Facing the Fire: One Yorkshire Lass’ Take on the US Gun Culture

Since moving to the US, one aspect of the culture (especially here in the South!) that I’m still having to work to adjust to, is the use of and apparent comfort most people have with, guns. Even my own husband wouldn’t dare to spend a night in a room that didn’t have a personal-use handgun close by “just in case”. Coming from a country that doesn’t permit or rely on personal weaponry outside of farming and organized hunting (even in Yorkshire where the pheasants should, quite frankly, be running for their lives), learning to accept and even to rely on, this new symbol of security and defense has been challenging to say the least.

While I’m still at the stage where I don’t really want to know which drawer our household weapon is in (for fear that I will accidentally sleepwalk and faff with it to my husbands detriment - yes, seriously), I’ve found that the ultimate fighting force against this discomfort is knowledge. The more I’ve committed to undergoing structured, sensible teaching sessions from the hubby and from gun range professionals, the less I’m seeing them as a familial danger. Slowly, my point of view is shifting towards the way guns were intended to be used here (despite how that may differ in reality); as a method of protection, for use only in the most dire of circumstances. Whether it be home invasion or personal defense against a sudden attacker, I can comprehend why people look to guns for comfort. 

www.publicdomainpictures.net

Yet, the other side of that coin is the constant presence of guns in everyday life wherever you might be, and the subtle threat that that can pose. From the grocery store to the bank, and even at the dog park, I’ve noticed holsters are quietly present. You don’t need me to leap into the details of recent gun centered events in the US, and I would hope that we’re all capable of gathering the facts and making up our own minds about where we stand on these issues. But from the perspective of someone who is essentially alien to guns and their everyday presence, the sight of them hanging out on the hips of the general public whilst they go about their ordinary lives, is both frightening and, admittedly, on occasion reassuring. I suppose in my firearm novice mind, it all depends on who can be trusted. And since this factor isn’t something that I’ve (we’ve) really worked out how to discern yet, discomfort mostly rules my perception.

There’s an element of personal security and responsibility that I strongly appreciate and in many ways can relate to here in the US, despite my being new to it’s mindsets. Coming from an island where even pepper spray was illegal to carry, the sense of easier access to individual defense here does ease my mind some. 

Perhaps it all boils down to my lack of understanding on the subject of gun ownership, and how this plays into the American way of life as a whole. I certainly won’t be turning my back on this aspect of the culture - after all, with something so prevalent I can’t see the point in rejecting the opportunity to at least understand what all the fuss is about!

The Yard Sale Jungle - And then a fight broke out...!

I think I had the experience of my lifetime last Sunday. There I was, innocently browsing away on craigslist (a sort of nationwide, online classifieds over here) and I came across a section entitled 'free'. "Well, I like free stuff", I said to myself. Eyeing the details it looked like a local lady was clearing out her basement and wanted to essentially spread the contents across her yard (think yard sale without the price tags) and let strangers come and pick it clean. Fair enough. I have to say, I wasn't entirely convinced that this was the real deal. Surely anything worth scrounging for would have been designated for some sort of sale on her part - people don't just give good stuff away for free after all.

Well, I was wrong. Although there was a bit of trash here and there to paw through, there was also a lot worth making the trip for. I got; 2 pairs of American Eagle jeans in great condition, 4 never been used solar powered garden lights, several books that took my fancy and a whole host of Aeropostale and American Eagle sweaters and summer tops... score! What a nice lady to essentially donate her old belongings to anyone who fancied a browse, rather than throwing it away or going through a full on yard sale process - faith in humanity restored, bless her.

http://blog.mybarachois.com/b1/for-sale/junkyard/attachment/ethics-at-the-garage-sale/

However, the excitement did not end there. When my husband and I arrived (yes, I dragged him along for moral support and with the promise of a chicken biscuit at some point in his near future), we'd already been beaten there by a good 10 other people, despite it being early morning. "How fun!" I thought. Well I got chatting to a few nice couples who were more than willing to share the bounty as it emerged from the garage/basement one box at a time - really pleasant folks. And then there were the others. Circling the basement entrance like vultures, these lone few would strip the boxes and their contents from each other in a matter of seconds, at times dragging off the entire plastic containers and their mysterious contents, whilst uttering the words 'Mine... Mine...' under their breath. I am dead serious right now. "Okay", I thought to myself, "they're serious bargain hunters (slash hoarders, lets be honest), I can respect that, I'll just hang back and take a look at the leftovers" (I'm very passive aggressive shopper, don't you know).

It was then that the fight broke out. Two women, both with rigid faces and unbridled determination began to scream, over an empty black plastic box. One women had her hand on it so technically had already laid claim to it, yet the second woman was insistently shouting that that was a 'Bulls**t claim!' and didn't mean a thing. The cussing grew, as did the volume and the body language, whilst myself and the other folks in the yard slowly began to back away from the ridiculously volatile scene. That was the point when I called it a day at the 'free stuff, free for all'. As I pulled away in my car, who do I see but woman number two (who never had a finger on that box!) carrying it away with a smirk of victory. I guess she got what she wanted and managed to prove that if you cause enough of a stink and make it awkward enough, people will inevitably think you're bats**t crazy enough to let you win. Words to live by people.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204261704574274200783855602.html

Although I met some fab people who were really kind and really grateful for the giveaway, there were also a lot of people seeking something for nothing, not through need or appreciation of the gift of donation this lovely woman was giving us, but through sheer entitlement and at times, plain old 'I want it' fury. The sad part is, the woman who was giving away her belongings for free actually told us someone had offered to help her earlier that morning moving boxes and actually used the opportunity to steal from inside her house. Faith in humanity slightly reduced again. Gah.

Would I try my hand at a free for all like this again? Maybe. Although, I'd probably take some pepper spray along next time though to ward off the crazies... those plastic boxes are valuable, you know.

My Top 5 'Snow Day' TV Escapes...

Well, it's official. We have a snow day here in Knoxville. In March. And I'm housebound out here in the country since my (ancient) sporty little number doesn't offer the safest of drives when conditions are anything but perfect. Sigh.

Even though the dogs couldn't be happier, snow bunnies that they are, I'm beginning to scratch at the walls after several days just pottering around the house. As cabin fever sets in I've turned to the tube for temporary entertainment (and company!) and maybe even a little inspiration. So here I am to share my top five 'cabin fever relief shows'... enjoy!

http://www.kidsmalta.com/articles/view/493/Watching-too-much-TV.aspx

Smash! - I'm just gonna go ahead and call this a more grown up version of Glee. Smash centers around one original new show and its journey to Broadway, and includes the (extremely, naturally) dramatic experiences of everyone involved. From the actors, to the feuding producers, to desperate wannabes - it's addictive, believe you me, and the music is fabbity fab!

Hart of Dixie - Total fluff but definitely one of my girly, feel good faves! Set in 'Bluebell', an imaginary small town in Alabama, this show follows a New York, go-getter of a doctor as she adapts to rural life and the new perspectives it brings. Think Doc Hollywood for a new generation.

People Like Us (UK) - I stream this online (just to get a taste of home, you know) and I have to say it's compulsive viewing. This documentary peeks in on the lives of several working class families living in outer Manchester and the antics they get up to. Some definite grimace moments, but plenty of feel good ones too (and don't we need them both!). Trash TV at its finest, if you ask me.

Modern Family - Somewhat of an oldie now (currently in it's fourth season) but this weekly, family centered comedy pulls chuckles from me each and every episode. A definite pick-me-up, whilst still providing perspective on whether or not your own family really are as mad as you suspect they are.

Face Off - This reality TV series follows wannabe Hollywood make up artists as they compete weekly, in their respective field for the grand prize of a ready-made career. These folks and their creations are seriously mind blowing, and four seasons in this household still can't get enough! Bring on screaming at the TV, this show gets intense!

http://www.doctorramey.com/skinny-horses/attachment/couch-potato-cat/

So that's my top five for today, although trust me, I could go on. Between streaming from the UK (especially Channel 4 and BBC3) and the oodles of  US shows, I'm somewhat spoilt for choice when I get the chance to indulge my square eyes.

Check out these awesome shows too; The Walking Dead, Nashville, Spartacus and Game of Thrones (we're TV connoisseurs in our household - or addicts - whichever you prefer)... I suspect you'll be glad you did!

Happy Viewing!

Cheap (or free!) Day Trips in the Mighty US of A!

As the sun begins to peek out from behind the last of the wintery, grey clouds here in east TN, my mind has started to lean toward new ideas for days out, basking in the southern sunlight!

However, as a young family on a pretty tight budget, cost is always going to factor into the way we choose to enjoy all those Tennessee rays. So what kind of adventures can be found, pretty much all across the USA, that can make for a fab day out but doesn't break the bank? Well, take a little look at these nifty ideas:

National State Parks - No matter where you live (or visit) in the US, visiting one or more State Parks is a worthwhile trip to make.  Lending their simple beauty and often complex history to tourists during most seasons, these are the kinds of places that you can visit repeatedly and still never get tired of the experiences they offer. Near Knoxville, we have the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and the hubby and I drive up at least 5 times a years, just to take it all in. Definitely a highlight of living where we do and often the best part of each new season as the colors change and the landscape shifts its beauty. Check out this link to find parks near you!

http://www.news-leader.com/section/LIFE0606/Nature-and-More

Festivals and Fairs - If you're looking to experience the heart of an area and it's community, try scouting out local festivals and fairs online. Whether it be arts and crafts, the county fair or storytelling under the stars, a lot of what you'll find is free entry (or low cost) and provides a truly heartwarming adventure into real, small town life. Click here for more info on finding fun, local days out.

http://www.superstock.com

Historic Sites - Again, a lot of free entries here, and combined with info that you can pull offline you may find yourself having a free day out, learning more than you suspected and finding a new appreciation for times past. Here in the south there's (obviously) no shortage of preserved sites to explore and old time stories to be regaled with! Take a look at this link to find historic sites near you.

http://www.123rf.com

Happy adventures!

The US Health Food Conundrum... Where To Begin

Healthy living. How difficult can it be to get the right things in your body and to exclude those not so good things, that today's convenience food lifestyle constantly throws our way? Well, apparently it's pretty complex and between you and me, the contradicting opinions of what's good and what's not, what's natural and what's unnecessary, can be overwhelming even at the best of times.

http://eatwelleatcheap.blogspot.com/2011/02/food-label-lies.html

Since I began my exploration into 'extreme' healthy eating and nutrition for healing about a year ago (in a, often successful, attempt to treat my Chronic Fatigue/Post Viral Syndrome!), I'm still yet to go to sleep at night having more answers floating around my curious brain, than questions. It's like a sinkhole of knowledge, each finding pulling you further into a mire of extreme variance and conflicting 'professional' opinions. One source will claim life changing benefits from a certain herb, plant or product, while yet another will declare ruin upon anyone who places trust in that particular method. It can all be a bit scary really, despite the fact that you're attempting to deal with 'natural' sources of vitamins, nutrients and minerals. Who knew so much could go wrong during the search for real, whole food?

So what do you believe and what do you disregard? With so many differing opinions out there, it can be tough to weed out the good, the bad and the downright ugly, especially when, like me, you're starting from the bottom of the real food totem pole of knowledge. My rule of thumb is as follows; if I can find positive connections to a certain food that directly relate to my health concerns/goals, then I check out adverse effects in depth. Weighing up possible, claimed outcomes of this new concept (I like to consult a wide variety of forums where real people, not just so-called experts, can provide their experiences, both good, bad and non existent) against claims of unfavorable effects, can be a great starting block when considering an introduction of something new into your diet. It's amazing how much knowledge and passion people gather, once they start to experience the positive effects of dietary changes. Consider listening (albeit, critically) to those who have nothing to gain from sharing their findings, except for simple the joy of helping others to learn about the life changer that is real food. The tough this is, there's so much information to wade through out there, it's near impossible to discern what's credible and what's influenced by an unseen force (sad to say, but like the FDA - The US Food and Drug Administration).

http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/g/greasy_food.asp

Notoriously, the US is somewhat known for it's untrustworthy pharmaceutical and food education industry (these US powers that be are, after all, the people that put pizza in public schools and called it a vegetable equivalent). My advice? Research, research, research! Cross examine sources, get in touch personally with real people sharing their history through blogs or books. Believe me, once you dive into this world, it's hard to stop. Fulfilling is just not descriptive enough of a word.

Below are just a few links that I myself use. My hope is that they may inspire you to begin (or continue! Well done you!) your exploration into the awesome territory of taking control of your health and overcoming the modern food system and the complications it can provoke.

http://blog.traumeel.us

LINKS:
Natural News
100 Days of Real Food - Blog
EarthFare - Be Inspired, Real Life Stories of Change
Hungry For Change - Documentary
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead - Documentary (please note: this link is associated with Hulu so watchers outside of the US should search for another free streaming option online... it's worth it, I promise!)

The medical minefield of health insurance...!

Let me begin by saying that I'm eternally grateful for the medical insurance that my hubby gets through his work. Somedays, when I receive those bills in the post, I blanche at those 'would be' numbers that line the pages, reassuring me that at the very least, thank goodness I don't have to pay the full amount. But the concept of paying a re-occuring cost each month, as well as a charge each time we walk into a physician's place of work, and then the ever fluctuating costs of medications and medical testing on top, still blows my mind.

www.telegraph.co.uk

As a former UK-ian, I have only ever known the 'wonders' of the NHS. For all the complaints, waits and occasional need to 'beg' for certain treatments that your care provider isn't yet convinced you need, there's still a whole lot to be thankful for. The notion over here that medications in the UK, whether prescribed to treat angina, diabetes or the common cold are all one, set, standard price which you can budget for and come to mostly rely upon, tends to confuse some. And the free health clinics that are scattered around city centers, just begging for folks to come inside and take advantage of free medical testing, advice and preventative teachings, well, I sure do miss them when I'm under the weather and facing the costs of feeling less than awesome.

Each time I (or any member of my family) attend a doctor's appointment, that's $25 straight out the window, before we've even crossed the treatment room threshold or explained our symptoms. You can imagine how financially (and in other ways) aggravating this becomes when you're tackling more than one health problem at a time (as I often do with Chronic Fatigue/Post Viral Syndrome) and the time within which you may disclose, discuss and form a plan around your issues, is still as limited as it is in the UK and their free appointments. Oh, how I remember being SO put out by being told to make another appointment at a different time for a separate issue. How inconvenient right? I'd appreciate that protocol now, let me tell you.

www.gethealthcoverage.net

And Lord help your bank account if you should find yourself considering an emergency room visit! There better be something or other wrong with you, at least enough to justify the $100 fee for walking through the front door and chatting to that nice lady behind the desk. While I'm still endlessly grateful that we have medical care that's 24 hours accessible and in many ways efficient enough, I do find myself with a certain reverence for what the UK has been able to achieve through it's National Health Service, as well as for those that work within it and use it respectively to their benefit.

The point that remains though, it that even with the gift of health insurance over here, it's still more than emotionally and physically demanding to become sick. Financially it can be just as crippling and I can only imagine the excess stress that must place upon those who are fighting for good health. Phew, it's enough to make you sick just thinking about it!

http://theragblog.blogspot.com