I knew there was going to be problems. I braced my self as we sped at 30 miles/hour through the private property. It was insane. The turns were quick, dust was everywhere, and my life flashed before my eyes. Then we were fine. I guess the moral of the story is... thrills are fun, but don't get yourself killed or anything. Also, I Got a Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas is a GREAT song.

Ok. Peace.

~Ella Mentry~

Growing Pains

Show me that smile again! Oooohhh, show me that smile!

We think you know what we're talking about...GROWING PAINS! We loved it, you loved it, everyone loved it. Even the theme song is unbelievably catchy!

Stay Strong!

Growing Pains... ahh, what a classic way to spend my afternoons in elementary school. Kirk Cameron is certainly not someone I would lust after now, but back in the day, man, I thought he was the best looking guy ever. Mullet and all. Of course at the time I never considered this, but dear Kirk had some serious hair spray in that hair of his. Total 80's.

To be perfectly honest, I do not remember much about the show except that Mike (Kirk) always seemed to be getting into some mischief, and he had a best friend named Boner for god sakes!! And then if I remember correctly, our dear pal Leonardo DiCaprio graced the show with his young, good looking presence. Pre Titanic of course. Another point of interest is that I am mildly certain the same set, or a very very similar set was used on Full House with the Olsen Twins. Or maybe I just get those shows mixed up. Who knows!

I DO know that such innocent shows are no longer readily available. We have moved on to anticipate specials such as "Shark Week", and of course new episodes of "Iron Chef" with SuperChef Bobby Flay. Oh, how we love Bobby Flay.

[Wrightless Smalls]

Two names: Kirk Cameron and Mike Seaver. Same person. WHAT A BABE!

Might I also point out that Mike had a friend named "Boner." Need I say more?

I didn't think so. He was so cool. His sister Carol kind of freaked me out,

and Alan Thicke was such a serious,all-knowing father. Ben was crazy. Also, thank God they adopted Leonardo DiCaprio just to add another BABE to the show. I don't care what he looks like now, he was mighty fine back in the day. Wait, scratch that! I just googled him in growing pains- not mighty fine. Obviously my young self thought he was a happening dude. Oh well, he was cute in Titanic; bravo Leo.

Now I part, but I leave a small gift:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liFmMcmigsQ

~Ella Mentry~